University gig helps budding photographers to focus on the bigger picture

Photography students from the University of Northampton have been able to hone their live shooting skills thanks to their fellow undergraduates.

In March, students on the Popular Music course played three consecutive evenings of concerts at Northampton’s Roadmender live venue.

The gigs offered the perfect chance for those studying Photography to come along and try their hand at covering live music events.

First year Tomos Griffiths covered all three nights of music and believes the Roadmender experience will help him secure a successful career behind the lens.

He said: “These were the first gigs I had covered and so I did not know how to go about it initially.

“However, by using my initiative and an understanding of photography gained through my course I produced professional-level images, which delighted the Popular Music lecturers.

“Shooting in the photo pit was a new experience for me, being so close to the bands and the music was a fantastic experience and allowed me to appreciate the work of other gig photographers. One element which I enjoyed was the unpredictability and spontaneity of the event. One cannot pre-empt what the bands will do, so you need to be ready for anything. “

Tomos added: “Gig photography teaches you to think on your feet and improvise, which has improved my photography; I can approach other situations with a similar method. This has improved my confidence in photography, and has opened my eyes to a possible path into the industry, as it is an industry in which photographers are always needed. It is also enjoyable as it allows me to see different live bands and see a wide variety of artists.”