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I'm late to the party... that's not like me!
27th February 2015
Well it seems on this occasion I was a little bit late getting to the party :-(
The party in question turned out to be the last ever gig by RorSchach held at the White Hart.
The band had a special claim to fame as the members included father and son Janson & Liam Bewey.
Now I don't think Janson is going to mind if I say that he has been around the music scene for quite a while now (rumour has it that it is about 50 years!) I'm sure that even he couldn't recite the complete list of bands he has played in.
But I'm going to guess that one of the most memorable must be RorSchach. There must be a special feeling when you can share the stage and a love of live music with your son.
Whilst Janson has played in many popular bands (at least locally) it is Liam who seems poised to make the break unto the national scene with his band 'Of Empires'. Liam has made the big move to live on the mainland... something that really has to be done if you have ambitions to break into the larger scene. This is why we may not be seeing Liam playing locally again for a while.
My best wishes go out to him and I hope that extra, final bit of luck comes the band's way. Unfortunately you still need an element of luck however hard the band works.
Anyway I made good use of RorSchach's last gig to take a few pics. At least there is now a record of Janson's latest band to add to the history of the Guernsey live music scene :-)
Follow this link to view a few pics:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF RORSCHACH'S LAST GIG
27th February 2015
Well it seems on this occasion I was a little bit late getting to the party :-(
The party in question turned out to be the last ever gig by RorSchach held at the White Hart.
The band had a special claim to fame as the members included father and son Janson & Liam Bewey.
Now I don't think Janson is going to mind if I say that he has been around the music scene for quite a while now (rumour has it that it is about 50 years!) I'm sure that even he couldn't recite the complete list of bands he has played in.
But I'm going to guess that one of the most memorable must be RorSchach. There must be a special feeling when you can share the stage and a love of live music with your son.
Whilst Janson has played in many popular bands (at least locally) it is Liam who seems poised to make the break unto the national scene with his band 'Of Empires'. Liam has made the big move to live on the mainland... something that really has to be done if you have ambitions to break into the larger scene. This is why we may not be seeing Liam playing locally again for a while.
My best wishes go out to him and I hope that extra, final bit of luck comes the band's way. Unfortunately you still need an element of luck however hard the band works.
Anyway I made good use of RorSchach's last gig to take a few pics. At least there is now a record of Janson's latest band to add to the history of the Guernsey live music scene :-)
Follow this link to view a few pics:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF RORSCHACH'S LAST GIG
I was off To the Woods last weekend...
12th February 2015
Guernsey has many 'un-sung' musical heroes. These are the guys & gals who just do what they do because they love it!
That is enough for them. They get to play the occasional gig and write their own material... but the fact is that has to be enough.
Now that comment isn't meant as a 'put-down' in any way. In fact the small gig is the very back-bone behind the whole music scene... right up to the most famous bands. They all started somewhere you know.
However because of personal circumstances most bands will never hit the big-time.
Last weekend we were able to experience the 'reality' of what it takes to try and make the break into the big spotlight.
Electric Shakes played at the Fermain Tavern. The band is fronted by a local hero, Steve Lynch. Steve has played in many, many bands. He has a great back-catalogue of original songs and is recognised as a special talent in Guernsey.
But that was never going to be enough if your ambition is to make a name for yourself.
So Steve moved to the Mainland, found a couple of guys on the same wavelength and has already started to get noticed with his new band, Electric Shakes. I say good luck to them.
Having said all the above, the grass-roots scene is always around to support and last weekend the head-liners were supported by two lively, original bands who did a great job of keeping the local music scene alive and relevant.
The support was To the Woods & Lifejacket. I took a few pics....as I do ;-)
VIEW PICS OF TO THE WOODS
VIEW PICS OF LIFEJACKET
12th February 2015
Guernsey has many 'un-sung' musical heroes. These are the guys & gals who just do what they do because they love it!
That is enough for them. They get to play the occasional gig and write their own material... but the fact is that has to be enough.
Now that comment isn't meant as a 'put-down' in any way. In fact the small gig is the very back-bone behind the whole music scene... right up to the most famous bands. They all started somewhere you know.
However because of personal circumstances most bands will never hit the big-time.
Last weekend we were able to experience the 'reality' of what it takes to try and make the break into the big spotlight.
Electric Shakes played at the Fermain Tavern. The band is fronted by a local hero, Steve Lynch. Steve has played in many, many bands. He has a great back-catalogue of original songs and is recognised as a special talent in Guernsey.
But that was never going to be enough if your ambition is to make a name for yourself.
So Steve moved to the Mainland, found a couple of guys on the same wavelength and has already started to get noticed with his new band, Electric Shakes. I say good luck to them.
Having said all the above, the grass-roots scene is always around to support and last weekend the head-liners were supported by two lively, original bands who did a great job of keeping the local music scene alive and relevant.
The support was To the Woods & Lifejacket. I took a few pics....as I do ;-)
VIEW PICS OF TO THE WOODS
VIEW PICS OF LIFEJACKET
Are The Electric Shakes about to hit the big time?
11th February 2015
Last weekend Steve Lynch returned to Guernsey with his new band The Electric Shakes to play a memorable gig at the Fermain Tavern.
Now we all know that the music business is a tough one to make a name in... but you have to say that The Electric Shakes could be lined up for much bigger things! There is only one thing missing.
The band has a 'mature and finished' feel about their performance. It is clear that the three band members have all 'paid their dues' playing in various bands along the way. Their authority and stage presence can only be amassed the hard way. There are no short-cuts. Actual time spent crafting songs and playing live cannot be cheated on.
So I was impressed with the band that I consider a complete package... ready to make it big?
Well that is the million dollar question. The Electric Shakes are showing all the promise and talent to exploit any opportunities offered to them. But for now all we can offer is our support and keep our fingers crossed that the only missing ingredient comes their way.... LUCK!
I hope you find it lads. You deserve it.
Support was from Lifejacket and To the Woods. Those pics will follow.
VIEW PICS OF THE ELECTRIC SHAKES PLAYING AT THE FERMAIN TAVERN
11th February 2015
Last weekend Steve Lynch returned to Guernsey with his new band The Electric Shakes to play a memorable gig at the Fermain Tavern.
