Heavy Music Awards Nomination

On Monday the 20th of January 2020 I woke up after a long night of traveling home, from London after photographing a band I love, to an email I thought I’d honestly never get.

I was nominated as one of the Heavy Music Awards Young Photographer Of The Year Awards. This has been one of my goals for the past 3 years as I’ve entered each year since I started university but never got through until now.

I’m alongside 5 other fantastic photographers, some of which I’ve looked up for a while and others who are new discoveries for me. I always draw inspiration from fellow photographers so the competition has given me more connections within my work.

I have just under 2 weeks to pull in as many votes as possible, and the prize if I win is a studio session mentored by the legendary Paul Harries, who is the Kerrang! photographer and one of my biggest inspirations to this day.

Knowing that Paul actually looked at my photograph and thought it was good enough to make it to the final 6 photographs is an honour within itself. The photo that was chosen is CJ (Dreamstate) performing at Burn It Down Festival in Torquay last year. It was my highlight of the year as during the festival I suffered an injury to my wrist during a heavy band, so when I came to the front to photograph Dreamstate they actually pulled me to the stage to shoot their set as they say the injury and didn’t want me in the crowd, so their kindness made this shot possible and I’m forever grateful to be able to work with such amazing bands like Dreamstate.

I’m truly blown away with the response I’ve had via social media since the nomination was announced, feeling the love for sure!

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If you’d like to take a moment out of your day to vote for me (no sign up required) you can do so below.

Link To Vote For Me

Thank you for your support throughout this experience, good luck to everyone who’s been nominated and I can’t wait for the event in London in May this year.

Here’s to 2020

Griever Live Gallery @ Cavern Club, Exeter

I was sent to photograph a metalcore band called Griever on behalf of RAMzine magazine at their gig in Exeter. As my live review is being posted over on their website, I though I’d take the time to share a few of my favourite images from the gig and a few photos from the promo shoot I organised before the show.

Above are the live images of Griever, which I edited in a slightly different way to what I usually do. For the black and white images I used much darker tones within them, the shadows and blacks are a low lower to create that dark moody look.

The band were inspired by Loathe and Lotus Eaters style of photography for the coloured images. They asked me to focus the colours around a blue palette, so thats what I did. I used Lightrooms white balance to create a cold blue tone to the photos and experimented with the split toning mode a little when a bit extra blue was needed.

I am immensely proud of the promo images above. I used a speedlight attached to a boom arm to create the lighting, which has just made the photos what they are. If the lighting was straight on the photos wouldn’t have been as good as they are.

The band have the perfect gothic, grunge look to suit the location. The harsh textures in the wall and the grittiness of the background suit the style of the guys perfectly.

Griever are going on tour this October, so I’d suggest you go and check them out if they play near you as they’ve some truly fantastic guys and a brilliant band.

Top 5 bands at Burn It Down Festival 2019

I was asked back to photograph the second instalment of Burn It Down Festival in Torquay. Last years event Was brilliant. I got the chance to photograph bands like Mallory Knox, Dream State and Arcane Roots.

The line-up this year had some fantastic bands like Basement, Loathe, Haggard Cat, Black Peaks, Dream State loads of which I’ve had the pleasure of photographing before and a few new bands for me to photograph.

The event had three stages across three venues. The Signature Stage which was at The Apple & Parrot. The The main stage was the Jägermeister Stage which was at The Foundry.

I photographed over 15 bands over the day, varying from rock to hardcore to emo.

My top 5 favourite bands at Burn It Down are -

  • Black Peaks

  • Dream State

  • Mother Vulture

  • Haggard Cat

  • RXPTRS

After what can only be described as a highly successful second year for the South West festival, I am really looking forward to seeing what this festival had in store for the coming years.

Teddy Rocks Festival - Saturday 4.05.19

After a busy first day at Teddy Rocks Festival, I was thoroughly looking forward to day two. The weather was stunning, there was shooting to be done and fun to be had.

Starting off on the Vocalzone stage photographing the chaotic Raiders UK, the vocalist entered himself into the crowd for a part of the show, which is something I loved capturing and being part of.

