Archive for March, 2012

Slipknot ~ A Photographic Exhibition by Paul Harries

By On March 21, 2012 In News, Photographic Gallery With Comments Off Permanent Link to Slipknot ~ A Photographic Exhibition by Paul HarriesPermalink

www.paulharries.com

Paul Harries is Britain’s pre-eminent photographer of rock bands who play their music at volume! Over the course of more than two decades, if a group has emerged that are loud and proud of it, chances are its members have stood in the frame of this man’s lens. Paul has amassed a portfolio that amounts to nothing less than a rock fan’s dream. From an apprenticeship served in the photo pit at London’s legendary Marquee Club, he has risen to occupy the position of leading lensman for Kerrang! magazine, the world’s best-selling music weekly. Paul has closed his shutter on such groups as Nirvana, Muse, Green Day, Metallica, AC/DC, Biffy Clyro, Ozzy Osbourne, Red Hot Chili Peppers and, of course, the mighty Slipknot.

In celebration of Paul’s work with Slipknot for over 13 years ~ we are pleased to announce that an exhibition of his incredible photographs of the band, will take place at Manchester Photographic Gallery from Friday 13th April – Wednesday 2nd May. This exhibition was first held at The Strand Gallery, London in 2011 and was both a critical and commercial success.

This is the perfect opportunity to display Paul Harries’ fascinating work that has taken him all over the world. This includes Slipknot’s hometown of Des Moines, Iowa and as far away as Australia. Over sixty photographs will be on display, including behind the scenes and previously unseen images, only possible due to the trust and respect Slipknot has for Paul, allowing him exclusive access.

The private view for Slipknot ~ A Photographic Exhibition by Paul Harries will be on Thursday 12th April 6.30-9pm in our fantastic new location, 45 Dale Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, which is adjacent to our other Photographic Gallery on Tariff Street. The exhibition has been kindly sponsored by Hahnemuhle ~ the digital fine art paper.

“Slipknot is not always the easiest band to capture in the true essence of photography and also not very easy to work with in the photo environment.  Paul Harries has always been able to capture the band in its true form and has also been able to put up with all our bullshit that surrounds us night and day.  Look at ‘the Knot’ as seen through the eyes of a true photographer, artist and friend.”

Shawn Crahan aka Clown, Slipknot

Peter Hook & Kevin Cummins – In Conversation

By On March 1, 2012 In News, Photographic Gallery, Photographic School With Comments Off Permanent Link to Peter Hook & Kevin Cummins – In ConversationPermalink

An evening that had the potential for sparks to fly didn’t disappoint, as iconic bassist Peter Hook met with long term friend, colleague and occasional rival, Kevin Cummins, the legendary photographer responsible for documenting Joy Division and the images within the current incredibly popular EXEMPLAR exhibit, currently on show at Manchester Photographic.

Peter Hook, Andrew Hill (Manchester Photographic) & Kevin Cummins. (Taken by Simon Bray)

Alongside representatives from the BBC, MEN, local press and the families of both Peter and Kevin, one hundred and fifty fortunate ticket holders were in attendance to witness the event, compared by Liverpudlian author and former manager of The Farm, Kevin Sampson, who carefully directed conversation, beginning with the origins of the band as Hooky reminisced over passing up the chance to be called ‘Stiff Kittens’, before choosing Warsaw and then finally Joy Division.

Conversation flowed, as Peter discussed the focus of the band in the early days, taking their music far more seriously than some of the avant-garde acts that they shared stages with. Appreciating that they needed to develop their sound, their work with producer Martin Hannett was not accepted by the whole band to start with, however, the dark brooding atmosphere created on Unknown Pleasures set the band apart from their peers.

It was then Kevin’s chance to disclose his role in developing the bands image through his iconic photography. The story goes that on the day of the infamous photo shoot in the snow streets of Hulme, Manchester, he was supposed to be at Maine Road to watch City play in the FA Cup, only for the game to be cancelled due to the weather. Within the resulting photoshoot, Kevin was to take the defining pictures of the band, capturing the bleak and sparse atmosphere that worked so fittingly alongside the music.

Culminating in a short Q&A session, giving the audience a chance to quiz Peter and Kevin any burning questions, and to Peter’s dismay, he discovers that some train spotters are also Joy Division fans.

The evening drew to a close with a book signing and an opportunity for fans to meet their heroes. It was clear that those present are still enthused by the band, and this evening had witnessed something extremely special, as two of Manchester’s greatest icons offered a rare insight into a group that retains it’s cult status. Joy Division continue to enthral each generation that discovers their unmistakable music, and their influence lives on after over 30 years, in many ways thanks to the iconic photographs that documented their plight as musicians and individuals.

Written by Simon Bray

 

Kevin Cummins Masterclass Success

By On March 1, 2012 In News, Photographic Gallery, Photographic School, Photographic Studio With 2 Comments Permanent Link to Kevin Cummins Masterclass SuccessPermalink

(Taken by Simon Bray)

It’s not often you get to rub shoulders with one of the world’s most renown music photographers, but for 30 fortunate attendees, this past Saturday involved just that, as Kevin Cummins lead a day long portraiture masterclass. Offering valuable technical insight and advice founded upon years of experience photographing the worlds greatest rockstars, Kevin lead the aspiring photographers through a collection of his portraiture images, carefully detailing the approach behind each story and the lighting used within each shot.

(Taken by Simon Bray)

After a buffet lunch, the group was invited to photograph the two models, Liam and Helen, using only the available light and features within the room. This brought about a flurry of activity, as each photographer grappled for the best angles and backdrops, asking the models for poses and stances as they looked to capture their ideal shot. The excitement then spilled out onto the street, as the photographers gathered around the models utilising the textured backdrops of the Northern Quarter’s architecture. As Kevin offered advice and tips as people were shooting, passers by gathered, intrigued by all the photographers, stopping to ask what all the fuss was about.

(Taken by Simon Bray)

The final part of the day involved a short critique of each photographer’s work from the day, giving each a chance to display their favourite images from the model shoot, allowing Kevin to offer compliments and constructive criticism. In summery, Kevin expressed his gratitude to all involved, stating that not only was the work of a higher standard than he expected but that he’d found it spiritually rewarding.

(Taken by Simon Bray)

Thank you to all involved, to those who attended, for listening so attentively and engaging with the tasks so enthusiastically and to Kevin for a thoroughly enjoyable and insightful day.

Written by Simon Bray