Now we all know that the music business is a tough one to make a name in... but you have to say that The Electric Shakes could be lined up for much bigger things! There is only one thing missing.
The band has a 'mature and finished' feel about their performance. It is clear that the three band members have all 'paid their dues' playing in various bands along the way. Their authority and stage presence can only be amassed the hard way. There are no short-cuts. Actual time spent crafting songs and playing live cannot be cheated on.
So I was impressed with the band that I consider a complete package... ready to make it big?
Well that is the million dollar question. The Electric Shakes are showing all the promise and talent to exploit any opportunities offered to them. But for now all we can offer is our support and keep our fingers crossed that the only missing ingredient comes their way.... LUCK!
I hope you find it lads. You deserve it.
Support was from Lifejacket and To the Woods. Those pics will follow.
VIEW PICS OF THE ELECTRIC SHAKES PLAYING AT THE FERMAIN TAVERN
Time to make a show.....
17th January 2015
I am reckoning that it is now safe to update one of my picture galleries.
This particular gallery always requires an update at about this time of year. That is because it features work that was sold over the Christmas period to be given as presents.
I always find myself having to be careful not to reveal any 'secrets' in the run-up to the big day. I design, print and deliver these special personalised gifts during the weeks leading up to Christmas and it would not be appreciated if I let the surprise out of the bag to the recipient!
The gallery I am referring to is the one that features my custom designed Montages. These always sell well for gifts as they are a great way to display a few favourite pics.
Unfortunately, it's a fact that when someone just buys a 'normal' print in one of the smaller sizes it often ends up in a draw, forgotten and rarely seeing the light of day :-(
So the best answer is to buy something that deserves a little bit of wall space. Montages tick that box. The final design is customised just for you and will encourage you to keep it on display. I even offer an option to have the Montage framed before delivery. Nice and easy, job done.
Of course the fact that no-one wants the surprise spoilt before the big day means I cannot add the gift Montages to this web-site until all the parties are over. I reckon it is safe now so the updates are now on-line.
Oh, can I just remind you that Christmas 2015 is on the way... don't forget to start your pressie list ;-)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE UPDATED MONTAGE GALLERY
17th January 2015
I am reckoning that it is now safe to update one of my picture galleries.
This particular gallery always requires an update at about this time of year. That is because it features work that was sold over the Christmas period to be given as presents.
I always find myself having to be careful not to reveal any 'secrets' in the run-up to the big day. I design, print and deliver these special personalised gifts during the weeks leading up to Christmas and it would not be appreciated if I let the surprise out of the bag to the recipient!
The gallery I am referring to is the one that features my custom designed Montages. These always sell well for gifts as they are a great way to display a few favourite pics.
Unfortunately, it's a fact that when someone just buys a 'normal' print in one of the smaller sizes it often ends up in a draw, forgotten and rarely seeing the light of day :-(
So the best answer is to buy something that deserves a little bit of wall space. Montages tick that box. The final design is customised just for you and will encourage you to keep it on display. I even offer an option to have the Montage framed before delivery. Nice and easy, job done.
Of course the fact that no-one wants the surprise spoilt before the big day means I cannot add the gift Montages to this web-site until all the parties are over. I reckon it is safe now so the updates are now on-line.
Oh, can I just remind you that Christmas 2015 is on the way... don't forget to start your pressie list ;-)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE UPDATED MONTAGE GALLERY
Hello 2015
14th January 2015
It's taken a few days but I can now look forward to the New Year. Most of the back-log of recent work is complete, or at least under control.
So it's time to look forward to the New Year and I'm really optimistic as last year was my busiest ever. It was also the most varied I've had so far... and you know what they say variety is the spice of life :-)
My diary is already looking good and the important 'variety' factor is definitely there.
If you make even occasional visits to this blog you will know that I consider it a rare privilege to be able to earn my living doing exactly what I enjoy..... and I have no boss to answer to. (Hope the missus doesn't read this!)
This New Year has already started on a high with my pics being featured in a leading UK Magazine Powerboat & Rib. The bar has been set high with this three page spread featuring the 2014 3A/3B World Powerboat Championships. Can other National publications follow? The target is set!
However there is one certainty. Once again I will be working many more hours than when I had a 'proper job' - and I will enjoy (nearly) every minute.
This just leaves the mandatory New Years resolution: I really must get myself another photoshoot in a helicopter ;-)
Hello 2015, bring it on :-)
14th January 2015
It's taken a few days but I can now look forward to the New Year. Most of the back-log of recent work is complete, or at least under control.
So it's time to look forward to the New Year and I'm really optimistic as last year was my busiest ever. It was also the most varied I've had so far... and you know what they say variety is the spice of life :-)
My diary is already looking good and the important 'variety' factor is definitely there.
If you make even occasional visits to this blog you will know that I consider it a rare privilege to be able to earn my living doing exactly what I enjoy..... and I have no boss to answer to. (Hope the missus doesn't read this!)
This New Year has already started on a high with my pics being featured in a leading UK Magazine Powerboat & Rib. The bar has been set high with this three page spread featuring the 2014 3A/3B World Powerboat Championships. Can other National publications follow? The target is set!
However there is one certainty. Once again I will be working many more hours than when I had a 'proper job' - and I will enjoy (nearly) every minute.
This just leaves the mandatory New Years resolution: I really must get myself another photoshoot in a helicopter ;-)
Hello 2015, bring it on :-)
Bye, bye 2014. You were great!
11th January 2015
2014 was a great year.
Being a photographer is a great job!
The thing I like best is that I get to re-live the most enjoyable moments when I edit my pics.
I've just had a brilliant week catching up with the last of the major edits from 2014. That is the Jersey Live Gallery. As always there were lots of bands lined up on multiple stages so I spent my time dashing between them trying to tick my list of 'must see' acts. This effort wasn't helped by the bar being strategically placed between the stages.
Inevitably I don't recall every detail... but editing the pics has helped me remember ;-)
I think that I will now declare the Jersey Live 2014 picture gallery is complete. There are about twenty-four galleries including three which showcase the atmosphere and behind the scene.
