Jazz Images by Sussex Photographers
The Jazz Images of Mike Guest
“Every picture should tell a story and with that in mind, when I set out to produce an image, I try very hard to capture a feeling of the sound being produced as well as the musician performing it. Sounds a bit funky I know, sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t. I have been asked to provide a few favourite images with comments for the magazine, a daunting prospect with several thousand to choose from! To be honest I don’t have favourites but the images I have chosen will hopefully illustrate one photographic technique or another.”
“I like this image for several reasons. It could work as a portrait although that was not my intention. The guy stepped up, played on three numbers then disappeared. I have not seen him since! The lighting lent itself to a low key effect, there was a predominantly brown colour pallette across the picture and he had a thoughtful and somewhat enigmatic expression. To my mind this all worked in perfect sympathy with the deep dark sound he would have been producing from his instrument.”
“This image lends itself to the point that I emphasise in my article, the critical importance of time as an element in the photographic process. OK, I dare say that if I had squeezed the shutter earlier or later I would no doubt have still got a reasonably exposed image but all the fire, magic and excitement of this musical moment would have been missed. I say again, it’s all about timing!”
“Most folk seem to get fixated on photographing their subject deeply involved in the process of producing some sound or other. All good Jazz musicians are as capable of listening as they are of performing. I felt that this image portrayed the point well, with my subject deeply engaged in the story unfolding in someone elses solo.”
“I chose this image to illustrate how little light you need to take a striking photograph. This effect is what’s known in the business as contre-jour, french for 'against daylight' although in this case against stage light but you get the point? It can be a powerful tool for separating your subject from it’s background. Give it a try.”
Find Out More
To view more of Mike Guest’s images of local jazz musicians go here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16672622@N00/
The Jazz Images of Lynne Shields
“I don't do ‘band shots’, I'm a portraiture kind of girl.”
“Jack Kendon at The Bristol (Thursday nights) I guess this one because of the intensity of his expression whilst playing. I like to get "up close and personal" in most of my shots. I never use flash for the sake of the musicians and the punters – nothing worse than a self-centred photographer spoiling it for those who have come to listen to the music.”
“The second one I have selected is Julian Nicholas with Eddie Myer in the background. I often like to have two players juxtaposed they may be in the same place musically but sometimes they are caught in a different place emotionally or moodwise.”
“Jonny Hepbir at the Verdict. I am in no way comparing myself to Velazquez – but I like the Spanish feel to this from the Spanish guitar to the thoughtful gaze.”
The Jazz Images of Wayne McConnell
Jazz pianist Wayne McConnell is also a keen photographer.
“Joe Hunter is a rare breed of player that, despite his humorous onstage antics, always seems to put his heart and soul into the music. When he plays, people sit up and take note, he draws in the audience with his lyrical and thoughtful lines. OF all the photos I've taken of Joe, this one somehow conveys not just the moment but a summary of all he has done musically. The poise and lighting give an insight into his rich musical past. Just from the picture you can tell, he has had a very interesting musical life.”
“Bill Bjorn was a regular down at the Brunswick Jam session until he left for Spain some years ago. He is wonderful to photograph because of the wide range of expressive stances and postures he gets in to. This picture speaks to me because it is gives a very contemplative feeling. The shadows across the face give a mysterious air to it and his head position reveals some intense listening. Has he taken a solo, is he about to take one, is he mid solo? The hidden eyes leave much to the imagination.”
“Cathy Segal-Garcia is a wonderful singer from LA and graces the Brighton Jazz scene at least once a year. She has often done masterclasses for Brighton Jazz School and did a podcast episode with us. As a performer she is first rate, able to really connect with her audiences and bring a wide range of emotions. As well as a great performer, she is also an excellent composer. This image captures the thoughtful nature of her performances, she is engaged in a higher state of consciousness, drawing on her past, present and future to captivate her audience.”
Find Out More
You can see more of Wayne’s images
at his photo website:
http://miragephotostudios.com/
This article appeared in issue 3 of Sussex Jazz Mag, published 29th September 2013.