Saturday Night at The Ritz

Saturday 23rd March
Johnny Marr

Saturday night at the Ritz, where Johnny Marr put on a great performance. I was there to take photos for New reviews and as the reviewer was sick, I wrote the review too. It was a fantastic night, Johnny Marr sang some old 'Smiths' numbers and I went back to being 19 again.

It's here:
http://www.new-reviews.co.uk/?p=8172

The photo seems to have been popular too and was on Flickr Explore this week:

Flickr Explore Gallery: http://www.flickr.com/explore/2013/03/23
you have to scroll down a bit...

Turning Down The Courteeners, a Broken Foot and a Rendevouz with Carl Barat

8th December 2012 Carl Barat Interview

Almost a week after photographing Crystal Castles I had  a little mishap on a pair of slippers, in where I managed to break my foot.


Yes...  a proper break right across the base of the 5th Metatarsal and the sort of break that comes with a plaster cast. 

Which means I can't drive, I can't walk without crutches and I wont be shooting another gig until mid January -

and I had to turn down covering the Courteeners on 8th December which left me gutted...

...until...

...So Shirley Procter and I went off to do an interview with Carl Barat for New Reviews and as everyone else was at The Courteeners, I thought...

I can do that... right?
 

Anyway... it's not everyday you get to meet a Libertine, in their dressing room, at Midnight!

 

11:15pm - a time that I've usually got my PJ's on and I'm ready for bed - Shirley picked me up and we headed into town, crutches and all.

We waited for Carl and his team (which included another ex-Libertine, Gary Powell) and 

Shirley interviewed Carl here: http://www.new-reviews.co.uk/?p=7505 where we chatted about his solo career, life after The Libertines and his new film 'Two Dancers'.

Then I got to take some photos, with my knee resting on the coffee table to balance myself.

 But, I don't recommend breaking your foot just to meet Carl Barat!

 Tonight's lesson: You can do anything if you really want to... despite the obstacles that seem to be in your way!

Crystal Castles and a suprise from MixMag

28th November 2012 Crystal Castles

With all concert photography our biggest challenges are, lighting and the dreaded smoke machine.

We arrived to the Crystal Castles concert and were informed of the following:

• The band didn't particularly want to be photographed
• We had to shoot from the side of the stage, actually on stage
• There would be strobe lighting
• There would be smoke
• Alice Glass was going to throw her mic stand in our direction.

There were three photographers this evening and as the crew led me, Mike and Haydn to the side of the stage we did our 'Hail Mary's' and wondered what the hell we'd let ourselves in for!

We sat packed tightly, (lodged between a speaker, the bands water supply and a pile of towels) and because the band were fashionably late on stage, our feet, then legs had started to go numb.
A crew member went through the routine and to our relief said he would be standing near us to catch the flying mic stand (which he did), and we were very happy - particularly Mike, who was getting married a week later and wasn't looking forward to a potential black eye! (Imagine trying to explain that to the new Outlaws!)


Lots of strobes, lots of smoke, lots of clicks of the camera and lots of disappointing shots, then all of a sudden Alice decides to jump into the crowd. Which meant:

• There was a spotlight on her (very happy)
• She more or less stayed still for a few moments (even happier)
• We could stand up YAY! (however, Haydn's legs were dead by this stage)

So as the fans grappled towards Alice, we stood and clicked to our hearts content.

And I got some pretty good shots considering...

A nice surprise, a couple of weeks later, to find that MixMag wanted to buy one of my shots for their February 2013 edition, out January 17th (ish). 

Tonight's lesson... Never underestimate your ability... always expect the unexpected!

The Vaccines, Apollo Manchester

21st November The Vaccines

 

The Apollo again and this time its a standing concert, which means we get to shoot from the Press Pit, which makes every concert photographer a happy bunny.

Luckily this time I shot The Vaccines there were no flying lagers, although crowd surfers were plentiful.

The Vaccines are very energetic, which makes focusing on my MF lens a challenge, but I came away with some good shots.

