Picture This / Picture That

"How to flip the birdie!!"

2007-03-07T00:58:00.001-08:00

Brand New Heavies
Originally uploaded by Aworan.

They say that photography at times is about being at the right place at the right time. Not only that, it also helps if you have the settings of your camera ready for anything.

So, I was just lucky to have said image yesterday. Was at the Islington Academy covering the Brand New Heavies. The lighting was appalling, and the use of any flash was denied. So, I had to switch to a 50mm lens. (No, Im not going to bore you with all that jargon!)

As I'm trying to frame the lead singer in the most (un)available light around, she comes over to me, gyrating and doing her stuff, and gives me this image you're now viewing.

I was later asked whether I had done something to offend her. Who knows... at least I got the shot I wanted!! :-)

Johnny Cash, eat your heart out!

"Strike a pose!"

2007-03-06T09:57:00.001-08:00

Priety Zinta.
Originally uploaded by Aworan.

This I know to be true: Women love to pose! Fact. You might want to dispute that with me, you're entitled with your opinion. It's not a sexist remark, in case any Liberal Feminist/Masculated Fascist brings out the knives. I've made this comment based on daily observations whenever I'm with the camera. Nothing is wrong with posing. To pose in front of the camera is, according to Ak's definition, a physical projection of emotions choreographed and presented as a suppossed expression of your true self for the camera. (Hey! There was only so much Psychology I wanted to learn at University!)

I love taking pictures whenever a person's guard is down. It capture's their true emotion. But whenever the camera is out, and a potential subject knows it's out, then you best believe that all kinds of 'natural looks' are thrown into the mix.

You think I'm making this up? Well, experiment with these tried and tested observations:

If a woman around knows that you have a camera, observe how she systematically adjusts her hair; contemplating which way to turn when asked to look, and most importantly making a mental note if she looks good enough for you to take the shot anyway. ("I'm ready for my close up!!")

If a woman says she doesn't like having her picture taken, and keeps on harping about that, then it's a given that she likes her picture taken. To prove this, say your about to put the camera away. I can guarantee that within 5 minutes, she'll ask why you don't have your camera out.

Whenever you do take a portrait shot, always notice how the face dips down, how the eyebrow is raised, and how the hair covers certain angles of the face. Yep.. its all in the pose.

The one pose that cracks me up is the 'bent' knee look. I only want to take a shot of a face, and for some unexplainable reason, the knee slightly bends, and other dramatic actions, which might probably help in getting the right facial expression. Hey! Whatever works for you!

Women at gigs!

2007-03-02T00:21:00.001-08:00

Jon B
Originally uploaded by Aworan.

The claim that women are the fairer sex is a myth that needs to be destroyed asap. When it comes to certain music gigs, women tend to take on a new persona; one you do not want to get sweeped up in! I've been to gigs where I've seen bras thrown on the stage; panties, (now that's just nasty!!) or a young pubescent lass riding a surf crowd to get to the stage, until security step in! These are some of the sights to behold whenever going to certain gigs!

Let's take for example Jon B's concert at the Jazz Cafe last week. Normally, I try to get to the venue early so as to get a good vantage point. However, i took my time. Big mistake! I finally get into the venue, and its rammed packed with screaming women, who were determined not to make life easy for ANYONE trying to get to the front of the stage. No amount of reasoning with most of the women would not make any of them budge, inspite of you saying you're only going to take a number of shots and leave. With arms folded, they stood their ground, with that look saying, "Boy, if you don't get your raggedy arse and cameras away from me and the chance to see Jon B, I will literally break you!!" Now, I've been to gigs where women are a tad crazy over a musician or band, but the most ferocious tend to be black women!! That's a fact. Ask any photographer or punter, and you'll get the same response! Come to think of it, I should conduct a socio-anthropological study on this!

And that's another thing: at said gigs, women, even with their partners around, are like savages. Now, if a guy sees a female perfomer, no way is he going to let off wolve whistles and such. Says alot, doesn't it?

Fairer sex??? You're having a laugh!! I finally did get to the front, (with much palaver!) got the shots I wanted, and scrammed! Here are some of the shots from the night, and other gigs in the past week!

ps: Guys are just as bad, but depends on what kind of gigs you go to, I guess.

The Lynx Effect... & Matt Willis

2007-03-02T00:07:00.001-08:00

Matt Willis
Originally uploaded by Aworan.

I'd already written this blog before, but it seems appropriate to bring it back with a comment a friend made about this picture.

Have you guys seen the latest 'Lynx' campaign? The "Spray More" advert, where hundreds of thousands of scantily dressed, slim, sexy women, (Hey! I'm a guy! We notice these things!!!) all converging to one lone man's position, just by him spraying this substance on him! Effectively, this advertisement is trying to convince the Alpha/Beta/Gamma Male that by having this aftershave, women will literally come and rip you apart and fulfil your wildest desire. Hah! You wish!

But that's not my beef about that ad. If this spray claims to attract beautiful women to a lynx user, how comes they missed out on: The Fat Woman, The Volumptious Woman, the pregnant woman, the really size o model woman, the the granny looking woman.. you get the gist!! I mean, sure, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but a bit of variety wouldnt go amiss!!

