I always try and get down to the Skatepark in Haverfordwest for the annual Summer Jam. It’s always a great event and brilliant to see a facility being so well used. It’s a tribute to the people who put the effort in to get it built that so many kids are using it and developing into great riders. I got there late this year but here’s a few pics that are better off here than on my hard drive never to see the light of day.
People
Studio portraits
After a little while of experimenting with taking portraits I’m now offering this as a service. Whether you would like a portrait taken simply for your own reasons or if you need images for professional use, get in touch and we can arrange a shoot. If you’ve felt uncomfortable in front of the camera in the past, be assured of an informal and relaxed atmosphere.
Since starting out with taking pictures of friends I’ve found portraiture to be a fascinating branch of photography. Unsurprising really as I suppose portraiture is at the heart of photography, the human form the original subject and so many faces having been recorded over the decades since the first images were made. Maybe rather grandiose words but there’s something magic about getting the light right and capturing a special image of a person. Anyway, here are some of my favourites…
Ben Ottewell
Ben Ottewell from the band Gomez played the St Davids City Hall on Friday night. It was a special night for lots of people in the audience as Ben’s distinctive voice has been part of the soundtrack to life for a good few years. The album Bring It On wasn’t ever far from the CD player long after it came out in 1998 and the following year, Liquid Skin peaked at number 2 in the album charts and cemented their reputation.
At the Q awards John Lee Hooker held a stack of Gomez albums in his hand. The blues legend, who held the discs without being prompted, astonished the audience with his praise. 'I done listen to this record over and over and I can't find no defect,' Hooker said. 'The kids like it, and the older folks are gonna catch up real soon.' - Reported by The Morning Call
Along with some Gomez favourites, Ottewell plays his own songs at live shows including a few from his latest album; A Man Apart. The distinctive voice is still great and the songs, new and old, are timeless.
Rosie Jacobs Designs
in Studio, Commercial, People
I did some studio work for Rosie Jacobs Designs recently. Rosie is a Pembrokeshire based designer producing handmade scarfs from selected tweeds. I own one of her pieces myself and they’re beautifully made, unique and super stylish. We had a great shoot with Lily, a Cardiff based model and Mat modelling the mens collection.
The Accidentals, Joey Landreth, Lowri Evans and Lee Mason, William the Conqueror
Almost the end of the Boia Gigs winter season, there’s been some fantastic shows to finish off the run. Joey Landreth returned along with support from The Accidentals who graduated from playing together in their high school orchestra in Michigan to touring internationally. They brought great energy and lovely strings and were a real joy. Last night, Lowri Evans and Lee Mason, from up the road here in Newport Pembrokeshire, reminded us of the quality of her distinctive voice and songwriting before William The Conqueror, a three piece from Cornwall, really rocked the place. Effortlessly driving solid grooves and great melodies through the venue; a thoroughly recommended live act.
2 chapels, 2 gigs. St Davids Tabernacle and StudiOwz
The latest venue for Boia Gigs was the crypt of the Tabernacle chapel in St Davids. A gothic design built in 1877, the chapel is an imposing building but unless you are a member of the tiny congregation, you’d be forgiven for not noticing it on your way through St Davids. Downstairs is usually used for Sunday School but last week opened its doors to host Dan Bettridge (Ogmore, Wales) and The Brother Brothers (Brooklyn, NY). One of the attractions of live music is hearing a little background about the songs and the ideas behind the lyrics. The Brother Brothers were brilliant at filling in the history that inspired their writing and some of the covers they performed, but were also funny and engaging which made for a great show. As identical twins they referenced other familial duos from down the ages and are adeptly carrying on the tradition. Go see them if you get the chance. They were supported by Dan Bettridge who showcased his great guitar sound and songwriting.
John Blek returned from County Cork to Pembrokeshire last night to play at StudiOwz before he takes to the stage at the Tabernacle Chapel in St Davids tonight. When I heard he was playing at the studio I knew that John’s songs were perfectly suited to it and it was a treat to hear his music there. Plucking out his melodies and delivering his soul rending lyrics in such a venue was spellbinding. In the crowded world of male singer songwriters, John Blek stands out as a true talent with plenty of outstanding songs that should be getting more radio play over here. Look out for chances to see him live and buy his records.
