News / Blog - Events News
It could have been another great one... better luck in 2014?
23rd June 2013
Yesterday represented the biggest disappointment in my photographic year. At least so far!
This was due to the abandoning of the Condor Ferries British Sand Ace Championships.
No blame can be made for this unfortunate fail, it was simply a case of this sort of thing being a part of Motor Sport... thankfully very rarely.
I suppose the signs were bad right from the start as the morning's weather wouldn't of been out of place in November. This was such a contrast to 2012's Sand Ace in 'flaming June'.
Whilst the conditions dampened the initial energy and anticipation in the pits, once the practice laps began to clock up there was little doubt that we were going to enjoy a few hours of high class racing by a large entry which included some of Europe's top 500cc Solo Riders and 1,000cc Sidecar Crews.
As the qualifying heats began (heats as in racing - certainly not from the sun!) we were all distracted from the cold, the high wind and occasional rain. Everything was going well... and I was in my element :-)
Then the racing had a couple of spanners chucked into its spokes after two of the Sliders had nasty accidents that required hospital runs. These things happen sometimes with any Motor Sport but when you are racing on a beach the disruptions take on quite a different importance as the tide turns and makes its unstoppable advance back up the sand.
After much effort another Ambulance crew and Paramedic couldn't be arranged in time to allow the racing to continue.
So the British Sand Ace Championships failed to run to the promised climax. The end was as damp and limp as the weather.
Hopefully it will be judged as an unavoidable coincidence of bad luck. The Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club have decades of experience in running beach racing and can offer last years highly successful British Sand Ace Championship as proof that, given the chance, they can run a race meeting worthy of a National status.
We will all be keeping our fingers crossed for better luck in 2014.
I've now sorted my pictures of the Sand Ace... and I'm really pleased with some of them considering the low amount of opportunities offered by the limited runs and the fact that it was raining for many of them!
The Condor Ferries British Sand Ace Championship picture galleries are now on-line:
VIEW PICTURES OF THE 2013 BRITISH SAND ACE CHAMPIONSHIP
23rd June 2013
Yesterday represented the biggest disappointment in my photographic year. At least so far!
This was due to the abandoning of the Condor Ferries British Sand Ace Championships.
No blame can be made for this unfortunate fail, it was simply a case of this sort of thing being a part of Motor Sport... thankfully very rarely.
I suppose the signs were bad right from the start as the morning's weather wouldn't of been out of place in November. This was such a contrast to 2012's Sand Ace in 'flaming June'.
Whilst the conditions dampened the initial energy and anticipation in the pits, once the practice laps began to clock up there was little doubt that we were going to enjoy a few hours of high class racing by a large entry which included some of Europe's top 500cc Solo Riders and 1,000cc Sidecar Crews.
As the qualifying heats began (heats as in racing - certainly not from the sun!) we were all distracted from the cold, the high wind and occasional rain. Everything was going well... and I was in my element :-)
Then the racing had a couple of spanners chucked into its spokes after two of the Sliders had nasty accidents that required hospital runs. These things happen sometimes with any Motor Sport but when you are racing on a beach the disruptions take on quite a different importance as the tide turns and makes its unstoppable advance back up the sand.
After much effort another Ambulance crew and Paramedic couldn't be arranged in time to allow the racing to continue.
So the British Sand Ace Championships failed to run to the promised climax. The end was as damp and limp as the weather.
Hopefully it will be judged as an unavoidable coincidence of bad luck. The Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club have decades of experience in running beach racing and can offer last years highly successful British Sand Ace Championship as proof that, given the chance, they can run a race meeting worthy of a National status.
We will all be keeping our fingers crossed for better luck in 2014.
I've now sorted my pictures of the Sand Ace... and I'm really pleased with some of them considering the low amount of opportunities offered by the limited runs and the fact that it was raining for many of them!
The Condor Ferries British Sand Ace Championship picture galleries are now on-line:
VIEW PICTURES OF THE 2013 BRITISH SAND ACE CHAMPIONSHIP
Reservoir updates.... the story continues
17th June 2013
I can't remember any previous local Motorsport event having such a strong reaction, and it all seems to be positive!
The Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Reservoir Speed Event attracted a small amount of negative comments before the first runs last Saturday. I had heard some question safety due to anticipated high speeds. There were also questions about the lack of space for the pits.
In fact I was amazed when I arrived at the St Saviours event and walked down the hill past what seemed a never ending line of racing machinery. How on earth was this race meeting ever going to run through smoothly?
But things ran at a fantastic pace. The extensive planning allowed the competitors to all have their practice run and four timed runs resulting in a lot of happy chappies ;-)
The course also seemed to be fairly forgiving of the occasional mistakes and damage was limited to racers ego's and machinery... apart from Leigh Digard who now knows that he bounces quite well!
It was a relief when we had a visit from Leigh on Sunday at the Twisty Sprint after he was kicked out of hospital. I think he even fancied his chances on a bike... no-one would lend him one. I wonder why?
I have now finished the picture gallery for the Reservoir Speed Event which now features the Bikers and Karts.
Be warned, it's a big one:
VIEW PICS OF THE BIKERS & KARTS AT THE RESERVOIR SPRINT
17th June 2013
I can't remember any previous local Motorsport event having such a strong reaction, and it all seems to be positive!
The Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Reservoir Speed Event attracted a small amount of negative comments before the first runs last Saturday. I had heard some question safety due to anticipated high speeds. There were also questions about the lack of space for the pits.
In fact I was amazed when I arrived at the St Saviours event and walked down the hill past what seemed a never ending line of racing machinery. How on earth was this race meeting ever going to run through smoothly?
But things ran at a fantastic pace. The extensive planning allowed the competitors to all have their practice run and four timed runs resulting in a lot of happy chappies ;-)
The course also seemed to be fairly forgiving of the occasional mistakes and damage was limited to racers ego's and machinery... apart from Leigh Digard who now knows that he bounces quite well!
It was a relief when we had a visit from Leigh on Sunday at the Twisty Sprint after he was kicked out of hospital. I think he even fancied his chances on a bike... no-one would lend him one. I wonder why?
I have now finished the picture gallery for the Reservoir Speed Event which now features the Bikers and Karts.
Be warned, it's a big one:
VIEW PICS OF THE BIKERS & KARTS AT THE RESERVOIR SPRINT
Even a photographer can have an adrenaline rush it seems.....
16th June 2013
I think that the air of excitement that surrounded the first ever Speed Event on the twisting road bordering the St Saviours reservoir must have rubbed off on me a bit too much.... read on!
There is no doubt that the competitors were barely able to hold in their eagerness to get started on this new event. The Guernsey Kart & Motor Club members really made every effort to support the Committee who had put so much work into making the 30 year wishes come true. There was great help with the set-up of the track and the very tight pits area.
As a Motorsport photographer I was really looking forward to having a new track to work on. I'd already walked the full length a few times eyeing-up the possible shooting opportunities. In the end, on the day, some of my planned shots didn't work out - but there were many more successes :-)
This is where I became a little over excited and I fired off a lot more shots than normal. It isn't only the racers who get an adrenaline rush it seems! The enhanced level of excitement and awareness is a good thing though as I certainly have to keep my wits about me when working so close to 'barely in control' racing cars, bikes and karts.
I've already spent over nine hours on the first edits from the weekends racing and have added the first pics to a new Gallery.
More Car pics will follow together with the Bikers & Karts....
The first to be featured are here:
VIEW THE FIRST RESERVOIR SPEED EVENT PICS
16th June 2013
I think that the air of excitement that surrounded the first ever Speed Event on the twisting road bordering the St Saviours reservoir must have rubbed off on me a bit too much.... read on!
