"I got to cover the Deep Ellum 100 event that celebrated 150 years of the neighborhood for KXT, and it felt like a special moment in my career to be a part of such a milestone. Thankful I get to capture artists that represent Dallas in such a positive way." - Jessica Waffles

“My goal is to honor the memory of the late Frankie Campagna. I have been going to Deep Ellum since moving to Dallas in 1989. I have taken tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of pics there. Deep Ellum is a family and community I have always promoted and supported. I am proud to be a part of it as kind of photo historian, if you will. I have documented Deep Ellum in photos for years, written about bands that played in Deep Ellum in Harder Beat Magazine and others.” - Scott Mankoff

"I captured this image in the heart of Deep Ellum. At the peak of this artist showcasing her soul through live music. Deep Ellum was mentioned to me in passing. Once I arrived, this place quickly became home. I felt 'right' here, surrounded by its electric energy. Murals pulsing with color, the thrum of live music spilling from venues, and the diverse crowd of artists, musicians, and creators who make every corner feel alive. As a photographer, Deep Ellum has been my ultimate muse." - Lobo Rivera

“I’ve been photographing Dallas and its music scene since the late ’90s, and no one encouraged me more than Chris Penn. Since 2000, you could find him behind the counter at Good Records in Deep Ellum or East Dallas, supporting local artists and working with The Polyphonic Spree and Tripping Daisy. He championed Dallas musicians and inspired countless people to chase their dreams. I’m lucky to have known him and grateful for all he gave to our community.” - Kevin Sears

"NITE was my introduction to the Deep Ellum music scene. Their music opened the door, but it was the energy of this community that made me stay. I found my home. A smile from a familiar face, the way every heavy thing I carry disappears under the lights and sound of live music... It makes me feel alive and I remember, this is why I keep going.

As a photographer, capturing those moments of connection onstage is my way of honoring everything this scene has given me. Every photo and video I take is a love letter to the moments that made me believe I belonged." - Angela Almada

"For me, concerts—whether in small venues or on large stages—are spaces where artists pour out their hearts and minds in real time. My role is to preserve those fleeting moments: the split seconds of life where sound, emotion, and connection converge. Through my lens, I aim to create images that invite us to pause, remember, and relive the joy of those shared experiences." - Rachel Guillory

"I wanted to honor Shaun Martin, a true legend who doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves. I also wanted to highlight Deep Ellum Art Co, where I first cut my teeth as a photographer. Deep Ellum was the reason I moved to Dallas. It's a magical place and one of the most unique music districts anywhere." - Andrew Sherman

"Deep Ellum is more than just a collection of buildings and streets—it’s a community shaped by the people who bring it to life. Over the years, the names on the doors and the décor inside may change, but the spirit remains. From the days of the Gypsy Tea Room and Blind Lemon to today’s Three Links and The Freeman, these blocks carry countless stories and memories. I feel grateful not only to have witnessed many of them but also to capture those moments through my lens. What makes it even more meaningful is being able to use my skills to help others preserve their own stories and memories along the way." Rachel Guillory

“Rock and Roll is not dead! I'm a lifelong resident, passionate about live music and supporting it.” - Rene Rivera

"Deep Ellum is where I was able to grow a passion for music photography.” - Joseph DeLeon

"D magazine put me on assignment during the music festival which was incredible. I have over 200 images from the festival. I have only really ever been there for music and food. But as someone who was born and raised in the DFW area, it has been great to see Deep Ellum grow and become one of the hot spots near the city." - Christopher Bowman

"The glamorous cowboy shines on to preach about his love. Deep Ellum is a cultural epicenter for me. I fell in love with it as someone who grew up in Houston and was one of the reasons I wanted to move here. I take the DART for nights out hitting up multiple bars, venues, and spaces. I adore the talent that comes through Deep Ellum and the people who call it home."‍ ‍- Jed Ullrich

"These images highlight the authenticity and passion performers bring to the stage, preserving the energy and emotion that make live music so memorable. In particular, they focus on percussionists—musicians often heard but rarely seen—bringing their vital presence and artistry to the forefront." - Rachel Guillory

