Being a great fan of Portishead I jumped at the chance to photograph them. It was quite a different focus compared to the other gigs I had done because the emphasis was not so much on the people, who more or less were stationary throughout, but more on the lighting and general ambiance of the scene. I really enjoyed this different approach and think I captured the atmosphere well.
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This gig was also very challenging for me because, unlike any other shows I had done, the lighting was almost entirely from behind the band. Having always (successfully) avoided back-lit subjects, that night forced me to improve my technique and I found the challenge exhilarating.
This was the first gig I I had photographed in a reasonably sized venue. No longer cramped in the shadows I relished th chance to spread my wings a bit and experiment with composition and depth of field.
Capdown are another band I shot at the Birmingham Barfly. Again, the cramped space, low lighting and fast moving subjects epitomize what I love about live music photography. Not only is it much more exciting that other forms of photography, but I think it can bring out your best work by forcing you to be imaginative and quick in your decision making. Over analysis is not an option, and as a result the work is spontaneous and fresh.
Womens football at The University of Manchester Armitage Centre.
