Category: Photography

Best Music Shots of 2023 (Part 1)

Posted in Gallery, Live Music, Photography

Always a favourite feature, our Best Music Shots of the year gallery has grown annually and it’s awesome to have so many of you sharing your favourite images from a year filled with incredible live music. I’ve taken the decision to split the gallery into two parts this time – the quality of the photos is outstanding and I want to give them all space to be seen, so here are the first half and the rest will follow tomorrow. As usual, in no particular order, the photos are simply mixed by genre and style. Here we go…

Header shot by Gary Hough, details in article

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Clare Ratcliffe

Hollywood Vampires – Alice Cooper & Johnny Depp
Utility Arena, Birmingham, July 2023

Instagram | Facebook

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Adam Hampton-Matthews

Arctic Monkeys
Emirates Stadium, London, June 2023

Pulp
Hammersmith Apollo, London, July 2023

Website | Instagram | Twitter

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Gregor Boyd

Natti
The Tollbooth, Stirling, November 2023

Website | Instagram

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Mia-Jean Tolley

The Murder Capital
O2 Academy Bristol, May 2023

Instagram

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Ingrid Turner

Flamenco musicians
Cueva Flamenca la Comino, Granada

Dudu Kouate
The Carlton Club, Manchester

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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Jennifer Mullins  Photography

Danielle Durack
The Venue, Phoenix, March 2023

Wheelwright
The Tiger Bar, Phoenix, February 2023

Website | Prints | Instagram | Twitter

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Rachael Sweeney

Simon Neil performing with Empire State Bastard
SWG3, Glasgow, November

Josh  from Greta Van Fleet
The OVO Hydro, Glasgow, November 2023

Instagram

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Brian Brown (Dark Misfit Photography)

Róisín McCarney
King Tuts, Glasgow, September 2023

Instagram

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Nigel King Photography

Antony Szmierek
Splendour Festival, Nottingham,  July 2023

Emzae at her Album Launch Party
Rough Trade, Nottingham, September 2023

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Threads | Mastodon

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Sam Haines

Yot Club

Electric Ballroom, London,  May 2023

Tigercub
O2 Islington Academy, London, October 2023

Website | Instagram

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Steven Medeiros

Whitehorse
TD Music Hall, Toronto, June 2023

Great Lake Swimmers
TD Music Hall, Toronto, November 2023

Instagram | Twitter

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Dan Landsburgh

Lambrini Girls
The Lexington, London, June 2023

Blink 182
The O2 London, October 2023

Instagram | Twitter

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Rachel Lee

Waves
Colours Hoxton, London, April 2023

Alfie Jukes
The Grace, London, October 2023

Website | Instagram

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Gary Hough (ShotFromBothSides)

Rum Lad
Pirate Rehearsal Studios, Sheffield, January 2023

Filthy Dirty – Dancing Queen Preston Style
Kanteena, Lancaster, June 2023

Website | Instagram | Twitter

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So that was part 1 – part 2 will be with you tomorrow! I urge you to follow these photographers if you don’t already, as well as being great at what they do, they’re a lovely bunch of people. Thank you again to all who have contributed.

(Part 2 of the gallery is here now)

All images are copyrighted by the named photographer; please do not use without their permission.

Published 21st December 2023

 

 

2023 Through The Lens

Posted in Gallery, Photography

Can’t quite believe we’re almost at the end of the year! Once again, we have the pleasure of presenting some favourite images taken during 2023 by a group of photographers with an eclectic range of styles and subject matter. There are some beautiful shots in here, hope you enjoy and take some inspiration from them all – in no particular order…

Header shot by Dave Sloan, details in article

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Nigel King Photography

The great photographer Arteh Odjidja from his Creating a Street Portrait class in Nottingham

One of The Kelpies giant sculptures at Grangemouth in Scotland

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Caoimhe Clements

Vancouver Nature

Banff, Canada

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Alan Cruickshank

My grandson Jack loving the inverted mirror at the Bamboozilium at The Landmark Adventure Park, Aviemore in Scotland

Young squirrel taken at a local woodland enjoying some May sunshine in the Highlands of Scotland

Instagram

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Shaun Hulme

A horror shoot for Halloween in my home studio with my daughters

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Romy Ellis-Doyle

A stunning sunset in Lake Garda, Italy. The deep pink of the sky engulfs the waves.

Monkey spotting in Marrakesh, Morocco, the monkey looks up at the light through the gaps in the trees, casual magic!

Instagram 1 | Instagram 2

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Ian Mc Donnell at Mc Gig Photography

Luminaries instalments by Architects of Air at The Kilkenny Arts Festival

Instagram | Facebook

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Gregor Boyd

A flooded football pitch in a park in Bridge of Allan, Scotland, during Storm Babet

Website | Instagram

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Clare Ratcliffe

Spring at Burghley House, Stamford

Springtime Blue Tit

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Jenna Nicole

Drifting Away

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Morgan Elliott

Beaches

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Dan Landsburgh

One of Soft Play’s first shows back in London, headlining for Fender as they revive the Marquee club for one night only to launch the Vintera II series of guitars