Final updates include:
Catfish and the Bottlemen
Earth Wind & Fire Experience feat. Al McKay
Luke Friend
The Graveltones
Molotov Jukebox
Newton Faulkner
Frankie Davies
Simon Gasston
The Doors Live
The Little Big Band
Clashmar
Billy Rowan
Hannah Jacques
and Sergeant Pipon
....... it makes you wonder how I ever had time to get a hangover!!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE JERSEY LIVE 2014 GALLERY
11th January 2015
2014 was a great year.
Being a photographer is a great job!
The thing I like best is that I get to re-live the most enjoyable moments when I edit my pics.
I've just had a brilliant week catching up with the last of the major edits from 2014. That is the Jersey Live Gallery. As always there were lots of bands lined up on multiple stages so I spent my time dashing between them trying to tick my list of 'must see' acts. This effort wasn't helped by the bar being strategically placed between the stages.
Inevitably I don't recall every detail... but editing the pics has helped me remember ;-)
I think that I will now declare the Jersey Live 2014 picture gallery is complete. There are about twenty-four galleries including three which showcase the atmosphere and behind the scene.
Final updates include:
Catfish and the Bottlemen
Earth Wind & Fire Experience feat. Al McKay
Luke Friend
The Graveltones
Molotov Jukebox
Newton Faulkner
Frankie Davies
Simon Gasston
The Doors Live
The Little Big Band
Clashmar
Billy Rowan
Hannah Jacques
and Sergeant Pipon
....... it makes you wonder how I ever had time to get a hangover!!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE JERSEY LIVE 2014 GALLERY
2014 is unfinished business......
07th January 2015
A new year usually means a new start.
However I'm one of those people who finds it hard to move ahead whilst there is still unfinished business.
So if I'm to enjoy 2015 I really needed to make sure that 2014 is well and truly 'put to bed'.
That has meant a full week of catch-up :-(
I've been checking the unfinished business and one biggie is standing in the the way of 2015.... my Jersey Live 2014 edit! It appears that it has been put off more than once! The thing is, I spend about four days on-site and you can end up taking a lot of pics. I expect that I will end up with over twenty new 'Bands' galleries.
But, to move into the New Year I have bitten the bullet and the final edit has begun, yippee :-)
Jersey Live 2014 picture galleries now feature:
Ellie Goulding
Ben Howard
John Newman
Bombay Bycycle Club (they were great)
The Klaxons (so were they)
The Selecter (oh, and so were these)
Mark Knight
and Diversity
Check-out the pics here (many more to come):
TAKE A LOOK AT THE PROGRESS IN THE JERSEY LIVE 2014 GALLERY
07th January 2015
A new year usually means a new start.
However I'm one of those people who finds it hard to move ahead whilst there is still unfinished business.
So if I'm to enjoy 2015 I really needed to make sure that 2014 is well and truly 'put to bed'.
That has meant a full week of catch-up :-(
I've been checking the unfinished business and one biggie is standing in the the way of 2015.... my Jersey Live 2014 edit! It appears that it has been put off more than once! The thing is, I spend about four days on-site and you can end up taking a lot of pics. I expect that I will end up with over twenty new 'Bands' galleries.
But, to move into the New Year I have bitten the bullet and the final edit has begun, yippee :-)
Jersey Live 2014 picture galleries now feature:
Ellie Goulding
Ben Howard
John Newman
Bombay Bycycle Club (they were great)
The Klaxons (so were they)
The Selecter (oh, and so were these)
Mark Knight
and Diversity
Check-out the pics here (many more to come):
TAKE A LOOK AT THE PROGRESS IN THE JERSEY LIVE 2014 GALLERY
Dead Sea Skulls.... they're great.... even after only drinking Ginger Beer ;-)
30th December 2014
Give me ten minutes and I'll come up with a list of my favourite live Bands of 2014.
But give me ten seconds and the one Band that immediately gets added to the list has to be Dead Sea Skulls :-)
I only discovered the Band by accident (so to speak). They were on the bill for the 2014 Vale Earth Festival way back in the summer. I guess I am always a sucker to be impressed at the VEF. It is one of the few gigs every year where I let myself forget about the photography (not strictly true) and hang out with a few beers... Real Ale of course (thanks Errol)!
So I confess that I had enjoyed many, many pints by the time I saw Dead Sea Skulls at the VEF. So maybe my judgement was influenced by the liquid gold? I was about to find out at the fund-raising gig for the VEF held at the Fermain Tavern last Sunday... yes Sunday!
It was with a little apprehension that I arrived at the gig. Could my new-found heroes live up to my beery, hazy memory of their first performance?
As I was only drinking Ginger Beer this time I would be a more critical critic!
Nothing to worry about though. If anything the band was even better. They are a true 'live band' who thrive off the feedback from a close, intimate crowd.
The set they played was truly memorable and I heartily recommend them to anyone.
Support was from Alderney's number one selling Blues man Robert J Hunter, a F'ing good To the Woods (you had to be there to get the joke) and the tight as ever Sugarslam.
2015 will have a lot to live up to :-)
Pics are now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF DEAD SEA SKULLS
VIEW PICS OF SUGARSLAM
VIEW PICS OF TO THE WOODS
VIEW PICS OF ROBERT J HUNTER
30th December 2014
Give me ten minutes and I'll come up with a list of my favourite live Bands of 2014.
But give me ten seconds and the one Band that immediately gets added to the list has to be Dead Sea Skulls :-)
I only discovered the Band by accident (so to speak). They were on the bill for the 2014 Vale Earth Festival way back in the summer. I guess I am always a sucker to be impressed at the VEF. It is one of the few gigs every year where I let myself forget about the photography (not strictly true) and hang out with a few beers... Real Ale of course (thanks Errol)!
So I confess that I had enjoyed many, many pints by the time I saw Dead Sea Skulls at the VEF. So maybe my judgement was influenced by the liquid gold? I was about to find out at the fund-raising gig for the VEF held at the Fermain Tavern last Sunday... yes Sunday!
It was with a little apprehension that I arrived at the gig. Could my new-found heroes live up to my beery, hazy memory of their first performance?
As I was only drinking Ginger Beer this time I would be a more critical critic!
Nothing to worry about though. If anything the band was even better. They are a true 'live band' who thrive off the feedback from a close, intimate crowd.
The set they played was truly memorable and I heartily recommend them to anyone.