Over to the main stage for Black Orchid Empire, not photographed before and I wanted to shoot them as they’re playing Burn It Down Festival in Torquay. After this performance, I’m looking forward to photographing them again later this season as they did a killer job.

Next up were Norwich based indie punk band Youth Killed It. I love the photo of this band before they went on stage, moments like this are fantastic, some of my favourite photographs to take are from behind the scenes, in a place the fans don’t see and what happens behind closed doors. They put on a great show and did the festival proud.

Wolf Jaw were one of the bands my publication had asked me to photograph, not one I’d have picked out myself but I thoroughly enjoyed capturing the emotions and expressions during the set as their bassist was infectiously happy.

Back on the main stage Press To Meco bring a delightfully lighter note to the mid afternoon slot at the festival. After previously photographing them at Burn It Down Festival 2018, it was awesome to see them take to a bigger stage and may I say, make it their own.

I’ve recently had the chance to photograph the Virginmarys during their recent UK tour. This band never fail to explode onto the stage with such power. Their drummer can’t be contained by his kit, or even feel the need to sit down during the set, I also had a quick chance to get some before shots just before they went on stage, which we all loved the result of.

The Dirty Youth are a true and honest modern rock n roll band, serving up huge tunes that filled up the area. This band know how to own a stage and know how to perform to an impressively high standard.

As expected the crowd went absolutely nuts at The Bottom Line, with it being the organiser of the festivals pop punk band. The earliest supporters of the festival would be seen throughout this crowd showing their support for the not only the cause, but the band too.

Sinful Maggie are a extremely unique blend of punk rock and folk, with great mixture of guitar riffs and jaunty sounding accordion. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing Sinful Maggie before in my local venue and it was awesome to see them rock out on a larger stage.

Stone Broken were the perfect band to have on whilst the sun was setting over Teddy Rocks Festival. They had soft rock vibes which charmed the crowd and the whole band put on an outstanding show headlining the VocalZone stage.

Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons are a classic rock band that I’ve managed to shoot at my local venue, so as a tog it was very exciting getting to photograph them on a stage about 10x the size. They rose to the challenge of filling the stage with their immense presence and made a brilliant main support band.

When I saw that the Saturday headliner was The Darkness I knew I’d be in for a treat, first ever pyro show, alongside The Darkness stage presence being sheer Rock Stars. There is something to this way of being on stage, over the top and living the lifestyle, say what you like for Justin Hawkins but he knows how to give a performance.

Across the weekend, Teddy Rocks smashed through all previous years by raising over a 100k for the fantastic cause behind the truly brilliant festival.


Teddy Rocks Festival - Friday 3.05.19

Festival number two of the season was the fantastic Teddy Rocks Festival. As a tog I love photographing charity based festivals and events. Below is how the festival started -

Teddy Rocks Festival started with a small gig in 2011 to raise money for Teddy20, a children's cancer charity founded by Tom Newton and his family after he lost his 10 year old brother Ted to a very rare bone cancer.

The gig was put on by Tom's friends and family in the restaurant of The Greyhound pub in Blandford and raised £400. This was used to fund the very first Teddy Rocks event at The Corn Exchange in 2012, which raised £2,500. Teddy Rocks Story

This was my first time attending Teddy Rocks Festival, I found that as a complete newbie, I instantly felt comfortable and at ease locating my way around the site.

All the members of staff were brilliantly helpful and happy to answer any questions or queries I had.

I got accredited to the festival via the Mike James Rock Show who I worked along side during Teddy Rocks, photographing the bands playing live which they later interviewed. I also helped contribute to their Instagram accounts during the weekend, by adding to their stories with photos from the pit.

I had such a brilliant time shooting day one at Teddy Rocks. The music on offer varied an awful lot from the unique sound of The Lounge Kittens to the brutally metalcore that is Our Hollow Our Home.

From stage to stage the lighting and sound was fabulous and fitted in with the artist playing. Day one at Teddy Rocks was a marvellous experience all in all.