There is no doubt that the competitors were barely able to hold in their eagerness to get started on this new event. The Guernsey Kart & Motor Club members really made every effort to support the Committee who had put so much work into making the 30 year wishes come true. There was great help with the set-up of the track and the very tight pits area.
As a Motorsport photographer I was really looking forward to having a new track to work on. I'd already walked the full length a few times eyeing-up the possible shooting opportunities. In the end, on the day, some of my planned shots didn't work out - but there were many more successes :-)
This is where I became a little over excited and I fired off a lot more shots than normal. It isn't only the racers who get an adrenaline rush it seems! The enhanced level of excitement and awareness is a good thing though as I certainly have to keep my wits about me when working so close to 'barely in control' racing cars, bikes and karts.
I've already spent over nine hours on the first edits from the weekends racing and have added the first pics to a new Gallery.
More Car pics will follow together with the Bikers & Karts....
The first to be featured are here:
VIEW THE FIRST RESERVOIR SPEED EVENT PICS
The big boys make a return to St Peter Port......
10th June 2013
It must be about a decade since a race featuring Ocean going Powerboats was held in local waters so it was a pleasure to welcome them back last weekend.
The event was titled as 'The Venture Cup - Ocean Class Powerboat Racing - The Prologue' and the Guernsey Powerboat Association played a big part in helping the organisers arrange the logistics for their stay in St Peter Port and also had teams working in Race Control and up on Castle Cornet to ensure everything went smoothly.
This was just a 'warm-up' race to check on all the logistics ahead of the main race in 2014 when competitors will race from London all the way to the Med, a distance of 2,400 miles!
I was out and about for the various races in local waters and was impressed by the larger boats taking part. Actually, it was probably even more impressive that the smaller Ribs had completed the run across the English Channel... there wasn't much protection from the elements in those!
Unfortunately the weather really wasn't very helpful for us photographers as it was generally dull and grey. It was also a great shame that no dedicated Media boat was available as this greatly compromised the pics I could capture. I was actually out on a boat positioned at the finish line for the arrival of the racers but as the line was about three-quarters of a mile wide I was frustrated when nearly all of them crossed on the distant side :-(
Having said this, it was still nice to see this premier class of racing benefiting and enjoying our fantastic coastal waters... bring on 2014.
VIEW A GALLERY OF PICTURES FEATURING THE VENTURE CUP POWERBOATS
10th June 2013
It must be about a decade since a race featuring Ocean going Powerboats was held in local waters so it was a pleasure to welcome them back last weekend.
The event was titled as 'The Venture Cup - Ocean Class Powerboat Racing - The Prologue' and the Guernsey Powerboat Association played a big part in helping the organisers arrange the logistics for their stay in St Peter Port and also had teams working in Race Control and up on Castle Cornet to ensure everything went smoothly.
This was just a 'warm-up' race to check on all the logistics ahead of the main race in 2014 when competitors will race from London all the way to the Med, a distance of 2,400 miles!
I was out and about for the various races in local waters and was impressed by the larger boats taking part. Actually, it was probably even more impressive that the smaller Ribs had completed the run across the English Channel... there wasn't much protection from the elements in those!
Unfortunately the weather really wasn't very helpful for us photographers as it was generally dull and grey. It was also a great shame that no dedicated Media boat was available as this greatly compromised the pics I could capture. I was actually out on a boat positioned at the finish line for the arrival of the racers but as the line was about three-quarters of a mile wide I was frustrated when nearly all of them crossed on the distant side :-(
Having said this, it was still nice to see this premier class of racing benefiting and enjoying our fantastic coastal waters... bring on 2014.
VIEW A GALLERY OF PICTURES FEATURING THE VENTURE CUP POWERBOATS
Hail to the lighting....... thanks Lloyd
31st May 2013
I'd like to ask you a question. If you don't go to gigs, theatre or any live stage performances this probably won't mean much to you ;-)
What I would like to know is, what do you think the most important aspects are that improve your enjoyment and memory of any show or performance?
I ask this as I have an opinion of my own.
If we were to make a list in the order of importance obviously the performers will have to be top the pile. After all, that is probably why you even bought a ticket in the first place.
Without trying to fill-in all the other ingredients that make a great show I will cut to my point.
My guess is that most of you don't really consider the lighting. The subtle changes. The not so subtle changes. The colour. The intensity and direction. I suppose if you were engrossed in the performance the lighting somehow 'disappeared' into the background. Maybe this is the success of great lighting?
My own enjoyment of any performance, however, is greatly affected by the lighting. This is because I am usually 'at work' trying to capture everything in pictures... and all I can capture is the light!
This blog was inspired whilst I developed my pictures of The Recks recent gig at the Fermain Tavern.
The gig was lit by Lloyd Hellyeah and he did a great job. This makes my job sooooo much easier and reduces the time I have to spend tweaking colours and tones. When the lighting is well controlled and responsive to a performance it raises it to a higher level.
But have you ever noticed this? Or is it something that only a photographer can see? I'd love to know what you think.
If you would like to make your own opinion about the lighting at The Recks gig my pics are now on-line:
TAKE A LOOK AT THE RECKS GIG... AND THE LIGHTING!
31st May 2013
I'd like to ask you a question. If you don't go to gigs, theatre or any live stage performances this probably won't mean much to you ;-)
What I would like to know is, what do you think the most important aspects are that improve your enjoyment and memory of any show or performance?
I ask this as I have an opinion of my own.
If we were to make a list in the order of importance obviously the performers will have to be top the pile. After all, that is probably why you even bought a ticket in the first place.
Without trying to fill-in all the other ingredients that make a great show I will cut to my point.
My guess is that most of you don't really consider the lighting. The subtle changes. The not so subtle changes. The colour. The intensity and direction. I suppose if you were engrossed in the performance the lighting somehow 'disappeared' into the background. Maybe this is the success of great lighting?
My own enjoyment of any performance, however, is greatly affected by the lighting. This is because I am usually 'at work' trying to capture everything in pictures... and all I can capture is the light!
This blog was inspired whilst I developed my pictures of The Recks recent gig at the Fermain Tavern.
The gig was lit by Lloyd Hellyeah and he did a great job. This makes my job sooooo much easier and reduces the time I have to spend tweaking colours and tones. When the lighting is well controlled and responsive to a performance it raises it to a higher level.
But have you ever noticed this? Or is it something that only a photographer can see? I'd love to know what you think.
If you would like to make your own opinion about the lighting at The Recks gig my pics are now on-line:
TAKE A LOOK AT THE RECKS GIG... AND THE LIGHTING!
Not what you expect in Jamaica...........
08th May 2013
Last Sunday Jamaica rocked!
OK, to be perfectly correct I should say The Jamaica Inn rocked :-)
Billed as 'Chaos at the Jam' the event returned to a newly painted Jamaica Inn as a warm-up to the bigger Chaos Festival in July.
The afternoon offered time to chill to acoustic sets out in the sunny car park. Then things kicked-off proper when we de-camped into the bar.
Brunt bought something heavier to the party and were followed by Guernsey's favourite good-time band, RentOClean.... the party was swinging.
Make space for Heave to take to the stage.
Two guys - guitar and drums - but what a sound. Breaking the laws of physics Heave can fill any space with sound... and it's heavy. Love it.
Thanks to the Greenman for bringing us another great one. See you in July, if not sooner.
Pics of a few of the bands are here:
VIEW PICS OF BRUNT
VIEW PICS OF RENTOCLEAN
VIEW PICS OF HEAVE
08th May 2013
Last Sunday Jamaica rocked!
