Photos December 2013

'The nature of photography as it captures that simple brief moment… allows no ending. Photography implies perpetuity... as if something of life itself steps over the normal limits of time.'   

I have been busy with the business side of photograph in 2013. For anyone who thinks photography is all about shooting, it is not. There are contacts to be made, hours spent on editing, online work on websites and networking, text and keywords to sort, promotions, emailing, googling and more. I am busy and continue to enjoy the expression of photography.  

I have spent some time updating my photography website recently, nearly done!

My images have been used in print media worldwide and online by major publications and media that include – Daily Mail, Financial Times, The List, The Sun, BBC, News Group Newspapers Limited. Also for album artwork,  authors promotions and more. I distribute for editorial purposes. Supplied images to artists promotions such as Emeli Sande (my photos were used for her promotions back in 2008 and 2009 before she was famous). 

Pauline Keightley Photography - http://pkimage.co.uk/

This year I have sent prints as gifts to a few special artists and it is wonderful to be able to do this as a thanks for their wonderful live concerts - the indomitable Michael Marra ( who sadly died a year ago) and to the outstanding new Scottish artist Emeli Sande.

Books. I’ve read several inspired books. Edinburgh Book Festival 2013 – as usual was hectic, informed, varied, challenging and fun. Celtic Connections 2013 again showed off it’s colourful musical collaborations.

It is transforming when words, music and art can make a difference.

My Life BLOGs -

I continue a few pieces for my Life Blogs - Youth Violence, Kate and Morning sickness, Social Mobility, Independence, The NHS. I write when events move me - sometimes poems, sometimes blogs. And sometimes words can make a difference and that's wonderful.

Youth Cafe's. Twenty years ago I wrote around 1994 about the Youth cafe's I came across in Finland when I was 17 as  an inviting place for teenagers to meet and hang out. It is good to see these now locally. What spurred me to write was someone writing in the local paper that there was plenty of places for both families and young people!  I thought - where!?

Youth violence. I wrote about youth violence in Scotland in 2004 after a neighbour’s son was tragically killed. He was a 22 year old rugby player and he was waiting outside a club on Sauchiehall street on the night of an Old Firm game when two youths, one carrying a baseball bat, hit him and he fell on his head. Apparently these youths were running about and had hit several people that night, according to those in A & E.  I heard much later these youths only received a few years in jail.  Lesson is - don't go into town on the night of an Old Firm game!  Hooligans love an excuse to vent their angers.      

I have written about pregnancy and I have much to write on being a parent and education (more to follow!). I am a mother of three grown up children and I taught in primary schools. I wrote mostly in private to papers in the past but now I have a voice on my blog... http://musicfootnoteslifeblogs.yes-to-future.html

 http://musicfootnoteslifeblogs.our-culture-of-violence.html

 http://musicfootnoteslifeblogs.is-social-mobility-dead.html

Music 2013. Some exiting new artists in 2013 – Haim, Chrvrches, Kurt Vile, Lorde.

The two top artists I saw live this year were iconic Neil young and rocking rocker the wonderful Peter Gabriel. I am inspired by both! Glasgow saw the opening of a world class concert arena near the Clyde river and the old SECC – The shining blue Hydro.

Music Photography. I find the increased restrictions of music p these days frustrating. I do music p because I have a passion for music.These restrictions mean restrictions on what can be achieved with photography at concerts. I get my best shots when I can move about, relax and really get into the music and the gig - great photography is not simply about pressing the shutter!?  I continue to love it though!     

Peter Gabriel Hydro Oct 2013 - ALSO a good dancer! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fCpVJGZjvQ I hand it to Gabriel - he mentioned all his crew and even introduced the support artists (his two Swedish backing singers) . No 'Big Star' airs and graces about him at all. He talked of how 'Photos' never lie and how mobile phones will help to stop tyranny and oppression worldwide.

