WATS: We're All the Same

I've been a bad blogger haven't I? Almost two months without a post, it's just not on I know, but I do have two good excuses; one I've been very busy with my journalism course in Manchester and two, shamefully, I simply haven't taken many photos recently. But, that got sorted today.

This weekend is my first at home in Bulkington for ages and so I decided to help Mum out today by photographing an event for her work at the Coventry Belgrade Theatre. It was a celebration of the Grapevine Youth Project - a really good scheme to get young people with and without learning difficulties to do things together and break down any barriers that may be there. there big thing was a project called WATS: We're All the Same, which just sums up the ethos of the whole idea.

The group have done things like go away to Centreparcs together, take part in a fashion show, make an advert, and generally lots of getting out, being seen and making friends.

Today was a celebration of the project and the fact that it has got funding to continue. There was a host of things going on including singing, videos, presentations and lots of mingling. Here's some of my shots from the morning.

One of the stars of the videos was this next guy - he's a real character who just seems to love the camera, as these shots show!

I had a great morning and wish the group every success in the future. Tomorrow, I'm doing my first gig shoot in ages, but it's going to be a bit different from normal. Instead of sweaty heavy metal blokes, I'm photographing The Saturdays with support from Pixie Lott - should be fun!

I'll leave you with one more shot from tomorrow, quite possibly the best smile I've ever seen - certainly the best I've ever photographed!

Rude Boys! The Specials show us how it should be done

Last night I was back at the Birmingham O2 Academy, feeling very privileged to be photographing Coventry's best ever band The Specials as part of their 30th anniversary reunion tour. I was the only photographer, which was quite surprising really. The only downside was, due to the Academy's new policy on photographers, I had to leave the building after my three songs so I couldn't stay to enjoy the show. What I did get to see was great, and here's my favourite shots from the night. A review for Birmingham Live should hit the net soon!

There you have it. It's always great to add some genuine legends to your portfolio, and having the chance to shoot a band as important to music as The Specials was awesome. Hope you've liked my pics, if so then leave me a comment below. Hope to see you check back here soon!