Pictures Of You

Despite my constant doubts about this whole photo thing, I apparently cracked it pretty early on. I took my first professional shot on February 12th and the first shot that was published was taken on March 15th, with the good people of Sweden the first to know a good thing when they saw it with a shot of Lily Allen.

You know, if I never sell another shot, at least I went out there and I did it. I got published. Thrice, which officially proves it wasn't fluke.

But I don't half wish I could see the photos in print. Anyone got back issues of every magazine in Norway from March so I can check?

Backstage

It strikes me that people who have designs on being backstage are like dogs chasing cars. They know it's what they want, have no idea what to do if they ever caught one.

It's funny how for some people the notion of backstage is one of glamour, rather than the sight of three inches of a roadie's cleft as he lugs a monitor about. Frankly, backstage is just a bunch of people trying to do their jobs. It just seems odd that people think of it as a weird, mythical place where exciting things happen. It really, really isn't.

Dr. Beat

First time since his death that I've been subjected to a Michael Jackson cover, incidentally.

Where Is My Mind?

So, I shot my first festival yesterday, up in Sheffield, and rather than being the usual pit affair that I'd expected, I wound up volunteering to also take some shots for Bench (scoring Gemma a free hoodie and myself a t-shirt in the process) and thus also gain backstage access to the artists. Which meant I was also shooting backstage for the organisers too.

So quite apart from divided loyalties, it meant I wasn't shooting 11 bands in 10 minute bursts, I was shooting 11 bands constantly, in three different places. Sure, it was punctuated by periods of sitting around stealing bits of the backstage rider doing nothing, but it also meant that I was shooting from 12pm through to nearly 10pm.

Honestly, it was a great experience and nice to get so much access. Also interesting to see how things work and which stars were down to earth (hats off, in particular, to Pixie Lott who was an absolute delight in every respect, even going so far as to sign autographs for a seemingly endless horde of fans through the backstage barrier) and which were more demanding.

It was also interesting to see that contrary to popular opinion, the package tour isn't dead. This festival was what that was, a bunch of current and upcoming acts doing 15 minutes each. It soon became evident that a lot of the acts doing this knew each other because they were doing the same circuit, talking about the same shows ("Oh, that one was a nightmare, the tape failed and the drummer didn't notice... you doing Leeds tomorrow?") and experiencing the same indignities at the hands of local press. (One can only imagine that Girls Can't Catch were ruing their name as an interviewer threw pens to each of them in turn to scientifically examine their central hypothesis), most acts grinning and bearing it with good humour.

The corporate bit for Bench was interesting for me too - trying to get non-dull yet well branded shots. I think I did OK on that front, but I won't hear from them for a few days, I don't expect. Then I'll get some shots across to them and see what they think. I'd imagine they'll make their website.

I have never been so tired. Finally processed my shots at 3:30 this morning. I'm doing a three dayer next weekend. Wish me luck...

A few shots from the day, then...

Here's Pixie Lott signing autographs for a grateful horde of fans.


A couple of Girls Can't Catch for Bench



Jade Ewan


There are plenty more for the curious on my Flickr. Even more still if you're on my friends & family list.

Modern Inventions

Look, there's a new main site!

Clicky click!

Papa's Got A Brand New Bag

Behold! I have a new kit bag, one that means I don't have to carry my 70-200 f/2.8 in an entirely separate bag. Which is nice.

Photo duty at Tramlines in Sheffield on Sunday. Lots of potentially interesting acts on, very much in a pop vein. Pixie Lott (who is, bizarrely, on first - prior commitments elsewhere?), Little Boots and a few others.

Then next weekend I'm shooting a three day festival up in the Lake District. While I'll naturally be shooting the headliners, any suggestions on people to catch from the support line up would be gratefully received. So far I'm seeing Kasms and Chew Lips as ones to investigate, would welcome any further tips.

Check the line up out Here

Understandably my agency already has someone for V and Leeds, which is a shame, but not at all unexpected. Might still be in with a shot for Summer Sundae in Leicester, though.

Know Your Rights

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

Jane's Addiction want copyright on photos.

While I'm at it, would you like to help yourself to the contents of my bank account, maybe listen to some of my CDs? Grab something from the fridge?

I do like the "throughout the universe" line, though. Maybe they're hoping it's still 1990 on Venus or something.

I should emphasise that I've no problem with not being allowed to shoot, or not being important enough to get a pass. But I hate the idea of being ambushed by a contract on the night, especially something like this.

Back On The Chain Gang

A successful debut for my new 70-200 f/2.8 lens tonight in Liverpool. Got some nice results with that in cohort with the new 50D.

Here's Ms Hynde...



And one of that nice Mr Tilbrook



And indeed his partner in crime Mr Difford

Baptized By Fire

First outing for the 50D tonight, and while it didn't disgrace itself, I didn't really have as much luck as I've had hoped. Having said that, being stuck in a heavily moving crowd trying to shoot a stage with smoke and awful lighting didn't do much to help matters, either. Hoping for better luck with The Pretenders on Thursday.

The Beekeeper

Spent this afternoon on a work day out at Heaton Park, which involved a brief encounter with some bees... took the G9 with me for a few quick photos. Here's a couple I was happy with.

The Flowers

So, I picked up a 50D today. I shouldn't have, I know, but I figure once we move into the house, any hope of an ugrade will be out of the window. I've got a few shows lined up now, including a three day festival, so it's going to get plenty of use. First use in anger will likely be The Pretenders next week, quite possibly in combination with the new 70-200 f/2.8.

For now, all I can do is tool around in the garden with it. First impressions are very positive, especially the autofocus speed. A couple of test images are above.

Oh, hai.

I've taken longer than I'd like since getting back from Alaska in getting back into the photography. However, passes for Spinnerette, The Pretenders, and the Tramlines Festival are sorted, with a couple of others tentative at the moment, so normal service will be resumed shortly.