PS. I also got my first ever jump shot!!!

Parrotfest XXIII @ The Apple & Parrot, Torquay 21.04.19

Parrotfest is a reoccurring live music event which takes place at The Apple and Parrot venue, in the quaint seaside town of Torquay. I had the pleasure of photographing their 23rd event (I know right?!?! 23 shows!) The events are organised by Matthew Goodyear who is a South West promoter and he works Torquay quite often with events like Burn It Down Festival, happening later on in the season.
The event started of with a 4 piece math rock band called Hops. They opened the event with a perfectly chill but still highly progressive, loud sound. The vocalist had an ethereal like quality to her voice and the musicians were tight from beginning to end, with the technical guitar catching my attention. Their music can be round here - https://www.facebook.com/hopsbandofficial/

Last Hyena are a fully instrumental math rock band from Bristol. They describe themselves as a “three piece instrumental Post Rock Math band. Bristol boys doing proggy math tunes with a big ol' smile FFO Cleft and if Mogwai cheered up a little.” I’d describe the band as (excuse my language) but technical as fuck. I adored the focus on the bassist and the snappy tone to the drum kit. Just when you think you have the beat down, it would magnificently change into something completely different, which kept you hooked throughout the set. You can check out Last Hyena at - https://www.facebook.com/lasthyena/

Third to take the Parrot stage were Torquay based grunge rock band, Deadfly. To me this band have an earlier rock sound, imagine if you squished Foo Fighters and Metallica together then add Deftones-y vocals...then you get Deadfly. With the impressive front vocals, backed up by brash and raw backing screams coming from the bassist, rhythmic guitar and fast paced drums, Deadfly are all in all a brilliant band for anyone who tends to lean on the rockier side of life. Listen to Deadfly here - https://www.facebook.com/deadflyy/

Emily Magpie is a solo musician, who has a mixture of pre recorded parts to her music combined with live vocals and ukulele. She has a mystical quality to her voice and her backing music has a video game like vibe to it (which is brilliant). Think fantasy adventure soundtrack then you get Emily. The music compliments the exquisitely gentle yet powerful vocal range Emily brings to the stage. Check out her music here - https://www.facebook.com/EmilyMagpie1/

The Experimental were next on the event. I’ve photographed this brilliant indie rock band a small handful of times before and I thoroughly enjoy the energy they bring to the stage wherever they play. The frontman showed intense almost manic emotions from during the set which were brilliantly passionate and captivating to watch. Mix this with the unique bass tone (impressive pedal collection by the way) with the tight drumming and the added drummers vocals which compliment the frontman amazingly well, The Experimental are a solid band through and through. Have a listen here - https://www.facebook.com/theexperimental/

With highly emotive and passionate energy and an absolutely solid frontman, Dead Ground came to the stage. The vocals took me back to an early Muse sound. Mix the vocals with very impressive bass playing and quality sounding drum technique, Dead Ground absolutely killed it. Dream like yet intensely heavy and very technically layered band, brilliant. Go give them a listen here - https://www.facebook.com/deadgroundmu/

Next to the stage was Steve Strong who’s a solo musician, who’s music involves highly technical drumming patterns mixed with looped guitar and bass, basically making him one brilliantly math rock, one man band. As soon as Steve started his performance you’re captivated into watching. Steve shows us you don’t need a full band to put on an awesome show. He is bass, drums and guitar all in one person! Fab right?! Nothing is done pre-recorded and it’s all played live. Steve Strong is a multi talented and most importantly modest, down to earth guy who you should definitely go check out! https://www.facebook.com/SteveStrongUK/

Next at Parrotfest were Pattern Pusher, who are a 3 piece indie disco band from Exeter. I would attempt to describe then but they did it perfectly over on their Facebook page, so go check that out! https://www.facebook.com/patternpusher/ The band created a groovy disco vibe to the event, which went well with how much energy they brought to the stage, especially the bassist who could barely stay on it. My favourite thing about Pattern Pusher is how they act with one another on stage, they’re infectiously  smiley and have a strong family quality to the way they act with each other which is very heartwarming to see.

