Having stumbled upon music photography at the beginning of September when I went to The Wall of Rock (a youth music festival in Lossiemouth, Moray) to photograph one set as I had a family member in the band.  That was the intention anyway, it didn't stay that way and I ended up at the small Marina Park it was located at for about 9 hours of that day!  I loved every minute of it and it really kick-started a drive for more.

I kept in contact with a couple of bands, namely Be Like Pablo and Team Kapowski who were involved in the 5x5x5 project.  This led to my attendance at the 5x5x5 music launch event back at the end of September in the Cowshed of East Grange's 'The Loft' venue.

Next up were a couple of gigs at Cafe Drummonds in October which Entrosolet were playing.  This was a small venue in Aberdeen which regularly has gigs played at.  The lighting was very tricky, especially trying to photograph anyone on the left side of the stage as the lighting was pretty much solely dim red.

So I sent a hopeful e-mail off to Kassidy hoping for a pass to shoot their gig at Inverness-Ironworks for experience and to add content to my portfolio.  I was overjoyed when I received a reply informing me that I they were happy for me to do it.  This was going to be my first major venue gig so I was quite nervous as to how it would all work out.

 

 

With Inverness a good 35 miles away from my hometown of Elgin I was given a lift my Mum's friend who was also going to the gig with my Mum and another friend.  They were making their way there early so on arrival I killed time by looking for my tea and found a rather nice takeaway opposite the Ironworks.  Then I met up with a friend before going off to the venue.

I went to fetch my press pass from the box office and made my way into the main area where a number of people were at.  I found my way to the press pit at the front where I met another photographer - Houdi Donnelly - who was also waiting for the main support to enter the stage.

The Imagineers are a Glasgow based four piece band with a very hollow, continental sound.  The band consists of Stevie Young on main vocals and acoustic guitar, Scott Bonnyman on backing vocals and electric guitar, Ali Greig on bass also contributing to backing vocals and Stephen Forbes on drums and percussion.

They have a few notable songs released, my favourite of which is Marianna which can be heard here. 

I found the light quite tricky for them, with the bassist or drummer never really having sufficient lighting for a strong composition, on the other hand, the two guitarists had some strong lighting creating some harsh contrasts. 

Then whilst Kassidy were getting set-up I went to speak to a few friends who were in the crowd for the gig.  They entered to a recording being played with a strobe light flashing which although extremely difficult to photograph looked very intense.

As they began their first song the light became really strong allowing me to put my ISO down to around 800 and still manage comfortable shutter speeds.  This also created some strong images as there was little distraction in the background and smoke being set off from a smoke machine.

Incase you're wondering who Kassidy are..  They are also a quartet from Glasgow (with additional bassist and drummer for part of the sets) consisting of Barrie-James O'Neill, Chris Potter, Hamish Fingland and Lewis Andrew.  All four are vocalists and guitarists whilst engaging in keyboards and drums too.  They create amazing harmonies through their voices and use their guitars to create the beat and build up the music.  A really unique band!  This was my second time seeing them having previously attended their set at Belladrum music festival back in August.  If you ever find yourself with a chance to see them I urge you do so!

 

 

 

 

Many thanks to everyone involved in helping me get this opportunity. 

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