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Want to know what it's like to photograph a Tiny Desk concert?

Watch the Sam Smith Tiny Desk concert <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_BHC2l30pY">here</a>.
Michael Zamora
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NPR
Watch the Sam Smith Tiny Desk concert here.

We all have a favorite Tiny Desk concert. In 2023, NPR hosted 120 Tiny Desk concerts. We asked NPR photographers to share their favorite pictures and their thoughts about photographing Tiny Desk concerts.

Can sometimes be chaotic

Tiny Desk days can sometimes be chaotic, but when it's all said and done, they are always a blast.

So when I get the opportunity to be front row with a camera at one of these performances, I want that exuberance and joy that I feel to come through. Some of my favorite images I made this year at the Tiny Desk showcased that feeling.

Sam Smith excitedly huddling with their background singers after finishing their set.

Watch the Noname Tiny Desk concert <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtCB7vy1q2E&t=4s">here</a>.
Michael Zamora / NPR
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NPR
Watch the Noname Tiny Desk concert here.

Maluma feeling the beat (and flexing his biceps). And Noname giving me so many options I had a hard time narrowing down my own edit.

Watch the Maluma Tiny Desk concert <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_yPDiMN3uk">here</a>.
Michael Zamora / NPR
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NPR
Watch the Maluma Tiny Desk concert here.
Watch the Hayden Pedigo Tiny Desk concert <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn5wfH_erZ0">here</a>.
Michael Zamora / NPR
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NPR
Watch the Hayden Pedigo Tiny Desk concert here.

But the photo of Hayden Pedigo stood out to me for different reasons. It's rare the desk isn't totally crammed with people and instruments behind it. His wonderful solo set gave me a chance to a capture a quieter, somewhat cleaner and more introspective moment, which are some of my favorite kinds of images to make.

-- Michael Zamora, NPR Visuals Editor and Producer


How does a set translate to intimate setting

Watch the Fred again.. Tiny Desk concert <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iQmPv_dTI0">here</a>.
Zayrha Rodriguez / NPR
/
NPR
Watch the Fred again.. Tiny Desk concert here.

Fred again.. was the first Tiny Desk concert at night since the pandemic, while the timing of this concert was different, I was more curious about how a Fred again.. set would translate to the Tiny Desk.

But after the first few minutes I knew this was going to be a memorable Tiny Desk. It was an honor to see Fred again.. do his craft in such an intimate setting. He pushed what can be done behind this office desk.

Watch the Olivia Rodrigo Tiny Desk concert <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmh3iruf4RA">here</a>.
Zayrha Rodriguez / NPR
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NPR
Watch the Olivia Rodrigo Tiny Desk concert here.

While this is Olivia Rodrigo's second Tiny Desk concert, this is the first one behind the actual desk. Olivia's performance was full of Olivia's emotion and rawness.

Also, she showed her musical range by playing the piano and the guitar and singing with her band and without them. Truly a pleasure to see her perform songs that I have been listening to on repeat since her album GUTS came out.

-- Zayrha Rodriguez, NPR Visuals Editor and Producer


From jumping on the desk to voguing with his leg in the air

Watch Durand Bernarr Tiny Desk concert <a href="Durand Bernarr https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=klL7nY1HzaY">here</a>.
Keren Carrion / NPR
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NPR
Watch Durand Bernarr Tiny Desk concert here.

The first time I heard of Durand Bernarr was on the day of his Tiny Desk. Since then, I have not shut up about his incredible performance and stage presence.

Bernarr is one of the few who used the entire space at his disposal, from jumping onto the desk, dancing amongst the crowd, voguing with his leg in the air, undergoing an outfit change, burning incense and belting vocals throughout it all.

This is one of my favorite images I captured of Bernarr thanking the crowd after his performance, showing his infectious energy and how proud he and his team are – after all, they were dressed as the Proud Family for a reason.

Watch Becky G perform at Tiny Desk <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FftvVi42U4o">here</a>.
Keren Carrion / NPR
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NPR
Watch Becky G perform at Tiny Desk here.

Becky G was just happy to be there, and you could tell.

Although the image is slightly out of focus, I love this frame because it captures her excitement right after performing her first song, "Bailé Con Mi Ex," where she started hyping up the crowd and her own band.

She's one of the biggest stars in Latin music, and yet she expressed herself so humbly and with so much gratitude, and even invited up-and-coming artist DannyLux to perform with her during the concert.

-- Keren Carrion, NPR Visuals Editor and Producer


Iconic songs bring joy to the office

Watch the Nile Rogers & CHIC Tiny Desk <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRERgcQe-fQ">here</a>.
Grace Widyatmadja / NPR
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NPR
Watch the Nile Rogers & CHIC Tiny Desk here.

Nile Rodgers and CHIC brought an incredible energy and so much joy to our office. It was an amazing experience to be in the room and listen to their iconic songs in this intimate setting. The Tiny Desk is one of the most special things about NPR and I feel very lucky any time I get to be a small part of it.

Watch the Sweeney Todd Tiny Desk concert <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj5Y5VwhfHs">here</a>.
Grace Widyatmadja / NPR
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NPR
Watch the Sweeney Todd Tiny Desk concert here.

Broadway at the Tiny Desk is always such a treat! I'm always so excited to see how these shows take their huge stage productions and share their songs with our audience. It was incredible to watch Josh Groban, Annaleigh Ashford and all the talented folks from Sweeney Todd share their show with us!

-- Grace Widyatmadja, NPR Visuals Editor and Producer


Capturing different vibes

Watch the Ivy Queen Tiny Desk concert <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EAM4pxxL4Y">here</a>.
Estefania Mitre / NPR
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NPR
Watch the Ivy Queen Tiny Desk concert here.