Support was from Alderney's number one selling Blues man Robert J Hunter, a F'ing good To the Woods (you had to be there to get the joke) and the tight as ever Sugarslam.
2015 will have a lot to live up to :-)
Pics are now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF DEAD SEA SKULLS
VIEW PICS OF SUGARSLAM
VIEW PICS OF TO THE WOODS
VIEW PICS OF ROBERT J HUNTER
Life would be boring without taking The Risk....
21st December 2014
There are two roads to choose between in life. You can choose the safe route for a life that offers no high points and few memories.
Or you can take the risk... and follow the road to the Fermain Tavern to celebrate 30 years of high energy performance by The Risk. High points and memories will come aplenty along the way.
So no decision to make then. The Risk it is.
The band marked their three decades anniversary with a gig that did a good job of reproducing the vigour and verve that distinguished their early years. Mark even found himself rolling around the stage on his back. Why change a habit of a lifetime!
However three things have changed over the years... but they can all be counted as positives.
All the benefits gained over time are technological and each plays a part in raising the standards of a live performance.
Firstly, today's stage sound production is fantastic and really enhances the live experience.
Then you have two more improvements that a photographer appreciates.... that'll be me!
The latest LED stage lighting is a huge enhancement. Combine this new illumination with the latest digital cameras and the photographer is able capture pics that were never possible only a decade ago.
So there we have it. The Risk played an impressive set that reminded their supporters what had made them great... and modern tech rewarded the fans for hanging around for three decades!
The support acts were a varied mix of duo Blue Mountains (very good) and Citizen-X who showcased how much things have changed in thirty years of music production.
Definitely a night that memories are made from.
VIEW PICS OF THE RISK HERE
VIEW PICS OF BLUE MOUNTAINS
VIEW PICS OF CITIZEN-X
21st December 2014
There are two roads to choose between in life. You can choose the safe route for a life that offers no high points and few memories.
Or you can take the risk... and follow the road to the Fermain Tavern to celebrate 30 years of high energy performance by The Risk. High points and memories will come aplenty along the way.
So no decision to make then. The Risk it is.
The band marked their three decades anniversary with a gig that did a good job of reproducing the vigour and verve that distinguished their early years. Mark even found himself rolling around the stage on his back. Why change a habit of a lifetime!
However three things have changed over the years... but they can all be counted as positives.
All the benefits gained over time are technological and each plays a part in raising the standards of a live performance.
Firstly, today's stage sound production is fantastic and really enhances the live experience.
Then you have two more improvements that a photographer appreciates.... that'll be me!
The latest LED stage lighting is a huge enhancement. Combine this new illumination with the latest digital cameras and the photographer is able capture pics that were never possible only a decade ago.
So there we have it. The Risk played an impressive set that reminded their supporters what had made them great... and modern tech rewarded the fans for hanging around for three decades!
The support acts were a varied mix of duo Blue Mountains (very good) and Citizen-X who showcased how much things have changed in thirty years of music production.
Definitely a night that memories are made from.
VIEW PICS OF THE RISK HERE
VIEW PICS OF BLUE MOUNTAINS
VIEW PICS OF CITIZEN-X
Santa drops in early to TALLPICTURES.com :-)
16th December 2014
I wonder what are you getting for Christmas?
....read on to find out what I received in my early Xmas sack!
But first, can I tell you that I am having to keep quite a few secrets at the moment as I know (shhhhh) what dozens of you are about to receive under your Christmas tree. (Hint) I hope you have a little space on the wall above the fireplace ;-)
This festive period has been my busiest yet for picture sales with Framed Montages and Canvases proving to be extremely popular.
Christmas is almost like a 'harvest-time' for me as the twelve months of cultivating interest in my photography pays off. It also illustrates very well just how hard-working and consistent you have to be to nurture a large and loyal following. For this festive season I have been selling pics from across the whole genre of my work... everything from Elevated Panoramic shots to Sports, Racing and Band pics.
I'm very, very lucky that I've established myself as a photographer who specialises in the subjects that I really love... namely Motorsport and Music performance and it is incredible how many people also share the same love. I know there are many other photographers who pursue these same interests and regularly visit my galleries to comment on and critique my work. Maybe even pick up a few tips? ;-)
But what really amazes me is how many people are simply interested in viewing my picture galleries. The total number of picture views is amazing and I thank all the regular visitors.
So now I had better reveal what I have just received as an early Christmas present. The pressie takes the form of my web-site total views smashing through another mile-stone number.
The total views of this web-site have just topped 8,000,000, EIGHT MILLION, WOW!
This new record comes after just four years from the very first upload. The 'year one' views were recorded at 1,000,000 and have consistently grown up to today's annual count of around 2,500,000!
As the new year approaches I remain encouraged by the interest in my work and my New Years resolution is to work even harder at what I love.... oh, and to drink much more Real Ale!
.....consistent, reliable and predictable, that's me :-)
Thanks for your continued support. Have a very Happy Christmas and a fun New Year!
You can read about some of the previous 'mile-stones' here:
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT SOME OF THE PREVIOUS MILE-STONES
Andrew
16th December 2014
I wonder what are you getting for Christmas?
....read on to find out what I received in my early Xmas sack!
But first, can I tell you that I am having to keep quite a few secrets at the moment as I know (shhhhh) what dozens of you are about to receive under your Christmas tree. (Hint) I hope you have a little space on the wall above the fireplace ;-)
This festive period has been my busiest yet for picture sales with Framed Montages and Canvases proving to be extremely popular.
Christmas is almost like a 'harvest-time' for me as the twelve months of cultivating interest in my photography pays off. It also illustrates very well just how hard-working and consistent you have to be to nurture a large and loyal following. For this festive season I have been selling pics from across the whole genre of my work... everything from Elevated Panoramic shots to Sports, Racing and Band pics.
I'm very, very lucky that I've established myself as a photographer who specialises in the subjects that I really love... namely Motorsport and Music performance and it is incredible how many people also share the same love. I know there are many other photographers who pursue these same interests and regularly visit my galleries to comment on and critique my work. Maybe even pick up a few tips? ;-)
But what really amazes me is how many people are simply interested in viewing my picture galleries. The total number of picture views is amazing and I thank all the regular visitors.