Website | Instagram | Twitter

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Mike Burnell

Tawny Owl in Bushy Park, London

Short Eared Owl on the South Downs near Arundel

Website |Instagram | Twitter

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Don Blandford

Protester at Defend The Right To Protest rally, Westminster

Anti-monarchy protest at State Opening Of Parliament, Westminster

Instagram | Twitter

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Derek Rickman

Milton Abbey

The Blandford Robin

Instagram | Twitter

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Milly McPhee

Portrait of Bronnie at Bodega in Nottingham

Crumnock water in June

Website | Instagram

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Guy Joben

Untitled

Instagram

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Jennifer Mullins

A hoop dancer from Yellow Bird Productions at The Celebration of People and Plants of The Sonoran Desert, Phoenix

The Japanese Friendship Garden, Phoenix

Website | Prints | Instagram | Twitter

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Dave Sloan

A drone shot of South Parade Pier, Southsea

Clarence Pier, Southsea Seafront

Instagram

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Siobhan at 16 Beasley St Photography

Wild by Motionhouse, Worthing Festival

Brighton & Hove Pride

Website | Instagram | Twitter

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A big, big thank you to all the photographers who have shared their work. You can see more from each of them and give them a follow on the links shown. All images are copyrighted by the named photographer; please do not use without their permission.

And keep an eye on our socials over the next couple of days because our Best Music Shots of 2023 galleries are on their way…

Published 20th December 2023

Top 10 Gigs of 2023 (Adam)

Posted in Live Music, Photography, Top 10

Top 10 gigs of 2023 – selected by Adam Hampton Matthews, Photographer

1. Pulp – Hammersmith Apollo
Now, that’s what I call an encore! Pulp culminated their reunion UK tour off in style at the Hammersmith Apollo. Nothing came close to this show for me. An epic set of hits with not a single dull moment. The moment Jarvis appeared at the rear of the stage silhouetted against a giant moon will stay with me for some time. Only slight frustration was having to shoot from the back of the crowd, though this made for some interesting shots in the end!

 

2. Arctic Monkeys / The Hives – Emirates Stadium
Full of swagger and a setlist full of old and new. Photos from 1 of 3 nights at the Emirates Stadium in London this summer. One of the stand out shows from 2023 for sure and a Glasto ’23 headliner!

Little shoutout to The Hives for one of the best support slots I’ve seen ever. They also played a show at The Garage earlier the same week.

3. Gary Numan – Electric Ballroom
Gary Numan played his 998/999/1000th ever show at Electric Ballroom in Camden this year. I was fortunate enough to shoot the 999th show and he was on top form. Dark, broody and as iconic as ever!

4. The Streets – Alexandra Palace
This has to be the most chaotic and energetic first three songs I’ve ever experienced and I had to climb the barrier to try and keep up! Mike Skinner welcomed the crowd with opener Turn the Page by jumping into the crowd whilst drones above filmed and captured the moment. Wasn’t sure whether I had managed to capture the energy until I got home later that night. But I was pretty pleased with the shots in the end.

5. Razorlight – Hammersmith Apollo

A favourite of mine from my days at school as one of the indie kids. Razorlight didn’t disappoint and was surprising how many of the songs lyrics I could remember on the night. It’s like their music is engraved into my youth. An epic set and a performance to suit! Proving they still have that Golden Touch. Was super chuffed to capture this moment.

6. Rick Astley – Electric Ballroom
Ahead of two nights at the Royal Albert Hall, Rick Astley played a wonderful and intimate warm up show at the Electric Ballroom in Camden. The crowd were treated to new tracks off his recent album and the obvious hits, including the one you’re probably thinking of. Such a polished performer and a really enjoyable night out.

7. Self Esteem – Hammersmith Apollo
Was lucky to catch Self Esteem’s final London show this year at Hammersmith Apollo. One of my favourite shows and performances of the year and an absolute pleasure to shoot. Self Esteem has since been on London’s West End performing in Cabaret opposite Scissor Sister’s Jake Shears!

8. The National – Alexandra Palace
My most listened to artist of 2023 and probably one of my favourite bands of all time. So they had to make the top 10! The National played two consecutive nights at Ally Pally this autumn. For those who went to both nights, two completely different setlists were performed in full across a 2+ hour show! No mean feat! It’s been a busy year for The National who also released two albums in 2023 – First Two Pages of Frankenstein and Laugh Track. A tricky show to shoot with challenging lighting but a fascinating front man in Matt Berninger made this one a belter!

9. Muse – MK Dons Bowl
Muse definitely delivered the heat on probably the hottest day of the summer in 2023 with a blisteringly good set. The show delivered everything you would expect from Muse – pyro, epic backdrops, a runway and anthemic choruses! Only slight frustration was photographers were penned into one side of the stage and not allowed to shoot down the runway. An opportunity missed for sure! Support came from Royal Blood and The Warning.

10. Shame – Troxy
A band that have really catapulted into the limelight this year including a memorable Glasto performance which involved lead singer, Charlie Steen, performing in golden spandex. Each to their own! Earlier this year in April, Shame played a headline show at Troxy in London. It was energetic, sweaty, and everything a post-punk band should be! A band I’ll definitely be following more closely going forward.

You can see all the amazing shots Adam has captured for us this year here, and do check out more of his work on his website and Insta below.

