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What is hard edged, shiny, strong and magnetic?

Maybe a bit of Metal?

Well the Metal to the Masses competition produced performances that were a credit to the genre of music on stage at The Fermain Tavern.

This was at the Guernsey round of a tournament which will eventually see the best Bands that Guernsey and Jersey can offer go head to head (again on the Tavern stage) sparring for a place to play at this years Bloodstock Festival.

The chance of winning such a great prize generated the energy within the Bands to produce some of their best ever performances.

I was there to take a few pictures of Byzanthian Neckbeard, Stone Em All & Brunt. Check 'em out here:
VIEW PICS OF THE GUERNSEY ROUND OF METAL TO THE MASSES

Last Sunday (yes that is unusual) I was at The Fermain Tavern for the first of three #Triplestoked nights. The hype around these three 'specials' had been running high. Could they live up to it?

The first #triplestoked certainly hit the stage at the max! Indeed it was one of the most memorable gigs I have ever experienced at 'The Tav'... and I have seen a few!

It prompted me to ask 'how can you top that?'

Well we are about to find out as this Friday sees #triplestoked No.2

The first line-up comprised three GREAT Bands. Buffalo Huddleston, The Recks and head-liners Yes Sir Boss.

I can now share with you some of the atmosphere and I recommend you get along to the next two nights.

Pics are now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF #TRIPLESTOKED-1

What is it with Bands?

We have all seen this before. You discover a particular Band that you like. You follow this Band through its 'gestation period' and support it as it develops, grows and matures into the completed 'product'... then they break up and split!

Of course there are usually good reasons behind these dis-banding's. We have to accept that day-to-day living always has to take precedence over the dream of making it in a Band. But it is still a disappointment when you see this happen to a Band that you feel is a bit above the average.

This ramble was triggered when I recently discovering that two Bands that I definitely consider above average are splitting up. They both have the justified excuse that members are taking a break or actually leaving the Island. So I should accept this.

But it is always disappointing. You cannot avoid wondering what great things were to come?

The two Bands that are in my mind today are Buffalo Huddleston and Last of the Light Brigade.

In the first case the Band line-up is losing Becky Hamilton and with LOTLB it is bass player Ben Queripel.

So there we are. We don't have the option of changing these decisions so things will move on. I have a strong instinct that in both cases the Bands will continue to develop... there is just too much passion for their music within the Bands. Maybe these occasions also offer a chance to refresh what they do? Time will tell.

One thing is certain. My own love of music... particularly when played live is still alive and kicking. Long may it continue.

Last weekend I photographed the launch gig for the new Last of the Light Brigade Album 'Last Laugh' at The Fermain Tavern. Pics are now on-line.

I also photographed Buffalo Huddleston at #triplestoked.

The two nights included six Bands in total! First up are pics of the Album launch night of Last of the Light Brigade including pics of the support acts Robert J Hunter and Coastal Fire Department. Check the next blog for the other updates.
VIEW PICS OF LAST OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE
VIEW PICS OF ROBERT J HUNTER
VIEW PICS OF COASTAL FIRE DEPARTMENT

A Bank Holiday weekend is looked forward to by most people as a time to relax, chill-out a bit and basically enjoy time away from work.

Well it couldn't be more different for me!

But don't feel too guilty about this. I love my job. It actually consists of what I would choose to do on my day off anyway! That makes me very lucky :-)

The only down-side is that I have to pack a huge amount into a very short time. There isn't much time to sleep when there are so many deadlines to meet.

To give you some idea how I've chased around for the last few days, here goes...

Good Friday:
Web site updates were first on the list. Then there were Guernsey Press photo jobs including the GIAAC 10km Road Run at Grande Rocque and a big Guernsey Basketball League game at Beau Sejour. All pics had to be edited, captioned and submitted to a short deadline.

Saturday:
First it was another update to this web site then off to the first GMC&CC Sand Race meeting of 2014 on Vazon beach. This was followed by another edit GP submissions and a web site update. Then it was time to head off to the The Fermain Tavern for the launch of Last of the Light Brigade's new album. There were three bands on the bill so that was more picture taking. The line-up was fantastic and consisted of Coastal Fire Department, Robert J Hunter and his Band and the boys from Last of the Light Brigade.
Home-time meant another quick edit and a 2am finish!