Red Carpet Malarky at the World Music Awards 2006

2007-03-02T00:01:00.001-08:00

Chris Brown Re-enacting "Thriller"
Originally uploaded by Aworan.

I hate Red Carpet events. There. I've said it. First time I covered one was over 2 years ago, and I got there late for that. So covering the World Music Awards yesterday with Red Carpet duty, it just confirmed what I think about it: a pretentious set up with nobodies thinking they are somebodies, and the somebodies who think they are all that.

Would I ever do Red Carpet gigs again? Probably not. Too much palaver for what it's worth, really. Call me a snob, but I don't want to be associated with the majority of the photographers at these gigs. They're like a pack of wild hyenas. If you think I'm exagerrating, just observe a bunch of photographers at these events. They are a bit like papparazzi, but with proper accreditation. I guess this last rant might ostracise me from some of the snappers on the circuit, but I'll say if for what it is. As earlier mentioned, not all the photographers are like that, but you know who you are.

And for all those who paid through the nose to see Michael Jackson perform, you have my heartfelt sympathy for not getting your money's worth.

I'm not going to bore any of you with the obvious shots of who's who on the red carpet, so here's the only shot I managed to sneak, since I wasn't given official accrediation for the performance. (only a select few, and suprise, suprise:Getty Images!)

Shots of Jamiroquai at the Jazz Cafe

2007-01-13T02:02:00.000-08:00

Let it never be said that a white man can't have funk. Seeing Jay Kay with Jamiroquai yesterday was a blast. The performance was part of the BBC's Electric Proms, and the Jazz Cafe was one of the venues. It was transformed like a miniature disco hall, with disco balls and an upgrade of good lighting. Actually, not that good lighting for photographers, since we couldn't use flash. But knowing what the lights are like at the Jazz Cafe, beggers can't be choosers.

Couldnt stay for the whole show because images had to be filed out, but from what I heard and saw, he (and the band, may I add) had the audience eating out of his palm. He didn't get to sing my favourite track, 'Virtual Reality', but he did perform 'Space Cowboy'.

Anyway, shots from the night:

I have to admit that with this first shot, I had to get rid of the annoying background. I like it like this.

Have a great day, guys!

From Waiting brides to Bollywood Legends...

2007-01-13T02:01:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've posted up images. Reason being is that I was knocked out with the mother of all flu bouts. Thankfully, I seem more alive now. So, I've been out and about taking pictures of this and that: from wedding pictures to music gigs. Since I don't want to bore you with a whole bunch of shots, I've selected some of my favourites.

As usual, all constructive criticism would be appreciated.

Herbie Hancock Quartet (11/11/2006)

2007-01-13T01:59:00.000-08:00

I tried to get accreditation for the London Jazz Festival, but was told it wasn't going to happen for some of the headline acts. So, It's interesting how God opens another outlet. I got a photopass to cover Herbie Hancock. And what a show!! I'm not even going to attempt to review the gig. You had to be there to appreciate it. Here some shots from the gig:

Don't you just love it when the performer gives you a smile?

Herbie Hancock Quartet (11/11/2006)

Seu Jorge at the Roundhouse.

2007-01-13T01:55:00.000-08:00

Unless you're into your Brazilian or Latin American music, or have watched 'City of God' or 'Life Aquatic: Steve Zissou' (is that the right title?), then you might not be familiar with Seu Jorge. All I can say is listen to some of his tracks.

Red carpet malarky from the World Music Awards.

2007-01-13T01:52:00.000-08:00

2007-01-13T01:49:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had what I like to call 'Pictorial Deficiency'? It defines when either the images you have to take just never give you that 'Zabang!' or "je ne suis que', or are just flat and are same ish? I must be having a bout of that lately. Guess I'm not being inspired as I ought to. So, I've dusted down my Nikon FM2 with film (or one of the digital bodies), and it's back to my first love: photojournalism.

Before then, here are some of the shots I've taken from gigs lately..

Dude in the suit, could you move?!?

2007-01-13T01:45:00.000-08:00

That was the statement made last week at the press conference of the Indian Movie, 'Baabul' with John Abrahams (not a name you'd associate with being an Indian, but there you go!) He, with another actor and director, were obliging us photographers with some shots.
As you may or not know, some photographers have no finess at these events at times, so everyone is screaming, "Over here!" "Smile this way!" You'd think we'd mastered the art of saying "Please!", by now. You'd think!

Anway, while all this is going on, one photographer shouts out,"Could you tell the man in the suit.. what's his name? Could you tell him to move into the frame, please?" At that moment, there were gasps all around.. even I gasped out. Here's the man he was referring to:

If there was ever an editorial Faux Pas at that instance, that was it. Granted, you can't know everyone, but damn! Mr Bachan seemed bemused with the comment and took it with a grin. Nice to know that being big a movie star as he is, he's not uppity in himself. (Compared to some divas I've encountered!)

Funny enough, The Sunday Times Newspaper (Dec 3 2006) had an editorial entitled, "The World's Most famous actor and you've Never heard of him". All in due time, I guess.

Women at gigs!

