Having stepped back from gig photography after more years than I care to remember I have realised that photographers never retire. They just take different types of photographs.
Over the last eighteen months my focus has changed, no pun intended.
My love of live music hasn’t left me. I recently attended a gig by an artist I photographed forty-four years ago. There was a tiny part of me that wished I had applied for press accreditition. I briefly watched the photographers working the show, looking for the angles, making sure they captured the moments visually, constantly working out where to be for the next best shot.
Instead I sat there listening to the music and realised that despite of all the gigs I’ve been to, I can’t remember much of the music. Though I can probably remember vividly the challenges presented by lighting, microphone stands, drum kits and how welcoming the venue staff were.
The camera gear hasn’t been sold, nor will it be. I have other projects in mind, maybe just not in a darkend room with no control over anything significant – like light, costume, pose or…well, anything really.
It’s been fun and I’d do it all over again. I have worked in some amazing places and with some terrific people, and for that I am immensley thankful.
Sept 2024 – update: It seems the lure of the press pit was stronger than I thought. The New Music Generator Awards drew me back and this is what happened: https://sixtytwothings.com/nmg-awards-2024/