Sunday:
OK, I'll admit that I did take a little time out for Easter celebrations with my family... noisy bunch too. That comes from now having two grandchildren and a 'grand dog' (although I think my own three adult children were the loudest of the lot!) Next was an unusual Sunday photoshoot of a gig. Again it was at The Tav. This was the first of three #triplestoked weekends. If the remaining two can match the atmosphere and quality of last Sunday's line-up we are in for more treats!
The quality of performance, sound and lighting was 'top-notch' and a real pleasure to photograph. The line-up consisted of Buffalo Huddlestone, The Recks and visiting UK head liners YesSirBoss. Another late return home still allowed time for a quick edit and another 2am finish!

Easter Monday:
What felt like a very early start (9am... very rock 'n roll, eh!) for the first Hill Climb of 2014. Thankfully it stayed dry and it was great to be back 'track-side' capturing the action. There was no lunch break this year so I was tired and hungry by the time I got home ready to relax. But, hey, no chance! It was back to the editing as I had more Guernsey Press pics to submit and I then made a start on the edit for this web site. Needless to say it was another late finish :-(

So there you have it. I hope you enjoyed your casual weekend?

The pay-off for me is that the picture orders are already flowing in. And the best part? When you are back at your desk in the week I'll be out walking with the missus, maybe having a lunch or two at the Fleur du Jardin.

Then I'm sure I'll find time for a few beers at my 'town office', The Cock & Bull :-)

Like I always say, I love my job!

So far I Have added new Galleries for the GIAAC 10km Road Run, the Panthers v Le Mont Saint Basketball, GMC&CC Sandracing and the GMC&CC Hill Climb.

Pics of all six Bands will follow shortly.
VIEW PICS OF THE GMC&CC HILL CLIMB
VIEW PICS OF THE GMC&CC SAND RACING
VIEW PICS OF THE GIAAC 10km ROAD RACE
VIEW PICS OF PANTHERS v LE MONT SAINT BASKETBALL

Last Sunday was another special milestone for this web site.

It has become a tradition that I post a short Blog to celebrate these milestones as they pass... so I will continue this practice:-)

The occasion worth marking is the passing of another 1,000,000 viewings. This takes the total views past the 6,000,000... yes SIX MILLION!

The latest million views took about six months. This seems to be the established average now the web site has settled down into a pattern. The next six months will probably show an increase of one and a half million if past behaviour is repeated. The summertime is busier for me.

The continued interest in my pics is really appreciated. I'm sure that few people will understand how much work goes on behind the scenes - that is the work after the short process of actually taking photographs - to make the regular Gallery updates that keep people coming back to look at my work.

The reward for me is way more than the small income from selling pics. I have enjoyed the appreciation given from the people I photograph. I also know that I am privileged to be able to commit so much time to what started out as just a hobby.

Each time I sit down and consider what to write to mark the extra Million I think back over the last few months. This made me recall a small order for a few digital pics, just last week. There was nothing particularly significant with this order. It certainly only paid for a couple of beers! But, the interesting thing was that the order was for a few pics that I took way back in 2009. That's five years ago!

I've always wondered how someone can wait for so long to order a picture. How do they even remember (or find) the pic after such a long time?

I tell myself that maybe the pictures captured a special moment in the subjects life. The purchaser might have seen the image when it was first added to the Galleries and it made enough impression to be remembered.

Maybe buying a copy of the picture, after all this time, will help them recall and share that moment with others for many years to come?

If I'm right that a picture can mean so much to a person, maybe I really do have the best job in the world?

Check the links below to read previous Milestone Blogs:
CLICK HERE TO READ PREVIOUS MILESTONE BLOGS

Fermain Fest 2014 was held on Saturday at The Fermain Tavern - where else?

Basically the format is music, music and more music spread over an eight hour working day :-) To expand on that a little, the music genre is pretty eclectic - in other words something for almost everyone's tastes.

This varied line-up attracts a great mix of punters who arrive to support their favourites and then hang around to enjoy other artists. I think that is what justifies the 'Fest' in Fermain Fest!

I was on site for most of the eight hours but missed a couple of acts as I had to pop out for other photog work.

I think my favourite act were The Glazzies. They had been heralded with this quote: "Influenced by 90's groups such as Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr. and Queens of the Stone Age, The Glazzies have brought back tense verses and explosive choruses." - AlternativeNation.net

I think that was encouragement enough for me to make sure I didn't miss them. I was not disappointed!

