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.

Rabbit Heart

OK, I admit it, I'm just a tiny bit in love with Florence & The Machine. Arrived at the venue early to find Florence sat outside. Talked to her briefly and explained I'd already bought a ticket, but found myself with a pass.

The venue in question is St Phil's, a lovely church in Salford, and the way she was sat in the doorway begged the question - "Do you mind if I just get a quick shot?" - expecting a no.

On the contrary, her manager was good enough to let me have a couple of minutes with the good lady herself. I'm very pleased with the results. I can't share much as I've given them to my agency, but here's an offcut from the set.



Great show, audience eating out of the palm of her hand. Oh, and a sweet note on my ticket too.

Whirring

It is my firm belief that The Joy Formidable add to the sum total of human happiness. Their EP is free to download. What have you got to lose?

Their show in Liverpool tonight was decently attended and they continue to make an impressive racket live.

New In Town

I'm consistently impressed with Little Boots, both live and on record, so it was nice to get to shoot her again in Liverpool on Friday night. This time instead of just two photographers, the tiny pit was rammed - there must have been seven of us. Where were you last time, guys?

Paris Is Burning

Not really the finest set from Ladyhawke last night at the Academy, but nice to have a pass again. Also secured one for the Joy Formidable in a couple of weeks time, looking forward to shooting them again.

Wouldn't It Be Nice

Today has been one of those "if it could go wrong, it did" days, from every angle. The usual range of minor catastrophes at work, coupled with being told I could shoot Eric Clapton on Wednesday, followed by the caveat "from the soundboard" which excludes me on the grounds that I don't habitually carry a 400+mm lense (not normally that handy in a pit), followed by a gig that I couldn't attend because Northern Rail replaced the last train home with a bus and the band were only coming on late to start with, leads me to believe that today is in some way cursed.

*shakes fist at sky impotently*