Hi Everyone

I thought I would do a quick blog today to discuss the topic of moral decisions faced by professional photographers and other artists, this was prompted by a discussion I had on the recent trip by King Charles to Edinburgh for the crown jewel ceremony.  The question with this event for photographers in Edinburgh, is should they participate in this event if they are against the monarchy for example, or to use another example, if you are asked to photograph an event at a nuclear power station and you are against nuclear power, what should you do.  Now the answer as with most of these things is up to the individual and it is also a complex issue, so we are going to answer it with the words “ it depends”.  Here is my opinion for what it’s worth.  If you are a newspaper photographer in Scotland, you really have to go where you are sent and it should not be an issue, presumably you will only occasionally have to photograph things you don’t like.  I myself often had to photograph politicians I did not agree with but I showed the upmost professionalism as I always do.  If you are asked to work full time for a organisation you disagree with, then I would find this difficult to do ie a full time PR photographer for a political party you dislike intensely.  Now it gets complicated, if you are commissioned to do a one off photo job for conference photography in Scotland for instance and you are freelance and you really need the work, then it is up to you and unless it was something I really had a problem with, I would probably do it.  I also think that someone being asked to perform centre stage at an event ie a musician, like the recent one in Edinburgh, has a stronger moral reason to refuse, than a photographer or journalist, for instance due to the profile of the event and the importance of the performance. The attached photo is from a newspaper photography commission in Edinburgh at the G8 conference in 2005.  I had a problem with the futility of the G8 event and the politicians involved but I was sent out to do a job and I did it.  I was also more than happy to get some good demonstration photos, actually it turned out to be closer to a mini riot.
 

So there you have, my two cents worth, but I am sure you have your own opinion.

Until next time.

Kind Regards

Colin

www.colinwrightphotography.co.uk

www.edinburghphotographer.com

Hi Everyone

Just a quick blog to say as a professional event photographer Glasgow Scotland, it was an absolute joy to photograph the final day concert at Douglas Academy with my daughter performing a solo with her viola.  Music photography is great fun but you have to be aware of the performers, often you cant use flash and you need to get creative, often with very little space to change position, but don't forget to get some close ups, as well as some emotional photos from the audience and the performers.

I look forward to more music and event photography in Edinburgh and Glasgow in the near future.  I will also be off to Pitlochry Theatre next week to photograph an Edinburgh Fringe Festival play, cant wait.

Until next time.

Kind Regards

Colin

www.colinwrightphotogrpahy.co.uk

Colin Wright Photography - Commercial Photographer in Edinburgh (edinburghphotographer.com)
 

Hi Everyone

So today I am going to briefly look at some essential tips for music photographers in Scotland.  To be honest, you should just think of music photography as a kind of event photography, as the same rules apply, so as a starter I will detail the tips below and expand on the issues in the weeks to come under future blogs.  So here we go:

1. Know the genre of music, when the key moments will be the general rules for the musicians and the audience ie keep your camera on silent shutter mode for classical concerts, although not necessary for others is when I photographed Midstock, Midstock 23 | midstock (midstockfestival.com)
there was no need for silent shooting but there is at a school classical concert for instance.

2. Its all about position, try and get in the centre of you are not allowed to move around.  As always vary your angles etc.

3. Photograph the the artists close up and with the band or backing performers.

4. Get photos of the crowd, this is try for all event photographers in Scotland and also applies to sport big style.

5. Take close-ups of the instruments.

6. Remember and capture the emotions before, ie the nerves and after the relief and applause etc.

7. Obey the rules, if you are told not to move around then keep as quiet as possible.  It is also important not to spoil the enjoyment of the others in the crowd.

8. As with all professional photographers in Scotland, be polite and knowledgeable but also firm with clients and the crowd, your job is to come away with great photos, if they put you in a corner with a poor view, explain the you can't work miracles.

9. Vary your focal length ie telephoto, wide angle if possible and try and include as many of the performers as possible.

10. Enjoy the photoshoot and the music.

Anyway, that's all for now, hope this helps all you budding music photographers in Scotland.

www.colinwrightphotography.co.uk

Colin Wright Photography - Commercial Photographer in Edinburgh (edinburghphotographer.com)