Behind the Lens: Photographing Chicago’s Hardcore Scene at Casa Café
Behind the Lens: Photographing Chicago’s Hardcore Scene at Casa Café
There’s something special about stepping back into the world of live music photography, especially when it’s a local hardcore show packed into a small venue like Casa Café in Chicago. I used to shoot tons of local gigs, so being back in that environment felt both nostalgic and electric. The moment I walked in, the room was already buzzing — loud music, bodies moving, low lighting, and the kind of raw energy you can only find in Chicago’s underground scene. Photographing nights like this reminds me why I fell in love with creative photography in the first place.
The band I documented that night was Detonate, and they immediately took things to another level. They were the second band on the bill, but easily one of the most high-energy sets of the night. With the lights dim and constantly shifting, it was the perfect challenge. Low-light shows like this are unpredictable, but that’s what makes them fun. I shot everything on my Sony A7III paired with a 24–75mm Sigma Art lens, using a flash to keep up with the movement on stage. Even in the chaos, there’s a strange calm that hits me when I’m behind the viewfinder — everything slows down, and I focus on details most people miss.
For the edits, I leaned into moody tones and added heavy grain to match the vibe of the show. Hardcore music has a gritty, unpolished feel, and I wanted my photos to reflect that. Using a style similar to cinematic photo editing, I pushed the shadows, pulled down some highlights, and embraced the imperfections. That “film-style” look pairs really well with the intensity of local shows.
One of my favorite moments of the night was when Detonate played their track Ghillied Up. The crowd exploded — stage dives, movement, everyone shouting the lyrics. Capturing that kind of energy reminds me why photographing music feels almost therapeutic. In a room that loud and fast, being behind the camera gives me a sense of clarity and purpose.
If you want to see more of my concert work or other photography prints, check out the gallery on my site.
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