By photographing Tiny Desk concerts, I have not only discovered new music, I've also learned how to capture different emotions and comparing the energy each artist brings.

Watch the Kany García Tiny Desk concert <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJdWpAFutYM">here</a>.
Estefania Mitre / NPR
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NPR
Watch the Kany García Tiny Desk concert here.

From Ivy Queen's spiritual tia vibes to Kany Garcia's joyful energy, finding the perfect angle that connects with the ambiance they bring.

Watch the Gregorio Uribe Tiny Desk concert <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0sUBp7ps8k">here</a>.
Estefania Mitre / NPR
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NPR
Watch the Gregorio Uribe Tiny Desk concert here.

-- Estefania Mitre, NPR Visuals Editor and Producer


Feeling the energy, emotion and passion through the image

Watch the Post Malone Tiny Desk concert <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCcks-fwq2c">here</a>.
Catie Dull / NPR
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NPR
Watch the Post Malone Tiny Desk concert here.

This Tiny Desk photo is one of my favorites because Post Malone is one of my favorite artists (#1 according to my Spotify Wrapped) and it was a dream come true to photograph him. He gave his complete all to his show, despite being in the middle of a tour. I feel like this photo really captures the energy he brought to the desk during his performance.

Watch the RAYE Tiny Desk concert <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCcks-fwq2c">here</a>.
Catie Dull / NPR
/
NPR
Watch the RAYE Tiny Desk concert here.

I had never heard of RAYE before, but attending her Tiny Desk and photographing her made me a fan. I love this photo because you can feel her emotion through the image. She brought passion and vivacity to her performance, and I think this photo exemplifies that.

Watch the Juvenile Tiny Desk concert <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kes2P4IC2bQ">here</a>.
Catie Dull / NPR
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NPR
Watch the Juvenile Tiny Desk concert here.

Juvenile's show was the most energetic Tiny Desk performance I've ever seen. Not just energetic, but so fun. Everyone in the room was having the time of their lives. I love this photo because you can feel that everyone behind the desk is having just as much fun as the audience.

-- Catie Dull, NPR Visuals editor and producer


Do we have to leave?

Watch the Omar Sosa + Seckou Keita Tiny Desk <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUm6f0QJ_FI">here</a>.
Elizabeth GIllis / NPR
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NPR
Watch the Omar Sosa + Seckou Keita Tiny Desk here.

Omar Sosa & Seckou Keita's Tiny Desk performance had me smiling for the rest of the day. This trio brought such infectious joy and playfulness into the office on that day, and I can't look at these pictures without thinking about that positive energy.

Watch the Tank Tiny Desk concert <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmBxJ2VcUk0">here</a>.
Elizabeth Gillis / NPR
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NPR
Watch the Tank Tiny Desk concert here.

At one point during this Tiny Desk, Tank says to the audience, "We don't want to leave. Do we have to leave?"

The response is a loud and clear "No." Tank's crowd work here is unmatched. This performance was full of massive hits and impressive vocals, but manages to feel so intimate and laid back.

Watch Caroline Polacheck Tiny Desk <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmnZHQNN5cc">here</a>.
Elizabeth Gillis / NPR
/
NPR
Watch Caroline Polacheck Tiny Desk here.

Caroline Polachek's Tiny Desk concert was for me, personally, one of the most-anticipated events of 2023. I was already a huge fan, and hearing her effortlessly deliver these flawless vocals live only deepened my admiration for her music and artistry. This video is now in my regular Tiny Desk rotation.

Watch Anne Akiko Meyers Tiny Desk <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRq66Rtwms0">here</a>.
Elizabeth Gillis / NPR
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NPR
Watch Anne Akiko Meyers Tiny Desk here.

Photographing Anne Akiko Meyers was such a treat. We don't often have violinists visit the desk, and visually I wasn't sure what to expect. Almost immediately I was struck by how much emotion was packed into each note. These songs are captivating, and it's easy to get lost in this performance.

Watch Little Moon Tiny Desk <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PgYuit1BXw">here</a>.
Elizabeth Gillis / NPR
/
NPR
Watch Little Moon Tiny Desk here.

One of the most-rewarding assignments I had in 2023 was photographing the Tiny Desk Contest winner Little Moon. I've witnessed many artists, even really popular ones, geek out over the opportunity to perform on NPR's little stage.

It's especially gratifying to see how the desk can be a tool for showcasing lesser-known talent. You get to see people living out a dream with their friends and family looking on from the audience with so much pride and love.

-- Elizabeth Gillis, NPR Visuals Editor and Producer

Copyright 2024 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Corrected: January 1, 2024 at 9:00 PM PST
A previous version of this story incorrectly identified Sam Smith using he/him pronouns. They use they/them pronouns.
Michael Zamora
Elizabeth Gillis
Zayrha Rodriguez
Catie Dull
Keren Carrión
Keren Carrión is a short-form video producer and photojournalist on the NPR visuals team. Originally from Puerto Rico, she has lived in Connecticut and Washington D.C., where she graduated from George Washington University with a BFA in Photojournalism. She spent two years as a photojournalist for NPR's affiliate station in Dallas through Report for America. Previously, she worked with CNN as a video editor in Atlanta, and has interned with Univision, USA Today, The Hill, and the New York Times Student Journalism Institute.
Estefania Mitre
Estefania Mitre (she/her/ella) is a production assistant for social media who works with visual elements to amplify stories across platforms. She has experience reporting on culture, social justice and music.
Grace Widyatmadja
[Copyright 2024 NPR]