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Start
by asking yourself, why am I doing this?
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"What
makes a good music photograph? Start by asking yourself, why am I
doing this? Then choose the music which interests and excites you
the most. It isn't always easy: so far as recording artists are concerned,
companies are very protective. So go to gigs with a little camera.
Photograph the crowd, starting with your friends. You have to go through
the tiring process of getting together a body of work. When you have
done that, try to get a magazine to take your work. |
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You
might be asked to do something that doesn't immediately attract
you.
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For
example, several years ago, I was working for The Observer on a Courtney
Pine feature. At the time I found his music too abstract; he played
too many notes. Then I went to the first gig. He was late. The audience
was hostile. He didn't take his coat off, but started playing. And
it all then made sense, the structure, the rhythms. |
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It's a bit like talking to someone on the 'phone; their meaning is
not always clear... |
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There
is no body language to help make sense of what is being said. So providing
that extra dimension is one of the things that make a good music photograph.
That was an early education for me. I always say to people, "before
you say you don't like that kind of music, go to a live gig and see
it as well as hear it before deciding". And goes for almost everything! |
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Start with a simple camera; and learn as you go |
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"Training:
the biggest problem here is cost if you are computerised, digital
formats could be your starting point, though they is still very expensive.
A digital stills camera will give you images. It isn't however a good
way to learn. |
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"Start with a simple camera; and learn as you go. And a recognised
college course will give you most of the practical help you will need
. A good college course will also give you access to equipment. You
should also read books on technique and visit websites. |
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You really have to want to do it; to have a demon inside you
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"But
there is no substitute for doing it yourself, starting with any bands
or individual musicians. And as you get better so you will succeed
in gaining access to big name musicians.
"You
really have to want to do it; to have a demon inside you. I
was at a hip-hop festival in France talking to a photographer
who is very successful working with musicians. I assumed his
first love was the music. 'No', he said; 'it's photography.
That's my love and passion.'
For me, that says it all!" |
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Photographs on this page (left to right, descending):
Roni Size - © copyright Peter Williams.
Courtney Pine & DJ Pogo, London 1997 - © copyright Peter Williams.
Modeski & Martin Wood, London 1997 - © copyright Peter Williams.
Robert Wyatt, London 1997 - © copyright Peter Williams.
Moses - © copyright Peter Williams.
Photograph of Jacqueline du Pré & Daniel Barenboim, is © copyright Clive
Barda. All other photographs in this article are © copyright Peter
Williams. The images used in this article may not be copied or reproduced
without the express permission of the copyright holder.
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