OK, to be perfectly correct I should say The Jamaica Inn rocked :-)
Billed as 'Chaos at the Jam' the event returned to a newly painted Jamaica Inn as a warm-up to the bigger Chaos Festival in July.
The afternoon offered time to chill to acoustic sets out in the sunny car park. Then things kicked-off proper when we de-camped into the bar.
Brunt bought something heavier to the party and were followed by Guernsey's favourite good-time band, RentOClean.... the party was swinging.
Make space for Heave to take to the stage.
Two guys - guitar and drums - but what a sound. Breaking the laws of physics Heave can fill any space with sound... and it's heavy. Love it.
Thanks to the Greenman for bringing us another great one. See you in July, if not sooner.
Pics of a few of the bands are here:
VIEW PICS OF BRUNT
VIEW PICS OF RENTOCLEAN
VIEW PICS OF HEAVE
Tallpictures.com hits a new landmark... but how do we visualise it?
05th May 2013
Today I'm excited to say that this web site has broken through a new landmark figure.
We have now logged more than 4,000,000 viewings!
Yes, you read that correctly, that's FOUR MILLION VIEWINGS :-)
The latest MILLION has taken just over six months so we are well on target to match last year's figure of TWO MILLION in twelve months.
I posted a blog about six months ago when the THREE MILLION mark was smashed.
READ THE THREE MILLION BLOG HERE
At that time I tried to illustrate how the viewing figures could relate to time... how many views each hour or minute of every day. The results were quite surprising!
This time around I thought that maybe I would try to find how the numbers can be associated to something a bit closer to a photographer's heart. That is an actual paper print. But how thick is an average print?
The wonders of the Internet came to my rescue again and after a few minutes of research I had some figures to play with. It is difficult to find explicit references as there are certain variables - not least of which is the thickness of a sheet of photographic paper.
In the end I have been conservative and based my results on an 'average' that seems to be a fair and realistic number. From my searches I found the height calculated for a pile of ONE MILLION sheets of photographic paper varied between 350 ft and 480 ft.
So I am going to use a figure of 400 ft.
Now let's take things to the next stage and try to picture what this pile would look like.
Perhaps if you are a resident of Guernsey (our small but beautiful Island in the English Channel, near France) you will be familiar with the dramatic cliffs on our southern coast. The highest of these are about 350 ft above sea level.... that is less than the height of a MILLION PRINTS in this example.
Try and picture that... are you impressed yet?
No, well a try at this!
As you have seen, this web site has now had FOUR MILLION HITS since first launching. Take this number and work out the height of that pile of prints and we are talking TALL... LIKE 1,600 FEET HIGH!
If you find it difficult to picture how that relates to the real world, take a look at the picture at the start of this blog which shows the heights of some of the tallest buildings in the world.
NOW YOU MUST BE IMPRESSED!!
The shame is that these numbers are only picture views. They aren't going to make me rich, although I think I would be Epson's biggest customer if I had to produce a print for every web image viewed!
My Epson Stylus 4900 would be working night and day :-)
So a big thank you for spending time viewing my pictures. I am now chasing the next big number.... Pop back again soon.
READ ABOUT THE FIRST MILLION
READ ABOUT THE SECOND MILLION
READ ABOUT THE THIRD MILLION
05th May 2013
Today I'm excited to say that this web site has broken through a new landmark figure.
We have now logged more than 4,000,000 viewings!
Yes, you read that correctly, that's FOUR MILLION VIEWINGS :-)
The latest MILLION has taken just over six months so we are well on target to match last year's figure of TWO MILLION in twelve months.
I posted a blog about six months ago when the THREE MILLION mark was smashed.
READ THE THREE MILLION BLOG HERE
At that time I tried to illustrate how the viewing figures could relate to time... how many views each hour or minute of every day. The results were quite surprising!
This time around I thought that maybe I would try to find how the numbers can be associated to something a bit closer to a photographer's heart. That is an actual paper print. But how thick is an average print?
The wonders of the Internet came to my rescue again and after a few minutes of research I had some figures to play with. It is difficult to find explicit references as there are certain variables - not least of which is the thickness of a sheet of photographic paper.
In the end I have been conservative and based my results on an 'average' that seems to be a fair and realistic number. From my searches I found the height calculated for a pile of ONE MILLION sheets of photographic paper varied between 350 ft and 480 ft.
So I am going to use a figure of 400 ft.
Now let's take things to the next stage and try to picture what this pile would look like.
Perhaps if you are a resident of Guernsey (our small but beautiful Island in the English Channel, near France) you will be familiar with the dramatic cliffs on our southern coast. The highest of these are about 350 ft above sea level.... that is less than the height of a MILLION PRINTS in this example.
Try and picture that... are you impressed yet?
No, well a try at this!
As you have seen, this web site has now had FOUR MILLION HITS since first launching. Take this number and work out the height of that pile of prints and we are talking TALL... LIKE 1,600 FEET HIGH!
If you find it difficult to picture how that relates to the real world, take a look at the picture at the start of this blog which shows the heights of some of the tallest buildings in the world.
NOW YOU MUST BE IMPRESSED!!
The shame is that these numbers are only picture views. They aren't going to make me rich, although I think I would be Epson's biggest customer if I had to produce a print for every web image viewed!
My Epson Stylus 4900 would be working night and day :-)
So a big thank you for spending time viewing my pictures. I am now chasing the next big number.... Pop back again soon.
READ ABOUT THE FIRST MILLION
READ ABOUT THE SECOND MILLION
READ ABOUT THE THIRD MILLION
The highest quality of printing is assured.....
30th April 2013
It's been a while since I have written anything about the equipment I use and the workflow that goes into making the final prints that drop through your letterbox a few days after you place an order.
Today I'm not going to go into much detail about all my kit. However it might be of interest to know some key items.
I'm lucky to have the opportunity to use 'top-of-the-range' equipment from start to finish of the capture process. I feel that when shooting as a Professional Photographer, a high standard needs to be maintained all the way through from capture to the digital darkroom and on to the final production of a print.
I am a NIKON camera user and love the quality and handling that this brand offers.
My current kit includes a Nikon D4, a NIKON D3s and a NIKON D3.
NIKON creates the finest photographic equipment in the world as far as I'm concerned. I await your responses :-)
UPDATE 10-03-2014: I've now added the new NIKON D4s to my kit bag. First impressions are good but it will take a few weeks to fully test. Drop me an e-mail if you want to discuss the latest NIKON body EMAIL ME
I also use NIKON lenses and have too many to list but can call on everything from a 400mm f2.8, a 200mm f2, 24mm Perspective Correction, 200mm & 105mm Macro, 50mm & 85mm f1.4's and many others in-between through to the brilliant wide angle 14-24mm f2.8.
So I hope you'll agreed that there is no excuse to not capture the highest quality of image :-)
The digital darkroom work is carried out using the latest versions of Professional software like Photoshop and Lightroom and this is all viewed on twin 30 inch colour calibrated reference monitors.
All images are then Catalogued and referenced using IMatch allowing quick and comprehensive searching.
Lots of back-ups are then made.... you do back-up your own work, don't you?
But all the work and cost of capturing the sharpest, colour corrected images would fall at the final hurdle if the quality of the prints wasn't to the same standards.
This is why all prints up to the A2 SIZED MONTAGES are individually hand-printed by me in my studio on an Epson Stylus Pro 4900 Professional Large Format Printer using the latest 11-Colour Ultrachrome HDR Pigment Inks. This offers me total quality control of the final output.