Main support came from Hypophora who are a Cornwall based grunge, math rock, indie band. Upon starting their set, the band announced that Parrotfest would be one of James last shows (drummer). This makes me very interested to see which direction the band go in now with a change to the lineup. There were a few technical difficulties with the guitar but Karum played professionally throughout them and kept the show going. Vocals as always, were very impressive from front woman Katie, and as per usual Lewis had a technically solid sounding bass part throughout the set. I’m really looking forward to the future of Hypophora and see what they evolve into. Go give them a like - https://www.facebook.com/hypophora/

Anavae headlined Parrotfest with a truly unique performance. They entered the stage in a tribal like way and the whole band were unified as one, with almost ritualistic sounding drum beats. The singer showed an insane vocal range. The lighting complemented the band very well throughout the set, and I can honestly say I’ve never seen drumming quite like Anavaes. Go check them out here - https://www.facebook.com/Anavae/


Newton Faulkner + Charlotte @ The Great Hall, Exeter 23.04.19

Back in the Great hall after recently shooting https://www.marthafphoto.com/blog/2019/4/17/papa-roach-nothing-more-the-exeter-great-hall-140419 . This show was a different kind of challenge to shoot and review, big stage but intimate performance. Unlike a full band lineup, all the focus was on the solo musician, which gave me more time to capture them exactly how I imagined as I wasn’t rushed during the allocated 3 songs to capture 5 different musicians. The acoustics of the hall complimented the big and immersive sound throughout the night.

Charlotte was the support act for Newton Faulkner during this tour. She has played a few shows with him in the past and she is the perfect artist to open the gig for him. She is a solo artist with session guitarist. During the set there were lively numbers on guitar, ballad's on the keys and a stunning vocal range. Charlotte performed with an immense vocal power showcasing lots of sustained vocal parts. Her voice sounds huge. Even during technical difficulties (a stage prop smashing), Charlotte didn’t lose her professionalism. There was great banter in between songs and an overall lovely demeanour from both Charlotte and her guitarist.

Newton created a beautiful atmosphere from the first note. His stage set up was extremely impressive and I found it fascinating to see how he performed the songs I’ve listened to for the past 10 years live. As I imagined his voice was even better than recorded, like a true professional of doing what he does best for 10+ years. During the set he would move between the larger set up and just using his acoustic guitar.This expert use of minimal equipment achieved that high quality sound fans have come to expect of him. From beginning to end, he gave a brilliant performance, responding well to hecklers and interacting with the crowd, especially during the infamous kazoo parts of the show, where he got the crowd to kazoo along to parts of the set. My favourite part though, was that he chose to drink tea on stage, there’s nothing more Newton that that.

