Evolution Festival 2012 Launch
This morning to the launch for this years Evolution Festival – it is so cool that we have a major music festival right on the banks of The Tyne.
I took a few images including the super talented Lulu James who is on this year’s bill
I am especially looking forward to seeing Maximo Park who I photographed in 2011 for the NME
Busy February
It seems like I have shot gigs most of the month – yesterday was my first night off in eight. I would never complain about being busy it has been fun – tonight I will be shooting Kaiser Chiefs at Newcastle Academy then Spector at The Cluny. In between I have done some photo shoots and video work I will be updating my website with more information about these in the coming weeks.
In the meantime I have put most of my recent live shots on Flickr – this year have added 41 sets of different bands.
Recent Published Work
I am very happy to have recently been given assignments by two of the leading music publications the NME and Classic Rock Prog
The published images are below:
More images in my Dananananaykroyd set on Flickr and Zappa Plays Zappa set on Flickr
I am putting this at the beginning of the year, I hope in December that I can reflect on more assignments.
This has been an incredibly busy start to the year with photo shoots, live gigs, and some video work – I am so grateful and plan to keep it rolling on
My First Music Video Union Choir Your Melodica
Although I have filmed some acoustic performances from some of the North East’s most exciting bands since September, I have never made a music video. The performances that I have filmed are stripped back live acoustic sets. To my relief the bands I filmed,and other people have liked them.Some of these videos can be see
One of those bands was The Union Choir who asked me to make a video for their single Your Melodica. So we met at The Cluny before one of their gigs in November to plan the video. Over the coming weeks we came up with a concept for the video a mixture of performance and narrative.
From my photography I do have knowledge of lighting, composition, and experience shooting gigs and bands – it seemed a daunting task for a first music video but we managed it one step at a time.
We planned the performance shoot to be at the end of November in a room where we had recorded some of the acoustic sets called the High Bridge Sessions – but to give it a different look we put the band in front of the windows. This shoot took careful preparation as we decided on the key shots for each part of the song – on the day we were there from 2pm and I think the real filming took about 5 hours – and we ended up being there until the building closed at midnight. It was a hectic day but the band were willing and patient to hang around and make sure that we got all the shots – without complaint.
Here is a time lapse we made of setting up the performance footage
That video will always remind me of the fun we had on that day – thanks to the three people ( Dan, Andy, and Jill) who helped with the filming and setting up it was a fantastic team effort.
We then planned the doll shots in Newcastle and South Shields – Jill even knitted a doll in the image of Jon from The Union Choir – I feel details like this really give the video a more personal feel and was definitely worth doing. It was great that the band could find some actors – thank you Ashleigh, Liberty, and Rachel.
The editing took days it was especially time-consuming to synch the video. I sent different cuts of the video to the band for approval and we finally came up with the final edit. It is a pity there was other footage that could have worked but there was only 4 minutes of video – there was also footage that was good in theory but when viewed on-screen was not suitable.
Anyhow here is the video
Three Great Bands at Cosmic Ballroom Tonight
After I shoot the Go West gig at Newcastle Academy tonight ( 17 December) I am going to see some of my favourite local bands at the Cosmic Ballroom on Stowell Street.
Gallery Circus – who I have recently filmed
The Greeting Committee – whom I filmed on the roof of my studio building in September
The Watchers – as yet not filmed them but have shot some of their gigs
See you there
Instamatic for the People Book Now Available For iPad and iPhone
The Instamatic for the People book is now also available as a download for iPad and iPhone – it is priced at £4.99 plus £0.99p tax added at the checkout, and from this £2.00 from each sale will be donated to Teenage Cancer Trust. It is available from Blurb here
It features over 220 portraits of musicians from the North East of England as part of my ongoing project.
This follows on from the Instamatic for the People exhibition that ran all summer at The Cluny – all the images from the exhibition are featured in the book.
You can read more about my project in my earlier posts in this blog.
Instamatic for the People Book - available exclusively from Blurb
The Prison Library High Bridge Sessions Video
I have been busy filming local bands as part of an ongoing project. This is a sharp learning curve for me, but it is a fun ride. This is one of the multi camera shoots I done with The Prison Library
This is the song If I Was There. They are playing with Tribes tonight 2 November at The Cluny. For more information please visit The Prison Library website
I like the way this contrasts with the images I made with the band back in February
Prison Library Homepage
There will be more videos with more bands soon.