This printer is regarded as setting new standards in colour precision offering one of the widest colour gamuts on the market and exceptional longevity of prints.
So be assured that when you order a print from TALLPICTURES every effort has been made to make it as good as it can get :-)
Details of the various print options can be found by clicking this link:
VIEW DETAILS OF THE PRINT OPTIONS
30th April 2013
It's been a while since I have written anything about the equipment I use and the workflow that goes into making the final prints that drop through your letterbox a few days after you place an order.
Today I'm not going to go into much detail about all my kit. However it might be of interest to know some key items.
I'm lucky to have the opportunity to use 'top-of-the-range' equipment from start to finish of the capture process. I feel that when shooting as a Professional Photographer, a high standard needs to be maintained all the way through from capture to the digital darkroom and on to the final production of a print.
I am a NIKON camera user and love the quality and handling that this brand offers.
My current kit includes a Nikon D4, a NIKON D3s and a NIKON D3.
NIKON creates the finest photographic equipment in the world as far as I'm concerned. I await your responses :-)
UPDATE 10-03-2014: I've now added the new NIKON D4s to my kit bag. First impressions are good but it will take a few weeks to fully test. Drop me an e-mail if you want to discuss the latest NIKON body EMAIL ME
I also use NIKON lenses and have too many to list but can call on everything from a 400mm f2.8, a 200mm f2, 24mm Perspective Correction, 200mm & 105mm Macro, 50mm & 85mm f1.4's and many others in-between through to the brilliant wide angle 14-24mm f2.8.
So I hope you'll agreed that there is no excuse to not capture the highest quality of image :-)
The digital darkroom work is carried out using the latest versions of Professional software like Photoshop and Lightroom and this is all viewed on twin 30 inch colour calibrated reference monitors.
All images are then Catalogued and referenced using IMatch allowing quick and comprehensive searching.
Lots of back-ups are then made.... you do back-up your own work, don't you?
But all the work and cost of capturing the sharpest, colour corrected images would fall at the final hurdle if the quality of the prints wasn't to the same standards.
This is why all prints up to the A2 SIZED MONTAGES are individually hand-printed by me in my studio on an Epson Stylus Pro 4900 Professional Large Format Printer using the latest 11-Colour Ultrachrome HDR Pigment Inks. This offers me total quality control of the final output.
This printer is regarded as setting new standards in colour precision offering one of the widest colour gamuts on the market and exceptional longevity of prints.
So be assured that when you order a print from TALLPICTURES every effort has been made to make it as good as it can get :-)
Details of the various print options can be found by clicking this link:
VIEW DETAILS OF THE PRINT OPTIONS
The Carlton hosts Mt. Wolf, Lloyd Yates & Bright_Lights....
21st April 2013
VIEW PICS OF MT. WOLF
The Carlton Hotel opened its doors to two visiting bands on Friday night and I'm pleased to say that there was great support from us Guern's.
I suppose that there was always a good chance that ticket sales would be OK as the headlining band had two locals in the line-up.
So perhaps Mt. Wolf can be thanked for attracting the punters but I have a feeling that the other two bands on the bill also played their parts by bringing their own following.
First on stage were Bright_Lights. I am really enjoying this Electro-Pop band and they were a great choice to open the night with a sound that easily filled the room and is surely crying out for a chance to feature on one of this summer's Festival stages... watch this space!
Next up was Lloyd Yates and again they could certainly claim a following amongst the 'gig goers'... even though their visits to our shores are rare. This shows that they have made a real impression on previous visits.
And so the night was completed by the appearance of Mt. Wolf. They were well received and their set showed that they already have songs that offer opportunity to make it on a bigger stage.
Looking at the gigs they have lined up around the UK during coming months the band clearly have ambition and are prepared to work for a break into the big time. Keep a ear to the ground to see if they can pull it off!
I've added new Galleries featuring the three bands:
VIEW PICS OF MT. WOLF
VIEW PICS OF LLOYD YATES
VIEW PICS OF BRIGHT_LIGHTS
So there we have it... another great night of LIVE MUSIC.
There really is NO excuse to spend your weekends sitting on the couch when there is such a great choice of live music just waiting for your support... See you next time?
21st April 2013
VIEW PICS OF MT. WOLF
The Carlton Hotel opened its doors to two visiting bands on Friday night and I'm pleased to say that there was great support from us Guern's.
I suppose that there was always a good chance that ticket sales would be OK as the headlining band had two locals in the line-up.
So perhaps Mt. Wolf can be thanked for attracting the punters but I have a feeling that the other two bands on the bill also played their parts by bringing their own following.
First on stage were Bright_Lights. I am really enjoying this Electro-Pop band and they were a great choice to open the night with a sound that easily filled the room and is surely crying out for a chance to feature on one of this summer's Festival stages... watch this space!
Next up was Lloyd Yates and again they could certainly claim a following amongst the 'gig goers'... even though their visits to our shores are rare. This shows that they have made a real impression on previous visits.
And so the night was completed by the appearance of Mt. Wolf. They were well received and their set showed that they already have songs that offer opportunity to make it on a bigger stage.
Looking at the gigs they have lined up around the UK during coming months the band clearly have ambition and are prepared to work for a break into the big time. Keep a ear to the ground to see if they can pull it off!
I've added new Galleries featuring the three bands:
VIEW PICS OF MT. WOLF
VIEW PICS OF LLOYD YATES
VIEW PICS OF BRIGHT_LIGHTS
So there we have it... another great night of LIVE MUSIC.
There really is NO excuse to spend your weekends sitting on the couch when there is such a great choice of live music just waiting for your support... See you next time?
CHARGE.......................................................... Bring on LOTLB
19th April 2013
Last of the Light Brigade have been in action at the Fermain Tavern to launch their new single 'The Door'.
The guys had put in a lot of work to promote the event and I was was one of many who lined the trenches ready to receive the best that the band could fire in our direction.
I've been a long term champion of the band and have enjoyed seeing them grow in confidence when on stage and at the Saturday night gig they achieved new heights. The line-up had been re-enforced with extra troops and featured Andy Coleman on keys and John McCarthy on guitar. But it was The Cavalry Choir that turned the campaign into something really special.
Even this platoon of troopers wasn't enough for their Commander and Tyler Edmonds had conscripted Mark Le Gallez and Colin Leach of The Risk and Chris Dean from... oh, too many... to join LOTLB on stage for the final push.
The result was a great showcase for a Band that is clearly ready for the next call to arms.
Support to LOTLB was in the form of Guernsey's own foot-tapping skiffle-country proponants. Their performance would have justified the couple of quid entry on its own. That is more than enough to prove that - if you missed it - you missed a great night when local music was called to 'action stations'.
Pics are now online:
LAST OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE LAUNCH THEIR SINGLE - THE DOOR
Pics of The John Wesley Stone can be found here:
PICS OF THE BARN-STORMING JOHN WESLEY STONE
19th April 2013
Last of the Light Brigade have been in action at the Fermain Tavern to launch their new single 'The Door'.
The guys had put in a lot of work to promote the event and I was was one of many who lined the trenches ready to receive the best that the band could fire in our direction.
I've been a long term champion of the band and have enjoyed seeing them grow in confidence when on stage and at the Saturday night gig they achieved new heights. The line-up had been re-enforced with extra troops and featured Andy Coleman on keys and John McCarthy on guitar. But it was The Cavalry Choir that turned the campaign into something really special.
Even this platoon of troopers wasn't enough for their Commander and Tyler Edmonds had conscripted Mark Le Gallez and Colin Leach of The Risk and Chris Dean from... oh, too many... to join LOTLB on stage for the final push.
