S D 4041

Written By 404_pixels .

STILL DREAMING - Episode 1

December 2023. Pune.

The air was electric, the bass-heavy, and there I was, a photographer staring down the barrel of a decision that could end my career in tour photography for good. This wasn’t a movie montage where the hero dramatically rises to the occasion. No, this was real life—messy, uncertain, and teetering on the edge of “What the hell am I doing with my life?”

Cue: Sunburn. Not just a festival, but a phenomenon. And in its orbit? One man who’s practically EDM royalty—Hardwell. You know, the guy whose name echoes through dance floors worldwide and who’s been crowned the #1 DJ not once but twice. Yeah, that Hardwell. So when the opportunity to photograph him came knocking… Wait, scratch that. It didn’t knock; I had to chase it down like my last lifeline.


The Chase

In a year where my passion for photography was hanging by a thread, I made a bet. One last gig before I called it quits. And if you’re going to gamble, might as well go all in, right? I set my sights on the biggest fish in the EDM sea. My pursuit began in October 2023—emails, Instagram DMs, and relentless follow-ups with Hardwell’s management. Days turned into weeks, and doubt started creeping in.

I remember sitting with my mum in December, having one of those brutally honest conversations. I told her, “This is it. If this doesn’t work, I’m done. I’ll hang up my camera and walk away from this life”, continue to move ahead with my professional career path within corporates. She nodded, understanding the gravity of it all but still offering that unwavering mum-level hope. “Give it your best shot,” she said. So I did.

And just as I was about to pack up my gear and my dreams, bam — December 15th, 2023. The day everything changed. Hardwell’s management finally reached out. They connected me with Manny, his tour manager, and gave me the confirmation to join the crew. Exciting? That’s an understatement. It was euphoric. The kind of news that makes your heart race and your hands shake—like the best drop at a festival but in real life.

Manny, let me tell you, is the human embodiment of “you get what you give.” Respect him, and he’ll respect you right back. Be a jerk? Well, good luck. And me? I’m all about staying on the good side of people who hold the keys to a life-changing gig.

The Gig

When I finally met Manny, Robbert (yes, that’s Hardwell’s real name), and the team, I braced myself for military-grade professionalism. And sure, they were meticulous, but they were also some of the warmest, most grounded people I’ve ever worked with. Turns out, being good at what you do and expecting the same from others isn’t arrogance—it’s just professionalism. Who knew?

The rules were simple:

  • Don’t invade the artist’s personal space.

  • Don’t shove the camera in his face.

  • Stay in your lane.

Easy enough, right? And guess what? Sticking to these rules didn’t just make the job smoother; it made it unforgettable. Watching Hardwell command a crowd was like witnessing a masterclass in energy. His crew? Absolute gems. The kind of people who make you want to level up just to match their vibe.

Core Memories

One moment stands out like a strobe light in a dark room. I was minding my business, staying out of the way, when a crew member approached. She noticed the “404PIXELS” logo on my shirt and smiled. “Hey, my dog’s name is Pixel!” she said, pulling out a photo of her adorable pup. It was such a small interaction, but it shattered any walls of formality. Suddenly, these larger-than-life individuals weren’t just Hardwell’s team; they were humans with cute pets and regular lives.


A Heartfelt Thank You

Before I sign off, I owe a massive thank you to the people who made this experience what it was. Manny and Anna, I don’t know if you’ll ever read this, but you saved 404. Your professionalism, kindness, and warmth reminded me why I fell in love with this craft in the first place. Manny, your balance of respect and reciprocity is something I’ll carry with me forever.

Robbert and the rest of the crew, I don’t know if this will ever reach you either, but thank you for letting me into your world. Robbert, watching you perform wasn’t just inspiring—it was transformative. To the team, thank you for showing me that behind the grand production, there’s a family working tirelessly to create magic. You didn’t just let me document a show—you let me be a part of something extraordinary.

Here’s to the magic you create and the lives you change, one beat at a time.


The Encore Effect

That one gig didn’t just change my career—it changed me. It reminded me why I picked up a camera in the first place: to capture stories, moments, and memories. Working with Hardwell and his team wasn’t just about ticking a box on my bucket list. It was about rediscovering my love for the craft.

So here’s to the legends who gave me a shot when I needed it most. And here’s to Sunburn—a festival that’s so much more than music. It’s magic.

Oh, and one last thing: if you’re ever standing at the edge of giving up, remember this—sometimes, the universe has a funny way of throwing you back in the game. You just have to chase the dream, even if it feels light-years away.

Cheers to Manny, Anna, Robbert, and the sweetest crew I’ve ever met. And cheers to you, dear reader, for sticking around to hear my tale. Here’s hoping it inspires you to chase your own high-fives with the moon.



404_pixels .