Pauline Keightley Photography

Music and Portrait Photography

Glasgow

Emeli Sande, Celtic Connections, Edinburgh Festival,

http://pkimage.co.uk/

http://www.musicfootnotes.com/

Photography Inspirations

I first got inspired by photography through the amazing images in Life magazine, Vogue and later in Vanity Fair. I can’t remember exactly when, but I don’t remember a time that I wasn’t drawing either fashion, ballet or portraits. I took Art as a subject for Higher and won the Art prize (to my surprise). I particularly enjoyed pencil sketching portraits of my friend Laura. I was also always writing poems and stories in notebooks, it was my way to make sense of the world.

For many years I had little time for art or writing due to work and family commitments. By accident eight years ago I took my first steps in photography at a venue in London. I captured a few interesting shots with a small disposable camera (!) and I realised much of good

photography is about having a good eye for it while of course good equipment is like having good tools! I discovered when I got my first SLR in 2006 that professional photography  required numerous technical skills to understand how the lens and camera worked and that using automatic is not an option to have more control over good results and difficult lighting conditions.

One of the hardest skills in photography is the organisation and editing of work.   

Organisation is key. Probably the hardest skill of all is learning to sort and select images quickly, and recognizing what makes a portfolio image. I discovered that 'in camera' selection was very important. And the Big Question – what makes those portfolio images? Some photos might be good but they don’t have that magic quality in them. I also worked very hard at making contacts and studying how the photography business worked and looking at others work.

While I enjoy street and nature photography, my main passion is music and portrait  photography. I aim to take flattering images which in my mind is the skill of a good photographer. I hope I have an artistic instinct for flattering angles, light and the use of soft light.

My Music Photography

Music is the reason I do photography, music is my passion.

I started out taking small venues and local festivals. My particular interest is Scottish singer songwriters. In 2007 to 2009 I took photos of several up and coming artists here. I received good feedback on my work – I had requests for the use of my images for promotional purposes, I was invited to a live album shoot in Manchester, and I was thrilled to receive a call from no less than the manager for Emeli Sande for a photoshoot.

The two big events for me continue to be Celtic Connections Glasgow and Edinburgh Book Festival. I first took at Celtic in 2008.

What next? To develop printing techniques and my main focus on mono (black and white) images. To submit more and to work more on the business side. To take more photo shoots hopefully. To hope for those magic images!  To paint.

There is really not enough time. 

And it really does take much more than a thousand hours.

Emerging artists I have photographed who are now signed to major labels - Emeli Sande, Hurts, Warpaint, Everything Everything, James Blake, Admiral Fallow, Metronomy, Head and Heart, Broken Records, Miles Kane, Low Anthem, more. A live album shoot in Manchester for Kirsty McGee and Mat Martin.

Emeli Sande has been working on her music since 2007 when she was commuting weekends to London. She left medical school after obtaining a medical a degree for a Publishing deal in 2008. Most wont' realise the work that has gone in before reaching the stage she's at now with her platinum selling album 'Our Version of Events'. David Sneddon has also been working behind the scenes on his song writing since 2004. He's had many preconceived hurdles to overcome, but finally this year he has over come them at long long last and he has received recognition for his songs on several number one selling albums.

PHOTOS August 2012

Year of resolutions. 

Edinburgh Festival coming up soon.

PKImage Musicfootnotes BLOG -  I’m very encouraged with the successes of some of my blogs and the number of hits has increased greatly this year with some blogs at several thousand hits.  http://www.musicfootnotes.com/

I am busy with weddings. I’ve cut back a lot on things as simply too busy. Writing a lot. We are getting a puppy though! Ahhh!

Music 2012. Dougie McLean was wonderful and I recommend checking out his Resolutions album.

There has been the best news of the artists I follow this year.

Emeli Sande. I have followed Emeli's career since her launch gig Oran Mor Glasgow Dec 2007. Her debut album 'Our Version of Events' now double Platinum!  There are many photos and; reviews on my site. 

Emeli Sande gigs this year were magic and it was wonderful to see her successes this year - she sang at the Old Fruitmarket and the Olympic torch Relay George Square, which were both exciting to cover. Her album Our Version of Events has wonderful songs. Behind the scenes Emeli has put in a great deal of time and effort to get where she is now with her music studying medicine at university and her weekend trips to London for her music.  Emeli's album has gone double platinum and she plays the Albert Hall in November! 

Blogs –  Lana Del Reys next single National Anthem -  

http://www.musicfootnotes.com/2012/05/lana-del-reys-next-single-national.html

George Harrison’s Songs brought the sun and the Stars -

http://www.musicfootnotes.com/2012/04/george-harrison-all-things-must-pass.html

Gerry Rafferty - http://www.musicfootnotes.com/2011/10/gerry-rafferty.html

Bob Dylan Braehead Arena  - http://www.musicfootnotes.com/2011/11/bob-dylan-braehead-arena-glasgow-9th.html

Emeli Sande Photos 2006 to 2011 - http://www.musicfootnotes.com/2012/03/emeli-sande-photos-2006-to-2011.html

Dylan Forever Young Tribute Concert -http://www.musicfootnotes.com/2011/01/dylan-forever-young-tribute-concert-at.html

Emeli Sande king Tuts - http://www.musicfootnotes.com/2010/12/emeli-sande-king-tuts-15th-november.html

Edinburgh festival is one of the best things I do each year -  and I had a wedding shoot and hen party too in August. We are excited for our oldest son’s Alex’s wedding and its not long now either (end September) Pauline

Web: http://pkimage.co.uk/

PHOTOS April 2012

So far 2012 has been a hectic year. Celtic in January was as much fun as ever. The highlight was the Gerry Rafferty concert which had sold out two nights at the concert hall – an audience full of Rafferty fans! The concert was led by fellow Humblebums band member Rab Noakes and his daughter Martha Rafferty. The concert was shown on BBC tv – you can even see me taking photos at the start of the Proclaimers set, fame at last!

I also took photos of several younger folk artists – Kris Drever, Manran, Fred Morrison. Thea Gilmore, Canadians Madison Violet.                                                                                                                                              

Emeli Sande, who I’ve followed since 2007, released her debut album Our Version Of Events to good reviews and was also no I in the UK album charts. Emeli plays her Glasgow gig April 10^th at the Old Fruitmarket which I expect will be a very fun event for her. I spoke with Emeli at her King Tuts gig 2011.

Viking Galaxy are still busy in the studio rehearsing. They played a gig at 13^th Note Glasgow in March.

My Musicfootnotes BLOG has started to receive a good deal of interest with all the recent news with the number of hits increasing dramatically – mostly from America. (Emeli, David, Lana, Rafferty concert)

My Musicnotes PHOTO blog also gets interest. I need to send out prints.

My writing continues to go well and I am still inspired. I am taking a lot less images this year and therefore stepping back to ponder angles and reflections. I know that my writing and my photography keep improving so that’s the important thing.

And PS

Paying for Music! In my view its a moral issue here to pay for music, and people in general, especially those who can afford to should support the Arts. The exception is when a musician puts out some music to promote themselves.  We don’t expect gigs to be free after all.

PHOTOs August 2011

Right now I am planning and looking forward immensely to the fun and manic ness that is Edinburgh Festival in August! Love it! From the packed exchange of outlandish performers that vie for your attention on the high street, to the quiet shady trees of the Book festival and the comedy shows, the dance and music. Its' amazing how it rolls round again so soon. One of the best thing is not that performers come from all walks of life and from all countries, but the exchange that develops with all the arts falling into the same artistic melting pot in Edinburgh over those few weeks. I grew up in Edinburgh with it's cobbled streets and castle that sits high above us all and it seems to inspire those stories we all seek.
I've made some wonderful goals the past years that I would never have dared dream if it wasn't for the artists that have inspired me. I'm shooting again at Edinburgh Book festival 2011. It was incredible last year taking portraits of such famous authors - and learning from the seasoned pros. Such a thrill when guys like Seamus Heaney or Frederick Forsyth walk round to the press pod! I take photos for Milngavie Folk Club - it's a small thing but great artists. I'm much more selective and only cover events I'll get good reviews for. I do it for the art. Painters need words to inspire, writers need images and musicians need both.

PHOTOS June 2011

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Hi,  Festival season approaches!

I have some exciting Photoshoots lined up.

Some of the artists I follow are doing well. Emeli Sande is supporting Alicia Keys at the Albert Hall this week. 
Check her new songs on YouTube, I love 'Heaven' and her voice sounds incredible. She releases her first album this year. Broken Records toured in the US and Hurts are playing the major festivals.  

I've seen some exciting new artists this year and I look forward to the summer gigs.

I have some writing projects I am motivated over - while I still love photography I need the challenge of writing.  It's a huge focus of my time and inspires my work. My Poems and my Artist in Us.  My 'Hot Guys' gallery continues to get interest!  

Music Photography is all about 'who you know'! Yes really. I've made many wonderful contacts over the years totally 'off my own bat' and through lots of hard work and perseverance. Maybe also as the feedback to my work has been so positive.

My MUSICFOOTNOTES Blog gets good interest worldwide -  the Stats are very interesting and hits from places like Russia, Iran and Japan.

Please check my 'Dylan Forever Young Concert Review'  -  http://www.musicfootnotes.com/2011/01/dylan-forever-young-tribute-concert-at.html

and 'George Martin: Known as the Fifth Beatle Blog.'

http://www.musicfootnotes.com/2011/05/producer-george-martin-known-as-fifth.html

My most popular blogs.  New Blogs - 'Stag and Dagger.  I've recently written some of my thoughts on Dylan and the Beatles for my Blog, two of my biggest musical heroes.   

Please contact me if interested in a review or/and photoshoot.

PKIMAGE

http://www.pkimage.co.uk

Testimonials on my Photography work from promoters, festivals and artists.

'We are delighted with the coverage in the Milngavie and Bearsden Herald. Thank you so much for making this possible!  Your expertise has provided us with a wealth of memories of one of the happiest events I have ever been involved in.  Thanks again Pauline for providing so many wonderful memories of the day.' Angus Foulis Mugdock Triathlon

'The photos are FANTASTIC!!!!!!   I am absolutely thrilled with them.'

'I’m a big fan of your work, very animated!’ David Craig, DJ and promoter.

'Thanks a million - you really got it! Some great pictures right across the park - very good close ups and crowd scenes too. You seem to have captured the whole event, bags of atmosphere. You used the light exceptionally well : rain and sunshine too with bags of contrast. They are full of life and really catch the spirit of the festival!  Robert Kay, Director Kilsyth festival 

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"I love the one you sent which was in black and white.. it captures the 

essence of his stage performances - with piano playing and singing but 

also with a lot of happiness"'

'You have a wonderfully observing and imaginative eye Great stuff." 
"They are all good and some are superb." Pat Byrne, Westend website

''You're really very talented and have a great eye - it's a rare skill!"   Kirsty McGee, musician

"They are fab as always, you're truly amazing at your art." Pearl

"Thanks for all the support and the excellent Photos!"  Emeli Sande, singer. 

"These photos are excellent - thanks. Some of the best I've seen of a live band." Robert Marton, artist manager

 "You've watched the film as a 'film', not as a script. We've been in this business for a few years and I've rarely met another professional who can watch so carefully and articulate their response so acutely.'  Comments on my Review by Owen Thomas Film Director

PHOTOS February 2011

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In February I 'was' planning to focus on catching up with myself here, but things have got very hectic so far!  I've been needing a break badly too - which I am taking this week with my lovely daughter to see the 'Northern Lights'. Sometimes we need to step back - re-focus our energies and it's important to do so.  I've been very busy the past month with Celtic - and I spend a lot of my time writing too.

*PHOTOSHOOTS. My plan is to do more photoshoots - so please get in touch if interested. While I will still do occasional live gig shoots.  I'm expecting when these young artists I have shots of are famous I will suddenly be rich? Well one never knows....

*VIKING GALAXY. My son's new band have been in the recording studio - which was great fun and thanks guys! I got some fun B & W shots just posted.  The recordings sound awesome!   They play Classic Grande Glasgow 12th Feb. 

*CELTIC Festival Glasgow  -   While I enjoy many genres, I believe folk or roots music ( or Celtic!) has an important role in keeping our cultural history alive and well. I used to go to Sandy Bells Edinburgh (where I grew up) - about the time Hamish Henderson may have been there. I saw Dick Gaughan in the 70s and travelled to many folk festivals. Celtic explores both our cultures and our diversities and what pulls us together -  our shared humanity and love of the arts, especially music of course!  

NEW ARTISTS.  I have images used as promotions on venue websites, artists websites, flyers and albums.  I  appreciate that people enjoy my work. I have studied music all my life, as have my children, and I believe I have  insights into what makes art, words and music work. I often have original ideas which I find others imitating, and it is flattering while also I wonder why I earn nothing for these ideas. I am not a 'snapper' - I write songs and poems myself and I consider my photography art. I've had wonderful encouraging feedback from many artists, including - Kirsty McGee, Mat Martin, Jim Byrne, Inge Thompson, Pearl (aka Katie Sutherland), Broken Records, Alistair Oglivie, The Magic Hat, who have used my images for promotional material.  

I am very excited about my son's new band ( as is he) and believe they have a great future.  As have the other artists I follow. Photography is a multi-faceted skill that involves contacts, reading, studying techniques, sorting, studying art, studying business, writing. MORE!   

I hope you enjoy my Celtic Connections slideshow on my website -  http://pkimage.co.uk/

'Musicfootnotes' Reviews  - where I also have several Celtic Gig Reviews -  
http://musicfootnotes.blogspot.com/

Glasgow Westend website - http://www.glasgowwestend.co.uk/

Many thanks to both Pat and Jim Byre for all their encouragement - check out Jim Byrne's new CD.  

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Pauline Keightley Photography / PKIMAGE Scotland - Photographic Artist.  I am a writer, musician and artist. I submit work to major websites and festivals, press, artists promotions, album art work, theatre and events.  My Reviews  - MUSICFOOTNOTES. Photos & My work has included the Edinburgh Festival, Scottish Ballet, Celtic Connections, Manchester Jazz Festival (MJF) and many concerts such as Elton John, Fleetwood Mac and Snow Patrol. In particular I try to mix the old with the new and capture moods such as quiet moments of inner reflection. One of my main interests is taking images of new artists - several of those I've photographed are now signed to major labels.


ABOUT ME : I am an artist, writer and musician. I've been seriously pursuing photography for 5 years now. Commissions; a live album shoot in Manchester, a London manager for a signed artist requesting a Photoshoot, theatre shows and major festivals. In 2004 I had taken images with a small digital camera at a live gig at the Metro London and I realised then that the art of photography was about having a 'good eye.'  I received good feedback for my photos and worked on developing my craft and skills.  I took images of several up-and-coming artists in Scotland who are now signed to Major Labels - Emeli Sande, Pearl, Admiral Fallow, Dave Gibson, Broken Records.  I grew up in Edinburgh and I lived in the US for ten years. I worked as a primary teacher and I am a mother of three grown-up children - one who is in a rock band in Glasgow called Viking Galaxy.
I hope to pursue more portrait work, while still covering live gigs, events and festivals. I want to thank all those who taught me the joy of music - my first piano teacher, my father, my folk guitarist boyfriend back in my twenties, the Beatles, Joni, Mozart, and my children and all the many artists who have inspired my photography. Also to all who have encouraged my photography with their kind feedback.