Happy Holidays from me to you. x
Merry Christmas from David Wala
rock n roll photography
The Voyeurs Manchester Night & Day 15th August 2014
It was so great to catch up with The Voyeurs ( previously Charlie Boyer and the Voyeurs).
Although the band were delayed on the motorway getting to the gig , they still found the time to do some photographs with me after their soundcheck.
Here are three portraits done before the gig – one of which included me standing on top of chair which in turn was on top of a table. I think it was worth it. Looking forward to seeing them again later in the year
The Voyeurs, backstage portrait at Night and Day, Manchester, 15th August 2014
The Voyeurs, Manchester, 15th August 2014
The Voyeurs, Night & Day Cafe, Manchester, 15th August 2014
It Has Been Way Too Long – Here’s To 2014
First I am going to do my best to make time for my blog. I am giving myself 10 minutes to write this and add a few pictures – the less time you have to think the more you will write from the heart. Sometimes it is the same when you are doing a photo shoot you can sometimes capture the character of someone in five minutes.
I see that my previous post was about my A A D exhibition and it was extended until the end of January and I have took down all the images – which are now on the floor in a corner of my studio. The project was fun but putting the exhibition together took a lot out of me and other people – I feel after much soul searching that it was worthwhile . I know I made some new friends and produced some interesting images. Also it is a personal project and it was good for the soul. I am going to continue with the project but first I need to repair the Hasselblad 500 I was using – if anyone can get my viewfinder repaired please get in touch.
So far in 2014 I have photographed and seen some of my favourite bands/artists Adam Green, Obits, and Maximo Park. Also I was super proud to be commissioned to shot Maximo Park for t In The Studio piece which appeared in the NME in January. had to keep it a secret since I took the pictures at the beginning of December.
Looking ahead it is shaping up to be a great year already looking forward to gigs in the coming week by The Orwells, Toy, Radkey, Drenge and others
I am also continuing with my Instamatic for the People project of instant print pictures. Adam Green as part of my Instamatic for the People project
This is one of my favourite images from my A A D project I love the colours and how relaxed the band were. Despite numerous technical difficulties we managed to get some decent shots. This image was shot in bulb mode with a second curtain flash. With a Hasselblad 500cm
Looking forward to seeing more Telegram gigs and hearing more recordings. This shot is from The Shacklewell Arms Christmas party – did I tell you we won the pop quiz 0n the night 🙂
Adam Green as part of my Instamatic for the People project
- My Maximo Pictures in the NME from January 2014
New Reward On Kickstarter – Today Is The FInal Day
A big thank you to everyone that came down to my exhibition opening and the gig – I will not forget your support.
As all the images from my exhibition are hanging up in The Cluny ( I will be adding more during the exhibition) – I made a collage of all the images and I am offering this as a print on Kickstarter for just a £10.00 pledge.
The link to the Kickstarter campaign is here http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/davidwala/a-a-d-photography-exhibition
AAD Collage Print Available on Kickstarter
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/davidwala/a-a-d-photography-exhibition
Without People You Are Nothing
“Without People You Are Nothing” – this quote from Joe Strummer has resonated with me. Although I work alone mainly in my photography I could not do it without people to photograph or help me.
Tonight is the opening of my A A D exhibition at The Cluny.
At the time of writing I am so busy as I have to finish up preparations for the exhibition so I will keep this brief
However I want to thank every band that has taken part there are 28 and counting I will name them all and add a gallery soon.
Thank you to the bands playing tonight So What Robot, Retriever and The Union Choir – it is an absolute honour that you are playing the gig as part of the opening.
As ever The Cluny have been absolutely fantastic and always helpful and friendly. Paul Burgess has done a magnificent job with the posters . Digitalab have done a fantastic job with the printing on a very short notice. Mark at Art for Art’s sake has done an amazing job framing everything yesterday morning – an absolute star.
Tonight Daniel Robson and Lewis Norvid are doing the DJ duties – I am super grateful that I do not have to worry about the music I know it will be amazing. A huge thank you to my wife Jill for her help and editing skills. Thank you to everyone who has helped me and publicised he exhibition. Also check this article out by NE;MM it perfectly describes my project http://nemmonline.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/david-wala-a-d-photography-exhibition.html
David
x
Also as well as the people I need to use a camera 🙂
The camera that has been used for most of my project
This has been used to take every picture in the exhibition
Kickstarter Campaign ?
For sure there are many more worthy causes than my Kickstarter campaign. Deep down I have many reservations about asking people for money to fund my project. I really do feel uncomfortable about doing it, but I have decided to go ahead and start a Kickstarter campaign. I am not asking for something with nothing in exchange I think the range of rewards are valuable – I promise I am not offering to cook you a meal or go on a date. Also a big thank you to the people who have kindly supported the project – that means a lot.
I was discussing this with a local musician yesterday and he told me that some people do not think twice about asking to use my work for free or just a credit – actually some people do not even bother asking :-). I should also add there are many that do ask and support my work – they all know who they are.
The link to my Kickstarter campaign is here AAD Kickstarter campaign
Here is the video I made
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This is a personal project and I am doing it just because I enjoy it, and hope other people will too. Also thanks to everyone for taking part in the project without them there would be no project 🙂
More importantly I would like people to come along and enjoy the exhibition and the free gig on 6th November
A A D Project Exhibition At The Clunny In Newcastle Opening 6th November 2013
For nearly two years I have worked on a project called A A D. A project all shot with a medium format analogue ( Hasselblad) camera with the subjects taking the photograph with a cable release. I have a photographed touring and bands from the North East including Howler, Hooded Fang, Art Brut, Charlie Boyer and the Voyeurs.
There will be an opening on Wednesday from 6:30pm at The Cluny in Newcastle and a free gig featuring So What Robot, Retriever, and an acoustic set by The Union Choir – please come down. For more information please see the Facebook Event. I also have a Kickstarter campaign with some unique rewards from the exhibition.
A poster for the A A D exhibition at The Cluny in Newcastle
The End of the Hooded Fang European Tour 2013
I finally managed to get a vinyl copy of the latest Hooded Fang album Gravez, as well as catch up with the band after doing a shoot with them last year. I took some portraits with my Instax camera – great band great people. For more shots from the gig click on the image below
Hooded Fang
Never Play It Safe Safe – Symphonic Pictures Promo Shots – Spaghetti, Pancakes, Rats, Soup, and Other Shenanigans
Back in May 2011 it was a privilege to have Symphonic Pictures play their first gig at my Instamatic for the People exhibition opening. Therefore I was happy to be involved with doing the photography for their first set of press photographs.
When Johnny from the band contacted me with the idea/inspiration for the shots my first thoughts was that they would make an impact and I loved that they were not playing it safe.
It took a few weeks for the band to assemble props, to which I also contributed. We used a painted a background and tried to emulate the lighting of 1960s shoot by at times using just the modelling lights and other times flash. It was also an opportunity for me to shot with my medium format Mamiya RZ67 camera, and use some hard to find expired Agfa portrait film which I had saved for something special. The subdued colours also helped to give that retro feel to the images.
The shoot took 5 hours and we tried to pay attention to detail for each individual portrait. It was testament it was a relaxed atmosphere throughout and that we all committed to getting the exact images that we originally envisioned.
The images were then given to Paul Burgess Graphic Design to work his genius the lettering and finishing touches
I have to say it has been so amazing working with such a creative bunch of people.
Thank you
x
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
David Wala Photography 