My First Live Concert:

Martina McBride and the Moment Everything Changed

by Brandie Little

Photography by Brandie Little

“It wasn’t just the beginning of a career in music photography; it was the moment I realized I was home.”

A performer in a leopard print coat singing into a microphone on stage during a high-energy concert performance.

Every journey has its pivotal moments. Those singular experiences that redefine your path and solidify your purpose. For me, one such moment arrived the very first time I stepped behind the lens at a live concert. And y’all, it was Martina McBride.


Years ago, the opportunity arose, and I found myself in the photo pit, camera in hand, ready to capture the magic. The lights of the stage exploded, painting the backdrop in a kaleidoscope of colors. The energy from the crowd was a palpable force, a collective roar of anticipation and adoration. And then, the music. Martina McBride’s powerful voice filling every corner of the venue, a masterclass in country storytelling.


I was utterly hooked. That night wasn't just a gig; it was an education. I learned, in real-time, how incredibly fast things move on stage. The fleeting expressions, the dynamic poses, the split-second interactions. Capturing them required more than just technical skill; it demanded an instinct, a connection to the rhythm of the performance.


More profoundly, I learned how important it is to feel the music. To anticipate the crescendo, to understand the quiet intimacy of a ballad, to move with the artist’s flow. It’s not just about pointing and shooting; it’s about becoming a part of the moment, translating the auditory experience into a visual narrative.

And from that night forward, I knew, with absolute certainty, how badly I wanted to keep doing this. It wasn't just the beginning of a career in music photography; it was the moment I realized I was home.


Since that unforgettable night with Martina McBride, I’ve had the immense privilege of shooting countless concerts, from intimate club shows to massive arena spectacles. I’ve met incredible artists, each with their own unique story and sound. And I’ve built Pen + Lens Media into a full-service creative partner for the music industry, helping artists and creatives bring their visions to life.

Red-tinted photographs of subway trains, railway tracks, and urban scenes create a moody industrial aesthetic.

But I’ll never forget that first moment. It was the spark that truly ignited my path, a powerful reminder of why I do what I do. The energy, the connection, the sheer joy of capturing music in its most raw and vibrant form. That’s what The Setlist is all about, and it’s a passion I’m thrilled to share with you.

A handwritten signature in black ink on a white background appears elegant and stylized.
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