Capturing the essence of Lotus through the lens of Jeffrey Hammond

Every year, the world comes to Bloomington for the Lotus World Music and Arts Festival, and photographer Jeffrey Hammond is there to capture nearly every moment.

The local freelance photographer has been shooting professionally for nine years. Hammond first became involved with Lotus Festival when a friend said they were in desperate need of photographers.

“Shooting for Lotus is not something I pursued, but I couldn’t be happier that I fell into it,” Hammond said.

Hammond’s photographs capture the action and excitement of the Lotus Festival performers as well as the onlooking crowd’s reactions.

One photograph in particular shows a man blowing fire from his mouth, a moment Hammond was able to freeze in time.

Other photographs feature Lotus Festival guests dancing in the streets of Bloomington.

“My favorite part is the energy,” Hammond said. “People are just insistent on having a good time. No one is supporting just one band. Everyone is supporting everyone and having a ball while doing it.”

After six years of shooting and a wide array of photos to choose from, Hammond sat down with Wandering Turtle Art Gallery and Gifts owner Jaime Sweany and compiled 50 photos to appear in the gallery.

“People just love his work,” Sweany said. “His pictures have such a great feel to them, and they’ve been getting a wonderful response.”

Hammond’s photographs have been featured in a variety of magazines over the years and have earned him several awards. Many are highlighted in the book “Bringing the World to Our Neighborhood: The Lotus World Music and Arts Festival.”

For any person who hasn’t been to Lotus Festival, Hammond’s photographs provide a clear representation of what goes on, Sweany said.

Sophomore Jessica Grissom is looking forward to her first Lotus Festival.

“I wasn’t able to go last year, but I kept hearing how amazing it was,” Grissom said. “I’m very excited to be going this year. From what I’ve heard, it should be a lot of fun.”

New and returning visitors will fill Bloomington venues and streets, providing photographers with exciting subjects to capture and countless locations to freeze in time.

Although Hammond will work with five other photographers during the festival, he can easily be spotted feverishly darting around downtown Bloomington, going from one venue to the next. Friday evening alone, Hammond will photograph 13 different events.

“He’ll be here for the reception, and then the second it’s over he’ll be out taking pictures,” Sweany said.

Between changing lenses, running across town and getting pulled into a crowd of dancing people, shooting at the Lotus Festival can become hectic. However, Hammond said he wouldn’t change a thing about it.

“I wouldn’t trade this for anything,” Hammond said. “As long as they’re happy with my work, I’ll keep shooting.”

The artist reception for Hammond’s work will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, and his work will be on display at Wandering Turtle until Oct. 18.