Beginnings and reflections

Well, it’s the first of what will probably be many posts now that I’ve started to get the hang of editing the site. I’m intending to use this blog as a personal reflection of my doings as a photographer and continue to post longer gig reviews on the magazine websites that I write for. So, this will be more of a journal style record of what I’m up to.

I thought I’d start by considering where I was this time last year - taking pictures (like most fans) on my phone at Download Festival. You’ll have to go some way back through my IG posts to find them now… In December, I bought a really decent point and shoot (Canon G5X mkII) to see if I could improve my “fan pics.” I was really pleased with how that turned out so, like a lot of concert photographers, this turned into a kind of gateway drug to wanting better access and better shots. I still use that camera when I cannot get accreditation for a gig or simply want to go see an artist as a fan. Last week with the Levellers and The Meffs and UEA’s Nick Rayns LCR was typical of this. And I still get pictures from it which I’m really happy with, albeit at a lower strike rate.

In January, I was lucky enough to meet two amazing pro photographers who have encouraged and supported me to transition into their world. These two amazing people have given me the opportunity to write for their magazines and this has enabled me to obtain photo passes for some incredible shows. Most recently I have covered Florence Road at Koko in Camden - possibly the “next Wolf Alice” at one of my favourite venues in London.

I’m ambitious, and this world is quite addictive, so I fully intend to push myself to my limits while growing into my own personal photographic and journalistic style. Next up I’m back to Download 2026 - not with a photo pass this time, but with a brilliant sense of what I have achieved in 12 months and hope for what might be possible in the next 12.