Sunday, 15 November 2009

The Novels @ Office Bar Folkestone

Had the privilage of being able to go see my mate Adam's (who also runs EK-One Magazine when he's not being a guitar hero) band, The Novels play at the Office Bar in Folkestone the other night.

Not only did I have a great time photographing them, the music was cracking!

Go check out their MySpace page. You'll be very glad you did!

Thursday, 29 October 2009

Autumn Marsh Sunset

Had a terrible night last night, youngest had his first seasonal bout of croup (he gets it a lot) resulting in me sleeping (I use the term loosely) on the floor in his room.

Today in contrast was a lovely day, my kids (despite the night's excitement) were in a lovely, fun mood, I had a very productive time working, I took a trip to the lovely seaside town of Hythe, and finally, got to see this amazing sunset.

"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul. "

It *is* well...

Wednesday, 28 October 2009

Marketplace Girl


Job Done!
Originally uploaded by Way Ahead Photography
"It takes a lot of imagination to be a good photographer. You need less imagination to be a painter, because you can invent things. But in photography everything is so ordinary; it takes a lot of looking before you learn to see the ordinary." (David Bailey)

One of my final photos for the Ashford project, and one of my favourite photos I've ever taken. So far!

Saturday, 10 October 2009

Why Am I Doing This?



"Because we do not know when we will die, we get to think of life as an inexhaustable well. Yet everything happens a certain number of times, and a very small number, really. How many more times will you remember a certain afternoon of your childhood, some afternoon that is so deeply a part of your being that you can't even concieve of your life without it? Perhaps four or five times more. Perhaps not even that. How many times will you watch the full moon rise? Perhaps twenty. And yet it all seems limitless." (Paul Bowles - "The Sheltering Sky")

Sometimes you've just got to take photos for fun. If you ever lose sight of that, then it's no longer a passion. It just becomes another job...

Photography should be about capturing moments, stopping time and remembering that which is important. It should not be about earning money, or chasing fame and fortune. Sadly it's an easy trap to fall into in the world we live in where everybody wants to be somebody.

Wednesday, 9 September 2009

Summer's End...


So the kids are back to school, and I'm back to some sort of normality. I've done a lot over the past few weeks, 2 holidays with the family, both fantastic, lots of photo shoots, I've bought a new camera and quit from a photography degree course before even commencing it. I feel older, wiser, a bit more wrinkly in places, but ready to take on the world.

Photo is from a recent shoot with a lovely young lass called Caroline - I really enjoyed the natter we had, as well as a really good time taking photos.

Thursday, 30 July 2009

Strings To The Bow


I'm a freelance photographer. So by my reckoning I need to be doing "a bit of everything". Which suits me just fine - my character is such that my wife believes strongly that I have ADHD...

This last week I've been flexing my "fashion shoot" muscles. I advertised for some models, pointing out my style, which I think is quite individual, and has been brought about by the rock photography I do so much of.

The response was very pleasing - 30 applications to work with me. So far I've worked with a couple of lovely models - really nice people as well as having a great look. And I had a blast.

One thing I'm learning fast is that ability can only get so you far. Personality is really important if you want to stand out from the crowd. The models I am choosing to work with are the ones who are funny, friendly, and pleasant people. Looks aren't everything, even in photography and fashion!

One of my heroes, David Bailey, was known for his huge charm and personality, backed up by a tremendous talent behind the camera. He was, I imagine, amazing to work with - which is why people flocked to use him.

In this game, I really believe nice guys can win....!!!

Tuesday, 7 July 2009

All Fested Out!


IMG_9556
Originally uploaded by Way Ahead Photography
What a stonking fortnight I've had!

First of all I got to experience the brilliant Sellindge Festival, culmination in a blinding performance by the amazing Supergrass. And I got to meet them backstage...!!!

Then it was on to the Beach Break Live event in Lympne; 10,000 students shipped in from Cornwall at the last minute, to watch bands like Red Light Company, Mystery Jets, The Zutons and Dizzee Rascal

And I've just returned from the Hop Farm Festival, where I met Ash, and experienced the legend that is Paul Weller.

I've shot thousands of photos, learnt loads, and most importantly, met some absolutely great people. It's been a blast! Now I need a lie down!