A very young photographer on the scene at Fun Fun Fun Fest put a new perspective on things this year. Six-year-old Ryder Blue Cavazos, daughter of Austin music photographer and CultureMap contributor Daniel Cavazos, joined her father on the scene to capture her unique point of view.
"I like my pictures, and I feel good when I see them," says Ryder Cavazos.
"I think it's really eye-opening to see what she's taking in at the festivals by looking at her photos," says Mary Ellen Henderson, Ryder's mother. "We think of it more as this music experience, but she's taking in the way people are dressed, what they're doing, and all these little details that we rarely ever notice."
Ryder's gallery includes scene-setting photos — someone riding a mechanical bull, a police officer on a bike — and other details we normally overlook — the Shiner Bock Ram for instance. She also captures a couple of bands, including Run the Jewels. "The rappers were good because they were loud. And I really liked the silly dance he [Killer Mike] did. He looked funny when he danced," Ryder says.
Fun Fun Fun Fest isn't Ryder's first foray into music photography. The budding photographer has shadowed her father at events across town including Austin City Limits Music Festival and a recent Fitz and the Tantrums show at Stubbs. "The quality time we share is irreplaceable," explains Daniel. "Photography is an activity that is unique to the two of us ... It's really warming to see how my photography friends and even strangers treat her with respect in the pit and make her feel comfortable."
"I'm pretty shy with Daddy's friends," she explains about shooting at the festival. "I guess sometimes I get embarrassed to take pictures, but then Daddy tells me to and I get interested because that's why I'm there, so I get interested. The more pictures I take, the more I get into [it] and I'm not embarrassed anymore. I like my pictures, and I feel good when I see them."
View Ryder Cavazos' full gallery from Fun Fun Fun Fest above.
Six-year-old Ryder Cavazos, daughter of Austin music photographer Daniel Cavazos, joined her father at Fun Fun Fun Fest.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri