Outside Lands 2014: A Photo Diary Straight From the Trees

I grew up at music festivals. From the little backyard “festivals” in downtown Los Angeles to Coachella, I went to as many as I could (whether I could afford it or if I could sneak in). I somehow had never been to Outside Lands. It takes place in the heart of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, pulling 180,000 guests into the trees. Like most festivals nowadays, you wander between the music, the comedy, and the food, but here you also have the forest. There’s a technology free digital detox craft and play area for adults, “Camp Grounded,” and Choco Lands, right next to Baconland. I ate everything (including two chocolate tamales with whipped cream and cherries on top) and had to lie down and recover. Luckily, I was too full to care about getting trampled. The vibe here is mellower than any other festival I’ve been to, despite the crowd. It’s probably a combination of that west coast vibe and the lack of heat. And also the fact that you’re surrounded by trees. If I wasn’t feeling a band, sitting in a tree made them sound so much better.

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The Funk Lordz Chromeo

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Haim getting wild

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Tegan asked if anyone was single. She also wanted to borrow a jacket.

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Sara made fun of her.

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The awesome gospel singers who accompanied Christopher Owens.

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Mary Lambert’s surprise appearance for “Same Love”

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Jenny proposes to her now fiance Natalie in front of a crowd 35,000 strong during Macklemore’s set.

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Macklemore (but do you see the TREES?)

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Molly

Molly Adams is an LA-based photographer. You can find documenting life from Afghanistan to Standing Rock to the LA queer nightlife. You can also find her on Instagram.

Molly has written 59 articles for us.

8 Comments

  1. Love Golden Gate Park! Definitely one of the best festival venue vibes I’ve ever experienced, the polo field at night is maaagical. these photos make me so happy (and a lil jealous that I couldn’t be there this year, but in a happy way!)

  2. Had no idea this existed, now totally charmed and want to check it out next year. Gorgeous photos, too.

    (btw on the food section of the website donut burgers are listed next to artisan cotton candy and I love that.)

    • I used a Canon 5D and a Canon EOS-1 (35 mm). I switched between the Canon 50mm f/1.4 and the Canon 28-70mm f/2.8.

      I also shot a couple on an old point and shoot.

    • No problem – yeah most of the day time shots are 35mm (portra 160 and 400) and the night shots are digital.

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