Before The Lights: My First Pre-Show Photoshoot with Annika Rose
by Lilli Newhouse | June 7th, 2025
Photo by Lilli Newhouse | @lnewhousephotography
Annika Rose is a singer and songwriter from Los Angeles, who has been featured by Apple Music and the Evening Standard. She began singing as a child in Southern California, influenced by artists like Alanis Morissette and Fiona Apple. Her debut single, “In The End,” led to her being named Apple Music's “New Artist of the Week”.
On May 23rd, 2025 I stumbled upon Annika Rose’s Tiktok about the time she was brought on stage by Hayley Williams in 2014 and how now in 2025 she was finally going out on her first tour with Ava Maybee. I commented and asked what venues she was playing while in colorado and ultimately asked if I could photograph her Fort Collins show on June 7th. Alice, Annikas manager, reached out and asked if I’d also be available to snap some backstage shots beforehand and of course I said yes while also letting her know that it’s not something I’ve ever done before. I was incredibly nervous and terrified that I wouldn't know how to pose Annika so I created a Pinterest board for some guidance.
Fast forward a few weeks and the day finally came, I packed my bag and made a few tiktoks before heading out on the 45 minute drive up to The Coast in Fort Collins. I arrived at the venue at 7pm and waited out front while Annika did her Soundcheck. Around 7:10pm Alice reached out and let me know they finished early and that I could meet them around back. I don’t think i’ve ever been so nervous in my entire life other than when i photographed Taylor Swift of course.
As I walked around to the back parking lot to meet Annika I told myself to breathe and to not overthink it. Upon meeting Annika, she immediately introduced herself and gave me a hug as well as pointing out my butterfly tattoo and commenting on the fact that we both have butterflies tattooed on our arms. We chatted for a few minutes before getting started.
Photo by Lilli Newhouse | @lnewhousephotography
We started off in front of a colorful wall where I told Annika to do whatever she wanted and pose however. I showed her my pinterest board I had created for pose ideas as this was my first time having to pose someone for pictures. After getting a few shots I switched from my 28-70mm Lens to my 11mm lens for extra wide angle shots. We spent a good ten minutes in front of this wall taking photos and chatting about how our birthdays are only 8 days apart.
After getting some epic shots we decided to move to the front of the venue where there was a bench with some plants and some yellow metal chairs that matched Annikas tights perfectly. Annika was easily one of the most photogenic people I've worked with over the years and was open to everything I asked her to do.
Whilst at the yellow chairs and table a couple of girls passed us on the sidewalk and hyped annika up which made all four of us giggle. After a few last shots it was time for us to part ways until Annika hit the stage later that night. She put on a killer show and got the crowd excited for Ava Maybee’s set.
I couldn’t have asked for a better person to be my first portrait model.
Keep up with Annika:
