RAFA - Guild Hall - Hull - 20/03/2010

I was invited by Corporal Gray (RAF), to shoot the RAFA fund raising evening at the Guild Hall on 20th March. It was set to be a good night with concert by the Band, Pipes and Drums of The Royal Air Force, Waddington. The Mayoress was also to be present.

So for you guys I thought I would run an account about the evening...

So I arrived at 1900 and was met at the door by Stuart (Corporal Gray) which I should also point out he is my brother, it ain't what you know its who... Stuart had been involved in the organisation of the evening and thought it would be good for me and RAFA is I attended in the capacity of official photographer. Stuart informed me that there was a photographer from the gazette and also a member of RAFA who would be filming the evening, I decided to do some scouting.

I introduced myself to the gazette photographer and asked if he was staying all evening. sadly he said he had another job at 1930 so he could only stay a short while... 'what a shame' and I really didn't want to be the only official photographer there! OK, it was a good thing in my eyes that he was going but I didn't say that to him because after all he was a Nikon man just like me so he was a friend instantly.
Next was the task to locate the man who was filiming the event, again I wasn't let down when I saw a simple off the shelf cam on a cheap tripod set so close to the stage he probably only recorded the back of the conductor, so I was happy that all was in place for a good evening.

I found a good location to put all my gear and I asked the security, who was putting out chairs for the audience how far back he would be coming? sadly he only spoke in stutters and I couldn't understand what he was trying to say so I stuck at the back.

I snapped a few good ones of the Mayoress and the organisers then went back to the hall to watch the concert. I got a couple during the actual playing but due to the really high ceiling it was impossible to bounce the flash and direct flash was impossible due to the hight that I was at, but with some mega high ISO I got some nice ones all the same.

During the interval I went to toilet had a quick chat with some of the band members and went back to my kit and prepared for the second half.

The conductor introduced the ATC Drums by Torch Light, I was amazed... It consisted of 12-15 year old cadets who marched in, got in to position, turn all the lights out the with the aid of UV lights played the drums in total darkness whilst the UV's lit there sticks and gloves. It looked awesome and I got some great long exposures of them.

After the ATC had finished and marched out, the band carried on for the second half. I decided that I would go for a walk around and have a long needed chat with my brother who had also gone out for a drink. As we talked he asked if I could get some good shots of all the organisers and the mayoress, of course I said I would be happy to.

I collected all my kit and set up in the bar/entrance hall and did a few quick lighting test shots. It was nice knowing I was all set up and had nothing to worry about so I stood with the Beadle and had a really good laugh.

Once the concert had finished I waited patiently for the raffle to be drawn and every body to finish what they had to do and then I asked politely if the mayoress wouldn't mind a few photo's with the organisers and of course she obliged, which finished of the evening.

All in all it was a learning curve due to the hight and shape of the ceilings but it was enjoyable. One thing I can say is it only confirmed what I had already decided... shooting people who I can engage with is my type of photography... I just can't understand these landscape guys!!! lol.

Thanks for reading

Phil

www.imageandeye.co.uk