Charlotte Yanni Accidentally on Purpose Album Cover
I was just reflecting on previous photo shoots and realised it was one year ago this weekend that I done a shoot with Charlotte Yanni for her debut album Accidentally on Purpose. It was typical cold windy day by the River Tyne but we braved the cold and managed to get the shots for the cover. You can find more info about Charlotte on her website : http://www.charlotteyanni.com/
Charlotte Yanni Accidentally on Purpose album cover and artwork
My Studio Location in Newcastle City Centre
My studio is in Newcastle city centre on High Bridge which is the street connecting Grey Street and the Bigg Market
Image courtesy of Newcastle City Council P&T archive. I have marked the entrance to the studio building through the alley. I wish there was still a Maynards sweet shop on the corner
The address of my studio is:
David Wala Photography
High Bridge Studios and Gallery
39 High Bridge
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 1EW
Email: david@davidwala.com
This maybe an old picture but my studio is equipped with up to date equipment
So, If you need any photography you know where I am.
This is a picture taken 2 August 2011 - buildings are the same only the details have changed
So What Robot Live Transmission and Acoustic Gig Thursday 28 July 7pm
In May I done a photo shoot and had so much fun creating some shots in a room full of balloons – who knew it would take so long to blow up and tie a knot in all those balloons. I tried the prepare the night before by blowing up a load of helium balloons – who knew that they would deflate overnight – always read the instructions.
Anyhow during the shoot we decided to do an impromptu video and thought it would be interesting to do an acoustic set in the studio and maybe make it into a webcast.
Two months later we are going to make this talk become reality with a live webcast and an intimate gig tomorrow evening – for me it is a step into the unknown and I am sure mistakes will be made but we are ready for this and have a good feeling about it – you can see for yourself by visiting this link tomorrow at around 7pm
Some images from the photo shoot are her in the this gallery on my website section of my website
It is great with positive and creative people like So What Robot – it is the way it should be
The debris after the photo shoot
So tired and pleased the photo shoot was a success - and we have burst all the balloons
Some Publicity About My Instamatic for the People Book for Charity
So happy to get some recognition from a photography website about my Instamtic for the People book and project.
I have dedicated so much time and effort to this project because I believed in it ,and in the process overcoming and deflecting doubts. It was heartwarming to get so much positive feedback since the exhibition.
Every penny of profit goes to Teenage Cancer Trust – and even better for me all the order fulfilment is done by the printers and all the money goes direct to the charity….. I am relieved my work on this book is done
To read the article visit Choose Film
Instamatic for the People Book - All profits to Teenage Cancer Trust
The link to the book http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2204947?SSAID=314743
Newcastle O2 Academy House Photographer
I am absolutely delighted that I have been recently appointed as the house photographer at Newcastle Academy – still feel like I am dreaming and I am looking forward to the coming months.
As a long time fan of Eels – it could not have been a better start. The gallery of my Eels images is here.
Instamatic for the People Exhibition Extended and Other News
It seems ages since I updated this blog as I have been so busy – I will try harder to update it more often.
The Instamatic for the People exhibition at The Cluny in Newcastle has been extended until the end of August – if you haven’t been there is still time.
Also The Cluny are featuring some of my images in their gallery it can be viewed here: The Cluny Gallery
It is always a buzz when some of my photographs are featured by an artist that I am a big fan – so I was delighted when his record label One Little Indian linked up to the gallery of some images from his gig in May at The Cluny
Dan Sartain Newcastle Cluny by David Wala
I have been busy with photo shoots over the past few weeks and will be posting information about these soon
For anyone that came to my exhibition and gig were surely blown away by Symphonic Pictures , this week I am going to see Symphonic Pictures play an intimate gig at La Bocca cafe for more details please follow the link. They are also playing at the Other Rooms on 1 August.
Also my friend Paul Rose is playing a gig in Nashville next week and it looks like exciting times ahead for him sending him positive vibes. I have so many happy memories of touring around Germany with him – coincidentally it is my photograph on his home page 
Anyhow you might find this surprising but I find it uncomfortable talking about my work so I am going for a coffee. I will write more soon
D
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Total Money Raised for Teenage Cancer Trust
I have just recieved the total raised at Wednesdays Instamatic for the People exhibition opening and gig – it is £420.43p – thank you to everyone involved and who contributed I am so proud we managed to do this. People can still give directly to Teenage Cancer Trust. The book of the exhibition is also available to buy from Blurb with all profits going to Teenage Cancer Trust – the details are in a post from last week.