2007-01-13T01:43:00.000-08:00

Cops & Snappers

2007-01-03T10:55:00.000-08:00

Wotcha, all. First off, A happy & blessed 2007 to all of you. Whatever you get up to, have fun.

If you've been reading my blogs, you'd remeber me writing that I'd like to start the new year concentrating more on photojournalism. How God answers prayers! I woke up this morning to banging and thumping that's literally shaking the building foundations. (That's shoddy workmanship for you!) The cause of this palaver was a man who was bent on breaking down the front door to the building and, in his own words, "gonna kill 'em!! Open the **** door, bustarrd!!" This went on for about an hour. Neighbours tried to calm the man down, but the concept of reason had left the man ages ago. The dude seemed high and was behaving like a rabid dog. Suffice to say, the police finally arrived. And when it comes to my neighbourhood, they don't come in pairs, they come in groups. I counted 8-9 officers; i guess it was a realistic number to pin the guy down. Initially, they tried talking to him, but the suspect was just zoned out and wanted to hit one of the officers. Now, you're just asking for it if you do, aren't you?

And where was i during the pandemonium? And of harm's reach with my camera, of course. You don't want to be Robert Capa in my neighbourhood without health or life insurance, or be Rambo! You'll just end as another statistic. So, from a safe distance in the kitchen, here's a shot from the incident:

SHAHRUKH KHAN & a fag.....

2006-07-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

This shot of ShahRukh Khan was taken a couple of weeks back at a press conference. At the time, photographers were told that we would have our chance to take pictures of the actor, director, etc after Q&A session. Now, if you've ever been to Asian press conferences, you know that things are never as promised most of the time. So, we took pictures during the Q&A Session. This was one of the shots taken at the time.
A week later, my journalist gets a call that this image should not have been used in the article because (and I'm going to paraphrase what was said!) "It gives a negative impression of Shah Rukh Khan to his fans because of his smoking!" Correct me if I've missed something here, but the dude pulls out a cigarette and lighter during a press conference, so he should know better. Once you come into the public domain of a press launch, your every move is under a microscope. Personally, It's not my business to hound you during your private life. However, if we the press have been invited to take pictures during a pre-arranged gathering, well, that's another story. I'm sure Mr.Khan knew what he was doing, or he would have used on of those Bollywood Trademark Punches and Kicks (with dramatic music!) to stop me from taking this shot.

Van Hunt at 93 Feet East, London

2006-06-20T02:41:00.000-07:00

If you're regular reader of my blogs, you'll be familiar with the ever ending battle I have to embark on when it comes to taking pictures with inadequate lighting. After all, photography is all about light, isn't it? So when I'm told that I can't use flash, when the lighting really sucks, what can i do? In most instances, I try to stick to the stipulations that tour managers/artists give. If they say 'No Flash', well, I'm going to have to comply. But, what do you do when there is literally no sufficient light source, and you have a Picture Editor who expects you to take some decent shots. Besides, do you have any idea how heavy it is to lug a camera bag across London to a venue only not to be able to take shots? Scratch that! So, what to do? Well, remove the flashgun and bring in Fill in Flash. I have to admit, that pop up flash can make all the difference. And How! Without being sacriligous, I have a miniscule idea of how The Almighty felt when He said,"Let there be Light!" All in all, it was a good show. The Artists/manager didnt seem to mind that I was using Fill in flash. (and if you happen to read this, sorry if the flash did bug you!!) and my picture editor was happy with the pics! (He better!!)

Goapele & Mark Knopfler gigs (Cases of 2 lighting extremes

2006-06-17T00:50:00.000-07:00

Saw Goapele perform at the jazz Cafe a couple of weeks ago, and let me just say, she's a voice to look out for. As usual, the lighthing for photography at the venue was dire, so here's a shot from the night:

A couple of days later, ( I think!) I went to cover the Mark Knopfler and Emmy Lou Harris gig at Wembley arena, London. Normally the lighting at WA is great, until the 2 main acts came out. Some genius thought that placing spotlights at the back of the perfomers would be dramatic. Dramatic for the photographers, more like:

I guess someone informed the technician that it was convenient for us snappers, so the harsh spotlight was scaled down:
For the 2 songs we were allocated to take pictures, I thought it was an interesting gig. Only qualm I had with the show (apart from the spotlight malarky!) was that Ms. Harris always had the mic in her face!

Ak's Accreditation Theory

2006-06-15T03:30:00.000-07:00

I'm in a peeved off state, so I'm ranting at the moment:
Ever get the feeling at times that there's treachery afoot? There are different kinds of conspiracies going on, and it's up to you the reader to either buy into it or not. For example, many believe in Darwin's Theory of Evolution. I do not. Mathamaticians will concur with Pythagoras' theory. Personally, I couldn't care less. (I flunked maths, anyway!) Or how about the theory that Aliens walk amoung us? Actually, that's not a theory..I'm a walking testament of aliens infiltrating the Human Race.

Which brings me to my own Theory: The Lack of Black Photographers at Gigs. As long as I have been taking pictures, it has been a nightmare and a half to get accreditation for gigs. Understandably, everyone wants to take pictures of said performer/actor/musician. I can appreciate that. What I can't seem to get my head around is this: Why does it have to be flipping near impossible as a black photographer in London (thats right! I'm using the Race Card! You don't like it, don't continue reading!) to get photopasses for gigs that you would assume, without the stereotyping, a black photographer might cover. Now, before you all get all 'P.C' (politically correct!) on me, I'm not claiming for a second that black photographers should have exclusivity to black artists.