Photos and words © Adam Hampton-Matthews – Website | Instagram

Published 18th December 2023

Photo Gallery – Wintertime

Posted in Gallery, Photography

Look around, leaves are brown, and the sky is a hazy shade of winter…

With summer a fading memory and the chances high that it’s probably raining outside, take a break by the radiator to look through our Wintertime gallery for hints of snow, the calm before/after the storm and the reality of Christmas being well and truly in sight.

Header shot by Clare Ratcliffe – details in post

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Petra Eujane Photography

Winter Beach Huts

Sussex Storms

Website | Instagram | Twitter

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Nigel King Photography

Untitled

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Mastodon

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Chris Hibberd

Santa’s Little Helper

Santa Claus

Instagram | #chibberdyviews

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Derek Rickman

Dunstanburgh Castle

Holy Island Sands

Instagram | Twitter

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Steven Medeiros

Untitled 1

Untitled 2

Instagram 1 | Instagram 2

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Morgan Elliott

Oak leaf

Walk on the Beach

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Clare Ratcliffe

Santa Special steam train at Nene Valley Railway

Morning winter scene at Nene Park, Peterborough

Instagram | Facebook

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Siobhan at 16 Beasley St Photography

Jack on the Green Light Installation at Beach House Park, Worthing

Holly

Website | Instagram | Twitter

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Huge thanks as always to all the photographers who have contributed to the gallery – do check out more of their work via the links shown to their websites/socials.

All pictures are copyrighted by the photographer credited; please do not use without gaining their permission first.

14th November 2023

Breaking Glass Magazine – November 2023

Posted in Cover, Photography

Breaking Glass Magazine – November 2023

We had some fantastic submissions to our Summertime gallery earlier in the year, and now the clocks have gone back and you’ve all had an extra hour’s sleep, it’s time to show us your best winter themed shots. Whether you’re outside in the cold or inside wrapped up in a blanket, interpret the subject as you wish and get involved. Winter mornings, the inevitable rain, landscapes, portraits, Halloween, Bonfire night and (say it quietly) Christmas are all good. Submissions open until 10th November for our Wintertime gallery. Details of how to submit below, everyone welcome.

In addition, we’ve got lots more music coverage coming up and, while you’re sorting through your photos, keep in mind that during this month we’ll be posting submission dates for our year end Best Music Shots and 2023 Through the Lens features.

Here’s how to submit:

– Breaking Glass is not a profit-making publication; we can’t pay for contributions nor do we charge for submissions as some sites do
– Everyone is welcome to join in; professional or hobbyist, camera or phone, film or digital photographer
– Copyright remains with the photographer; by submitting your photos you grant us permission to include them on the website and our social media with credit
– You may submit 1 or 2 images per person
– Please include a title for each image (no additional text needed), your name, how you would like to be credited and links you would like us to include to your work, e.g. website / socials
– Photos should be sent as jpg files – portrait / landscape / square / colour / black & white are all fine, any style, you can send with or without watermark – email to breakingglassmag@gmail.com
– Please ensure there is no offensive content and that you have permission to share images of people not taken in a public place or including minors

Look forward to seeing your shots!

Cover image by Siobhan

Published 1st November 2023

This Must Be The Place – Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix

Posted in Photography, This Must Be The Place

Oasis in the Desert

Phoenix is a sprawling metropolis that grows out instead of up. The city has diverse things to enjoy: music, professional sports, the arts, and green spaces. But if I had only one place that I would recommend, it would always be the Desert Botanical Garden. Except for sports, everything can be seen in the Garden, along with the unique plant life found only in the desert.

Art installations are changed at least twice a year throughout the Garden. Chihuly, who usually only exhibits at a garden once, has had two exhibits here because he likes it so much. I had the opportunity to see some of the exhibits assembled, which was breathtaking as each piece of glass was taken from a large crate and put in place on the metal structure. Another wonderful installation was Lights in the Desert. Lights were projected onto the cactus, along with music playing in the background. As you walked along the path, it felt like you were looking at a coral reef.

Desert Botanical Garden also celebrates people’s cultures. Some of the events are Dia De Muertos (Day of the Dead), Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Celebration (Arizona’s Native American Cultures), and Juneteenth commemorating the end of slavery in the United States in 1865, just to name a few. The garden shines with Las Noches de las Luminarias, which runs from November to the New Year. Luminaries light the path, and the garden is decked out with Christmas decorations. Throughout the year, there is live music that can be heard drifting through the air.

The best part of all which can be seen anytime that you visit is the unique plant life of the Sonoran Desert. The garden has different paths leading to specialized gardens. During the fall and spring, a butterfly pavilion is installed as the monarch butterflies migrate. It contains a thousand free-flying southwestern butterflies along with a gorgeous array of flowers and trees to feed them. When I wander through the succulent garden, I always think that these otherworldly plants must have inspired Dr. Seuss. In April and May, the cactus flowers bloom, but they are only day bloomers. It’s always a gift to be there when they are showing off their beauty.

Desert Botanical Garden is my sanctuary, where I can find peace and enjoy the beauty and culture of the southwest.

Words and photos © Jennifer Mullins – Website | Instagram

Published 27th September 2023

This Must Be The Place – Clevedon & Portishead

Posted in Photography, This Must Be The Place

When you need a break from the bustling city life of Bristol there’s plenty more to discover, with Clevedon and Portishead both just a short drive away.