The result was a great showcase for a Band that is clearly ready for the next call to arms.
Support to LOTLB was in the form of Guernsey's own foot-tapping skiffle-country proponants. Their performance would have justified the couple of quid entry on its own. That is more than enough to prove that - if you missed it - you missed a great night when local music was called to 'action stations'.
Pics are now online:
LAST OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE LAUNCH THEIR SINGLE - THE DOOR
Pics of The John Wesley Stone can be found here:
PICS OF THE BARN-STORMING JOHN WESLEY STONE
Chaos warm-up heralds another great Festival...
08th April 2013
The weekend saw the Greenman MCC change their home venue of the open cliff tops at Pleinmont for the confines of the Fermain Tavern.
The Tavern had no problem offering a perfect venue for this warm-up gig that heralded the 2013 Chaos Festival. The word is that the Greenman MCC have chosen this year to tweak and improve on the popular formula and they are promising that this years Festival will be the best ever :-)
So with this word going out before the Tavern gig we were all expecting a pretty good night. The line-up included a few of our known reprobates in the form of Sugar Slam and Of Empires. This was a good start and the boys played storming sets.
But the band I was looking forward to seeing was Jersey's Harlequin Knights. I knew very little about them other than I had seen and photographed some of the band members before - in different bands.
Their performance was a highlight of the night as far as I'm concerned. They have great energy and charisma on stage. The songs are very well written and the vocal harmonies were superb... all this from a band that has only been together for seven months!
I understand that they will return to our isle to play at Chaos 2013. So there is your first reason to book in the weekend of 12th - 14th July for the Greenman MCC Chaos Festival. Don't miss it!
Take a look at the Greenman MCC web site for more details: http://www.chaosevents.com/
I have uploaded pics of the bands here:
VIEW PICS OF HARLEQUIN KNIGHTS
VIEW PICS OF SUGAR SLAM
VIEW PICS OF OF EMPIRES
08th April 2013
The weekend saw the Greenman MCC change their home venue of the open cliff tops at Pleinmont for the confines of the Fermain Tavern.
The Tavern had no problem offering a perfect venue for this warm-up gig that heralded the 2013 Chaos Festival. The word is that the Greenman MCC have chosen this year to tweak and improve on the popular formula and they are promising that this years Festival will be the best ever :-)
So with this word going out before the Tavern gig we were all expecting a pretty good night. The line-up included a few of our known reprobates in the form of Sugar Slam and Of Empires. This was a good start and the boys played storming sets.
But the band I was looking forward to seeing was Jersey's Harlequin Knights. I knew very little about them other than I had seen and photographed some of the band members before - in different bands.
Their performance was a highlight of the night as far as I'm concerned. They have great energy and charisma on stage. The songs are very well written and the vocal harmonies were superb... all this from a band that has only been together for seven months!
I understand that they will return to our isle to play at Chaos 2013. So there is your first reason to book in the weekend of 12th - 14th July for the Greenman MCC Chaos Festival. Don't miss it!
Take a look at the Greenman MCC web site for more details: http://www.chaosevents.com/
I have uploaded pics of the bands here:
VIEW PICS OF HARLEQUIN KNIGHTS
VIEW PICS OF SUGAR SLAM
VIEW PICS OF OF EMPIRES
The legendary Wilko Johnson's farewell tour... thanks for the memories
19th March 2013
We British are not renowned for showing our emotions in public. Somehow we all get embarrassed with the realities of life. We don't talk about or face up to the simple truths... we are conceived, we live out our term, we die.
I have pondered on what to say about the weekends gig that I was privileged to photograph. Without a doubt it touched the heart of more than a few in the audience. I spoke to one lady who told me it had been a wake up to the reality of her own inevitable life cycle. None of us know what tomorrow brings?
The memorable occasion that I was photographing was the farewell gig by Wilko Johnson. We all knew that Wilko has recently had to face the knowledge that he is terminally ill. Thankfully few of us have been in this position and we cannot possibly imagine how we would handle such a situation. Of course everyone would react in their own personal way.
But perhaps we can all take a little strength and even inspiration from the way Wilko has chosen to look to the future. Wilko has decided that his time should be used to enjoy and share what has been a huge part of his life... the gift of making music.
So the sell-out of two nights at the Fermain Tavern in Guernsey was no surprise. Wilko has been a regular visitor on the stage at 'the Tav' over several decades and he was surrounded by old friends who gave him a send-off that will be remembered and talked about until it takes its place in musical folk-law.
Maybe it is difficult, given the circumstances, to make an unaffected critic of the gig but I will argue that the two nights were a couple of the greatest live performances I have shared.
Hopefully Wilko Johnson left Guernsey knowing that he had touched people with his energetic performance and song writing. He stimulated many of us to look to our own futures and how we should make the very best of our own time. It reminded me that the medium of music has so much to give. It can be the focus to bring people together. It can touch all sides of our emotions and, lets face it, it makes the world a better place!
Thanks for the memories Wilko.
A Wilko Johnson performance, for photographers, is one of the hardest to capture. He just won't stand still! It is a challenge to represent the essence of his show in 'still' images. But I tried, and have added a few pics to the Wilko Johnson Band picture gallery:
VIEW PICS OF THE WILKO JOHNSON FAREWELL GIGS AT THE FERMAIN TAVERN
19th March 2013
We British are not renowned for showing our emotions in public. Somehow we all get embarrassed with the realities of life. We don't talk about or face up to the simple truths... we are conceived, we live out our term, we die.
I have pondered on what to say about the weekends gig that I was privileged to photograph. Without a doubt it touched the heart of more than a few in the audience. I spoke to one lady who told me it had been a wake up to the reality of her own inevitable life cycle. None of us know what tomorrow brings?
The memorable occasion that I was photographing was the farewell gig by Wilko Johnson. We all knew that Wilko has recently had to face the knowledge that he is terminally ill. Thankfully few of us have been in this position and we cannot possibly imagine how we would handle such a situation. Of course everyone would react in their own personal way.
But perhaps we can all take a little strength and even inspiration from the way Wilko has chosen to look to the future. Wilko has decided that his time should be used to enjoy and share what has been a huge part of his life... the gift of making music.
So the sell-out of two nights at the Fermain Tavern in Guernsey was no surprise. Wilko has been a regular visitor on the stage at 'the Tav' over several decades and he was surrounded by old friends who gave him a send-off that will be remembered and talked about until it takes its place in musical folk-law.
Maybe it is difficult, given the circumstances, to make an unaffected critic of the gig but I will argue that the two nights were a couple of the greatest live performances I have shared.
Hopefully Wilko Johnson left Guernsey knowing that he had touched people with his energetic performance and song writing. He stimulated many of us to look to our own futures and how we should make the very best of our own time. It reminded me that the medium of music has so much to give. It can be the focus to bring people together. It can touch all sides of our emotions and, lets face it, it makes the world a better place!
Thanks for the memories Wilko.
A Wilko Johnson performance, for photographers, is one of the hardest to capture. He just won't stand still! It is a challenge to represent the essence of his show in 'still' images. But I tried, and have added a few pics to the Wilko Johnson Band picture gallery:
VIEW PICS OF THE WILKO JOHNSON FAREWELL GIGS AT THE FERMAIN TAVERN
Sharing the stage with a Legend....
18th March 2013
18th March 2013
A very select few Guernsey bands were given the honour of sharing the bill with the headlining Wilko Johnson Band when they played two nights at the Fermain Tavern last weekend.