Yet, that's not my argument. My argument is why black photograhers who are not with any of the 'Big Boys' (Reuters, Getty, PA, APF, ) but are freelancers, have so much problems getting passes. I've spoken to other Black/other Ethnic photographers, and they feel the same way as I do. And it's not that these photographers are not good at what they do. You think I'm lying? Ok, if you happen to be in a press pit or part of the crowd in front of the stage, try and pick out at least 4 Black photographers. You'll struggle to even count that many, and it's not that there are not many black photographers out there. Classic example: Last year's LIVE 8. Most of the black photographers' had to make their way to alternative LIVE 8 at Cornwall (which was actually better!) Or how about B.B King's farewell tour. I was the only black photographer there (and I was fortunate to get that pass from another contact, not from the main source!) and I know of about 10 black photographers who wanted to cover that gig for their local papers.

It will always be that record labels and PR companies give precedence to the Big Photography Agencies over Small ones, but at least give consideration to ethnic photographers. I feel that 'The Powers That Be' can make things happen for ethnic photographers, but refuse to. I'm fortunate that I have a contact who is established whom gets me gigs that I have tried aquiring solo. This blog is about highlighting an issue that needs to be addressed by Media Powers. Understandably, Ethnic groups, espcially Blacks, within London are in the minority. And you don't want to know how many are actually within a controlling position to make things happen. (actually, not that many!)

Actually, the same could also be said about job hunting within the media. I'll use myself as an example: Apart from freelancing as a photographer, I've worked as a Picture Researcher/Editor for over 8 years. I can tell you now: you have more of a chance if your name sounds 'right' in London. Trust me on this: I have more responses whenever I've used 'dud' CVs than my real CV. This one time, I changed my name to 'Atkin Sinclair-Philips', and changed names of uni/places i worked.Can you actually believe I got a phone call to come in for an interview. Hah!
So, if you happen to be reading this, and don't buy my theory, fair enough. If you happen to be one of the media types that gives accreditations, and believes my claims to be unfounded, then proof me wrong. And if you happen to be a black photographer (or of any other ethnic group) and understands exactly want I'm on about, then give me a buzz.

Right, Rant over.

Rock gigs and jumping rockers!

2006-06-02T04:37:00.000-07:00

Ok. Guilty as charged: I've not been blogging for a while due this and that and all that "yaddy-yaddy-yarggh!!" Lulls like these happen, I guess.

So, yesterday I went out to cover WhiteSnake at the Hammersmith Apollo. Whenever I mentioned to people that I had no idea who they were, I got this horrified look on their faces. "What? You have no idea who Whitesnake are?? Where were you in the 80s?!?!" Umm.. lets see: I was growing up in Nigeria with NO INTEREST WHATSOEVER in Rock music! Does that answer questions?? Besides, my dad would have said something along the lines of : "Eru orin radda radda lon gbo nisin??" (Roughly translated: You best not be playing that kind of cacophony in this house!!")

Anyhoos, Whitesnake was going to be the first Rock concert to cover, and I have only this to say to the guys that cover these shows on a daily basis: "You guys rock!" Literally. I mean, what with low lighting and the ever changing incandescent lighting, not to mention the rockers jumping up and down, its amazing how anyone gets a good set of frames. I guess Rock photography is a testament to the skills of any photographer. (not all the time, may I add)

It's good to talk.. at times.

2006-05-13T00:32:00.000-07:00

Shots of Carlos Santana at Wembley Arena, yesterday night. Before the gig started, bumped into an old photography buddy also there to cover the show. It's also great at times when you get chatting to people, especially photographers, since they always & mostly keep themselves to themselves, or only chat with you based on A: Who you're taking pictures for (and you better be shooting for either the big agencies or the Nationals!) or B: How expensive your camera gear is. I can (and eventually will) blog a whole issue about the mannerisms of photographers. We're like Marmite: an acquired taste. Anyway, me being moi, I got chatting with one of the photographers, and he so happens to know Nathan East. Now, if you're either a big Fourplay Jazz Fan or Bass player, you'll know who he is. And if you knew how fixated I am with jazz, well!! Need I say more?

2006-05-12T06:58:00.000-07:00

Ok, So I was out to cover Earth, Wind & Fire yesterday evening. I get to the venue, was issued my press pass, and then proceeded to get my gear checked by security. Now, either guy checking the gear was either new on the job or was just over enthusiastic, I'm yet to find out. However, here's how the conversation panned out:

Security: (In a thick African Accent) "Open you bag, please"
Moi: "Ok. Here you go" (open the gear bag)
Security: "What are these things?"
Moi: "My camera gear for tonight's gig. Here's my Photographer's pass."
Security: (Taking a look at the lenses) "So, what are these?"
Moi: "They are interchangeable lenses for my camera."
Security: "But what are they for?"
Moi: "What are they for?? I've just said: they are lenses for my camera body.."
Security: "So, are you a professional?"
Moi: "Dude, I have a press pass and a 35mm Camera for a job tonight. What more do you want?"
Security: "I'm not too sure about this.."
Moi: "Dude, here's the thing: I have a pass to cover tonight's show If you're not convinced, let me speak to your supervisor."
Security: "I am the supervisor!" (By this time, a line is forming up behind me to have their bags checked) "Anyway, quickly pack your back and move along!"
Moi: "Dude, don't rush me. Do you have any idea how much gear costs??"

