"How to flip the birdie!!"

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!"

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!

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

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

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

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...

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)

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.

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.

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!)

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?!?

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!

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.

Cops & Snappers

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.....

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

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!!)