Wilko actually gave local fans the special honour of playing for two nights at the 'Tav'. This was a bit special when you consider how few venues Wilko is visiting on his Farewell Tour.
Many of the Guernsey supporting act band members weren't even born when Wilko began his musical career! But they were given a rare opportunity to both appear on the same bill and to have a 'masterclass' in live performance from one of the true masters.
Whether you are a great fan of Wilko's music or not, it really doesn't matter because within a couple of songs you will not be able to take your eyes off him... you will be dragged into his space and he will be in control. Very few performers can wield that sort of influence on a crowd.
So there must have been a bunch of lucky musicians pinching themselves on Monday morning wondering if it had all been a dream!
Lucky for them I was taking a few pics so they can re-live the moment :-)
VIEW PICS OF LAST OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE
VIEW PICS OF MEMOIRS BE
VIEW PICS OF THE PHANTOM COSMONAUT
VIEW PICS OF THE RISK
That's it for pics of Wilko's farewell gigs in Guernsey. Long may they live in your memories...
Wilko actually gave local fans the special honour of playing for two nights at the 'Tav'. This was a bit special when you consider how few venues Wilko is visiting on his Farewell Tour.
Many of the Guernsey supporting act band members weren't even born when Wilko began his musical career! But they were given a rare opportunity to both appear on the same bill and to have a 'masterclass' in live performance from one of the true masters.
Whether you are a great fan of Wilko's music or not, it really doesn't matter because within a couple of songs you will not be able to take your eyes off him... you will be dragged into his space and he will be in control. Very few performers can wield that sort of influence on a crowd.
So there must have been a bunch of lucky musicians pinching themselves on Monday morning wondering if it had all been a dream!
Lucky for them I was taking a few pics so they can re-live the moment :-)
VIEW PICS OF LAST OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE
VIEW PICS OF MEMOIRS BE
VIEW PICS OF THE PHANTOM COSMONAUT
VIEW PICS OF THE RISK
That's it for pics of Wilko's farewell gigs in Guernsey. Long may they live in your memories...
I feel a Pulse, therefore I am alive....
25th February 2013
If you were in any doubt about your existence or whether your heart was still beating you would have left The Fermain Tavern on Saturday night knowing you still have a Pulse.
Of course the band that got your heart 'a flutter' was The Pulse.
Following the trend of 'oldies' reforming, it was the turn of this band from the '80s. They always had a loyal following due to an unbeatable formula. The line-up was as strong and experienced as any to emerge from these shores. They wrote great songs. They gigged till they dropped & always managed to transfer their on-stage energy onto the audience.
(A NOTE TO THE YOUNGER GENERATIONS OF BANDS): Listen up and take note.
The occasion that bought the Band together again was the realisation that their back catalogue of original songs had never made it to the studio.
The decision to put down the definitive 'record' of their time together could have been a big mistake. We can all be guilty of recalling past times through rose tinted glasses and the fact the songs came from a time 30 years ago meant there was a risk that the whole thing could simply be past its sell by date.
But no. What we were treated to was the proof that quality, energy and class will always live on. Well done guys. Now just keep it up!
The gig turned out to be better than an hour in the gym. The hearts were beating. We felt the Pulse. We were alive.
See what I did there? :-)
I have added a load of new pics to The Pulse Gallery:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PULSE
25th February 2013
If you were in any doubt about your existence or whether your heart was still beating you would have left The Fermain Tavern on Saturday night knowing you still have a Pulse.
Of course the band that got your heart 'a flutter' was The Pulse.
Following the trend of 'oldies' reforming, it was the turn of this band from the '80s. They always had a loyal following due to an unbeatable formula. The line-up was as strong and experienced as any to emerge from these shores. They wrote great songs. They gigged till they dropped & always managed to transfer their on-stage energy onto the audience.
(A NOTE TO THE YOUNGER GENERATIONS OF BANDS): Listen up and take note.
The occasion that bought the Band together again was the realisation that their back catalogue of original songs had never made it to the studio.
The decision to put down the definitive 'record' of their time together could have been a big mistake. We can all be guilty of recalling past times through rose tinted glasses and the fact the songs came from a time 30 years ago meant there was a risk that the whole thing could simply be past its sell by date.
But no. What we were treated to was the proof that quality, energy and class will always live on. Well done guys. Now just keep it up!
The gig turned out to be better than an hour in the gym. The hearts were beating. We felt the Pulse. We were alive.
See what I did there? :-)
I have added a load of new pics to The Pulse Gallery:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PULSE
Use it or loose it.... John Harris tells the story....
23rd February 2013
I have just read an article by John Harris on The Guardian web site and if you enjoy live music I encourage you to pop along there too.
John reports on the demise of what he terms the "toilet venues".
The name doesn't exactly endear itself to you, does it? But it is the name given to a disappearing genre of live music venues. Usually pubs with a small stage and small capacity of 100-250 maximum gig-goers.
The British musical scene is littered with major acts that developed and crafted their songs and stage persona in these often seedy and poorly supported back-street spaces. John lists many establishments that have now disappeared and mentions famous acts that emerged from the "toilet scene" including the Manic Street Preachers and The Vaccines. There are many, many more.
As a great supporter of live music I used to seek out the most obscure of these places whilst travelling the UK (in a previous life) before becoming a pro photog. I used to have a knack of finding live music wherever I stayed. Sometimes it was worth the effort - sometimes not. But it was always better than sitting alone in a hotel bar!
However even ten years ago I was becoming aware that venues were closing their doors to live bands. A couple of my regular haunts in Birmingham were Ronnie Scott's (now a Lap Dancing Club) - which meant the missus told me it was out-of-bounds ;-) There was also a pub just around the corner that was run, I think, by the Musical Guild. Also gone forever.
John Harris's article tells the story much better than I ever could, please take a look.
So how does Guernsey compare to 'the big wide world'?
Well we are doing pretty well I think.
The Fermain Tavern can certainly qualify as a "toilet venue" (no offence meant!) and is surely our premier live venue with a roll-call all the way up to Elton John. The 'Tav' is still offering a stage to the likes of the legendary Wilko Johnson and many other visiting acts and local bands.
Then we have the many 'pub' venues like the Thomas de la Rue, The White Hart, Blind O'Reilly's and The Dog House (edit: I must add the Cock & Bull to this list - otherwise known as 'my town office') who regularly open their doors to live music. There are also many less regular venues.
This leads me to the conclusion that Guernsey is very lucky to still have such a vibrant live scene.
But how long will it last? John's article tells how hard it can be for proprietors to justify devoting space to bands. We can all recall standing in a group of maybe ten people listening to a band.... this cannot reward the effort put in by the Landlord.
The responsibility lies with us, the live music lovers, to support what we have... if it disappears it will be gone forever and where will the next Manic Street Preachers or The Vaccines come from then?
The scary thought is that Simon Cowell thinks he has the answer!!
Follow this link to the article:
CLICK TO READ JOHN HARRIS'S ARTICLE IN THE GUARDIAN
&
TAKE A LOOK AT A FEW MORE PICS OF WILKO JOHNSON ON STAGE THE FERMAIN TAVERN
23rd February 2013
I have just read an article by John Harris on The Guardian web site and if you enjoy live music I encourage you to pop along there too.
John reports on the demise of what he terms the "toilet venues".
The name doesn't exactly endear itself to you, does it? But it is the name given to a disappearing genre of live music venues. Usually pubs with a small stage and small capacity of 100-250 maximum gig-goers.
The British musical scene is littered with major acts that developed and crafted their songs and stage persona in these often seedy and poorly supported back-street spaces. John lists many establishments that have now disappeared and mentions famous acts that emerged from the "toilet scene" including the Manic Street Preachers and The Vaccines. There are many, many more.