Suffice to say, I finally did get to cover the gig, hence the above shot. A quick epilogue to this, though: Sometimes, you can just pick up on what part of Africa certain people are from, so I went back to the security who had earlier given me palaver. Turns out that we both speak the same dialect and he's from a town not far from where my folks are from.

Shakara Oloje!! I'm going to write up about securtiy at venues and as part of entourages very soon......

One of those unavoidable instances, I guess..

2006-05-05T00:20:00.000-07:00

Ever had one of those days when it just does'nt rain, but flaming pours especially when it comes to your cameras? Well, for some strange reason, my FM2 and D70 Nikon bodies have both decided to die on me, so I now have to sort that out. Why do these necessary maintenance situations always take place when you're short changed? Well, no point getting all worked up about it. Better find ways of fixing the problems and getting pictures. And if I don't have the funds just yet to repair them, I can still appreciate the shots I could have taken.

I'm still dreaming for a D2X, though....

London Running....

2006-04-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

Ahh, it's that time of the year when people get on their running shoes for a one time appearance, tear tendons, lose weight, and such & such. It's the 2006 London marathon, Sport to some, a feat for others. A time when people raise cash for worthy causes, or undertake a personal achievement in endurance.

A time of the year that you can dress up in fancy dress and no-one would bat an eye:

It's the only public sporting event in London where, if your a black male participant, you can dash pass the Police and not be stopped and searched. Good times, good times!

As has been tradition for me, I go out and take shots of the event, so I present to you snaps from the run! It's been raining, but that's nornally the case during the race, so had to be careful not to damage my gear.

To all the runners, I hope that you reached your personal best.

Are some risks worth it?

2006-04-21T03:47:00.000-07:00

Legendery photojournalist, Robert Capa, once said, "If your pictures aren't good enough, you aren't close enough." He ended up dying after stepping on a Land mine in Indochina.
Like most things in life, you have to take risks to get what you want. As a photographer, the same principle applies: you have to take risks to get the shot.

But, really: Are some of the risks really worth the palaver?

Take this shot, for instance:

It was snapped at WOMAD Sri Lanka Festival of Drums 2005, from the top of a scaffolding that must have violated hundreds of building regulations. However me, and my questionable reasoning at times, decided that I wanted to get a picture angle from other photographers. I then proceeded, with full gear, to go all King Kong, and climbed up the scaffolding. Climbing up and getting the frames I wanted was one challenge, getting down in the near dark conditions with cameras dangling was another thing. The stupidity at times. I tell you.

Cut a long story short, I did get shot. Despite all of the palavar of getting permission from security to get the shot, and the danger of slipping and breaking my back, the flaming picture was never published, so I decided never again to pull a stunt like that again. (well, within reason, that is!)

Call me a coward for all I care, but there are Calculated Risks, and there is just plain gung-ho moronic behaviour! (The second I clearly demonstrated in getting that shot!)

"Ummm.... Nikonlicious..."

2006-04-18T00:22:00.000-07:00

I really don't ask for much from life materially. I don't ask for massive mansions ("who's going to clean that place up??"), nor do I ask for Billions of £££££. Ok, maybe a couple of millions, so I can indulge myself in following up my career within pictures. All in due time.. all in due time.

But, when it comes to wanting anything photography related, is that too much to ask? In this day and age of digital photography, it's becoming a very, very expensive past time/career. If you're into any branch of photography, and you don't have the sufficient funds, then you might just have to mortgage your soul. It was hard enough to purchase a Analog medium format camera then. Do you have any idea how much a digital hassalblad back alone costs?

Which brings me to my materialistic desire. May I present to you the Nikon D2X:

As I've mentioned, I don't ask for much, but whenever I see one of these babies in action, I just have a drooling moment..

You hear stories of people paying £100, 000 for a dress, or £85 for a sandwich (I swear, unless it has some manna from heaven, I'm not paying that much for a sandwich!! What kind of foolishness is that??) You hear so many ways in which moronic purchases (in my opinion) are made, that you just have to wonder how people even come into certain finances in the first instance. It also brings about that quote that 'A fool and his money are easily parted'.

So, if you're one of the elite bourgeois with serious disposable income, and have that almighty dilemma of figuring out how to spend your money on items that will not benefit any long term rewards, then may I suggest you contribute towards to the 'WORAN NEEDS A D2X' kitty. All donations will be fully appreciated.

In the mean time, I will have to be content with my classic F5. Might not get the job done, but it'll have to suffice:

Travels of a Niaja photographer: In India. Part II

2006-04-13T05:50:00.000-07:00

So, the journey continued, and we made our way to the hill stations of Munaar, after 2 uneventful days at Thekkady. (And trust me, it was uneventful. If you're looking to see tigers at the sanctuary, forget about it. You have more chance of seeing aliens appearing in your dreams! You may see monkeys aplenty further down and loads of pilgrims, but definately no tigers. Oh, and should you want to take an elephant ride up the hills, make sure you haggle.)

