Last night I covered the Andrea Bocelli concert at the NIA. I had to collect my press pass from the Box Office and asked a member of door staff for directions. The lady was very helpful and escorted me right around the arena, took me to the box office, then to the stage door area. I think I would have got lost otherwise! Someone else came to collect me and the other photographers and took us into the arena pointing out the areas we could shoot from, basically the side of the stage up to a certain marker.
We were allowed to shoot three songs, except the first piece of music was from the orchestra. So in reality I only got to shoot two songs with Andrea on stage! I think some of us photographers felt a bit short changed lol. But it all adds to the experience, and also never presume anything!
I took my position as close as I was allowed to get and it wasn’t long before a member of the security staff approached me and asked me to move further away. Oh no…..! I politely explained that I was advised that the photographers could go up to this point by other members of staff. The security guard seemed happy with this and left me to it. Whew!
I hope you enjoy the shots!
I shot a fun autumnal portrait session on Monday. There was jumping and cartwheels – photos coming up soon!
It’s amazing how quickly a day can change….
UB40 came back to their roots and played at a pub venue at The Rainbow pub in Digbeth. A far cry from the stadium gigs they usually play to these days.
UB40 gave their support to The Rainbow because it is under threat as it has received a noise abatement order from local residents (or resident). Although the landlord Kent Davis has agreed to build a noise insulating roof, there was still more funding needed. UB40 stepped in, and the sales from the tickets and takings behind the bar will go towards the new roof. Digbeth is a vital part of Birmingham’s cultural scene and the music in and around the area plays an important role. I hope that tonight, The Rainbow has managed to raise all the funding needed. As the local saying goes “Keep Digbeth Vibrant!”
I’d known UB40 were playing an intimate gig for a few weeks now, but wasn’t 100% sure I could make it to the gig until earlier today. I made a phone call to The Rainbow and although I wasn’t guaranteed a chance to take photographs I was told to come along and if they could accommodate me they would. I deliberated momentarily and sent a tweet out…what to do? I could get my kit ready, travel to the venue only to find myself turned away. I really don’t like wasting time as I have so little of it. OR I could go there, see what happens and perhaps get to photograph the gig…..
I remembered a saying. I probably have it wrong, but it goes along the lines of “you can only regret the photos you don’t take”. If I decided not to go, it would be certain that I wouldn’t be able to photograph the gig, but if I turned up then the chances would increase by quite a lot. So off I set. I arrived at the venue, introduced myself to the people who were in charge, a phone call was made and I was inside the venue. I thought I was home and dry. However…. as I approached the photographers area in front of the stage I spoke to a security guard who asked me for my wristband (I wasn’t given one as they couldn’t be found when I came in). I kept calm, explained that I had received permission even though I hadn’t got a wrist band (but all the time my heart was racing and I was thinking “I’m so near…yet so far!”). The security guard made another couple of phone calls to verify who I was and the good news came that I could take the photos.
So as well as being able to photograph a unique gig, I’ve learnt some more about photography…..
If you have the opportunity to photograph something you really want to, if there is a chance, go for it. And if you meet a security guard, keep calm and explain your situation.
The chance for photos was over before I knew it. We were allowed three songs (which is the norm). As luck would have it, the first three songs where my favourites of UB40: 1 In Ten, Here I Am, and Wear You To The Ball…..
Tomorrow night I am shooting (in the nicest possible way) Andrea Bocelli at the NIA. From reggae to opera in the space of 24 hours! 
Last night me and my camera attended the Royal Television Society Awards held at Birmingham’s Town Hall.
First up….The handsome Bob Warman (I’d love to take a portrait picture of him some time) and Saleema Ali-Khan from ITV’s Central News
Actress and television presenter Rosemarie Ford and actor husband Robert Lindsay
Actor Matthew Chambers from the BBC series Doctors
Actress Patricia Quinn, who I found out played Magentra in the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Cool!
No sooner had all the guests taken their seats, the fire alarm went off. Everyone made sure to grab their drinks before being evacuated!
And it wasn’t long before the boys in yellow pulled up outside the town hall. It was all a bit of a false alarm. I believe the dry ice on stage set the alarms off.
Whilst everyone was heading out into the streets, I took a couple of quick shots of the presenters of the awards; Krishnan Guru Murthy and Myleen Klass
Tom Lawes founder of the Electric Cinema Film Orchestra
ITV’s Central News Team
BBC Doctors actress Selina Chilton
ITV Central Newsreader Saleema Ali-Khan
Actress Patricia Quinn
Myleene treated the audience to a stunning piano performance
And I couldn’t keep off the red carpet… 
So, I shall wish you all a great weekend. Hope it’s suitably spooky if you are celebrating Halloween!
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