Small but perfectly formed, Clevedon is a seaside town in North Somerset, complete with Victorian pier and TV filming credits including Broadchurch. On a sunny day, the beach is filled with canoeists, dog-walkers and a general feeling that nothing needs to be done in a hurry.

Probably best known for trip-hopsters of the same name, Portishead has a long history as a fishing port. Though much of its industrial area has been redeveloped, it still has a more dystopian feel than its neighbours, Portishead Point Lighthouse (more commonly known as Battery Point Lighthouse) sitting at the edge of the coastline.

Photos © Morgan Elliott

Published 18th September 2023

Exhibitions – Responding to Light | EMERGENCE at MAKE Southwest (Bovey Tracey)

Posted in Exhibition, Photography, Preview

Exhibitions, MAKE Southwest, Devon, 16th September – 4th November 2023
Responding to Light | EMERGENCE

Header image: © Charlie Waite – Towards the Rock of Gibraltar

A really clever idea here from MAKE Southwest, running two exhibitions parallel, one featuring established photographers, the other showing the work of newer photographers, looking at how craft and photography overlap. If you’re interested in seeing the contrast between the two, details from the press release are here…

‘Marine plastic debris, camera-less photographs of tidal waves, unique views of rockpools, communities of trees, and camera techniques dating back to the Victorian era are among works featuring in a major exhibition celebrating the diversity of modern photograph as a medium that straddles fine art and craft at MAKE Southwest, the gallery and crafts education charity formerly known as the Devon Guild of Craftsmen. Literally ‘drawing with light’, photography is an increasingly accessible artform: one that has been responsible for some of the most memorable images of the 20th and 21st centuries. Photography has ultimately changed the course of history through its ability to convey a concise and immediate message.

In Responding to Light, MAKE Southwest showcases seven leading photographers who exemplify the link between photography and craft in contemporary British photography. Together in one exhibition, their work reveals photography’s many guises and wide-ranging techniques, which span digital, analogue, and camera-less. The exhibition is curated by Susan Brown FRPS, and the exhibited artists are:
Marianthi Lainas
Susan Derges
Joe Cornish
Ray Spence
Valda Bailey
Mandy Barker
Charlie Waite

Left: © Susan Derges – Ocean Flowers, Right: © Ray Spence – Bird Skull

Running alongside the exhibition in the Riverside Gallery (open from 2nd Sept) is EMERGENCE, a group show of seven photographers at the start of their careers which shines a spotlight on emerging photography talent from across the Southwest. Those featured are:
Nick Cooney
Imogen Bastone
Jake Tebbutt
Olivia Eden
Louis Izard
Miles Critchley-Hope
Jake Varker

The two exhibitions deliver a celebration of photography throughout MAKE Southwest’s building’.

Exhibition Dates: 16th September–4th November 2023
MAKE Southwest, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey, Devon TQ13 9AF
You can find more details to help you plan your visit at makesouthwest.org.uk

Content reproduced with permission

Published 12th September 2023

 

Exhibition – Fay Godwin: Under a Turbulent Sky (Kestle Barton)

Posted in Exhibition, Photography, Preview

Exhibition, Nestle Barton, Cornwall, 9th September 2023 – 28th October 2023
Fay Godwin: Under a Turbulent Sky

Header image: The Duke of Westminster’s Estate, Forest of Bowland 1989 chosen by Peter Melchett
All photos copyright The Fay Godwin Archive – The British Library

Born in Berlin and spending her later life in Hastings, Fay Godwin was best known for her landscape photography. Atmospheric and at times intense, her monochrome studies built her a reputation as a leading light in her field.

A new exhibition showcasing Godwin’s work opens in Cornwall on 9th September. Kestle Barton is an ancient Cornish farmstead situated above the Helford River, the converted farm buildings now including a gallery perfectly suited to the subject matter of this collection.

Left: Ramsgate, Kent, 1972 chosen by Jeremy Moore
Right: Sleeping Fisherman, Dungeness, Kent, 1974 chosen by Marian Delyth

Extract from the press release here:

‘Acting as a photographic survey of her unique British landscapes captured for books and exhibitions between 1972 and 1994, the exhibition celebrates Godwin’s pioneering attention to environmental issues. The works have been personally selected by people who knew or worked with or were influenced by Godwin – curators, collectors, historians of photography as well as close friends and family and includes texts explaining each choice’.

Meall Mor, Glencoe, Grampian Mountains 1988 chosen by Mike Parker

Kestle Barton, Manaccan, Helston, Cornwall TR12 6HU
You can find more details about the venue here

Photos and details are reproduced with permission, and are copyrighted as listed

Published 18th August 2023

 

This Must Be The Place – Cromer & Sheringham

Posted in Photography, This Must Be The Place

With 13 miles between them, Cromer and Sheringham lie on the Norfolk coastal path, a haven for walkers, sea sports and holidaymakers.

The main street in Sheringham leads down to the sea, the rocks and low cliffs straight from a picture postcard, ice cream and chip shops in abundance.

Along the coast in Cromer, you’ll find a Grade II listed Victorian pier, rows of colourful beach huts, and Banksy’s now faded and sea-damaged Spraycation still drawing tourists in.

If you’re looking for traditional seaside living, you won’t go far wrong here.