As a great supporter of live music I used to seek out the most obscure of these places whilst travelling the UK (in a previous life) before becoming a pro photog. I used to have a knack of finding live music wherever I stayed. Sometimes it was worth the effort - sometimes not. But it was always better than sitting alone in a hotel bar!
However even ten years ago I was becoming aware that venues were closing their doors to live bands. A couple of my regular haunts in Birmingham were Ronnie Scott's (now a Lap Dancing Club) - which meant the missus told me it was out-of-bounds ;-) There was also a pub just around the corner that was run, I think, by the Musical Guild. Also gone forever.
John Harris's article tells the story much better than I ever could, please take a look.
So how does Guernsey compare to 'the big wide world'?
Well we are doing pretty well I think.
The Fermain Tavern can certainly qualify as a "toilet venue" (no offence meant!) and is surely our premier live venue with a roll-call all the way up to Elton John. The 'Tav' is still offering a stage to the likes of the legendary Wilko Johnson and many other visiting acts and local bands.
Then we have the many 'pub' venues like the Thomas de la Rue, The White Hart, Blind O'Reilly's and The Dog House (edit: I must add the Cock & Bull to this list - otherwise known as 'my town office') who regularly open their doors to live music. There are also many less regular venues.
This leads me to the conclusion that Guernsey is very lucky to still have such a vibrant live scene.
But how long will it last? John's article tells how hard it can be for proprietors to justify devoting space to bands. We can all recall standing in a group of maybe ten people listening to a band.... this cannot reward the effort put in by the Landlord.
The responsibility lies with us, the live music lovers, to support what we have... if it disappears it will be gone forever and where will the next Manic Street Preachers or The Vaccines come from then?
The scary thought is that Simon Cowell thinks he has the answer!!
Follow this link to the article:
CLICK TO READ JOHN HARRIS'S ARTICLE IN THE GUARDIAN
&
TAKE A LOOK AT A FEW MORE PICS OF WILKO JOHNSON ON STAGE THE FERMAIN TAVERN
Let there be light.... thanks Lloyd
11th February 2013
I'm going to sound like a cracked record again but I make no excuses for this.
Stating the blindingly obvious - photographers capture light!
OK, we hope to have a subject somewhere in that light to make our effort worth while :-) But the quality of the light is essential.
This is true for the successful creation of any photograph of any subject.
So it is a pleasure to work at gig photography when I have a 'lighting guy' who is equally keen on the quality of light. Guernsey has a couple of 'starmen' and I have worked with both of them over the weekend. First it was Mark Guillou at the Elysium gig.
VIEW THE ELYSIUM GIG HERE
Next on the list was Fermain Fest... at the Fermain Tavern, now there's a suprise!
This eight hour musical marathon was lit by Lloyd Hellyeah. Now Lloyd is really keen on his set-ups. I was pleased that a few weeks ago Lloyd invited me along one evening whilst he was setting up a gig so we could discuss what type of light I find works for a photog.
So what a treat it was at Fermain Fest when Lloyd turned on a few new tricks. Don't you just luv that layering. Now that's what I call lighting! I hope all the gig-goers noticed too :-) Thanks Lloyd.
You can make up your own mind if you like by checking out a few of the Galleries. I must also give a big shout to Jack Fletcher who organised Fermain Fest. Great job mate. You have set the bar really high!
Pictures are now in the Gallery and don't forget to say well done to the lighting guys next time you enjoy their work...
THE PHANTOM COSMONAUT
THE OK
RENTOCLEAN
THE BLACK VOTE
BULLETPROOF
PARTY IN PARIS
LIFEJACKET
BRIGHT_LIGHTS
TANTALE
11th February 2013
I'm going to sound like a cracked record again but I make no excuses for this.
Stating the blindingly obvious - photographers capture light!
OK, we hope to have a subject somewhere in that light to make our effort worth while :-) But the quality of the light is essential.
This is true for the successful creation of any photograph of any subject.
So it is a pleasure to work at gig photography when I have a 'lighting guy' who is equally keen on the quality of light. Guernsey has a couple of 'starmen' and I have worked with both of them over the weekend. First it was Mark Guillou at the Elysium gig.
VIEW THE ELYSIUM GIG HERE
Next on the list was Fermain Fest... at the Fermain Tavern, now there's a suprise!
This eight hour musical marathon was lit by Lloyd Hellyeah. Now Lloyd is really keen on his set-ups. I was pleased that a few weeks ago Lloyd invited me along one evening whilst he was setting up a gig so we could discuss what type of light I find works for a photog.
So what a treat it was at Fermain Fest when Lloyd turned on a few new tricks. Don't you just luv that layering. Now that's what I call lighting! I hope all the gig-goers noticed too :-) Thanks Lloyd.
You can make up your own mind if you like by checking out a few of the Galleries. I must also give a big shout to Jack Fletcher who organised Fermain Fest. Great job mate. You have set the bar really high!
Pictures are now in the Gallery and don't forget to say well done to the lighting guys next time you enjoy their work...
THE PHANTOM COSMONAUT
THE OK
RENTOCLEAN
THE BLACK VOTE
BULLETPROOF
PARTY IN PARIS
LIFEJACKET
BRIGHT_LIGHTS
TANTALE
Already another high in 2013 with Sugar Slam...
06th February 2013
The Thomas de la Rue was taken over by supporters looking for a Sugar Slam fix at the weekend.
This band of old rockers (hopefully they won't be too hurt by me labelling them as such - but it's true!) took over the pub to launch their new Album, Fameless.
I understand that this is their first recording for 18 years. I guess that will make any contesting of my previous statement a bit hard to succeed ;-)
The Album was well worth the wait. Make an effort to search it out. It captures much of the energy the Band brings to their stage performances. The song writing is good and each track powers into the next with a grungy-raw rock sound.
I'm pleased to say that this Album is yet another that features my photography... so how can it fail to make an impact!!
I have lost count, but I think that now makes five Albums in the last twelve months. Rock 'n' Roll, eh!
My pics of the launch gig are now online and they benefit massively from Mark Guillou's stage lighting.
The stage area in the Thomas de la Rue is normally a 'black hole' and quite impossible to photograph. Not on this night though. Thanks Mark.
PICS OF SUGAR SLAM'S ALBUM LAUNCH GIG
06th February 2013
The Thomas de la Rue was taken over by supporters looking for a Sugar Slam fix at the weekend.
This band of old rockers (hopefully they won't be too hurt by me labelling them as such - but it's true!) took over the pub to launch their new Album, Fameless.
I understand that this is their first recording for 18 years. I guess that will make any contesting of my previous statement a bit hard to succeed ;-)
The Album was well worth the wait. Make an effort to search it out. It captures much of the energy the Band brings to their stage performances. The song writing is good and each track powers into the next with a grungy-raw rock sound.
I'm pleased to say that this Album is yet another that features my photography... so how can it fail to make an impact!!
I have lost count, but I think that now makes five Albums in the last twelve months. Rock 'n' Roll, eh!
My pics of the launch gig are now online and they benefit massively from Mark Guillou's stage lighting.
The stage area in the Thomas de la Rue is normally a 'black hole' and quite impossible to photograph. Not on this night though. Thanks Mark.
PICS OF SUGAR SLAM'S ALBUM LAUNCH GIG
Second update to the 'Keep Music Live' Band Galleries....
08th January 2013
I've now added a second Gallery to showcase another of the bands that took to the stage at the Fermain Tavern during Mark Guillou's inaugural Keep Music Live gig.