I've now added a full Gallery of pics featuring Jonny Lives!, Sugar Slam, Robert J Hunter, The Glazzies, To the Woods, Brunt, Lydia Pugh and The Doomsday Project. That's quite a full line-up, you'll agree!
VIEW PICS OF FERMAIN FEST 2014

VIEW ROUND-4 OF THE WINTER KART CHAMPIONSHIP
There we go. Everything seems to be back to normal service :-)

So that means a few more Gallery updates.

The Guernsey Kart & Motor Club completed their Winter Kart Championship last Sunday. Pics are now on-line.

Also last weekend Elysium made one of their rare appearances at the Doghouse. There are rumours that this was one of their last gigs! If the Band breaks up that would be a real loss to our music scene as they have established themselves as masters of all things Pink Floyd. It also means that it is even more important for you to catch their next (last?) gig. You have been warned.

Click the links to look at the new Galleries:


VIEW PICS OF THE ELYSIUM GIG AT THE DOGHOUSE

We know that nothing can or will ever replace the experience that fans of Nirvana had if they were lucky enough to see the Band play live.

BUT, what we are able to do is keep the Band's music alive... and the best way is... LIVE!

Nirvazon were formed to do just that as a mark of respect and as a celebration of the great songs that Nirvana and Kurt Cobain recorded before his untimely death 20 years ago.

When such an amazing talent such as Kurt's is lost you may feel that his importance and influence passes too. How wrong that is. Saturday night at The Fermain Tavern was a perfect example of the continued influence a musician can have on a whole generation and beyond. There were many people in the audience (like me) who bought the Nirvana records when they were first issued... but there were as many young people who were only just born in 1994.

Each of us gloried in the songs knowing that many, many of our favourite artists of today carry the 'DNA' of Nirvana into today's and tomorrow's classics. What a legacy to leave behind.

These pics document a fantastic night of LIVE music which was received and appreciated by an enthusiastic crowd at the legendary 'Tav'.

Big thanks to the band, Pete 'Plumb' Bretel, James Le Huray, Tom Bradshaw and Matt Smart. You nailed it!

Special thanks also go to Lloyd Hellyeah for the superb stage lighting. A photographer is nothing without light:-)
VIEW PICS OF NIRVAZON AT THE FERMAIN TAVERN

Once again the Guernsey music scene provided too many choices of Bands and Venues this weekend.

It was a difficult choice, but somebody had to make it! Sorry to the guys & gals that I missed. Maybe next time?

So I decided to share the performances of three Bands... and the nominations were...

First up it was Thee Jenerators (with their new line-up) at The White Hart on Friday. The latest incarnation seems to have lost very little of their unique energy!

Then on Saturday I managed to catch two Bands at the Chaos Peace Tent Christmas Party at The Fermain Tavern. (I know, it's MARCH!).

It was great to see the talented Buffalo Huddleston followed by The Space Pirates of Rocquaine.

That list amounted to a varied weekend of lively entertainment. Just how I like it :-)

Pics are now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF THEE JENERATORS

VIEW PICS OF BUFFALO HUDDLESTON

VIEW PICS OF THE SPACE PIRATES OF ROCQUAINE

Now nobody can ever accuse me on not getting enough variety in my life. I'm not talking about ladies by the way (my missus will be pleased to know!) :-)

No, what I am referring to is variety of music. The live kind.

If you look at my previous Blog and check-out the pics you should get the impression that the Stan Smith gig was just a bit heavy... and it was!

And then you look at this latest Blog and it is all about Motown and the sixties and a gig by the Blondettes which perhaps can only be described as 'girlie' (in comparison, that is).

I found that the Blondettes set of close harmony classics from the 60's and beyond was really enjoyable (and I'm a man!) so I can recommend them if you have a function that needs a fun and party atmosphere.

Take a look at the pics here:
VIEW PICS OF THE BLONDETTES AT THE FERMAIN TAVERN

Music lovers at The Fermain Tavern don't hold any prejudice when it comes to bands and the music they follow. Even if this arrives from Jersey!

Any inter-island rivalries are left out on the patio when the band takes to the stage. The only thing on peoples minds is to absorb the beat (heavy in this case).

So when Stan Smith took their turn on the Fermain Tavern stage the only thing that mattered was the mosh pit. And Stan Smith are masters of orchestrating that!

As a photographer you have to balance the risk of having thousands of pounds of delicate cameras and lenses knocked to the floor and being close enough to capture the best action.

I risked all and I'm relieved to say that once again the gear lives to see another gig :-)

I've added pics of Stan Smith to the Galleries:
VIEW PICS OF STAN SMITH

Those were two busy days. But great fun.