So now I had better reveal what I have just received as an early Christmas present. The pressie takes the form of my web-site total views smashing through another mile-stone number.
The total views of this web-site have just topped 8,000,000, EIGHT MILLION, WOW!
This new record comes after just four years from the very first upload. The 'year one' views were recorded at 1,000,000 and have consistently grown up to today's annual count of around 2,500,000!
As the new year approaches I remain encouraged by the interest in my work and my New Years resolution is to work even harder at what I love.... oh, and to drink much more Real Ale!
.....consistent, reliable and predictable, that's me :-)
Thanks for your continued support. Have a very Happy Christmas and a fun New Year!
You can read about some of the previous 'mile-stones' here:
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT SOME OF THE PREVIOUS MILE-STONES
Andrew
It's a hoot at the Hootenanny....
15th December 2014
The School of Popular Music got the festive celebrations off to a good start with their Hootenanny last weekend featuring Subversion, Thee Jenerators, The Secret Smiles & Last of the Light Brigade.
The venue was the Fermain Tavern and I had an uneasy feeling about the gig as I drove through town towards St Martins. St Peter Port resembled a ghost town! Where was everyone? Were they all saving themselves for the next weekend when Christmas would really be upon us?
I also knew that there was a lot happening around the live music venues on this Saturday night. As it was also a cold and wet evening the worry was, as always, that people wouldn't make the extra effort to find their way 'up the hill' to the 'Tav.
However the formula of a successful night of music never changes. If you promote the right line-up of talent the crowd will follow.
OK, 'a crowd' might be a slight exaggeration but the punters who did make the effort to get to the Hootenanny were the right ones... the true followers of the local music scene. These enlightened souls knew that the line-up was a guarantee of a good night... and that is what we enjoyed!
Unfortunately I missed Subversion but pics of Thee Jenerators, The Secret Smiles & Last of the Light Brigade are now in the Gallery:
VIEW PICS OF THEE JENERATORS
VIEW PICS OF THE SECRET SMILES
VIEW PICS OF LAST OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE
15th December 2014
The School of Popular Music got the festive celebrations off to a good start with their Hootenanny last weekend featuring Subversion, Thee Jenerators, The Secret Smiles & Last of the Light Brigade.
The venue was the Fermain Tavern and I had an uneasy feeling about the gig as I drove through town towards St Martins. St Peter Port resembled a ghost town! Where was everyone? Were they all saving themselves for the next weekend when Christmas would really be upon us?
I also knew that there was a lot happening around the live music venues on this Saturday night. As it was also a cold and wet evening the worry was, as always, that people wouldn't make the extra effort to find their way 'up the hill' to the 'Tav.
However the formula of a successful night of music never changes. If you promote the right line-up of talent the crowd will follow.
OK, 'a crowd' might be a slight exaggeration but the punters who did make the effort to get to the Hootenanny were the right ones... the true followers of the local music scene. These enlightened souls knew that the line-up was a guarantee of a good night... and that is what we enjoyed!
Unfortunately I missed Subversion but pics of Thee Jenerators, The Secret Smiles & Last of the Light Brigade are now in the Gallery:
VIEW PICS OF THEE JENERATORS
VIEW PICS OF THE SECRET SMILES
VIEW PICS OF LAST OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE
Forget Ghostbusters... call Chaos Events....
07th December 2014
If you need something done then I think you should always go straight to the experts.
So if it's a party you need organised... forget Ghostbusters... call Chaos Events :-)
Once again the Greenman turned the Fermain Tavern into 'party heaven' last Saturday when they organised the aptly named 'Light to Dark'.
The bands that made up the evenings line-up covered a wide spread of colourful shades... from lighter to heavy.
True to their ethos of always finding a great cause to support the Greenman had singled out the deserved Jonah Gillingham for a little pre-Christmas aid and my fiver donation was my best outlay of the week.
I couldn't resist taking a few pics of the Bands as the lighting by Lloyd and Lasers by Gareth were amazing!
If I had to make a choice, I think the Band that really stood out on the night were BLAKALASKA who were truely amazing... aided by great sound and lighting, thanks guys :-)
My Band shots are now online. Follow the links to see pics of BLAKALASKA, Demise of Sanity and Buffalo Huddleston:
VIEW PICS OF BLAKALASKA
VIEW PICS OF DEMISE OF SANITY
VIEW PICS OF BUFFALO HUDDLESTON
07th December 2014
If you need something done then I think you should always go straight to the experts.
So if it's a party you need organised... forget Ghostbusters... call Chaos Events :-)
Once again the Greenman turned the Fermain Tavern into 'party heaven' last Saturday when they organised the aptly named 'Light to Dark'.
The bands that made up the evenings line-up covered a wide spread of colourful shades... from lighter to heavy.
True to their ethos of always finding a great cause to support the Greenman had singled out the deserved Jonah Gillingham for a little pre-Christmas aid and my fiver donation was my best outlay of the week.
I couldn't resist taking a few pics of the Bands as the lighting by Lloyd and Lasers by Gareth were amazing!
If I had to make a choice, I think the Band that really stood out on the night were BLAKALASKA who were truely amazing... aided by great sound and lighting, thanks guys :-)
My Band shots are now online. Follow the links to see pics of BLAKALASKA, Demise of Sanity and Buffalo Huddleston:
VIEW PICS OF BLAKALASKA
VIEW PICS OF DEMISE OF SANITY
VIEW PICS OF BUFFALO HUDDLESTON
..... and still they come!
13th November 2014
A few more updates today from the Vale Earth Fair.
I hadn't realised how busy I've been since the VEF (way back in August) but having found a couple of missed folders with VEF pics in I'm now sorting through the last of the Festival shots and there is just a glimmer at the end of the tunnel :-)
Today's picture updates feature Robert J Hunter and his band, Citizen X and one of my favourite live acts, Static Alice.
Check-out the updates here:
VIEW PICS OF STATIC ALICE & ROBERT J HUNTER PLAYING AT VALE EARTH FAIR
13th November 2014
A few more updates today from the Vale Earth Fair.
I hadn't realised how busy I've been since the VEF (way back in August) but having found a couple of missed folders with VEF pics in I'm now sorting through the last of the Festival shots and there is just a glimmer at the end of the tunnel :-)
Today's picture updates feature Robert J Hunter and his band, Citizen X and one of my favourite live acts, Static Alice.