Photos © Morgan Elliott

Published 27th July 2023

Exhibition – Johny Pitts (The Photographers’ Gallery London)

Posted in Exhibition, Photography

Exhibition, The Photographers’ Gallery London, 23rd June 2023 – 24th September 2023
Johny Pitts – Home is Not a Place

Header image and all photos below Home is Not a Place © Johny Pitts

 Johny Pitts is an award winning photographer whose work spans portraits of working class Sheffield (2016) to Afropean: Travels in Black Europe (2020). His style is documentary meets drama, his compositions always complimentary to his subjects. Pitt’s touring exhibition Home is Not a Place is currently on display at The Photographers’ Gallery in London, having previously been shown in his hometown of Sheffield at the Graves Gallery, and at the Stills Gallery in Edinburgh.

Excerpt from the press release here:

‘The Photographers’ Gallery presents Home is Not a Place by photographer and writer Johny Pitts, a reflection on Black British culture, people and geographies, exploring the notion of home.

“My photographic practice involves trying to celebrate Black spaces, capture them while they’re still here and give them a home. If not in a literal sense, in a figurative sense, for me home is somewhere that you take with you” – Johny Pitts.

What is Black Britain? In 2021, photographer and writer, Johny Pitts, and poet Roger Robinson travelled around the British coast in search of an answer to this question. Their collaboration, Home is Not a Place, will be on display at The Photographers’ Gallery this June (to September).

Travelling in a red Mini Cooper, Pitts and Robinson’s circumnavigation encompassed the coastal, urban, rural and suburban, via the places in-between. Following the coast clockwise, together they set out to document and respond to the many manifestations of Black British culture, and to present an alternative to official and media narratives.

A bespoke ‘welcome table’ in the gallery will be a focal point for visitors to flick through Pitts’ family photo album, chat and exchange ideas. The welcome table, designed by the artist’s sister, Chantal Pitts, is inspired by American writer James Baldwin’s unpublished novel of the same name. The title of the show is also drawn from a Baldwin quote “perhaps home is not a place, but simply an irrevocable condition”. Pirate radio playlists and furniture from Pitts’ 1980s youth recreate the atmosphere, in which Pitts describes ‘a Black or working-class community could feel at home’. Many of his family contributed to this room set – everyone is welcome to take a seat and feel at home’.

An accompanying book Home is Not a Place, which combines Pitts’ photographs with poems by Roger Robinson, is published by Harper Collins.

Johny Pitts – Home is Not a Place runs from 23rd June – 24th September 2023.

All images and exhibition details are reproduced under permissions from The Photographers’ Gallery and are copyrighted Home is Not a Place © Johny Pitts.

You can find further details including opening times, ticket prices and concessions, and other exhibitions on their website.

The Photographers’ Gallery, 16 – 18 Ramillies Street, London W1F 7LW (nearest tube Oxford Circus)

Intro by Siobhan

Published 19th July 2023

 

Exhibition – Paul McCartney Photographs (National Portrait Gallery London)

Posted in Exhibition, Photography

Exhibition, National Portrait Gallery London, 28th June 2023 – 1st October 2023
Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm

Header image: John and George, Paris 1964
© 1964 Paul McCartney

When Beatlemania hit the 60s, it’s hard to imagine how it felt from the perspective of the band members. But this new exhibition gives an insight into Paul McCartney’s view of the world around him, and shows a keen eye for a good shot. Over 250 previously unseen photos taken by Paul with his own Pentax camera are on display now at the National Portrait Gallery until the start of October. From candid shots of his fellow band members to capturing the press as they captured him, the gallery offers the opportunity to see things from the other side of one of the most well documented stages of his career.

Photographers, Central Park, New York, February 1964
© 1964 Paul McCartney

Excerpt from the press release here:

“Millions of eyes were suddenly upon us, creating a picture I will never forget for the rest of my life” – Paul McCartney, 2023.

Self-portraits in a mirror, Paris, 1964
© 1964 Paul McCartney

‘While the exhibition’s narrative represents just four short months, McCartney’s photographs chronologically document the experiences of the band on their travels – from the grainy black and white portraits taken backstage in Liverpool, rehearsing musicians at a recording studio in Paris, wintry Manhattan skylines, to the gleaming colour shots of Miami Beach in the sunshine. The earliest images in the exhibition date from November 1963, just as Beatlemania was gripping the nation, and culminate with photographs taken in February 1964, during the final days of the band’s first triumphant trip to ‘conquer’ America. Indeed, the group’s appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show on 9 February 1964 was watched by an unequalled television audience of 73 million people, transforming The Beatles into global superstars and redefining fame in the modern era’.

George looking young, handsome and relaxed.
Living the life. Miami Beach, February 1964
© 1964 Paul McCartney

The crowds chasing us in A Hard Day’s Night were based on moments like this.
Taken out of the back of our car on West Fifty-Eight,
crossing the Avenue of the Americas, New York, February 1964
©1964 Paul McCartney

An accompanying book of photographs and reflections by Paul McCartney. 1964: Eyes of the Storm, is available now via Penguin Press in the UK and via WW Norton in the US.

Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm runs from 28th June – 1st October 2023.

All images and exhibition details are reproduced with permission from The National Portrait Gallery and are copyrighted as listed. You can find further details including opening times, ticket prices and concessions on their website.

