I would sell my soul to be in a room with this guy and Dave Grohl. It would be incredible. I've never come across a vibesman like Josh, the very embodiment of the old school, traditional, proper rock front man, since meeting Dave Grohl and he's obviously pretty unique himself. Travelling to Portugal to SuperBock SuperRock to shoot portraits and live shots for The Fly magazine was made increasingly challenging due to Vuelling (not recommended, chaps) losing all my stands and diffusion on the way OUT - something I have to tell you we weren't really able to recover from. The travel time meant me and Dan Ross had to race across the city to hire some less than ideal kit, then the hotel room/location was no good, then blah blah blah. The cover looks cool but wasn't the full power band shot I really sought unfortunately. However, the gig was incredible, band were mighty, crowd were killer AND we had a police escort. Huh.
House of St Barnabas makes CoolBrands
Which makes perfect sense because, as regular readers of this blog will know quite well, the HofStB is a very marvellous organisation that deserves recognition and your membership support!
Riders For Health
Finalists in the Index Awards, Work category. Because they're incredible, that's why. Another of our super-remote location shoots (in Lesotho this time) that tells the story of how it makes great sense to have health workers trained to ride and maintain motorcycles, to give advice and care to people too far from medical centres. Lots more info here, do get involved.
Drenge
Cool switched on guys, recently involved in a very bizarre tale with a politician. It's all in your monthly Fly magazine. Aimed for a suitably oblique low level lighting set-up, almost as though they were caught in a car's headlight. That was the theme anyway, whether we achieved it or not is down to your judgement.
Usain feature shot in Sport
Looks alright, don't he.
Mr. Capaldi is Dr. Who
As seen on the Guardian website - my portrait of the wonderful new Dr. Who. Was delighted to hear the announcement, becuase he is a fascinating man who has earnt every scrap of success he enjoys. Here's the original post on this very blog, from the shoot at the House of St Barnabas.
King Krule for President
How would that mess up the political structure if we had a King as President? From monarchy to republic - would that be an act of self-treason? I'm not 100pc sure it would work but Vote Krule would look great on a placard.
Last one I swear
Nice cover for Sport Magazine. Shoot details in the post below. 300K of these mags being handed out right NOW. POW.
Next month in The Fly!
So we got the incredibly sharp Arctic Monkeys into the studio for next September issue of The Fly. I mean, have you seen Alex Turner lately? He looks slick. Can't wait for that one to drop. In a month. God, what am I going to do til then? Answers on a postcard please.
Julia Holter for MOJO
Know about her? Shot for MOJO at the King's Head, on Kingsland Rd in your East London I'll have you know. Beautiful feature too in MOJO, they know what's up.
Laura Marling for MOJO. A special one.
A mere 200 yards from my house, I trundled off to meet Editor-In-Chief Phil Alexander and watch a new style of performance, brought to Hackney by The Secret Cinema people. Set in a soon to be demolished school with so much atmosphere already in the room, the anticipation ramped up when a vast number of formally dressed guests squeezed in to drink cocktails, drink in atmosphere and listen to Laura Marling sing her new album. A tangible feeling of... something new... could it be... actually excitement? came over me at this fantastic presentation, amid loads of dramatic interludes and all sorts. The first of many things like this I would think, but read Phil's piece on it yaself I would.
Usain Bolt, of PUMA and the world
Previously unreleased, it's exclusive to you - the 2 people that actually read my blog. Yes, you mum and dad. Thank you and I love you.
Usain Bolt, also for PUMA.
As featured on your internet, the Standard, Metro. Honestly, everyone loves him.
Usain Bolt for PUMA
I mean, can you imagine? The phenomenon that is Usain Bolt, at a lovely-looking training ground, at sunset, with the A-Team of lighting dudes, me and my camera bag and (most importantly) a little time to get it right? I KNOW! I shot him previously on set with Virgin Media but this was a privilege to have the guy in his natural habitat at the track. Of course he is a delight, more than happy to do what's necessary to nail our requirements and that is because he is very cool indeed and looks brilliant, at the tiptop of his game. I hope you agree.
Laura Welsh
Laura Welsh for The Fly
Nice shot, right? OK, well, you know, I liked it and it's my blog after all. More images and vibes here. Lovely shoot and loads of looks, really stunning.
Daughn
Feeling your tech/country deepness? Try this handsome fella.
MORE JANELLE MONAE
Devastatingly awesome.
MORE MORE MONAE
Cover image for July Fly 2013, fyi.
The best person in THE WORLD. FACT.
Oh man, I've loved Janelle Monae's incredible look and wonderfully fun but cool music for what feels like an age, and then BOOM in walks the opportunity to shoot her for The Fly magazine. JJ the editor flagged it up and I was all over it from the off, obviously. The greatest aspect for me was working out and then selling in the idea of this image to her team (the inspiration behind it being a combination of the iconography of Elvis, Charlie Chaplin and MJ) and once they were onside we were away. We had 90 mins including interview, video piece and 3 stills set ups, so time was tight but Janelle (best person in the world, fact) nailed it in no time. You can probably tell I loved it and I hope the shots above illustrate this. Loads of thanks to Tom Bunning and Tom Sharp for their kind assistance in producing my bit.