Friday, 19 June 2009

WATS: We're All the Same

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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.


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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!


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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!


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Sunday, 26 April 2009

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

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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!


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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!


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