Jools Holland

17th November  Jools Holland

 

November, and the lead up to Christmas is always busy 'gig wise'.
All the bands seem to be on tour and there's no shortage of photo opportunities.

One person who's work I admire (from his days with Squeeze to his show 'Later With') is Jools Holland, and so when I had the opportunity to shoot Mr Holland, I couldn't wait.

As usual the Apollo was a seated gig :(  so shooting was restricted from the side aisle (Stage left) and as I was the only photographer there I had loads of room to move around.
 
Same old rules: first three, no flash, except on the third song Mr Holland decided to switch pianos and played on one to his left, which meant he had his back to me. But I'd got some pretty decent shots already, so I packed up and headed to my seat.

Matt Cardle Album Signing

An email lands in the In-Box and I find that I've been asked to photograph Matt Cardle at HMV Manchester to go with an exclusive interview for New Reviews. 

You can read Shirley's interview with him here: http://www.new-reviews.co.uk/?p=7298.

I stayed out of the way until the end, then I asked him to stand against the wall so I could shoot him.

...And like all those who have stood before the lens before him, he smiled and obliged.

Florence, Damon, Morrissey and Elbow - just too many to mention...

2012 The Year of Change...

Where does the time go?

Well, 2012 is proving to be the year of change. I got my first photos of Yukimi Nagano (Little Dragon) and Florence + the Machine published in MixMag (and I rushed out to WHSmiths to buy copies, just to be sure I wasn't dreaming).

They say you should never work with your Hero's and I worked with most of mine this year.

I got to shoot my first Arena gigs (Florence + the Machine) and then went back again to shoot Morrissey. 

The Charlatans, Tim Burgess, New Order, Graham Coxon, Newton Falkner and Richard Hawley (to name but a few) all ventured in front of the lens;

I got to photograph Damon Albarn's wonderful 'Africa Express' when they stopped in Manchester (all four hours of it).

There was a host of talent, including Joy Divison's Peter Hook, making a guest appearance.

Not only did I get to shoot all the show, but I had the unique chance of meeting all the artistes as they lingered side stage, and photographed many of them as part of their own personal journey.

Carl Barat even quoted it as being 'One of the best things he has ever done!' And I have to say it was for me too x

One highlights of the year was being invited to photograph Elbow at 'Live at Jodrell Bank', in usual British summer fashion - it rained - cars got stuck in the car park, tractors were used to pull the casualties out of the mud and it was almost daylight before we finally reached home.

Paul Weller's concert the following night was cancelled, which was a huge shame.

**********************

My partner in crime (Jill Coleman) and I delivered our first talk on 'Concert Photography' to a local photography group.

But the biggest surprise this year was getting a tweet off Jill telling me that 'The Heartbreaks' had listed the two of us on the insert of their debut album 'Funtimes', we've both worked with The Heartbreaks over the last two years in the run-up to their debut album, what an honour!

Jill and I are thinking of putting a display up soon too. So watch this space....

 

**********************

I've started to shoot babies and newborns this year.

...My earplugs come in useful for these shoots too!

 

...and I've been doing some freelance photography for my local paper. I think that if I'm going to be a 'Journo' then I'll need to be a bit pushier and not so 'gentile'.
I've met some interesting people on these shoots, including a very brave gentleman called Peter Fleming who survived male breast cancer and who has recently be diagnosed with this terrible disease again.

One of my most memorable shoots this year was assisting Terry McNamarra on 'The Kiss 2012' http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrymc/6870275131/  It was a privilege to work with Terry.

I knew vintage model 'Laura Norrey' as we used to work together (in a past life), it was such a wonderful experience!

 

Well, back to planning more shoots/fun whatever you want to call it.... I've always got something up my sleeve!

The Vaccines, Tim Burgess, The Courteeners and more...

2011 came and went in a blur...

Its almost New Years eve and I've been a little neglectful of my blog. November came and went, and before I had chance to reflect, December was upon us.

Towards the end of October the Night & Day Cafe asked me along to photograph The Selecter for their website. I remembered watching Pauline Black in my youth and never ever thought for a moment that she would venture in front of my lens.

