Signals were back in the area so I took the chance to have a catch up and shoot some promo and live shots for them. The promo shots were completely off the cuff, unplanned and just natural. I prefer to capture that natural essence of people rather than some stiff robot. I grabbed them after sound check and a pint. After a quick scout of the close surroundings we found some walls, which would work. We joked amongst ourselves and I just shot away, honestly this band has just as much chemistry off stage as onstage. Bouncing around ideas, I’m pretty open to do anything in a shoot, from band dog piles to flipping band members about. Managed to experiment with prisming and free lensing which is a first for me with band portraits.

The gig itself was on fire, always shamefully mouthing the lyrics while shoot Signals, just a band of feel good jams and being a musician I can appreciate the music even more. The lighting jockey did his best with the pre-set chains to make the lights not hinder the photos, but gig lighting is very unpredictable with reds and greens or even no lights. I used very low powered diffused flash just to give me that little bit more light for details. Not always used in gig photography but Signals were more than happy for it. Couldn't recommend you to go watch them more.

Catch Signals at Common People Festival in Southampton on Saturday 28th May on the Uncommon Stage at 4.25

Enjoy flicking through the shoot below, drop me a message for Band enquires

- Charlie Bluck