You covered both Leeds and Reading Festival last year, what was it like working at such a legendary Festival ?
I actually skipped Leeds/Reading this year as I was on a shoot elsewhere. I usually shoots Leeds festival if I can, as I take any chance I can to see my friends up in Leeds. It's also a lot more chilled out there, Reading is overrun with industry blaggers and wannabes who think being a photographer is all about getting to drunk to shoot the band.
What is it like being closer to the band, than anyone else in the audience? It's not as exciting as people think - like the myth of backstage being some sort of mecca. If you are shooting for your blog I'm sure its the most awesome fun ever. If you are doing it for a client, then its work like any othe job..... so you have to be focused (excuse the pun) as you are faced with the challenge of trying to get shots that are different to other peoples, while keeping in mind that the hundreds of people behind you have paid hard-earned cash to see the band, and not paid to see your camera obscuring the singers face. Kt's something that really bugs me when you see people doing that- it's unfair to the fans who have come to see the band. Photos really aren't THAT important. Saying all that, I love my job, but I often find its easier to get something special at the smaller shows, where security and PR's are less controlling of where you can shoot from.
You recently took pictures of Ozzy Osbourne, what was it like taking pictures of such an iconic person ? Pretty much the same as shooting anyone else, if anything a little easier... I've found that celebrities and professional models are often the easiest to shoot, they are understanding of the process and already have their 'look' down. I've been lucky enough to be sent to shoot so many icons this year it's unbelievable, In the last 3 months alone I've shot Ozzy, Iggy, Garcia of Kyuss and spent the day at Dial House with punk legends Crass. I generally find the more famous someone is the nicer they are to work with and the smaller the ego.
How fun is it to work for Rock Sound?
I hate it, everyone on the team is miserable, elitist, has a bad attitude, even worse breath and are always trying to force me to listen to Usher. Only kidding, the RS team are nice guys/gals and its always a pleasure to work with them in the studio, location or do a show. They also really take care of you at festivals, even though I spent all of Sonisphere working it was pretty much the most fun I've had at a festival. when you interview Mark just ask him about his ipad ;)
Photography wise, what does the future hold for you? Well, I've just come back from shooting in Texas and Toronto, which was fun. So hopefully more of that. I'm also starting to do more commercial work so I;m hoping to continue what I'm currently doing while shooting more advertising campaigns. I haven't decided which companies I want to work with yet. I'm also about to launch a new service for new bands doing a couple of heavily discounted promo sessions each month. The idea is to support new talent by giving them a helping hand in getting good shots that will get them noticed by the magazines and labels. I'm hoping this will work out as there are so many underrated bands out there at the moment !