Monday, December 08, 2008

MONOCHROME ODDSHOTS - BLACK AND BLUES

Black & Blues

Due to no laptop and inability to access my photography stock I am posting a personal professional favourite of mine rather than a daily photo. Not a studio shot but a live concert image which is the odd part. Most people assume this shot had to be staged and in a studio under perfect conditions. The monochrome part speaks for it's self. The title well I don't think I need to elaborate other than a play on words. This image for me personifies what my real photography is all about. I love this shot. Click here to see another shot that falls into this camp.


Laxey Blues Festival 2008 was the venue for the image. As usual, a good time was had by all into the early hours over the weekend in May this year. The festival is the pre curser to the TT. This year, celebrating it's 1oth anniversary, although it's such a national institution visitors could be forgiven for assuming the event is older. Attracting international and local musicians it's a must see event for islanders. Held at various venues throughout the village of Laxey, with the day events free and evening line up priced accordingly, the music extravaganza therefore includes all budgets and caters for all ages. If you like rock, blues, a touch of folk, but definitely live music, then this is the event for you. Tips would be take the kids in the day, leave them at home at night and book a taxi in advance to take you home, otherwise you will end up sleeping on a park bench in Laxey.


The venues tend to be dark, and can be unforgiving for photographers. I tried a few different shots this year to try and use the darkness, rather than compete with it. Here then is
"harmonica man", as I call him from the fabulous "Walter Ego." I was hoping for a little cigarette smoke to waft past for the ultimate French Parisan Jazz shot, but no not this year due to the inside smoking ban. Make the most of this shot, this is not really for blog use, but my Professional music collection. I have already allowed Lou Reed on here too. No more, this is a daily blog.


I'll get round to emails later this week as and when I can. Apologisies to all, for the delay and exceptionally infrequent visits.

Want to join the weird world of Odd Shots Monday? Then see KATNEY

Want to join the beautiful and creative world of Mononchorome Monday? Then see Aileni at LOOSE ENDS

39 comments:

Anonymous said...

Perfect. This photo just oozes everything. I Love it.

Unknown said...

I really like this shot! Just found your site and enjoyed browsing through. I learned something about your island. Great work.

Carver said...

I love this shot. I can hear the blues just from looking at it. Wonderful.

Keith said...

Love it! I can see why it's a favorite. Rock. blues and a touch of folk - sounds like my kinda show.

Debbie Courson Smith said...

I'm sure there are all kinds of technical reasons why that photo is so powerful, but the eye for the image is what impresses me!

Unknown said...

I like the shot Thanks for sharing.
Thanks also for visiting MM.Have a nice day.

Virginia said...

DAMN this is good. I love it so much I think I am gushing. B., this is what you are all about and I wish I could see more of it. Take a bow, sistah!
V

Cloudia said...

Soulful! Aloha-

magiceye said...

love this! absolutely!

Gattina said...

He could also warm up his hands ! Interesting photo !

Olivier said...

un superbe portrait b&w, tu rends hommage au musicien avec cette photo, et j'aime beaucoup la composition.
a superb portrait b&w, you pay tribute to the musician with this photograph, and I like composition very much.

angela said...

I'm more than happy to browse these while waiting for the repairs..
Like the title. Love the photo..

Anonymous said...

Superb portrait, all the better for being 'live' rather than set-up.
Thanks for all the catch-up comments. Things must be infuriating at present.

Anonymous said...

Nice venue shot B - going to pop along and have a look at your main site now. (NB I came here by way of Peter in Paris - your name came up in a discussion we had in Venice, waiting for the waters to recede! Isn't the internet weird and wonderful?)

Brett said...

Great image, we don't see many portraits from you, which is a shame as this is super

NYD said...

Yeah, this is pretty damned cool and the shot of Lou Reed is awesome. He is so intense. Well done!

Catherine said...

Perfect and at the time simple and very professional.
I love B&W portraits.

GrandAnglais said...

Great shot, love the simplicity. Captures all you need, nothing more, nothing less.

Anonymous said...

Wow that is a great shot. Love the composition with the musician to the right in the picture. Nicely cropped!

Happy Monday! :)

Sally said...

Stunning! Sorry I can't visit very often - I am very busy. I look but can't always comment. Sorry!

Unknown said...

Great portrait at a live concert! I just love the fact we can only see head and arms.

Jim Klenke said...

I think this is an excellent shot. Something I would like to try to take.

Anonymous said...

Been to one LBF. Terrific atmosphere. Haunting image. Lou Reed came to the Isle of Man is worth shouting about.

J.C. said...

I love the mood of this shot. The face of the harmonica man in deep concentration is obviously captured.

Rune Eide said...

Bluesy - and as it should be :-)

PeterParis said...

Happy to see that Richard followed my advice!

This photo is just perfect! (Who cares about the daily blog philosophy, when you have something else to show?)

Knoxville Girl said...

I'm not complaining, I'm enjoying, and learning from your techniques.

Jan said...

Love this shot.

Bergson said...

A beautiful portrait, we miss only the sound

Anonymous said...

OMG this is superb. If I could take a picture this good I would be very happy.

Mr. Lost said...

Amazing shot! Would love to attend the festival sometime. Sounds like a great time!

Small City Scenes said...

I always loved the Harmonica Man. I go to the Blues Fest held annually in Ritzville Wa. It wonderful!!! Great shot. MB

Eki said...

a perfect low light portraiture, B. I love it.

Daryl said...

This photo/portrait is perfection .. the man, his music all come across .. eloquently

:-Daryl

Cath said...

Perfect shot. Just perfect.

Anonymous said...

That is dark but it sure works for this shot. I love it.

gogouci said...

Beautiful, soulful photo.

Troop 1309 said...

WOW That looks great.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful and evocative photo portrait. Just wonderful.

Many, many great photos here. You're either a natural or a pro. :-)

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