Check-out the updates here:
VIEW PICS OF STATIC ALICE & ROBERT J HUNTER PLAYING AT VALE EARTH FAIR
A few more updates to the Vale Earth Fair Galleries...
07th November 2014
Following the theme of my last Blog... this is also short and sweet :-)
I've been working through a couple of old photoshoots that didn't make it on-line at the time they were shot.
Today's additions are all from the Vale Earth Fair. This is a fantastic annual festival held within and around the historic walls of Vale Castle in Guernsey.
The new galleries feature The Crowman, Subversion & Jawbone. More to follow...
Subversion...
Jawbone...
VIEW PICS OF THE CROWMAN, SUBVERSION & JAWBONE
07th November 2014
Following the theme of my last Blog... this is also short and sweet :-)
I've been working through a couple of old photoshoots that didn't make it on-line at the time they were shot.
Today's additions are all from the Vale Earth Fair. This is a fantastic annual festival held within and around the historic walls of Vale Castle in Guernsey.
The new galleries feature The Crowman, Subversion & Jawbone. More to follow...
Subversion...
Jawbone...
VIEW PICS OF THE CROWMAN, SUBVERSION & JAWBONE
Metal Mayhem... that'll be Halloween....
27th October 2014
VIEW PICS OF A RARE OUTING OF CHOKE
I think that the 'Halloween Metal Mayhem' on Saturday was the nineth.
I reckon that qualifies it as a local tradition. Don't you?
The Fermain Tavern was full of ghouls, ghosts and more than a little fake blood (at least I hope it was fake blood!)
There were some amazing fancy dress outfits too (at least I assume people don't wear that gear all year round). Surely these guys 'n gals don't only come out at Halloween?
Anyway, the photo-opportunities are just too good to miss so I lurked in the shadows and cobwebs to capture some of the atmosphere ;-)
I've added a couple of new Galleries featuring those pics...
VIEW PICS OF THE JERSEY BASED MASTICATED
27th October 2014
VIEW PICS OF A RARE OUTING OF CHOKE
I think that the 'Halloween Metal Mayhem' on Saturday was the nineth.
I reckon that qualifies it as a local tradition. Don't you?
The Fermain Tavern was full of ghouls, ghosts and more than a little fake blood (at least I hope it was fake blood!)
There were some amazing fancy dress outfits too (at least I assume people don't wear that gear all year round). Surely these guys 'n gals don't only come out at Halloween?
Anyway, the photo-opportunities are just too good to miss so I lurked in the shadows and cobwebs to capture some of the atmosphere ;-)
I've added a couple of new Galleries featuring those pics...
VIEW PICS OF THE JERSEY BASED MASTICATED
Live music still rules, OK!
20th October 2014
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICTURES OF BUFFALO HUDDLESTON
Now I'd love to think that I had that sort of influence... but of course I don't :-(
Shame.
It is just a coincidence that, after having had a moan in this Blog just last week about Guernsey's 'gig-goers' not making enough effort to support the live music scene, we saw perhaps the liveliest gig of the year at the Fermain Tavern on Saturday.
Could I really have made people get off their behinds.... as easily as that?
No. What we experienced was the golden mix of 'The Tav' booking a band that is well known (locally) with a special guest band that rocked this years Sark Folk Festival (that is if a folk band does actually 'rock'?)
I'd hate to be a gig promoter as clearly gig-goers are a fickle bunch. Killamonjambo, who were so poorly supported last week, are a great band and well worth following but the word simply hadn't 'got out there' locally with the resulting poor turn-out.
However it was all change on Saturday!
The popular Buffalo Huddleston were launching their Album 'Sunrise' at a party and it seemed like everyone was on the guest list. The Fermain Tavern was packed solid with a mass of fans. The contrast could not be greater. This is what a live venue should be like... and we all LOVED it!
The inspired booking of the night was to invite CC Smugglers along as special guests. This UK band is on the way up towards greater things and, as previously stated, they impressed the Sark Folk Festival crowd in the summer. In fact their set on Saturday was one of those that most other bands on a bill wouldn't want to follow. This band is really good live!
But of course it was Buffallo Huddleston's night and they more than justified their headlining status. They revelled in the attention with a familiar set of songs from 'Sunrise'.
So all the ingredients were in place and the dish was served. We gorged ourselves and went back for seconds.
Live music lives, and I'm a happy man.
Maybe I'll also kid myself that I had something to do with it too ;-)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICTURES OF CC SMUGGLERS
20th October 2014
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICTURES OF BUFFALO HUDDLESTON
Now I'd love to think that I had that sort of influence... but of course I don't :-(
Shame.
It is just a coincidence that, after having had a moan in this Blog just last week about Guernsey's 'gig-goers' not making enough effort to support the live music scene, we saw perhaps the liveliest gig of the year at the Fermain Tavern on Saturday.
Could I really have made people get off their behinds.... as easily as that?
No. What we experienced was the golden mix of 'The Tav' booking a band that is well known (locally) with a special guest band that rocked this years Sark Folk Festival (that is if a folk band does actually 'rock'?)
I'd hate to be a gig promoter as clearly gig-goers are a fickle bunch. Killamonjambo, who were so poorly supported last week, are a great band and well worth following but the word simply hadn't 'got out there' locally with the resulting poor turn-out.
However it was all change on Saturday!
The popular Buffalo Huddleston were launching their Album 'Sunrise' at a party and it seemed like everyone was on the guest list. The Fermain Tavern was packed solid with a mass of fans. The contrast could not be greater. This is what a live venue should be like... and we all LOVED it!
The inspired booking of the night was to invite CC Smugglers along as special guests. This UK band is on the way up towards greater things and, as previously stated, they impressed the Sark Folk Festival crowd in the summer. In fact their set on Saturday was one of those that most other bands on a bill wouldn't want to follow. This band is really good live!
But of course it was Buffallo Huddleston's night and they more than justified their headlining status. They revelled in the attention with a familiar set of songs from 'Sunrise'.
So all the ingredients were in place and the dish was served. We gorged ourselves and went back for seconds.
Live music lives, and I'm a happy man.
