Beyond the lens - Billie Eilish

7 -

One week after Billie's unexpected message, Ellie found herself on a train to Chicago. Things had happened so fast she barely had time to process everything. Billie had given her the contact information for the concert organizer, and the singer's team had handled everything, including paying for her train tickets. It was more real than ever.

Ellie stared out the train window, her photographer accreditation hanging around her neck, a constant reminder that she wasn't just a spectator this time, but a professional on a mission. Excitement bubbled inside her, but a slight nervousness accompanied it.

Her camera bag sat at her feet, packed with cameras, lenses, and batteries, all carefully prepared for the event. She had gone over her gear again and again the night before, leaving no room for mistakes.

"I still can't believe it..." she murmured, absentmindedly petting Livai, who was sleeping at her feet, accompanying her on this big trip. Chicago slowly passed by on the horizon, and she could already feel the vibrant energy of the city gearing up for one of Billie's most anticipated concerts.

Upon arriving in Chicago, Ellie was greeted by the concert production team. Everything was extremely well organized, exactly what she expected from an event of this scale. She was taken directly to the venue to settle in and prepare her gear before the show.

Once inside, the energy of the venue was palpable. The lights, the set design, the technical setup... everything was even more impressive than the last time. Ellie took her place in the photographer's pit, her accreditation clearly visible, and focused on what she needed to do. Billie had given her a second chance, and this time, she wanted to capture even more striking, intense photos.

The concert started with an explosion of lights and the crowd's screams. Ellie adjusted her lens and got to work, her heart beating in sync with the music. Through her lens, she captured not only Billie in all her glory, but also the raw energy of the audience, the perfect fusion of the artist and her fans.

Every move Billie made on stage was an opportunity for Ellie to create something new, something unique. She snapped away, trying to freeze the intensity of the moment, the effortless grace of the artist, and the almost cinematic world unfolding before her.

The songs flowed one after another, and with them, a rollercoaster of emotions captured in photos. With every note, every jump, every interaction with the crowd, Ellie knew she was getting shots that would speak for themselves. She had found her rhythm with the show, anticipating Billie's movements, capturing those rare moments when the artist's authenticity shone through.

When the concert ended with a shower of applause and cheers, Ellie was exhausted, but filled with a frantic energy. She had taken hundreds of photos, each one more vibrant than the last. Excitement had set in, but there was also a feeling of satisfaction: she had done what she came to do, and maybe even more.

On the way to her hotel, still decompressing from the intensity of the concert, she felt her phone vibrate. She quickly glanced at it, and her heart skipped a beat again. A message from Billie.

Billie: "Hey, hope you liked the show. You can come by the dressing room if you want, we can look at the photos and chat a bit."

Ellie stopped dead in the street, her thoughts racing. The day had been crazy, and now Billie was inviting her backstage to talk. The excitement instantly gave way to a new form of nervousness. She remembered their first accidental meeting backstage, but this time, it was different. She had been personally invited, and that came with a certain level of intimacy, an attention she hadn't expected.

She took a deep breath before replying.

Ellie: "The show was amazing! I got some killer shots. I'll come over, I should be there in 15 minutes."

It was both exhilarating and terrifying. She had never doubted her skills as a photographer, but sharing her work directly with Billie in such an intimate setting was another story. She had to make sure to stay professional, even though her heart was pounding in her chest.

Ellie arrived backstage after passing through various security checks. She was greeted by a team member who took her straight to Billie's dressing room. The atmosphere was much more relaxed than she'd imagined. Away from the frantic energy of the stage, everything felt calmer, almost intimate.

When she entered, she found Billie sitting on a couch, her hair still slightly damp from the concert sweat, a bottle of water in hand. She smiled when she saw Ellie walk in.

Billie: "Hey! How's it going?"

Ellie: "I'm good, I'm good... I see you've stepped up your security."

Billie: "Yeah, it's to stop other photographers from getting lost."

Ellie: "I like the idea. But seriously, DUDE, the concert was insane. Thanks again for having me, it was such an honor to shoot that."

Billie: "I'm really glad you came. It was even more intense than Portland, wasn't it?"

Ellie nodded eagerly. "Yeah, definitely! The vibe was amazing, and you were incredible. I got tons of photos... I hope you'll like them."

Billie: "I have no doubt, show me."

Ellie sat down beside her, pulling out her camera to show her the shots. As they flipped through the images, Billie commented here and there, laughing at times, highlighting moments she especially loved. The atmosphere was surprisingly laid-back, as if they were just two friends sharing memories from the night.

Billie: "These photos are amazing, you've got an incredible talent for capturing the emotion on stage. It's wild."

Ellie blushed slightly, flattered by the compliment. "Thanks, Billie, that really means a lot."

Time seemed to fly by. The two women continued talking about the concert, the highlights of the tour, and soon, Ellie's nervousness melted away. She was feeling more and more comfortable in Billie's presence, who kept surprising her with her down-to-earth nature and kindness.

After a long while, Billie turned to Ellie with a sly smile: "You know, I really think you should consider coming to shoot other dates on the tour. You've got a real vision, and I love the way you capture the energy."

Ellie was speechless for a second, before answering softly. "That would be incredible. I never thought it would go this far."

Billie: "Well, now you know, I want you on my team."