"Adam is truly a legend of Deep Ellum and deserves recognition for his lasting impact on the neighborhood’s music scene and community." - Scott Mankoff

“I've taken many pictures for this band and even played in it, so many shows played and witnessed here, it's home. Being born in a Dallas Hospital meant I was going to hit these streets eventually. I'm so glad I get to be a part of it now in the music, photography, and life of it all.” - Thomas Snider

“One of my favorite images showcasing the raw energy present at Deep Ellum's venues. In the early 2000's I was in a band and one of our first big shows was at The Door before it moved further down the street. In college I travelled with friends to Deep Ellum to catch shows and now that I live just minutes from downtown I try to make it there at least a couple times a month. I've got friends in bands that play regularly in DE and have made many more friends over the years simply by attending concerts. I've worked as a freelancer for the Dallas Observer and have covered many events in Deep Ellum. When a client from out of town is interested in music Deep Ellum is the first place I recommend as a location for photos. I truly love DE.” - Chris Durbin

“Erykah Badu stands as an iconic figure and one of Dallas’s greatest musical exports, while the Bomb Factory holds its own as a legendary venue that has shaped the city’s music history.” - Andrew Sherman

T”he punk/rock and roll scene is alive and kicking, and I make it a point to shoot shows so that when people see my photos they don't want to miss the next one.I started out sneaking into shows here [sorry!] when I was under 21. Then later on when I started documenting the punk bands I loved, HQ [Three Links] gave me the jumping point in my photo career. I got hired to shoot shows by them first, then my work got noticed by Dallas Observer from it, giving me the opportunity to photograph bigger shows. I owe so much to this venue and Deep Ellum for trusting me to catch all the rad times and amazing talented bands.” Vera Hernandez

“For me, concerts—whether in small venues or on large stages—are spaces where artists pour out their hearts and minds in real time. My role is to preserve those fleeting moments: the split seconds of life where sound, emotion, and connection converge. Through my lens, I aim to create images that invite us to pause, remember, and relive the joy of those shared experiences.” - Rachel Guillory

“Deep Ellum is where I was able to grow a passion for music photography.” - Joseph DeLeon

“The punk/rock and roll scene is alive and kicking, and I make it a point to shoot shows so that when people see my photos they don't want to miss the next one.” - Vera Hernandez

“Deep Ellum is my favorite neighborhood in Dallas. I have enjoyed Deep Ellum so much over the years that I decided to move to the neighborhood. Being a strong supporter of local music, it is the best area in Dallas to find a variety of live music. In addition, many of the venues feature live music after 10 PM which is definitely a plus for adults.“ - Georgia Peach

“Deep Ellum holds a special place in my heart as a music photographer. I shot my first concert at Club Dada, and that experience opened my eyes to the raw energy and emotion of live music. Every time I’m back in Deep Ellum, I’m reminded of where my journey started and why I fell in love with capturing the magic of the stage.” - Sierra Potts

“I photographed live music performances in Deep Ellum from 2007-2016 and it was always important to me that the local scene be supported and amplified.” - Chris Durbin

“For me, concerts—whether in small venues or on large stages—are spaces where artists pour out their hearts and minds in real time. My role is to preserve those fleeting moments: the split seconds of life where sound, emotion, and connection converge. Through my lens, I aim to create images that invite us to pause, remember, and relive the joy of those shared experiences.” - Rachel Guillory

“Deep Ellum has been a major part of my life for a decade, since I started taking photos at The Free Man in 2015. I had just started exploring the local scene and became fast friends with Charley Crockett, who is the reason I started going to The Free Man. There, I found the blues and soul I had never known before. Then I started to check out all the other venues and discovered every genre of music under the sun, re-sparking my love of documenting musicians and artist and people. And I haven't stopped since.” - Jessica Waffles

“Telling stories is my passion. And I love people. My work is always figurative. I attempt in my photos to capture a person’s story and spirit in an image. Concert photography is very meditative to me, because there are so many variables you cannot control. All you can do as the photographer is hunt for that “moment” in the chaos and document it. And I love capturing beautiful light in my images.” - Erin Nicole Parisi