Below is a link to a video of the exhibition
http://www.facebook.com/v/10150605702535462
The entire night in 2 minutes of video it is by the super talented Morris Ford ,with music by my equally talented friends Brilliant Mind – Leave Your Friends behind which they also performed on the night
Just wanted to get the news of the monies raised as quickly as possible. Since the exhibition I have shot gigs by Duke Special, Evolution Emerging including the Chapman Family and Lanterns on the Lake, Evolution Festival all day Saturday and Sunday. Tonight I have another shoot with a fantastic local band and possible Mountain Goats at The Cluny.
I am so pleased to be busy but may not be blogging for a few days
Thank you again
Instamatic for the People Book
Thank you to everyone who helped with the exhibition and came down last – it was touching to see so many old and new friends.
As Simon Donald mentioned last night the book of all the images o from the exhibition are online.
The cost is £16.95 – the cost from Blurb is £11.95 and the £5.00 is profit is for Teenage Cancer Trust. The books are sent directly by Blurb
The link is
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2204947
Instamatic for the People Book - All profits to Teenage Cancer Trust
Special Performance at Tonight’s Instamatic for the People Gig and Exhibition.
It’s funny how things work out.
Back in January I met David, Johnny and Dale for the first time when I did a photo shoot with Detroit Social Club, and tonight they are all supporting my exhibition. I feel lucky to know them
David Burn is doing a DJ set and will keep the tunes coming through the evening.
Johnny Bond and Dale Knight will be unveiling with their new band Symphonic Pictures in their first public performance – it is an honour and a privilege that their first gig will be at the Instamatic for the People gig at The Cluny
Let the music and video do the talking – check out the video out on You Tube preparing for the gig on Wednesday 25 May
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxRRaRaN4FQ
All of these people with me are helping with my exhibition and gig - Thank you Photo: Jill O'Donnell
Teenage Cancer Trust Buckets and Branding Have Arrived
The people from Teenage Cancer Trust have dropped the buckets and some branding for the gig on Wednesday.
Although it is a free gig I am confident people will give generously on the night. I always think the best of people and I know that my friends and people visiting will donate what they can on the night – that is all you can ask for.
I was not surprised that all these people have offered their time and effort without a fee: The Cluny, The Greeting Committee, Brilliant Mind, Symphonic Pictures, Gem Andrews ,Simon Donald, David Burn, Paul Burgess Graphic Design, and Image Visual Communications – without these people the gig/exhibition would not be happening really touched by how kind people are – thank you so much.
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Teenage Cancer Trust Buckets - hoping we can raise a decent amount of money for this great cause
Place your donations in these buckets on Wednesday
Last Call for Participants for Instamatic for the People
Most of the photographs are framed but there is still time if any local musicians want to get involved with the project. Please get in touch and I can take the photographs and have them in the exhibition on Wednesday. I am running this down to the wire but if anyone wants to get involved the earlier that you can get in touch the better. It is open to any musicians in the North East of England
Please see my new business cards for contact details
Posters and Publicity for Instamatic for the People
Paul Burgess has helped me out with some design work for the forthcoming exhibition – I love the posters that he designed. Could not recommend him more highly. If you get a chance check out Paul Burgess Graphic Design website
I am also pleased with the article in the May issue of Narc magazine they really understand what this project is about
Instamatic for the People Exhibition & Gig
At last ,I am pleased to announce that my Instamatic for the People exhibition will be at The Cluny in Newcastle. There is an opening on Wednesday 25 May between 6pm and 7:30pm with a gig from 8pm in The Cluny. In the spirit of the exhibition everybody is welcome, it is a free concert but there will be collections for Teenage Cancer Trust – please give generously.
The project has been about the musicians of the North East and is a way to document how our music scene is in 2010/2011, I hope to revisit the project in a few years to see how everyone has progressed. It has been interesting looking at the images and seeing the seasons change some pictures in the sunshine at Narc fest in The Ouseburn in July with people in t-shirts and others taken on snowy December night in Sunderland.
This is a totally democratic project where everybody has the same status – all bands are featured equally and all members of the band are featured equally. For the exhibition each image will be drawn at random and displayed in the order they are drawn.
I spend a lot of time at The Cluny and it is an honour to have an exhibition at the venue where I regularly photograph gigs, and where many of the images from the exhibition were taken.
There will be a book featuring the images from the exhibition available to buy online with all proceeds going to Teenage Cancer Trust.
The opening night gig will feature bands that have taken part in the exhibition
I am so proud that The Greeting Committee, Brilliant Mind, and Gem Andrews have offered to play the gig. They are all acts that I love and their musical styles are quite different – it will be a fun night.
