Don’t just read it – live it!

EDGEfest’s Back-to-School Bash: A Photographer’s Unexpected 360° Adventure

Edgewater’s EDGEfest series kicked off the school year with a bang on August 3rd, with their annual Back-to-School Party at the Southeast Volusia YMCA. As a professional photographer, I’m usually behind the lens, capturing moments in time. But for this event, I decided to switch things up and embrace a new challenge. I intentionally left my trusty camera at home, opting instead for my 360° video camera. After all, why just read about an experience when you can live it?

The energy at EDGEfest was infectious. Hundreds of backpacks were distributed to local students, and over 35 vendors, churches, and businesses joined in, offering additional supplies, resources, and information to families. Food trucks sizzled, music filled the air, and the excitement of raffle prizes, including free bicycles, added to the festive atmosphere.

As a photographer venturing into the world of 360 videography, I stumbled and bumbled my way through filming. But the kids were incredibly patient and enthusiastic, eager to share their joy about the upcoming school year and their dreams for the future. Their energy was contagious, reminding me of the importance of staying curious and embracing new challenges.

The 360° camera allowed me to capture the event’s spirit in a way that traditional photography couldn’t. Viewers can now immerse themselves in the experience, feeling as if they were right there in the heart of the action. I conducted heartwarming “Word on the Street” interviews with vendors, city officials, and, most importantly, the children. Their unfiltered joy as they received backpacks filled with promise was a sight to behold.

Despite my initial trepidation, the resulting footage turned out surprisingly well. The 360° perspective offered a unique and engaging way to tell the story of EDGEfest, allowing viewers to experience the event firsthand.

Edgewater’s Back-to-School Bash was a heartwarming reminder that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and find joy in the simple things. The event underscored the importance of community collaboration in ensuring the well-being and educational success of local children. The smiles on the faces of students and parents alike were a testament to the impact of this initiative.

By stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing a new way of capturing moments, I gained a fresh perspective and a renewed appreciation for the power of storytelling. EDGEfest taught me a valuable lesson: don’t just read about life – live it! And sometimes, the best way to do that is to put down your familiar tools and embrace the unexpected.

So, if you’re looking for an immersive experience of EDGEfest’s Back-to-School Bash, check out my 360° video and Don’t just read about it – Live it!