Behind the Lens

A single image can transport you back to a night you’ll never forget. That’s the power of live music photography: the ability to capture the energy, emotion, and unforgettable moments that make each show special. In our first Behind the Lens feature, we’re spotlighting our talented photographers who turn fleeting concert moments into lasting memories. Meet Dan Ojeda and Harrison Dilts, see some of their favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots that made each moment so memorable.

Meet Dan Ojeda 

Educator by day, photographer by night. I have been taking pictures since childhood but didn't start to get serious until around 10 years ago. I was hired by the Pabst Theater Group and have shot (and seen!) a ton of really great acts because of it.  

David Byrne - May 3, 2026 at Miller High Life Theatre

Not much needs to be said about why this show was amazing. It didn’t start out quite as planned for me as a photographer. I was asked to shoot from the very back of the Miller High Life Theatre along with another press photographer, which is where I got this shot of "Heaven." While the view wasn’t ideal, I was able to move closer to the soundboard if the crowd started to stand. Luckily, the Talking Heads original song "And She Was" was played third and the lovely Milwaukee crowd stood up and started dancing. So I am thankful they did so I could shoot the next two songs from the soundboard instead of the back!

See more photos from the show.

Goose - February 8, 2025 at Miller High Life Theatre

Goose is my favorite touring band. They played an epic three nights in Milwaukee, including this final night featuring the fan-voted Jam of the Year in "Everything Must Go". It was just an amazing weekend for me personally, and I just absolutely love this shot of Rick smiling out at the crowd at the end of the run. Can't wait for November.

Meet Harrison Dilts

Graphic Designer with a passion for live music. I'm about to mark my 5 years working at the Pabst Theater Group. In my first year working here I attended over 40 shows and my favorites have been Iron and Wine and Caroline Rose.

Maggie Rogers - February 19, 2023 at Riverside Theater

At this point I had little experience with shooting larger shows at Pabst Theater Group venues, usually take on more intimate shows at The Back Room and Turner Hall Ballroom. This show felt like a turning point where everything started to click. I had just picked up a new lens, and the energy of the crowd made for some of my favorite photos to date.

Check out more photos from the show.

The Flaming Lips - June 13, 2023 at Riverside Theater

When this show was added to the photography schedule, every photographer on the rooster requested to shoot. The photography manager at the time had to randomly pick by putting everyone's name on a wheel. I was chosen and I knew I had to do more than my best. They made it easy with tons of confetti, balloons, and inflatable robots.

Check out the rest of the photos. 

We’re grateful to Dan, Harrison, and all of the photographers who help preserve the memories created at our shows. Their work allows us to relive the energy, emotion, and unforgettable moments that make live music so special. Keep an eye out for more Behind the Lens features as we continue celebrating the people who help capture the magic of live music.