Eyes Open Photography

Things are getting going in Jakarta… I’ve just agreed a full-time job which is rather good news involving photography, writing and web development. I also covered my first music festival since I started backpacking… I really missed it! And what a music festival! JakJazz (The 9th International Jakarta Jazz Festival) featured really stunning musical talent from Indonesia which really put the European and American bands to shame. Loads of incredible guitarists, which kept me really happy.

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The Whitby Musicport world music festival always has an amazing line-up… this year we were treated to many of the musicians from Buena Vista Social Club, including Cachaito Lopez and Manuel Galban. Now Whitby Musicport is always very laid back, and takes place in a tiny venue… the band’s management left 2 forms that we photographers had to sign with a load of ridiculous demands. I’m really sick of this, no need for it at all. Other than that, the weekend was very easy going full of great music.
Highlights for me included Yasmin Levy who was on particularly good form and Reem Kelani, an exuberant Palestinian singer full of character and spirit who was joined by Zoe Rahman on piano.
More photos here: www.EyesOpen.co.uk/WhitbyMusicport2006

This festival in Manchester is lovingly run by metal enthusiasts and band members, great atmosphere. This is what metal is all about, lots of passion and community.
See here for more photos: www.EyesOpen.co.uk/Damnation2006

I arranged a shoot with Athena Andreadis while at The Big Chill, the photos are to be used on her new album. These are some of the possible album cover shots! It was tough to find time and a location… the festival was packed full of people. We found a nice spot behind the main stage in the end.