The National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, London, WC2H 0HE (entrances are located on St Martin’s Place and Charing Cross Road). 

Intro by Siobhan

Published 13th July 2023

 

 

This Must Be The Place – Hayling Island

Posted in Photography, This Must Be The Place

Hayling Island sits between Portsmouth and Chichester Harbour, its 12 square miles linked to the mainland by road bridge and ferry for an easy escape to or from the quiet life. These photos were taken in the same week and depict the different points of the coastline from morning to evening.

If you’d like to share your images of your home town/city, or just a favourite place, drop us a message – details on Contact page.

Photos © Morgan Elliott

Published 7th July 2023

Photo Gallery – Summertime

Posted in Gallery, Photography

Here comes the summer… and with it a gallery of your favourite summertime images. While some of us do indeed like to be beside the seaside, there are also plenty of opportunities to get along to festivals and events, or just sit back and watch the world go by. Grab a cold drink and take a break to check out our gallery below – as always, in no particular order other than to mix by subject and style…

Header shot by Don Blandford – Instagram | Twitter

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Nigel King Photography

Cephalaria Gigantea

Fielding on the Boundary

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Mastodon

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Clare Ratcliffe

Beach Huts at Wells next the Sea, Norfolk

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Instagram | Facebook

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Chris Hibberd

Donuts and Ice Cream

Stick of Rock

Instagram | #chibberdyviews

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Jennifer Mullins

Desert Botanical Garden, Saguaro in Bloom

Mom and Ducklings, Japanese Friendship Garden

Website | Prints | Instagram | Twitter

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Morgan Elliott

Sunset

Beach

Instagram

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Don Blandford

Colombian Dancers at the Bankside Open Spaces Festival

Vaisakhi Celebration at Trafalgar Square

Instagram | Twitter

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Derek Rickman

Field Poppy

Early Summer Sky

Instagram | Twitter

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Seb K Akehurst at The Jolly Bearded Collective

Summertime on Tattooine

Bees

Linktree

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Steven Medeiros

Untitled

Untitled

Instagram

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Daisy-Drew Smith

Untitled-1 2022 Dreamland Series

Untitled-2 2022 Dreamland Series

Instagram

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Siobhan at 16 Beasley St Photography

Brighton & Hove Pride Parade

Brighton Pavilion

Website | Instagram | Twitter

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A big thank you to all the talented photographers who have shared their work – you can find more brilliant shots from each of them via the links shown to their websites/socials.

All pictures are copyrighted by the photographer credited; please do not use without gaining their permission first.

29th June 2023

 

 

 

 

Photography – In Focus with Chloe Savannah

Posted in In Focus, Photography

Capturing her love of music on camera, we’re delighted to introduce you to photographer Chloe Savannah’s work. In today’s feature, Chloe tells us about her photography journey so far and shares some images from the world of music and elsewhere…

Hey, I’m Chlo. I’m a live music photographer based in Wales.

I come from a very music loving family, my mum and my grandad both having been in bands. I’ve always enjoyed photography and wanted to try live music photography so, when I bought my first camera and started taking photography at A-Levels, my mum’s band was a huge starting point into live music photography.

Live music has always been something I’ve loved. I’ve been going to concerts since I was about 14, I’ve probably been to over 300 of them in total since. Being able to photograph artists that I love is really cool. One of the people I’ve photographed most is Bronnie and her band, they always put on a great show! I’ve also photographed people such as Yungblud, Paul Chuckle (Chuckle Brothers), Dick & Dom, Jedward and Wagner (X Factor).

I was recently a finalist in So.Co’s Music Photographer Of The Year 2023 Awards in London. Dougie from McFly was a judge and I slid him a business card, so hopefully I can tick McFly off the bucket list one day!

Feel free to follow me on socials and keep an eye on my website to see what I’m up to next! I’m hoping to get a few official shoots for more of my favourite artists later this year. The top 3 artists/bands I’d love to photograph are probably the likes of McFly, Lewis Capaldi or any of One Direction. One day hopefully!!

All photos © Chloe Savannah

You can check out more of Chloe’s work here: Instagram | Facebook

6th June 2023

Photography – In Focus with Kyle Burgess

Posted in In Focus, Photography

Incorporating music and portrait photography into their portfolio, we’re pleased to introduce photographer Kyle Burgess. With a creative approach to producing thought-provoking visuals, Kyle talks us through their journey behind the lens so far…

My two big passions are photography and music, and the creation of both. I am a semi-professional photographer working in Glasgow, Scotland. I moved to Scotland in 2014 and began to get a bit more serious about my hobby, I reached out to small bands and publications with access to photo passes to shoot live, and very quickly I was shooting bands like Belle and Sebastian and The Gaslight Anthem.

I took some time to pursue this, as I’m sure any photographer who’s done it will agree, live music is super fun and addictive! I enjoyed it a lot but wanted to be better.

In 2016 I got the chance to get onto a two year HND photography course that led to a degree course at Edinburgh Napier Uni.

Laura

Scotland is an amazing place for music and just the place to be if like me your life is driven and inspired by the music scene, so it has felt really natural to pursue the idea of working with bands and solo artists to create photography intended for the release of a single/EP/album. I am currently working with a Scottish singer/songwriter called Alannah Moar, she approached me last year to work with her on artwork and promo photography for her recent single About the Boy. She really liked my style showcased on my Instagram, so we got together and created some great stuff.

