Back in October 2015 I got the opportunity to go to The Star Inn to shoot Signals; I was previously acquainted with them from a show they supported at Royal Holloway University on a night I was filming for the fresher week video.

Now this is a band you want to keep your eye on, bouncy grooves and melodies which get stuck in your head. I can shamelessly say I had their discography on repeat for many weeks after. They're lovely people as well.

This was the second time I've shot bands in this venue, first was No Consequence (Blog post to come) and as all venues there are limitations and obstacles. Problem The Star has is lighting, and mostly red lighting. As always I make small talk with the sound/lighting engineer, asking for less red lighting as much as possible but I’m there to capture the show not control the show, so anything I ever say is only ever a suggestion to give myself more opportunity.

A majority of the show I stuck with my Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 and Canon 50mm F1.4, switching between wide-angle close ups and varying depth of field shots. The show wasn't very colourful visually, hence the black and white edits, but aurally the gig was. The room was packed, now being a musician myself I love seeing large rooms packed full of supportive fans, but for a photographer in a venue with no pit or barrier, its always fun trying to get from one side to the other, I generally try to swap sides during breaks between songs, I really do try my best not to get in the way of any of the audience as they have paid to see this show and nothing is worse than a photographer standing in front of you so you cant see.

I had a blast shooting Signals and would recommend anyone to go see them. Always enjoy shooting bands with lots of energy live.

Check out the gallery below with some shots from the gig.

As always hope you have enjoyed the read

-Charlie Bluck :)