I have to say that of all the places visited in India, Munaar comes up tops. The atmosphere and people were chilled and friendly, although G did come down with food poisoning due to some 'Daal'. (She hasn't touched that stuff since!)

"Picture Library?"

2006-04-09T03:58:00.000-07:00

This shot was taken early this morning of Louie Vega and his band yesterday. Really good show. The music was funky, the lyrics were meaningful, and you could actually sway your head to the beat. Then again, you ought to when it comes to Latin vibes.

I used to work in a Picture Library for one of the Nationals, and
we dealt with different kind of picture requests from the Picture Desk. Some of the requests were so dumb, that there was a book dedicated to 'Moronic Requests'. Worst thing about these requests were that no matter how much you tried to convince the researchers that certain images could not be located in the library or could not have existed, the Picture Researchers were insisted in having such pictures.

Picture the scene, if you will. You're busy in Picture Archives, and the phone goes off:
You: "Picture Library?"
Researcher:"Yes, I need pictures, preferably in colour, of Adam & Eve."
You:"Adam & Eve, huh? Well, let's see if we have any illustrations of.."
Researcher: (cutting you off) "No! I need real pictures of Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden!
You: "Errm, I don't believe that photography was even in existence at that time. Maybe.."
Researcher: "Oh! You people! Don't you guys have anything in that library??"

Ok, maybe she's an atheiest, or never went to Sunday School, or doesn't know much about Religion. That's all well and good. Yet, how do you explain this pictorial demand:

You: "Picture Library?"
Researcher: "Yes, I need pictures of Ghosts, please."
You: "I doubt you'll be able to get pictures of ghosts, but we do have illustrations of ghosts, and some film stills of ghosts and..."
Researcher: (Very Insistent) "Oh, how can you not have pictures of ghosts? Someone ought to have a picture of a real ghost!! And I need one that is chained!"
You: (Now realising that you don't get paid enough to deal with morons, but you try to be as patient as possible) "I can safely assure you that we don't have any pictures of said request. If you check any other Picture Library, they will tell you the same thing: they either have stills or doctored shots of ghost illustrations. May I suggest that..."
Researcher: "Useless bunch!" (And slams phone down!)

Suffice to say that I had a few words with that person for slamming the phone down on me!

Or should I regale you with the call requesting for me to send to her desk all the images we have of World War 2 ("Erm, I think you might want to be a bit specific with that!" "No! Give me everything you have, and I want it NOW!")

Yep.. the dumb gene is never too far to find in some people....

"And the winners were..."

2006-04-08T02:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards 2006, and here are some of the shots of the winners from the night. Don't expect me to review, because that's one of the reasons why I become a photographer. If anything, I don't understand why anyone would be paid just to critique a show. There are 3 kinds of reviews:"I like it", "I'm not too sure/Give it a chance", and "It Sucked!" But hey! Good business is hard to find. Enough with the chit chat.. and here with the pictures. As always, copyright stipulation applies:

Oi!! Down in front!

2006-04-08T01:28:00.000-07:00

Picture the scene, if you will: You've finally made your way into the gig. The lighting is great and you've set the right F/stop and Shutter Speed. You've composed the subject on stage and your ready to take that shot. And then this happens:

Words cannot explain enough how frustrating this can be for any photographer working in the pit, especially since we have a time limit, and the camera team have free rein. I know that they have every right to be there. I mean, they are just doing their job just as we are, but can't we have some kind of compromise?? Make no mistake, but I get the feeling that the day is still coming, when there is going to be a tag team fight in the pit between photographers and television crews. It's just a matter of time. Le'ts just hope that all teams involved are fully covered with good insurance!

Travels of a Niaja photographer: In India. Part I

2006-04-06T05:28:00.000-07:00

Growing up in Nigeria, I watched my fill of 'India movies classics like 'Amar Akbar Anthony', 'Mother India' and 'Sholay', that were routinely debated at school and parties. Forget the fact that most of these films never had sub titles. There was always someone who would translate the film into his or her own version. Funnily enough, we normally got the general gist of the plot after watching it 3 or 4 times. (what else could you watch on Nigeria TV on a friday night or on Betamax video??) I never thought that I would ever go to India.

As God's grace would have it, a couple of months ago I was in India, and the plan was to cover most of the South of India, and then go up North. Now, since blogging while journeying was going to be an issue, I've decided to play catch up now.
So, I'm going to try and chronicle the journey and some of the areas visited, and not in any particular order.