Maybe I'll also kid myself that I had something to do with it too ;-)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICTURES OF CC SMUGGLERS
Where have all the gig-goers gone?
11th October 2014
Friday night at the Fermain Tavern was an embarrassment.
At least I felt embarrassed as a local follower of live music when I spoke to members of Killamonjambo and their tour manager.
These guys are near the end of an long and successful tour of the UK. They have played to many full-houses... but not on Friday!
The band deserved a good crowd for what they call 'England's leading barnyard funk ska reggae intergalactic dance band'.
That seems to cover a good selection of musical genres... so why didn't people turn up?
Paul Staples has to be credited with not giving up (yet) with his efforts to maintain the 'Tav's' legacy as a live music venue. But he finds himself having to finance too many nights when the punters simply don't bother to turn up.
OK, nobody is obliged to attend any of these gigs and I know there are often bands playing in other pubs. However it is only The Fermain Tavern who regularly promote established original artists. This decades long record may not last for much longer if you guys don't offer your support.
When it's gone it will be too late... Use it or Loose it!
By the way, Killamonjambo were brilliant. They were also total pro's as they raised their performance for the very select few. Even though it was 'the worst gig they had played for years' (tour managers quote).
I took a few pics:
VIEW PICS OF KILLAMONJAMBO
11th October 2014
Friday night at the Fermain Tavern was an embarrassment.
At least I felt embarrassed as a local follower of live music when I spoke to members of Killamonjambo and their tour manager.
These guys are near the end of an long and successful tour of the UK. They have played to many full-houses... but not on Friday!
The band deserved a good crowd for what they call 'England's leading barnyard funk ska reggae intergalactic dance band'.
That seems to cover a good selection of musical genres... so why didn't people turn up?
Paul Staples has to be credited with not giving up (yet) with his efforts to maintain the 'Tav's' legacy as a live music venue. But he finds himself having to finance too many nights when the punters simply don't bother to turn up.
OK, nobody is obliged to attend any of these gigs and I know there are often bands playing in other pubs. However it is only The Fermain Tavern who regularly promote established original artists. This decades long record may not last for much longer if you guys don't offer your support.
When it's gone it will be too late... Use it or Loose it!
By the way, Killamonjambo were brilliant. They were also total pro's as they raised their performance for the very select few. Even though it was 'the worst gig they had played for years' (tour managers quote).
I took a few pics:
VIEW PICS OF KILLAMONJAMBO
Maybe I could be a Paparazzi photographer after all......
02nd October 2014
I thought I could never be a 'Paparazzi' photographer.
My problem is that I'm not interested (in the slightest) by celebrity. I don't follow any Football team.... in fact I don't really follow any sport! I don't even open the celebrity pages of Newspapers and Magazines. I don't watch films or much TV. I think celebrity is artificial and rarely deserved.
I'm sure that some people will consider that by not following modern media hype that I 'don't have a life'. What on earth do I do with my days if I don't spend them trawling through the gossip columns, sports pages, TV and the Internet?
What one person lives for another will see from the opposite side and I live a life full of fun and entertainment. Our differences are what makes being human so interesting.
Now I suppose this blog will eventually have a point... if I can get around to it sometime!
Well, I got thinking about what does get my attention after a recent gig at The Fermain Tavern. There had only been moderate hype before Heymoonshaker's appearance at the 'Tav'. As I'm a regular gig-goer I dutifully arrived to listen and take a few pics.
It was whilst talking to a mate and checking out the lack of activity setting up the stage for the headliners that I realised there was actually NO 'setting up' going on. No drum kit, no stack of amps.... I began to wonder if the band had decided to go home due to what was only an very average turn-out.
But then Heymoonshaker took to the stage. They were as stripped down as it's possible to be... two guys, a single guitar and two mikes!
What were we about to receive?
The band summed up their sound in a way that I can't improve upon 'We play Beatbox Blues, no other band in the world do what we do'.
Wow, these guys have stage presence. They own a stage and they command your attention with their engaging personalities and talent. Heymoonshaker converted me into a celebrity watcher, 'cause stars is what they are!
I don't ever recall seeing a queue form at a Fermain Tavern gig to buy a band's CD, but this time I even joined it myself.
If I'm honest, I'm not sure the CD really captures the essence of the Band. The dynamic performance and stage personality will never be captured on CD.
However star quality shines through and I was certainly 'star-stuck' by Heymoonshaker. They might be the reason I become a celebrity watcher. Maybe a new career awaits me as a 'Pap'?
Don't miss a chance to see this band live...
TAKE A LOOK AT A FEW PICS OF HEYMOONSHAKER
02nd October 2014
I thought I could never be a 'Paparazzi' photographer.
My problem is that I'm not interested (in the slightest) by celebrity. I don't follow any Football team.... in fact I don't really follow any sport! I don't even open the celebrity pages of Newspapers and Magazines. I don't watch films or much TV. I think celebrity is artificial and rarely deserved.
I'm sure that some people will consider that by not following modern media hype that I 'don't have a life'. What on earth do I do with my days if I don't spend them trawling through the gossip columns, sports pages, TV and the Internet?
What one person lives for another will see from the opposite side and I live a life full of fun and entertainment. Our differences are what makes being human so interesting.
Now I suppose this blog will eventually have a point... if I can get around to it sometime!
Well, I got thinking about what does get my attention after a recent gig at The Fermain Tavern. There had only been moderate hype before Heymoonshaker's appearance at the 'Tav'. As I'm a regular gig-goer I dutifully arrived to listen and take a few pics.
It was whilst talking to a mate and checking out the lack of activity setting up the stage for the headliners that I realised there was actually NO 'setting up' going on. No drum kit, no stack of amps.... I began to wonder if the band had decided to go home due to what was only an very average turn-out.
But then Heymoonshaker took to the stage. They were as stripped down as it's possible to be... two guys, a single guitar and two mikes!
What were we about to receive?
The band summed up their sound in a way that I can't improve upon 'We play Beatbox Blues, no other band in the world do what we do'.
Wow, these guys have stage presence. They own a stage and they command your attention with their engaging personalities and talent. Heymoonshaker converted me into a celebrity watcher, 'cause stars is what they are!
I don't ever recall seeing a queue form at a Fermain Tavern gig to buy a band's CD, but this time I even joined it myself.