November 1st and I was off to Sound Control with my partner in crime Jill Coleman (Jillcolemanphotography.co.uk) to photograph and review my favourite band of 2011, The Chapman Family. The set was energetic and Kingsley fell in love with the 'Transporter Bridge' blue pillar that held up the ceiling. Kingsley rocks!

November 2nd... was an official night out. No camera. No pen. My OH and I went off to the MEN Arena to watch the Arctic Monkeys. A fabulous performance and I love Alex Turners new teddy boy rock look :)

November 3rd... and a trip with my OH and BF to see Author Anthony Horowitz at Manchester Town Hall. Anthony has been commissioned by the Arthur Conan Doyle Trust and just written the new Sherlock Holmes Novel, he red an except and signed books afterwards.

Jenni Murray from BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour was also there, I bought her book 'Memoirs of a Not so Dutiful Daughter' (I'm glued to it) and she signed it for me #icollectsignedbooks

November 4th... another Night out with No Camera. No Pen. This time to the Night and Day Cafe to watch the Stone Roses and Oasis tribute bands - and I have to say they were excellent.

November 17th... and I find myself at the Manchester Academy and I've got the best seat in the house for The Vaccines gig.

An unusual shoot, when I got there I found out it was the usual first three songs, but flash for the first song???

It totally threw me. It was my Sigma 17-35mm wide angle lens' debut - so the challenge was on.

What was even more challenging is that the Vaccines have notoriously short songs, so we only had just under six minutes to shoot!

November 20th and its OH's anniversary prezzie (from me) to go and see The Fall. Luckily I'd seen Mark E. Smith rehearse with the Gorillaz, so I knew what to expect. 

He was all over the place. he twiddle with knobs on the equipment and he generally mumbled his way through the set.

Tim Burgess (The Charlatans) was there doing an interview with City Life Manchester. And yes... I know who the 'excited stranger' is!

November 27th... Another night out with OH, my camera and my special pen. Little Dragon were performing at the Ruby Lounge and it was a gig I'd been looking forward to. I first heard of Little Dragon when she collaborated with Damon Albarn and the 'Gorillaz' and after seeing the Gorillaz rehearse last year and reviewed Damon Albarn's Opera (Dr Dee), it was a great to see Yukimi Nagano performing on stage, let alone have the privilege to photograph her.

December 8th and OH and I are off into town for TWO shoots tonight. The first is Tim Burgess from The Charlatans at Fopp, where there was a Tim Peaks Diner listening party (those on Twitter are in the know here ) to raise money for Treckstock (Teenage Cancer Charity).

It was fabulous, There were official Tim Peaks diner mugs and T's on sale and huge cupcakes! Tim was signing cartoon strips and he signed my camera bagtoo - cool :) then we raced across town to see another of my teenage favourite stars 'Gary Numan'.

I finally got to meet photographers Ben Bentley and the amazing Ed Fielding (Official Photographer for Gary Numan).

Unfortunately, I didn't get chance to speak to Ed, the stage guys had overdone the dry ice a bit and I lost him in the fog the ensued, although I did get to see his photos online the next day.

December 9th and it's the Apollo to photograph and review the Courteeners and what can I say?

...That crowd was the craziest I've seen so far. And I got covered in some form of liquid.

Luckily it was cold, so I assume it was lager?

But what a spectacular performance and a band I'll be going to see again!

So what's in store for 2012?

So what's in store for 2012?

...Well I'm off to see the Kevin Cummins photography exhibition at the Manchester Photographic Gallery (starting 6th January). Kevin was the official photographer of Joy Division and has an amazing collection of photos, and stories, from his time spent with the band.

I have a couple of photo-shoots in the pipeline and I'll be raising money for a charity that's very close to my heart. 

Oh, and yes...

...I got my Stone Roses tickets!

Amir Khan to Johnny Marr

2nd October 2011

A Busy Couple of Weeks

Sunday... A hectic last minute drive to Bolton and finally my assistant (author Cathrine Short) and I finally reach Fozia Khan's boutique Hanna Boutique.  We were greeted and looked after by the wonderful 'Team Khan' family and I photographed the beautiful clothes and jewellery for Fozia's website, along with some shots of her celebrity nephew Amir Khan and other members of their family. The family pictures are for private use by the Khan family, but I will publish some photos of the clothes and jewellery at some time.