Alannah Moar

Recently, Edinburgh band Toy Hospital reached out to work with me too and we worked together during a practice session. I really enjoyed it and captured some really cool shots.

Toy Hospital

My style leans more towards the abstract side of things, I like multiple exposures, distortion and I like the imperfect. For me I find that really interesting to look at, when I first saw Charles Peterson’s live stuff with Nirvana it left a big impression on me and it had an impact on how I visualise music through my camera.

My goal is to find more creative people who dig my style to work together with. I love creating a look for a sound, music creation is really exciting to be around and I want to be around it more.

Meghan

All photos © Kyle Burgess
You can follow Kyle’s progress on Instagram: @kyle_burgess_photography

31st May 2023

Photography – In Focus with Ali Painter

Posted in In Focus, Photography

Introducing photographer Ali Painter – with an impressive range of live music and portrait shots, Ali’s portfolio is ever expanding. You can check out a selection of images here, follow on the links below, and keep an eye out for some new gig coverage coming soon…

Hey! My name is Ali Painter & I’m a photographer based in London, UK. I first started shooting when I was about 16, pursuing studies at college and then onto university in Falmouth. I moved to London in my early 20s and started working as an in house photographer at Sky where I was granted access to a variety of people and places. I left Sky and went freelance about a year ago shooting mostly TV, music & theatre.

Don Broco

Killer Mike RTJ, Mabel, Hozier

Michael Kiwanuka

I’ve been going to live gigs since I was 10 years old, and music is one of the most important things in my life so being able to photograph artists I love is a real treat for me.

Rudimental

One of the earliest bands I shot was Rudimental at Wildlife Festival in 2016. It was also the biggest crowd I’d experienced as a photographer and I loved being in the mix of it all. Since then I’ve shot The 1975, Little Simz, Years & Years and more.

The 1975

Little Simz

Years & Years

As well as live music, I’ve shot portraits of musicians throughout my career. Meeting Glen Matlock from the Sex Pistols and Mike Skinner from The Streets were both highlights for me.

Glen Matlock

Mike Skinner

All photos © Ali Painter
Website: www.alipainterphotography.co.uk
Instagram: @alipainterphoto

23rd May 2023

Photography – In Focus with Kyan Gilfillan

Posted in In Focus, Photography

Always love to see new faces in the photo pit – today we’re pleased to introduce Kyan Gilfillan taking the early steps in their photography career; we look forward to seeing them progress…

Kyan Gilfillan is an Aberdeenshire-based music and events photographer who specialises in a broad spectrum of musical genres including indie, rock, and pop. Their appreciation of vibrant hues and passion for creative arts contributes to the development of their distinctive style and editing method!

Kyan enjoys adding large splashes of colour throughout his photos to increase contrast and embrace the vibrant hues seen in the natural world. They feel that colour makes the world a better place, so always ensures his images are as bright as possible! At only 17 years old, he has combined his love for music and art together and that’s how this came about.

Kyan explains, “I’ve always been fascinated by music photography and always wondered how people were photographing some of my favourite artists, but little did I know one of them (Joshua Bassett) would be my second ever official shoot! Genuinely never thought I’d see the day I would photograph such a big artist, let alone only a month into my photography journey! So feel free to follow me on socials and keep an eye on my website to see what I’m up to next! Got a few exciting projects I’m working on and hoping to get a few official shoots for more of my favourite artists later this year!”

All photos © Kyan Gilfillan 

You can find Kyan on socials here: Instagram | TikTok| Twitter

15th May 2023

International Women’s Day 2023

Posted in Gallery, IWD 23, Photography

International Women’s Day, 8th March 2023

International Women’s Day is an long-established annual event, set up to:
– Celebrate women’s achievement
– Raise awareness about discrimination
– Take action to drive gender parity

We have some great women photographers at Breaking Glass, and feature some stand out women artists. Today’s gallery celebrates the combination of the two – join us to see a range of fantastic images, as always in no particular order other than to mix by subject matter and style…

Header shot by Alisha Burden, details in article

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Milly McPhee

Bronnie supporting The Lunar Year; Bronnie gave me my first ever pass in my career 6 years ago, and I still work with her to this day.

Zuzu at Meadowlands Festival in Nottingham, this was my first major festival as a press photographer.

Website | Instagram

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Ella Cooper

I am a 17 year old photographer from the north-west who is studying A level photography and going on to study further at Huddersfield Uni. This shoot I was inspired by the way we capture the beauty in feminine relationships and creating a fantasy of a world where being a young woman is not cause for fear but a source of freedom, inspiration and boundless beauty.

Instagram

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Tracy Creighton

As a photographer based in Saskatoon, Canada, I love capturing connection. Live music is the ultimate source of connection – between performers, their audience, and their art. I especially love showcasing the power of women musicians. This is Velours at her last hometown show before moving away to make it big.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

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Petra Eujane Photography

As a performance photographer based in London I am truly blessed to be introduced to so many talented musicians. 2022 was a year that felt so positive in terms of being able to be part of that shared experience again. Here are four of my musical highlights from being back in the world of live music again. All incredibly talented women with very individual styles.