If I'm honest, I'm not sure the CD really captures the essence of the Band. The dynamic performance and stage personality will never be captured on CD.
However star quality shines through and I was certainly 'star-stuck' by Heymoonshaker. They might be the reason I become a celebrity watcher. Maybe a new career awaits me as a 'Pap'?
Don't miss a chance to see this band live...
TAKE A LOOK AT A FEW PICS OF HEYMOONSHAKER
We must never forget the debt we owe to the many....
28th September 2014
It was a Saturday of fun and emotion for me...
My short-list of photoshoots included:
1: Photograph Round 5 of the Motocross Championship.
2: Photograph the Charybdis wreath laying service at sea.
3: Photograph Round 9 of the Sand Racing Championship.
I love photographing Motorsport and you will see that my box was ticked by the weekends Moto-X & Sandracing.
But my most rewarding shoot of the weekend only took around an hour but the memories will last me a lifetime.
I had the privilege of spending a few moments in the company of the five surviving seamen from HMS Charybdis and HMS Limbourne when they attended a 'Service at Sea' with a wreath laying from the RNLB Daniel L Gibson. These ninety year old gentlemen experienced the horror of being torpedoed then finding themselves clinging to life-rafts and debris not knowing if they would ever be rescued. Many of their comrades didn't survive.
None of us can imagine what this was like but these men have carried that trauma with them all their lives. The emotion was evident as they shared their moments of remembrance.
The survivors families who were aboard the Travel Trident were equaly touched by the heartfelt tribute. I find it impossible to put into words how I felt watching these ageing sailors recalling the memories from so long ago.
However one single short sentence that I was told after the ceremony sums up what happened that night - simply and with great honesty...
'There wasn't a single atheist amongst us on that night'
May we never forget that our opportunities to have fun and enjoy our lives are owed to the many who gave their lives and suffered hardship for our freedom.
VIEW A SMALL GALLERY FEATURING PICTURES OF THE SERVICE AT SEA
I've now added a new picture gallery with the first edit of the Moto-X Championship here:
VIEW THE LATEST MOTOCROSS GALLERY
28th September 2014
It was a Saturday of fun and emotion for me...
My short-list of photoshoots included:
1: Photograph Round 5 of the Motocross Championship.
2: Photograph the Charybdis wreath laying service at sea.
3: Photograph Round 9 of the Sand Racing Championship.
I love photographing Motorsport and you will see that my box was ticked by the weekends Moto-X & Sandracing.
But my most rewarding shoot of the weekend only took around an hour but the memories will last me a lifetime.
I had the privilege of spending a few moments in the company of the five surviving seamen from HMS Charybdis and HMS Limbourne when they attended a 'Service at Sea' with a wreath laying from the RNLB Daniel L Gibson. These ninety year old gentlemen experienced the horror of being torpedoed then finding themselves clinging to life-rafts and debris not knowing if they would ever be rescued. Many of their comrades didn't survive.
None of us can imagine what this was like but these men have carried that trauma with them all their lives. The emotion was evident as they shared their moments of remembrance.
The survivors families who were aboard the Travel Trident were equaly touched by the heartfelt tribute. I find it impossible to put into words how I felt watching these ageing sailors recalling the memories from so long ago.
However one single short sentence that I was told after the ceremony sums up what happened that night - simply and with great honesty...
'There wasn't a single atheist amongst us on that night'
May we never forget that our opportunities to have fun and enjoy our lives are owed to the many who gave their lives and suffered hardship for our freedom.
VIEW A SMALL GALLERY FEATURING PICTURES OF THE SERVICE AT SEA
I've now added a new picture gallery with the first edit of the Moto-X Championship here:
VIEW THE LATEST MOTOCROSS GALLERY
I'm a Photographer..... not a Lumberjack!
07th September 2014
I'm beginning to feel a bit like a Lumberjack.... but it's not OK!
I am currently trying to handle a serious log-jam of work!
This shouldn't be a problem really. I suppose it suggests that I have established a solid client base for my photography as the Elevated and Commercial work rolls in. Then there is the Motorsport & Gig photography as well.
However, I have always been some-one who likes to keep ahead of the game... or at least in touch!
So when I sat at my office desk this morning I wondered if things are going wrong?
A less than complete list of 'To-do's' reads something like this:
Edit eight Elevated Tallpictures shoots taken in Jersey & Guernsey during the last two weeks
Send out the Monthly Accounts
Update Galleries for:
The last two Hillclimbs
The North Beach Twisty Sprint
The Vale Earth Fair
Two Days of Jersey Live Music Festival
The West Show
Gig pics of Top Buzzer
Gig pics of Static Alice
The Tri-Ultimate Challenge
... and that list goes on!
Then add in this weeks big commitment to the World Championship Powerboat Racing Class 3A and 3B.
I think I will be unavailable for a while :-(
I have managed to tick off one from the list. Pics of the first ever North Beach Twisty Sprint are now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF THE FIRST NORTH BEACH TWISTY SPRINT
07th September 2014
I'm beginning to feel a bit like a Lumberjack.... but it's not OK!
I am currently trying to handle a serious log-jam of work!
This shouldn't be a problem really. I suppose it suggests that I have established a solid client base for my photography as the Elevated and Commercial work rolls in. Then there is the Motorsport & Gig photography as well.
However, I have always been some-one who likes to keep ahead of the game... or at least in touch!
So when I sat at my office desk this morning I wondered if things are going wrong?
A less than complete list of 'To-do's' reads something like this:
Edit eight Elevated Tallpictures shoots taken in Jersey & Guernsey during the last two weeks
Send out the Monthly Accounts
Update Galleries for:
The last two Hillclimbs
The North Beach Twisty Sprint
The Vale Earth Fair
Two Days of Jersey Live Music Festival
The West Show
Gig pics of Top Buzzer
Gig pics of Static Alice
The Tri-Ultimate Challenge
... and that list goes on!
Then add in this weeks big commitment to the World Championship Powerboat Racing Class 3A and 3B.
I think I will be unavailable for a while :-(
I have managed to tick off one from the list. Pics of the first ever North Beach Twisty Sprint are now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF THE FIRST NORTH BEACH TWISTY SPRINT