Shot for https://vulturehound.co.uk/


Papa Roach + Nothing More @ The Exeter Great Hall 14.04.19

Papa Roach and Nothing More, Exeter Great Hall. First time photographing at this venue on behalf of Vulture Hound and I was immediately struck by the theatre like quality to the venue. 
Upon arriving to the show, I instantly noticed how accommodating the security and venue staff were being towards me, this helped me ground myself nicely to the venue and figure out where I had to be and when. 
I want to quickly give a shout out to my fellow togs who I had the pleasure of sharing the photo pit with. Firstly, Grace Chapman-Duke who is a fellow female photographer who I worked with at last years Burn It Down Festival in Torquay, Grace has a real talent for capturing those moments other togs wouldn't notice, she's a good egg. Secondly, Rob Wilkins (Celtography) who is a brilliant photographer who approaches all those he meets with a charming nature and a happy face that I've seen next to me at quite a few South West venues. Thirdly, Steve (MusoMuso) who I've not actually worked with before, so it was brilliant to put a face to a name especially when its someone who's got serious talent behind them. Finally, Hannah O'Brian who is the owner of Exeter Uncovered which is a unique magazine showing of the best of music Exeter has to offer. What Hannah is doing for the local music scene is crucially important and I support her in everything she does and might or not might not be discussing a collaboration soon! 
Nothing More opened up the stage with hauntingly beautiful stage production, singer Jonny started the gig atop what can only be described as a 10+ ft ladder with an air raid siren on the top of it. This entrance made the wait (of no support) worth while and let the crowd know what they were in for. A rig like this was brilliant to see in a slightly smaller venue and kept the show interesting and unique. Jonny simply didn't stop moving throughout the show using every inch of the stage to engage as much of the crowd as possible. He was challenging to photograph due so, but I liked the challenge, but Jonny didn't over shadow the rest of the band in the slightest way. The whole band worked incredibly well together interacting with each other and the crowd. Nothing was lost from taking songs from album to live show especially when it came to things like the backing vocals and other elements (Jonnys amazing drumming rig). Nothing More are like no other band I've photographed and I was very impressed to say the least. 
Papa Roach know their crowd, opening up with "Last Resort" which set the crowd on fire. which as a tog I was hoping for, so I was able to photograph the legendary single. Singer Jacoby Shaddix can only be described as a crowd master, he didn't stop during the whole set which was amazing to witness...does he actually age?! Papa Roach kept the crowd hungry for more from beginning to end, mixing their newer tracks like "Elevate" with the powerhouse classics like "Between Angels and Insects". I appreciated Papa Roach decided to do this as it kept each fan happy no matter what era you're into. The lighting team did a brilliant job throughout the show, the stage was bring and happy, rotating colours and mental strobing which opposed some of the heavier songs but it was good to see the band didn't want to do the usual kind of lighting when it comes to rock and metal shows. 
In an era where we need champions to talk about mental health, Papa Roach as always can be relied on to set an example. Covering "Firestarter" by the Prodigy following a heart felt tribute to Keith Flint. 

Noble Jacks @ The Hub, Plymouth 12.04.19

Having photographed a small handful of gigs at the Hub before, taking into consideration it’s recent closure announcement I immediately jumped at the chance to shoot at the venue again for Noble Jacks, supported by The Retreat and Louis Thorne Music hosted by Creative Edge Events.
As always, I was treated with fantastic hospitality from all the staff at the venue, especially Joseph Weinling (sound engineer) who offered to keep my camera bag happy and safe whilst I got stuck into the crowd as I was shooting this show solo.
I don’t usually review sound at shows, as personally I don’t feel like I know enough about it, however the sound at the show felt right and was done very well to suit the bands performing.
Throughout the concert, the lighting technician made my job as a photographer easy, as there wasn’t any strobing (photographers pet hate). Across the night the slower and subtle changes to the colours used helped create an atmosphere to compliment the tone of the bands.
So, the night started of with solo acoustic musician Louis Thorne. He came to the stage with catchy songs which got the mood of the crowd started, charming them with his innocently shy nature, which contradicted the confident nature of his lyrics. He skilfully created a beautiful summer evening atmosphere with a mellow and easy on the ears set.
Next up The Retreat as main support, throughout the set. Richard showed impressive guitar technique focusing around fast paced strumming patterns. There was a feeling of timelessness during the set, creating a heart warming feel listening to him perform. Richard bought a certain level of charm and sospisicatipon which resonated with the crowd.
With the crowd warmed up and ready, headliners Noble Jacks took to the stage with a passionate performance. From immense energetic drums combined with angelic violin tone made their set totally jig worthy. The band bought high energy, keeping their fans moving and dancing throughout the night. I could really see why the band were in a strong position to headlining this venue.
I really appreciated the opportunity to capture true folk at such an legendary independent venue, which will be greatly missed by all.

999 / The Vibrators / The Lurkers @ The Junction, Plymouth 05.04.19

I had the pleasure of photographing 3 legendary UK punk bands; The Lurkers, The Vibrators and 999.
Each band took to the stage with a high level of energy, bringing raw emotions and presence to their performances.
This intimate show took place at the fantastic Junction venue, situated in Mutley, Plymouth. There’s something so right about enthusiastic mental punk shows like this being held in smaller independent venues, as it creates an amazing feeling of closeness to the artists performing.

This truly was a gig to remember.