Capturing Magic: Photographing Glennis Grace’s Whitney Houston Tribute at AFAS Live in Amsterdam

There are moments as a photographer that feel truly extraordinary, and capturing Glennis Grace’s breathtaking Whitney Houston Tribute was undeniably one of them. Being just a few feet away from a voice so powerful and mesmerizing, I was completely immersed in the magic of the performance. Moments like these remind me why I do what I do, leaving me inspired and deeply humbled.

Photographing a concert is an unique experience. It's unlike any other type of photography. It's fast-paced, challenging and incredibly rewarding. You're constantly moving, framing shots, and focusing on capturing the perfect moments. The lightning is changing fast- from soft spotlights to dramatic strobes - forcing you to adjust you camera settings on the fly. However in a venue like AFAS Live, the challenges aren't as overwhelming as in smaller venues. The more attention you can give to the to capturing the energy of the performance and the artist's movements.

Telling a story

Your not just documenting an event, your telling a story. You're freezing the power of a high note, the emotion of a ballad, the connection between the performer and the audience. It's an adrenaline rush like not other!

The fusion of music and photography is truly mesmerizing. As Glennis hit those soaring high notes and delivered Whitney’s timeless classics, chills ran down my spine. Her voice isn’t just powerful—it’s an experience that grips you.

The setlist was a heartfelt journey through Whitney Houston’s legendary discography. From the tender emotion of "I Will Always Love You" to the joyful rhythms of "Your Love Is My Love", and from the sultry vibes of "Saving All My Love for You" to the uplifting energy of "Love Will Save the Day", every song was a celebration of Whitney’s legacy.

Packed to the brim

The AFAS Live was packed to the brim, and so was the concert—with hit after hit and so much interaction. The audience sang, swayed, and cheered along, creating an electric atmosphere that felt like a collective tribute to one of music’s greatest icons. What made the evening even more special was the connection between Glennis and the crowd.

While my focus was on capturing these moments through my lens, the energy and emotion of the evening were impossible to ignore. It’s rare to be both working and moved at the same time, but Glennis Grace made that happen.

I will always remember this night—not just as a photographer, but as someone privileged to capture an incredible artist paying tribute to another. While I didn’t experience the concert the way a fan might, I was immersed in a different perspective: the challenge and honor of preserving the nostalgia, artistry, and pure magic of the evening through my lens. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do.