When Swedish heavy metal band Avatar brought their Avatar Country Tour to Anthology in Rochester, New York in 2019, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the show for Anthology and Floated Magazine. What made the night even more special was how it all came together: Phil Fitzsimmons, the owner of Anthology Presents, generously allowed me to capture the performance and helped facilitate the connection with Floated Magazine. It was a full-circle moment—collaboration, music, and media, all in harmony.
I’ll be honest: I had never seen Avatar live before, their music was shared with me by a fellow music lover that knew I had to hear them! Walking into the venue, camera in hand, the energy was off the charts! And as a photographer, that’s the magic you live for.
A Venue Built for Sound and Spectacle
Anthology is one of Rochester’s most dynamic concert venues. With two levels of viewing space, everyone—from front-row diehards to those standing on the seating stair and upstairs floor—gets a clear view of the stage. The setup is immersive, especially thanks to speakers built directly into the stage itself. Sound doesn’t just blast from above—it surges from the floor beneath your feet. The result? A fully engaged crowd that feels the music from every direction.
And then there’s Avatar: theatrical, visually striking, and sonically bold. From dramatic lighting to their signature uniforms, every moment onstage is deliberate—making it a dream scenario to photograph. I got to document a band that understands performance, not just music.
Submitting to Floated Magazine
Once the show was over, I curated a gallery of my favorite shots and submitted them to Floated Magazine—a creative publication rooted right here in Rochester. It was an honor to contribute to a platform that supports local creatives and showcases talent from across genres and disciplines.
Why This Night Mattered
This wasn’t just another gig—it was a reminder of the power of connection. Because of one introduction and a shared love of live music, I was able to contribute to a publication I admire and capture a high-energy show that pushed my creativity to a new level.
I walked away that night not just with photos, but with perspective, purpose, and a deeper appreciation for what it means to be part of the music community here in Rochester.
Until the next show—
📸 Amy Bradoc | Amy's Image Photography
#AmysImagePhotography #AmysImage