Taylee TV

Lise Vandersmissen

Enkay Rockson

Nuala

Website | Instagram | Twitter

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n0trixx

I’m n0trixx, DIY female self-produced multimedia project. I have diagnosed dissociative identity disorder (DID), which means I have more than one personality in my body. I do everything starting from beats ending with cover art designs and video editing all by myself. The goal of my photography is to give my audience an enhanced feel of my music, bringing out the demons in n0trixx into a visual form.

Instagram

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Rachel Jones

I’m Rachel Jones, a live music and events photographer from Bury, Manchester. I work in venues around Great Manchester and the image I’m including is of the incredible punk rock performer Bex performing at The Bread Shed as support for Novustory.

Instagram

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Ingrid Turner Photography

Ingrid’s photo of poet and rapper Meduulla features on our March cover – you’ll find it at the top of the website till the end of the month

The KTNA at Love Music Hate Racism gig, Matt & Phreds, Manchester, Nov 2021

Syntax DJing at Undus Mundus, Manchester, Jan 2023

Agatha Phiri, HIV Activist from George House Trust’s Stepping Out event. The evening celebrated women living with HIV, showcased everyone’s talent and beauty and showed HIV doesn’t have to hold anyone back.

Bronte Appleby, playwriter, actor and producer, in rehearsals for her play ‘Have A Break, Have A Kit Kat’ June 2022 

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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Bella Briscoe

I am Bella Briscoe, a 19 year old concert photographer from Portsmouth, UK. My submission is the lead singer of Southampton based riot grrl alt rock band, ARTEMIS, Yianna Nicole. As a female concert photographer, I feel that it’s very important for me to support fellow female creatives in the otherwise male dominated industry.

Website | Instagram

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Jennifer Mullins

Here are my two favorite women singer-songwriters from Phoenix. I’ve watched their growth in songwriting and performing over the last five years. They are both so talented.

Danielle Durack

Sydney Sprague

Website | Prints | Instagram | Twitter

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Alisha Burden

One of these photos was taken at a travelling carnival and the other in a homemade studio, I love to capture portraits as it feels like the model is connecting with the camera. I am a self-taught photographer and aspire to be a concert photographer.

Website | Instagram

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Tanya Ahmed

I’m a Brit in NYC, and for IWD I want to share these joyous images celebrating the wide world of female culture and talent represented here by Nai Palm of Hiatus Kaivote performing in Brooklyn, and a participant in the Thunderbird American Indian Pow Wow inter-tribal dance competition in Queens.

Website | Instagram

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Aimee Asbury-Luck

Hey, I’m Aimee, a gig photographer from Birmingham. I’ve been shooting at gigs since 2019, and enjoy being able to fully capture not just the artists, but the sound and movement and general atmosphere, which is why you will also see a lot of experimental shots on my Instagram.

Website | Instagram

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Siobhan at 16 Beasley St Photography

It’s a pleasure to edit Breaking Glass, and our galleries are always a highlight. I love to see familiar faces and new contributors alike taking part, and the wealth of talent in this feature reflects the strength of women creatives across the world. You’re all brilliant – stay strong!

The wonderful deep tan at The Great Escape

Celebrating Pride in Brighton & Hove

Website | Instagram | Twitter

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A massive thank you to all the amazing contributors above – do check out their work on the links shown. And to all the women creatives out there – know your worth, back yourself, back each other and embrace equity. Happy International Women’s Day 2023!

8th March 2023

 

 

Photography – In Focus with Kaz Black

Posted in In Focus, Photography

Kicking the new year off with our first (hopefully of many) photographer features – introducing music photographer Kaz Black; enjoy the gallery and check out more of their work on the links below…

My name is Kaz. I am a live music photographer and reside in Melbourne Australia.

My love for photography has always been there, in particular music shots. I come from a music loving family. My earliest childhood memories consist of music always in the home and the many music photography books, magazines and posters. And music photos, especially of my father’s love for the UK icons The Beatles, The Who, The Kinks to name just a few. The photographs provided the story, sparked my imagination and transported me to what looked like a magical time in music history.

Billy Idol

Frenzal Rhomb

I began attending live gigs at age of 14. I loved being in the thick of it, the thumping amps, the mosh pit! The music loving community. I was hooked!

Magic Dirt

The Black Crowes

The Darkness

It wasn’t until 30 odd years later of attending gigs, I decided to pick up the camera seriously. I had a cancer scare, nothing like a scare to put life in perspective! It’s been over half a decade now and I haven’t looked back. I purchased great camera gear and jumped back in… this time in the pit!! I adore capturing memories and capturing special moments in time. I am in my absolute element being surrounded by creative talented folk. I am beyond grateful to everyone who has helped me live and persue my passion. I don’t consider it work at all. This is my passion. (The work commences post production as all photographers know).

The Hard Ons

The Hoodoo Gurus

The festival season has commenced in Australia and I have a festival approved to shoot at, and am always on the look out to collaborate/ represent magazines and or bands directly who can provide me with photo pass access whether it be local or international acts – a pub gig, theatre, arena or festivals. DM me to organise.

Tim Rogers

Wolfmother

YOU AM I

My work can be seen on my website and Insta account. 

Words and photos © kazablackphotography

3rd January 2022