First area of exploration was Tamil Nadu, and we (as in Myself, 'G' and our driver, Mr.Murulee) had been on the road from Maduira, and got into Kanyakumari around 2.30 in the morning. G was already in the land of Nod, so I pulled sentry, keeping an eye on the driver, just in case he decided to have '40 winks'. The guy barely spoke any english, and my Tamil isn't all that, so conversation wasn't anyting to go by. That wasn't going to stop me from trying to keep this guy or myself awake, though. From sharing chewing gum to asking him to increase the volume on the radio, I used every guerilla tactic to keep him and us awake. If you have ever driven on Indian, roads or Nigerian Roads, you'll understand why I was paranoid. I mean, if God says it's your time to die, that's all well and good, but sometimes you don't need to speeden up the process.
So, with the information we were given about Kanyakumari being the further most tip to where the sun rises, we decided to get up early and see this spectacular sight of nature in action. So, come 5.30am, we get up, thinking that we might see maybe a couple of people wanting to do the same thing. How could I have got that so wrong?!?!? The place was packed out with worshippers, pilgrims, traders, tourists and scammers. I had my gear with me to take pictures, and thankfully none of the local photographers asked for me to have my picture taken. Probably because I had a ticked off look due to some dust on the camera sensors.

I have to say, it was a sight to behold. Makes you feel alive and appreciative of the work of God. The one shot I'm proud off is of the 3 worshippers aligned with the monument on the other side of the sea, with the sun coming up. ISO200, F16 @ 1/125th of a second. (I'm sure thats the setting.) If unsure, try out the setttings whenever you see a sunrise. And if you live in London, you might be lucky!

A Night of Blues and a Pack of crisps!

2006-04-05T06:35:00.000-07:00

Ok. Yesterday saw the final tour of Blues legend, B.B King in the UK. Now, to get photography accreditation for this gig was going to be a struggle and a half, so I contacted the appropriate people, but nothing came out of that. And that does not suprise me at all. I'm still waiting for a response for accreditation for LIVE 8 London 2005, but no responses. Some people are so rude. Anyway, I had the last laugh. (HAH!) I ended up covering the real Live 8: Africa Calling, at the Eden project, Cornwall.

Anyway, As favour would have it, a fellow photographer asked me to take his place in taking pictures of the B.B King show, and of course, yours truly was going to oblige. And what a show! It started off with support from Gary Moore.
The lighting wasn't that great, but if you can take shots at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club, then this was a walk in the park. All the photographers in the pit could only shoot 2 songs (managerial stipulation), so every shot counts. Some punk, I have no idea but it got security riled up, started shooting before we were allowed to start. It's inconsideration like that that spoils it for the rest of us. I managed to get a couple of shots before we were chucked out.

Now, as a rule, I normally pack a bottle of water or sweets in my bag for every gig I go on. This time around, I completely forgot. So, while waiting for us to cover Mr King's act, I wondered off to buy a Snickers bar. Got to the foyer, but was told that there were no snickers but tubs of maltesers. I didn't feel like having maltesers, and I knew that you'd have to pay premium for chocolate, so I opted for a bag of simple Walkers crisps. By this time a queue was forming behind me, so when the cashier told me that the pack of crisp would cost £1, I had already committed my hand to pocket to pay. Now, call me Ebenezer Scrooge or an Ijebu for all I care, but £1 for a bag of crisps???? And the flaming pack is never full. Ooh, don't go all 'Holy than thou' on me when it comes to such things: Let He/she without sin cast the first stone. "Cast it!!"
Forty minutes later (and eating every crumb from that bag of crisp!), we were called in to take shots of the 3rd & 4th song of B.B. King. And what a show!! And get this: The lighting was AMAZING! I rarely get to say that whenever shooting gigs, so when you take pictures with sufficient lighting and balancing between 1/125th-250th of a sec at an aperture setting of F2.8 or over, then xmas has come early. The lighting was so good that you could have taken a bite out of all that goodness!!

And here's a shot of the man from the night:

All Images copyrighted to Akin Aworan (Except the Walkers Crisps, which reluctantly came courtesy of Pepsico Products!)

Kids & Pixs in public..

2006-04-04T00:59:00.000-07:00

© Aworan. (18-35mm, ISO 400)

We now live in a society where taking pictures of young children could get you labelled as a having 'paedophiliac tendencies' , and thats all thanks to some depraved punks out there. Taking your camera out to take innocent shots becomes a flaming challenge! As a matter of fact, whenever I walk into work and I have my camera out, the moment I come near the local school, I put my camera away. The age of innocence has truly left the building!! I did come across this interesting site that talks about legal implications, Rights and other technicalities of taking pictures within the publich domain, so its worth checking out.

However, there have been moments you see a picture in the making that you just have to take the shot, irrespective of potential consequences. One such example was of the image above. These kids were playing in the car park outside my flat, and they saw this motorcycle, which was a true beauty, if I may say so myself. If anything, what such a bike was doing in my neighbourhood is beyond me, considering people like to 'borrow' anything that looks good to take! Anyway, on seeing the bike, the kids started off by having one of them touching the handle bar, while the other kid kept watch. They would then rotate shifts. They then moved from touching the handle bars to being as brazen as ever: they began jumping up and down, and pretending to be riding the machine. They were truly fascinated by the bike, and spent about 30 minutes playing with it. I thought it was an interesting observation to see how boys just love their toys.

By the way, I had to take the shots from the kitchen window. Taking pictures of kids in public these days is like going on a wild safari . Always take the shot from a safe distance. Problem with that is that such an action can be misconstrued as an ulterior motive. Catch 22 situation, I guess.

"Strike a pose!"