Tuesday and Thursday nights were both spent at the Deaf Institute photographing Johnny Marr and The Healers. An unexpected memory card error prompted a second night the the DI, writing a review for my good friend Alex at Designer Magazine.

Last Wednesday we went to 'The Art of Drinking' art launch at the night and Day Cafe on Oldham Street, where I have displayed some my photos for a while now, there were five artists in all and there is now a huge display of artwork and photos adorning their walls.

Then it was back to the Night & Day Thursday evening for an official 'night out' to watch Johnny Marr's exclusive home town gig.

Peter Doherty, Manchester Academy

18th May 2011
Peter Doherty, Manchester Academy

 
Since I've reviewed and photographed the other ex-Libertine a few times now, I finally got the opportunity to do the same for Peter Doherty. If I'm honest I was slightly disappointed, I feel he needs a band behind him, but his loyal fans were thrilled and you can read all about it here:

http://designermagazine.tripod.com/PeteDohertyMANCACADEMYREV2011.htm

More photos on  flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandajwindowuk/sets/72157626759070756/

Its just a shame he went to prison for six months two days later, as the rest of the tour has had to be postponed :(

Carl Barat, Academy 2, Manchester

6th April 2011
Carl Barat, Academy 2, Manchester

 

Tonight I had the chance to photograph and review one of Carl Barat's gig for the third time.
 
He's a total dream to photograph, and you can read the review here:
http://designermagazine.tripod.com/CarlBaratLIVEREV2.htm

More photos on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandajwindowuk/sets/72157626336603179/

The Heartbreaks, The Deaf Institute, Manchester

9th April 2011
 The Heartbreaks, The Deaf Institute, Manchester


Another night in town with my partner in crime (Jill Coleman), this time to the concert hall of the Deaf Institute to review and photograph Matthew Whitehouse, Ryan Wallace, Deaks and Joe Kondras (AKA The Heartbreaks)

 
http://designermagazine.tripod.com/TheHeartbreaksLIVEREV20112.htm

25th March 2011
Shaun William Ryder, The Academy, Manchester

The first Shaun Ryder gig was cancelled at the last minute, due to health problems. And I was really surprised to be reallocated a press pass, plus one this time. I looked forward to this gig, and although I didn't get to take my camera this time, I wrote this review for Designer Magazine.
 
http://www.designermagazine.org/ShaunWilliamRyderREV1.htm

Sorry no photos for this one: just a review.

Cat's Eyes, St Philips Church, Salford

Cat's Eyes
The Horrors front man Faris Badwan
St Philips Church, Salford

On Monday night Jill Coleman (Visonthing64)  Charlotte Davies and myself went to St Philips Church to photograph and review the new band formed by The Horrors frontman Faris Badwan.

On arriving at the church, as always we checked out the venue and asked the Tour Manager about areas for shooting and so on. The only stipulation was that we were not to block to projected light coming from the front of the stage. 

t was pretty dark and we couldn't see any lighting rigged out above us, so assumed that somewhere someone would produce some light, enough to take some decent pictures. They didn't, and it was literally pitch black. After shooting the first three songs from the front of the stage we decided to climb the small wonky staircase to the balcony to see if we could get any better shots.

It wasn't any better and to make things worse you couldn't even see in front of your hand, we might as well have been blindfolded.

We took some shots from the back in the hope that something from the many hundreds we took, at least one might be half decent.

James Blunt, Manchester Apollo

James Blunt, Manchester Apollo

My camera's second trip out this year was to photograph the legendary James Blunt at the Manchester Apollo, where I took photos and wrote a review for Designer Magazine.
I took my cousin with me (as she had painstakingly transcribed The Heartbreaks interview a few weeks earlier - unpaid might I add) and introduced her to 'the great side of Rock and Roll'.