Simon Donald is someone who I have known for years and it is an honour that he is going to host the night in his own inimitable style. He is a long time supporter of Teenage Cancer Trust.
David Burn from Detroit Social Club is doing a DJ set -I am grateful he has taken time to support this charity event even though Detroit Social Club will be playing at Evolution Festival a few days later.
The line up for the gig is:
The Greeting Committee
Brilliant Mind ( acoustic )
Gem Andrews
and Special Guests
Compere Simon Donald (Viz)
DJ Set by David Burn ( Detroit Social Cub)
This whole project has been entirely self funded and is a labour of love – but I have to thank all the wonderful people who have taken part and encouraged and helped me with it throughout the year.
The exhibition will run throughout June .
There is also a Facebook event
Prison Library Photo Shoot
In February I was excited to be asked to do the first press shots for the Prison Library. I knew some of the band from a few years ago when they were Spies in Limbo – we had worked together on a studio shoot. I feel I have learned so much since then.
It helped that the band had some ideas and I wanted to create a certain atmosphere and style with location and lighting. Therefore,before the shoot I sent the band location and lighting test shots, so I was sure that I was heading in the right direction. It is important that the style of the image fits with the style of the band. I even bought a second-hand pub seat that would fit four or five people – it will be great prop for future shoots.
On the day of the shoot I did a run through of the lighting set ups which saved time later on.
I still use a light meter to do my light readings
Lighting test before the shoot
Behind the scenes shot
The shots on the sofa were done using two separate exposures and merging them in Photoshop. I took one frame of the band with flash, and for the other shot I made a long exposure to accentuate the ambient lighting.I used a combination of Elinchrom flash heads with umbrellas,softboxes, and grids, for the three different shots. For my next shoot I will remember to get some behind the scenes footage.
More of my photographs can be found on my website
This shot was created using two exposures
I was pleased with results, and more importantly the band liked them too – you can see them on their website here http://www.theprisonlibrary.com/
Prison Library Homepage
Rather Be Doing Stuff Than Regret Not Doing It – Detroit Social Club Water Rats London
On the spur of the moment last Friday night I decided that I would go and see Detroit Social Club on the following night in London – it is always great to see a band based in Newcastle playing in London.
This was not a commission by anyone just done it for fun and to see a band that I had recently worked with play a gig in London. It was one of the best gigs that I have seen - it was a night when the stars were aligned to create a really special gig the band, music, audience, and the venue were all in the zone.
It pays to be spontaneous and do things just because it is good for the soul.. no other reason needed.
David Burn Detroit Social Club Water Rats 5 March 2011
David Burn Detroit Social Club Water Rats 5 March 2011
David Burn Detroit Social Club Water Rats London in London
Studio Now Open And Equipped
It has been a busy month equipping my studio and planning for the future – it is a daunting time but I am chasing my dream. Pictures to follow in a later blog.
In January I done a shoot with a high profile band and look forward to unveiling the results from the shoot soon – I am sure there will be more shoots to follow in my studio. If you want to do a shoot drop me a line david@davidwala.com.
My Instamatic for the People project is progressing – I have made a decision to draw a line under this project with an exhibition in May – as soon as I have confirmed a venue I will post the information on here.
I did not shoot as many gigs I would have liked in January but the highlight was Pulled Apart by Horses at The Cluny in Newcastle some of the images are on my website
Anyhow I am keeping this short but from the heart – rather than rambling on like some type of infomercial
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Updates to Published Work and Portraits
I have finally got round to updating the published work section since my last update I have had work published in print, online, and on a CD cover. See my published work section for all the details.
It was a real honour that Paul Rose selected my photographs for his cover and CD booklet
Paul Rose Ten CD Cover and Disc
The CD is available to buy from his website www.paulrose.co.uk and on I tunes.
I have done more portraits lately and my images of Holy Mammoth featured in the November issue of Narc. We don an outdoor shoot on a cold windy night in The Ouseburn. They were great to work with and appreciate their patience during the shoot especially considering I did not have an assistant on the night. Some of the images are in my Portraits section.
It has been a long time I am still trying to organise a new website I think I am going to go with Photoshelter and plan to launch it sometime soon – I am lucky that I have been too busy taking photographs to arrange this.
Here is a link to a slide show on my fortcoming site:
http://davidwala.photoshelter.com/gallery/Live-Music-Portfolio/G0000S1SpB5dSq3w