Once again I now retreat to my small office having had a brilliant weekend of shooting (the photographic kind, of course). I probably won't be seen again for a few days as I work through the shots of two Gigs, Motocross racing, Autocross racing and the 'biggie' of the weekend, the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club 2-Day Trials.

It was the Trials meeting that has worn me out - and I was only following around trying to capture the best action! To do this I have been up and down cliff slopes, rock piles and and all manner of obstacles. I've lost count of how many sections I covered.

However I'm sure my bones won't be aching like the riders :-)

The quality of the Expert riders was high with some of the sections needing huge commitment. This entertained hundreds of spectators around the course.

I'll be adding picture galleries during the next few days so check-out this Blog for updates...
VIEW PICS OF THE 2-DAY TRIALS

The weekend has seen me testing the latest addition to my kit bag in the form of the new NIKON D4S.

This recent update to the NIKON D4 only seems to offer a small selection of fairly minor tweaks. This leads us to the question 'is it worth the upgrade?'

Only time will tell. It will take a few months working in the areas that I specialise to convince me that the new purchase is justified! However I've never been disappointed with the NIKON updates so far. There are always the negative comments made on the Photography Forums by people who expect more. But I think they miss the point. Todays cameras offer amazing quality - big improvements cannot be expected with every new update.

I am happy if there are measurable improvements in the quality of capture in the genre of photography I work... namely fast moving sports, motorsport and 'live performance' photography - mostly in the low level and contrasting light that gigs & festivals offer.

Anyone who regularly pops in to read this blog should know that I am a committed NIKON user. I've never doubted that Canon (as the only serious rival producing 'full spec' professional cameras) can equal, better or improve on the equivalents in the NIKON range. But it's never bothered me which brand takes a temporary lead in the race to perfection. My own work still falls short of that 'perfect' goal so any of the cameras should serve me perfectly well :-)

What I do look for though is reliability, ease of use and the familiarity of a camera that is 'tuned into' my particular style of work. Nikon has provided these things for me over many years.

So now the big question is 'Why did I feel it was necessary to upgrade to the D4S' when I already shoot with a D4, a D3S and a D3?'

I don't have a fully justified answer to that!

One way I look at it is that I am always trying to gain a small advantage over my competitors in the industry. New technology can help with this... a little. Also, if you are a working professional photographer and you factor in the likelihood that you will upgrade your kit at some time in the future then jumping into the latest technology at the earliest opportunity makes sense, at least to me. It means that I gain that technological advantage as soon as it arrives!

The update schedule that NIKON seems to follow also works well within a business plan. The new cameras arrive at approximately two year gaps. This offers a chance to 'retire' old cameras after four years of heavy use - assuming that you always require at least two reliable bodies at any time. No Pro would consider just having a single body with no backup.

Of course, if I'm honest, maybe the real reason I have flexed the Credit Card is that I'm just a boy... and boys like new toys, right?

So far I have avoided answering the question that any NIKON follower is probably wondering. 'How good is the new NIKON D4S?'

Well, my early impression is that it is fantastic for my type of photography... but so are the D4, D3S and D3!! Early use seems to confirm that the focusing performance and low light quality are indeed a step up from the older bodies, but it is far too soon to try and quantify this.

Maybe the real answer is actually unimportant!

The fact is that any Pro grade body will more than reach the level of quality needed by almost all photographers. Maybe this whole question and answer thing is a complete waste of time? Let me know what you think.

Some of the first pics I shot with the D4S are now on-line:
VIEW THE FIRST KARTING PICS TAKEN WITH THE NIKON D4S
VIEW PICS OF NETBALL CAPTURED BY NIKON D4S AT ISO 3,200

If you judge things from the bands name (and how they look), you need a neck and you need a beard to be called a member of Byzanthian Neckbeard. But perhaps the most important part is that you have to be able to lay down some pretty heavy riffs...

The three guys in the band tick every box and and showcased their sound at Dazfest last weekend at The Fermain Tavern. I reckon I could do the 'beard bit' and I definitely have a neck. Shame I can't play any instrument. I'll have to stick with taking pics I think :-(

A few of my pics are now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF BYZANTHIAN NECKBEARD

When it comes to putting on the best display of Metal moves and shapes Nemesis are the undisputed Channel Island Champions! They also play a mean tune too!

The followers were out last weekend to support one of the guys rare outings. The event was 'Dazfest' at The Fermain Tavern and all profits were being added to the charity fund that Daz Carre started in aid of the Specsavers Children's Charity and the GSPCA.