I have already commented in my previous blog that when Mark stages any event there is no holding back! This is true for all the elements - the selection of Bands, the quality of the sound and - especially for the photogs ;-) the lighting.
I hope you will agree, if you check-out the new Gallery, that Mark and his able helper Jordan Solway put on a worthy show.
The new picture Gallery features From Bedrooms to Backseats... please take a look and click on the Facebook links below your favourite pics.
FROM BEDROOMS TO BACKSEATS ON STAGE AT THE FERMAIN TAVERN
08th January 2013
I've now added a second Gallery to showcase another of the bands that took to the stage at the Fermain Tavern during Mark Guillou's inaugural Keep Music Live gig.
I have already commented in my previous blog that when Mark stages any event there is no holding back! This is true for all the elements - the selection of Bands, the quality of the sound and - especially for the photogs ;-) the lighting.
I hope you will agree, if you check-out the new Gallery, that Mark and his able helper Jordan Solway put on a worthy show.
The new picture Gallery features From Bedrooms to Backseats... please take a look and click on the Facebook links below your favourite pics.
FROM BEDROOMS TO BACKSEATS ON STAGE AT THE FERMAIN TAVERN
Keep Music Live...... is it a 'grower'?
05th January 2013
No I don't mean does it grow tomatoes! I'm not sure our Island even has any 'old school' growers left?
What I am talking about is Mark Guillou's latest project, Keep Music Live.
The man who has bought us 'Rock of Ages' presented two nights of music at the Fermain Tavern this weekend. All the signature elements of any gig that Mark backs were there... loads of bands, great sound and (I kid myself that this is especially for me)... great lighting. I'm one happy photog :-)
It is a shame that due to other 'togging commitments I was only able to pop in for a couple of bands but I was satisfied that if we can get the word out to the gig-goers on Guernsey we will have plenty to look forward to in 2013.
As always, these events will only survive if the guys who put in the effort to organise them are supported. Make it your new years resolution to spread the word. You can start now by 'liking' my blog and picture galleries :-)
I hope to see ya at loads of gigs in 2013. As Mark says... KEEP MUSIC LIVE...
VIEW TWELVE TON TROUBLE PLAYING AT KEEP MUSIC LIVE-1
05th January 2013
No I don't mean does it grow tomatoes! I'm not sure our Island even has any 'old school' growers left?
What I am talking about is Mark Guillou's latest project, Keep Music Live.
The man who has bought us 'Rock of Ages' presented two nights of music at the Fermain Tavern this weekend. All the signature elements of any gig that Mark backs were there... loads of bands, great sound and (I kid myself that this is especially for me)... great lighting. I'm one happy photog :-)
It is a shame that due to other 'togging commitments I was only able to pop in for a couple of bands but I was satisfied that if we can get the word out to the gig-goers on Guernsey we will have plenty to look forward to in 2013.
As always, these events will only survive if the guys who put in the effort to organise them are supported. Make it your new years resolution to spread the word. You can start now by 'liking' my blog and picture galleries :-)
I hope to see ya at loads of gigs in 2013. As Mark says... KEEP MUSIC LIVE...
VIEW TWELVE TON TROUBLE PLAYING AT KEEP MUSIC LIVE-1
Best gig of 2012? It was well worth the wait.........
23rd December 2012
Maybe it was the heightened sense of DOOM... after all the end of the world had been predicted!
Or maybe it was the rarity of seeing Edith's Head on an outing? Whatever is was, there was an air of anticipation in The Fermain Tavern on Friday.
The Vale Earth Fair Collective had billed the gig as 'The End of the World'... so 'we had better make the best of it' was the attitude on the dance floor and stage!
If you follow this blog you will know that I love gig photography, even if I haven't worked out a way to make it pay yet!
I have photographed dozens of bands during 2012 from Noel Gallagher, Professor Green & Madness to Kaiser Chiefs & Macy Gray. So I'm not short of choice when it comes to selecting a favourite. I think this gig tops the lot!
You may have noticed that whilst I make occasional mention about photographic techniques and lighting I never try to review a bands performance. I'm satisfied that if I enjoy a gig, thats good enough. I leave the craft of reviewing to our local wordsmith, Tom Girard. CHECK-OUT TOM'S BLOG HERE
But this time I am moved to applaud The Deadbeats, Edith's Head and Heave for seeing off the end of the world with (in my opinion) the best gig of 2012.
Edith's Head are a band that has the talent to never play the same set twice. Their free and jazzy style is full of improv. They were welcomed... as expected... and (if it turns out to be their last gig before destruction) they made it a memorable one :-)
However the greatest praise must go to Heave. These two guys are the discovery of 2012. Steve Lynch & Neil Etasse take Grunge and Dirty to an all-time low, and I love it! In fact they are Grungier than a ........ and Dirtier than a ...... You'll have to fill the blanks in yourself. I told you I was new to this review business.
Maybe I should stick with what I know?
The masters who are Heave were inspired to play their set from the middle of the dance floor - they like to be in contact with their audience. This was an early Christmas present to this photographer. Thanks Santa.
It's good to still be alive, bring on more of the same in 2013 please :-)
YOU LIKE IT WITH GRUNGE... CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF HEAVE
or
HOW ABOUT A BIT OF JAZZ & BLUES... THAT'LL BE EDITH'S HEAD. CLICK HERE FOR PICS
or
OR HOW ABOUT THE DEADBEATS... CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS
23rd December 2012
Maybe it was the heightened sense of DOOM... after all the end of the world had been predicted!
Or maybe it was the rarity of seeing Edith's Head on an outing? Whatever is was, there was an air of anticipation in The Fermain Tavern on Friday.
The Vale Earth Fair Collective had billed the gig as 'The End of the World'... so 'we had better make the best of it' was the attitude on the dance floor and stage!
If you follow this blog you will know that I love gig photography, even if I haven't worked out a way to make it pay yet!
I have photographed dozens of bands during 2012 from Noel Gallagher, Professor Green & Madness to Kaiser Chiefs & Macy Gray. So I'm not short of choice when it comes to selecting a favourite. I think this gig tops the lot!
You may have noticed that whilst I make occasional mention about photographic techniques and lighting I never try to review a bands performance. I'm satisfied that if I enjoy a gig, thats good enough. I leave the craft of reviewing to our local wordsmith, Tom Girard. CHECK-OUT TOM'S BLOG HERE
But this time I am moved to applaud The Deadbeats, Edith's Head and Heave for seeing off the end of the world with (in my opinion) the best gig of 2012.
Edith's Head are a band that has the talent to never play the same set twice. Their free and jazzy style is full of improv. They were welcomed... as expected... and (if it turns out to be their last gig before destruction) they made it a memorable one :-)
However the greatest praise must go to Heave. These two guys are the discovery of 2012. Steve Lynch & Neil Etasse take Grunge and Dirty to an all-time low, and I love it! In fact they are Grungier than a ........ and Dirtier than a ...... You'll have to fill the blanks in yourself. I told you I was new to this review business.
Maybe I should stick with what I know?
The masters who are Heave were inspired to play their set from the middle of the dance floor - they like to be in contact with their audience. This was an early Christmas present to this photographer. Thanks Santa.
It's good to still be alive, bring on more of the same in 2013 please :-)
YOU LIKE IT WITH GRUNGE... CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF HEAVE
or
HOW ABOUT A BIT OF JAZZ & BLUES... THAT'LL BE EDITH'S HEAD. CLICK HERE FOR PICS
or
OR HOW ABOUT THE DEADBEATS... CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS