Roddy, originally uploaded by Ben Grubb.

I’m proud of that one. I think it’s my best punny-blog-title thing yet; and it almost works. Y’know, it’s like that Oasis song. Man, I’m so damn funny.

Anyway, a couple of Fridays ago, I went all the way to the depths of South Wimbledon to see a gig. I was there to shoot and review a trio call Sparrow and the Workshop. The were supporting Idlewild at some bizarre, yet actually quite cool little place called The Watershed. The gig went was good, albeit short and rather early (SATW were onstage at about 6:30, and that was with things running behind schedule!). I bring this up now, as my review is now live on Call Upon the Author. I suggest you have a quick glance over it. It’s good. Honest.

I thought that while I was there, I might as well make the most of the situation buy hanging around and photographing Idlewild too. I was glad I did, as I got some great shots (of both acts, which you can see below…)

I was pretty limited for space. The venue was really small, and what I could only assume was the photo pit (i.e. the space between the barrier and the stage) was far too tight to get along, especially without ruining people’s views. It was too bad during SATW as I could move about amongst the crowd, however, once Idlewild came on, it was a different story. I was pretty much stuck to one spot, but I think I did pretty well considering. I was definitely glad I’d rented the 85mm lens again. Also, the lighting wasn’t great where I was stood, so I used a bit of fill in flash to try and help things along, and relied on Roddy turning to face me from time to time (see top of post). I don’t particularly like using flash at gigs, but I think it would have be a lot less successful if I hadn’t. Desperate times and all that. I hopefully have a few more things coming up over the next few weeks, and with any luck I’ll be able to update and relaunch the concert photography section of the site. Hurray for that.

I hope you all have a nice Monday…

I’m shooting another wedding in May. My friends Phil and Stacey are getting hitched in a place called Fforest in Pembrokeshire, Wales. I’m excited and nervous about it in equal measure; although not as nervous as I am about the weather (what with the whole thing taking place on a camp site. And a campsite in Wales no less. Gulp.) I’m sure it’ll go fine, but the various equipment malfunction/user malfunction etc nightmares have started already. It’s par for the course though I think.

Anyway, before any of that happens tradition dictates that, in order for me to have something to actually shoot, people need to know about and be invited to the thing. Which is where I come in again. I was asked by the happy couple in I would design their invites for them. Naturally, I said yes (or “I will” perhaps, in order to tie in with the wedding analogy). I met up with them one rainy lunchtime, and Stacey provided me with a highly detailed mock up showing exactly what she wanted, which is always good. The mock up of the invitation package consisted of four postcards, one main invite, one detailing directions, one listing local accommodation (for those not camping on the site) and an RSVP card. These then go inside an outer, folded card which can be stamped and addressed on the back. Then the whole thing is tied up with ribbon. Stacey, like me, shares a love for postcards and things in sets. We had a quick discussion about colours, the general look and finish of the cards, and printing. It was one of those rare, beautiful moments where you realise that you and your client are totally reading from the same page. It’s an exciting feeling. So, I set about designing a rough draft of the first couple of cards. Phil and Stacey had both mentioned about using a collection of vector shapes and styles to give their invites a contemporary feel, so my first port of call was to source a few different things. Dryicons was an especially useful site for this. Adobe Illustrator isn’t really my strongest programme in the Creative Suite, so I thought it would be quicker and easier to to find some existing vectors and hopefully pick and choose various elements to form my own design. Thankfully, this approach worked really well. A floral design was the underlying theme of the cards, and I managed to find a large selection of different flowers, stalks and vines vector shapes which seemed to fit in with what I had in mind. The pair of little birds are my handy work though! Nothing spectacular I grant you, but I was pleased with ‘em! I drafted up the first two cards, sent them over to Phil and Stacey. They both seemed happy enough with where I was headed so I carried on. It probably only really took me about a day or so to get all five designs done, plus a little extra to-ing and fro-ing with slight amendments and text changes etc. After that it was just a case of getting them printed. I used a place called Azo Graphics, who are based on Grays Inn Road. I used them a couple of times when I was at my old job, and they were always quick, friendly and helpful. This time was no different and they managed to turn around 200+ cards in under 24 hours, which I thought was great. They look really cracking too…

We received our invite(s) in the post the other week, so I took some shots of the finished packs together (the photo above is missing the accommodation card though). It sounds like they’re getting a good response, in regards to both attendance and about the invites themselves which is good. Now all that’s left is to wait for the big day. Oh, and to check, charge and recheck all my camera gear…

Rich, originally uploaded by Ben Grubb.

So, a couple of Friday’s ago I got to mix two of my (other) passions together. Instead of photographing live music, I was asked to go along and photograph the final of the “King of the Mezz” competition at my second home; The Castle. King of the Mezz is basically a free to enter league competition which runs over four or five sets of the most hardcore and shirtless area of the Castle: The Mezzanine. There are six main bouldering area in The Castle, each being reset on rotation. This works out to new set in each area (roughly) every six weeks (if that makes sense); and when the Mezz gets done over the winter months they run the KotM comp. Sometimes the adjacent, slabby Quarry area is included too for added interest, as was the case this time. The competitors have three hours to complete as many of the problems set (usual 15 for the men and 15 for the ladies; with some overlap) receiving 10 points for a flash (or first go), seven for your second attempt, three for third and one for any subsequent successful attempt after that. Oh, and then there’s free pizza and beer afterwards. Hurrah! I don’t often tend to enter as I don’t really function too well under competition climbing conditions. I get stressed out and climb worse than usual (I know! I didn’t believe it was possible either!). However, it is a good fun night, and I thought this would be the perfect way to get involved. I tell you what; I was shattered by the end! It’s pretty intense trying to get in the right positions at the right times, covering as much of the action as possible. I was shooting with flash as well (due it being actually quite dark in there), so getting the settings and things right in time was an added challenge. I did thoroughly enjoy myself though, and I got some great shots (once I’d whittled out all the crap – of which there was lots). I’ve added some of my favourites to Flickr; which you can see below (click on the thumbnails for larger versions)…

…Here’s hoping this is the start of lots more climbing photography for this year! I’d be keen to shoot at The Castle (or at other centres) again for sure, plus we’ve got another trip to Font sorted in just over a month which I’m very excited for, and hopefully we’ll be able to get out and about elsewhere too. Fingers crossed. Come on summer – give me what you’ve got!

Blue, originally uploaded by Ben Grubb.

“Burn it down till the embers smoke on the ground
And start new when your heart is an empty room
With walls of the deepest blue…”

The sun was out today in London, and we went for a nice walk along the river. It was still freezing cold though! I can’t wait for summer…

Well, as I mentioned before; I went to see The Little Million again on Monday night. They played a short, 20 minute or so set at The Water Rats on Grays Inn Road. It was another good, energetic show and I managed to get another set of good photos. The lighting was pretty changeable, so I decided to try using a little fill in flash for a change. It actually worked really well, especially for the close up portraits. I was in two minds about using it, but I think in the end it was the only real way to get continuous, decent shots. I also tried to redress the balance by getting some shots of Ross (the bassist) who was pretty much totally in the dark during the Hoxton Bar & Kitchen show. He turned out to be rather photogenic, with an incredibly expressive face. And hair.

I’ve added the very best of the set to my set on Flickr. Have a look and see what you think. I’m starting at amass quite a good selection of shots now. It’s gonna be time to update my gallery on here soon I think…

Bertie Blackman, originally uploaded by Ben Grubb.

Last week I went to see a rather splendid gig by Australian songstress Bertie Blackman. I hadn’t really heard of her before until Katy from Creative Boom asked me to go along and write a review and take some photos. It turns out I actually really like Bertie’s music. I listened to her latest album ‘Secrets and Lies’ which is out in May and it’s rather splendid. The show was hugely enjoyable as well. For a petite little thing she certainly has a really powerful set of lungs, and really belt the tunes out. You can read the review now on Creative Boom; and there’s a selection of shots from the night up on Flickr. I also did a video interview(!!) with her which should be up on Creative Boom some point soon. Hopefully. It went pretty, and was a largely enjoyable (yet nerve wracking) experience. Michael Parkinson I am not.

I also caught the band on before Bertie who weren’t bad either: Sheffield based act The Little Million, who I also managed to get some decent photos of. Result! I’m also, through the power of the internetz, seeing them again tonight to take some more shots. It’s been a busy time. And the sun’s out which is nice. Here’s to a decent Spring and Summer I say!