Daz was behind the drum kit... he managed to find the time away from training for his 155 mile run in April when he takes part in the Marathon des Sables through the Sahara Desert.

The way I see it, this tough and crazy plan of Daz's to conquer the gruelling desert conditions just confirms the 'folk-law' that drummers are the maddest member of most bands... but good luck to him in this challenge.

I captured a few of the bands Metal moves and shapes... they didn't disappoint me :-)
VIEW PICS OF METAL MOVERS NEMESIS At DAZ FEST 2014

What's your favourite colour? Mine has to be Blue...

OK, so maybe I should qualify this. I asked what was your favourite colour?

Perhaps I should ask this with a musical bias.

When I ask the question in a musical context there is only one colour that comes to mind and it has to be BLUE.

Expand that to encapsulate the whole genre of Blues music and we have my favourite place... the colour Blue.

I promise you, honestly, that I am an optimist by nature, so why the soul-full Blues touches a nerve with me is a bit of an anomaly. However the Blues will perhaps be my first choice of music when I get the invite onto Desert Island Disc's...

This takes me to the point of this Blog. You now understand that I am a Blues follower. So what a treat I had at the Fermain Tavern when I watched our very own (local) Blues man Joe Corbin supporting the very special Bill Adlard and the Blues Kings. I did what I do, I felt the Blues... oh, and I took a few pics as well to help my memories...

You can share the moment too by checking the pictures (not as good as being there, though!)
VIEW PICS OF BILL ADLARD & THE BLUES KINGS
VIEW PICS OF JOE CORBIN

I think it's now safe to reveal some of the Montages that were ordered for Christmas presents. Surely all the gifts have been opened by now :-)

Once again the Framed Montages proved to be the most popular choice for the big day with Canvases also making a show. Both options solve that difficult problem of 'what do you buy someone who has everything?'

I have sample Framed Montages & Canvases available for anyone who is maybe considering one. Don't forget that they make a perfect gift even when it isn't Christmas.... there's always a birthday or you could even treat yourself.

The best advice I can give you is to look at some of my previous designs. Every one is individually designed with your own choice of pics. Take a look here:
VIEW PICS OF SOME OF THE CHRISTMAS GIFT MONTAGES & CANVASES

The final update for Free Saturday at The Fermain Tavern is now online.

This was possibly just a one-off appearance for Emperor Kerosene and the guys played the music that they love and know. The heavy mob at the front seemed to like it too so maybe we will see another outing!

There was no need for a Jerry Can, you could fuel up on the dance floor. How many miles per gallon did you get?

That's enough of that I think :-) Pics can be seen here:
VIEW PICS OF EMPEROR KEROSENE

Bobby Battle fronted The Deadbeats at Free Saturday on stage at the Fermain Tavern.

He is a well known and loved character who has the charisma to hold an audiences attention.

The Deadbeats represent a lot of what I enjoy most about the live music scene. It should be fun. It should be a shared experience. And you should leave with a realisation that for a couple of hours you had forgotten any of your worldly worries... not that I have too many. But how do I sell enough pics to buy the latest kit? ha, ha ;-)

Pics are now online:
VIEW THE LATEST PICS OF THE DEADBEATS

Mark Guillou has started 2014 in much the same way as he finished 2013. Hard at it!

Mark is the busiest amongst our local promoters and sound technicians. He has a long record of supporting the new up-and-coming bands and he offers them a chance to perform with the full support of his Crew. These are usually young guys who want to learn the other skills of lighting and sound that are required to make a performance to remember.

Last Saturday saw Marks new project which was headlined as Free Saturday at the Fermain Tavern. True to form Mark had set up an impressive line-up of lighting kit and the standard was set high for all the bands who will find the corner stage of some pub venues very dark and ordinary in the future :-(

I arrived early enough to photograph three of the five bands who lined up and was very impressed by Francisco who I had not seen on their first outing. I think this band is one to look out for in 2014. They were well received by a good sized crowd.

I think that qualifies as a job well done, Mark.

Putting on my grumpy photographers hat I was much happier with the lighting at this gig.... for taking pics. Marks Crew always do a great job of presenting the best lighting show for the band and audience but I sometimes struggle when it comes to taking pics... not this time though. The lighting was great!

I can say with certainty that everyone went home after having a great night out. Big thanks to all involved :-)

I've added pics of the first band. Others will follow. Click the link to view pictures of Francisco:
VIEW PICS OF HOT NEW BAND FRANCISCO