2006-04-03T06:51:00.000-07:00

Viva música latina!!

2006-04-02T05:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's gig at the Coronet featured Amparanoia (You're going to have to check up why such a name. But, hey!) and Ska Cubano. It's part of the month long Latin music festival in London. There's just something relaxing about latin music. I can't play any musical instruments, save for the congas, and you really have to be deaf to want to listen to me try out! However, whenever I hear latin (or Jazz), I like to pretend i can play with the band while snapping away. Don't judge me! I know many of you who use the comb as a microphone and mime as either Elvis or whatnot in front of the mirror. I guess the same could be said for every kind of genre of music, based on whoever is listening to it. Yet, what I find interesting about covering latin music gigs is that, everyone is chilled out! Don't also expect just to stand. You're expected to salsa. And if you have no idea how to salsa, help is at hand from anyone who doesn't have two left feet.

(Shot of Amparanoia's Amparo Sanchez, taken using Iso 800, F2:8, 1/50th, No Flash!)
(c) (Aworan 2006)

"Muze Baksh Do!!"

2006-03-31T05:08:00.000-08:00

As to be expected, you're bound to come across local photographers want to take pictures of visitors at the local tourist attraction. That's to be expected. I mean, a man's got to make a living, even if they swam all over you like bees to honey. And quite frankly, if you look foreign enough, well, you are the honey with an almighty "Kerching" buzzing in their ears!

But what do you do with the local photographers who are insistent in wanting to take your picture, in spite of the the obvious fact that you have dangling over your shoulder and neck 2 digital cameras, one manual camera, and a bunch of interchangeable lenses in your pouch vest. You'd think that would put them off. You'd think so, would'nt you. (HAH!)

And that's what happened outside the Taj Mahal earlier this year. There was this particular local who was determined to take a picture of me and the missus together, in spite of all the gear I had on me. This guy was not taking no for an answer. I spoke to him in broken English, sign languaged to him, and even had the missus speak to him in Tamil to explain that his services were not needed.

Suffice to say, I snapped, literally in anger (because security had given me problems earlier trying to get into the venue!), and in taking his shot, which he did not expect.

(c) (Aworan 2005)

When he finally show what my camera could do, he backed off.

Moral of the story: There isn't any! I just wanted to share the story. But, try and learn some Hindi or the local dialect. And the translation of the this title blog means "Leave me alone!"

Shri @ The Jazz Cafe (29/03/2006)

2006-03-30T07:26:00.000-08:00

Bombay percussionist Shri performed at the Jazz Cafe yesterday night, and his performance was amazing. I mean, he has the kind of talent that you respectfully mutter under your breath, "Lousy talented person!" But what a show!
As usual, normal lighting (that means virtual poor lighting) was the norm at the venue.
Here's my favourite shot from the night.

(Setting used:Nikon D100. Iso 800. f1.8:50mm)

©Aworan

Oh- my -God!! You're Lee Ritenour!!!

2006-03-29T07:22:00.000-08:00

I'm not the kind of guy to be fazed by celebrities and famous people. Never have, and never will. However, I do make the exception when it comes to people that I admire for their talent. One such person is Lee Ritenour. I only became familiar with his work through listening to Fourplay, and following up on Jazz guitar legend, Wes Montgomery. On hearing Lee's finger work on guitars, it just blew me away. I wanted to meet the dude who's music could chill me out.

So, when I found out that he was performing at the Jazz Cafe, I bought tickets for myself and the missus, first and foremost 3 months in advance. It was a cautionary buy, just in case I couldn't get press tickets to take pictures. I was not going to take any chances.

Now, I'm not a music reviewer, but the show was amazing. In spite of the low lighting, ( you can't use flash at most music venues) I managed to get a couple of shots from the show. I was a happy man that night. Had the shots in the can, listened to Lee's music Live (missed his London gig in '97 due to a wedding in the family), recieved a signed autograph of one of his cds, compliments of Alex Acuna. All I wanted to complete the night was to have a shot with Lee. Never thought it would happen: until the missus intervened. And here's the end result:

I can assure you all that this has been the only time that i have gone 'ga-ga' when meeting somone! With the look that 'Cap'n Fingers' is giving me, I'm sure he was seriously considering calling security!.

No bobbing...

2006-03-29T07:14:00.000-08:00

Ok.. apart from my other blogspot, I've decided to have a section dedicated purely for about my ups and downs of being a freelance photographer. As usual, the anecdotes are from personal cxperiences and such. Enjoy!

Nikon D100. Iso 800, F2.8 70-200mm.

Here's a shot I took of Jackson Brown at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London. When I went to receive the press pass at the Box Office, the instructions on the pass were,"No bobbing in the Front & the 1st 2 Songs without Flash". First 2 songs with no flash, no problem. But no 'bobbing of the head?' Kind of hard not to be able to capture an image without at least slightly moving up and down just a tad bit. I honestly appreciate that people have paid good money to see a performance, and the last thing they'd want is my big head with that of other photographers and their lenses obscuring their view. Can you imagine the scene? It's a quiet moment during the performance, and I elevate my head to take a shot, and then a voice shouts out from the stalls, "Oh! Snapper!! Down in the front!!"

Yep! That'll kill the mood....