I made the mistake of packing the wrong lens - had a major panic, but suprisingly came out with one good shot :(
 
Fun was had by all - and all on a school night!

http://designermagazine.tripod.com/JamesBluntAPOLLO2011.htm

A Change of Heart

A Change of Heart
 

Actually my camera did get a day out this month.
I photographed and interviewed Matthew Whitehouse from The Heartbreaks for Designer Magazine.

We eventually met in Piccadilly after mixing up which Cafe Nero we were supposed to be stood outside (neither of us realised there were two).

We then went onto the lovely Earth Cafe on Turner Street (scrumptious vegetarian and organic cafe) where Patricia was the most wonderful host, and we held our interview in a 'not so quiet' corner next to the coffee machine.

http://designermagazine.tripod.com/TheHeartbreaksINT1.htm

 

 

January 2011

January 2011

I'm not deserting my camera this month, but I have some very tight deadlines and much research to do in aid of completing my novel. Nick who edits for me is eagerly awaiting the 'next installment', and I have to get a move on.

I have put lots of feelers out for gigs from February onwards, trips to London to sort and I'm currently in the process of exhibiting a collection of photos at the rehearsal studios at Brunswick Mill and a couple of pix are going up at the Night and Day Cafe in Manchester.
No rest for the wicked...

The Heartbreaks, The Yorkshire House, Lancaster

The Heartbreaks, The Yorkshire House, Lancaster

I walked into this venue with the distinct feeling that, on average I was just 'a wee bit older' that the rest of the audience. I'm just glad I had my camera with me!

The venue was in an upstairs room, painted wall-to-wall matt black and freezing cold. It was only later that the gyrating bodies 'warmed up' the atmosphere so much so, that the walls ran with condensation!

But don't this put you off, because this was the best gigs I've seen The Heartbreaks perform so far.

Maybe it was down to being their home-coming gig (the lads are from Morecambe) or the fact that they were in jovial Christmas spirit, but the night was a huge success. So huge that the Lancaster Guardian asked for photos and a review of the night for their New Years Eve publication.
 

Anyway, despite getting trampled in the never ending mosh pit and spending all night protecting my camera from 'stray lager' I got some pretty decent pictures. The only grumble - The dry ice machine made it difficult to manually focus, but I got some really atmospheric pix.

"Article for The Lancaster Guardian"

The Heartbreaks long anticipated return home, was a huge success at last nights gig at the Yorkshire House. Returning for a brief visit to Lancaster, following their recent successful tour supporting ex-Libertine Carl Barât.

They followed fellow Morecambe bands, Bleach and Liar, Liar on stage arriving a very fashionable thirty five minutes late.

Sauntering carefree onto the stage Matthew, Ryan, Deaks and Joseph kicked off the event with some old favourites including ‘Jealous Don’t You Know’ and ‘Hand on Heart’ to the packed out audience.

The Heartbreaks lyrics are classically reminiscent of Morrissey and Marr, singing about relentless weather and broken hearts in Northern towns. ‘Liar, My Dear’ inspired by ‘The Irish wind playing havoc with your fringe and about being a naughty boy!’ says it all.

The Heartbreaks have a certain charm and their snappy memorable songs certainly blew the crowd away. They have had two record releases this year the most recent ‘I Didn’t think It Would Hurt To Think of You’ was released in August.

Described as ‘one of the hottest bands to break through in 2010’ they certainly brought some warmth to a cold dark corner of the north.

A band to certainly watch out for in 2011.

View The Heartbreaks photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandajwindowuk/sets/72157625699583134/

The Heartbreaks, Sacred Trinity Church, Salford

Another gig in another church.
What is it with churches?

This time the venue was a small church nestled within a small corner where Salford meets Manchester.

The venue was probably the darkest I've worked yet, and it was only after the support act* finished that we found that one of the stage lights wasn't plugged in.

The Heartbreaks played an intimate gig to their loyal followers, including titles 'Liar My Dear' and 'I Didn't think it would hurt to think of you'
Review for eGigs:  http://www.egigs.co.uk/index.php?a=13733