There’s a particular energy to photographing a port city—a sense of history anchored to the sea, mixed with the transient, hard-edged reality of a place that lives by trade and naval tradition.
Having originated from a small landlocked West Midlands town, I find the allure of a port / seaside location alluring when its outside of the ‘high season’.
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This post is a little delayed, as I wanted to wait until I received my developed film negs from the photo lab.
The August Bank Holiday weekend in Brighton has always been special, but this year it was truly historic. The Brighton Mod Weekender, the annual pilgrimage for Mods from across the globe, celebrated its 20th anniversary from August 21st to 24th, and the city was buzzing with more style, music, and scooter pride than ever before.
Its a blend of old timers reminising of the past and generational newcomers. All parading around as proud as peacocks.
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For years, my photographic journey has been linked to the tactile precision of the Leica system for both my M10 and M6. Zone focusing and manual exposure. I haven’t been one to embrace or use the Sunny 16 rule. The deliberate, fully manual approach of the rangefinder has been my constant companion, a testament to the joy of slowing down and truly making a photograph.
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A short video of my photowalk at Brighton Pride 2025 on Saturday 2nd August 2025.
Taken on my Leica M10.
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A short video of my photowalk at Brighton Pride 2025 on Saturday 2nd August 2025.
Taken on my Leica M10.
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In a world that can often feel heavy with grim headlines and distressing current affairs, there are moments that remind us of the power of community, joy, and love. This weekend, Brighton & Hove Pride 2025 provided just that—a vibrant, lighthearted relief where people came together to celebrate and share some much-needed love.
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I haven’t been been out for quite some time, have been a bit busy at work and it’s nice to just chill and relax in the house, now that the builders have all left. But today I decided to pop out into town to shoot some film.
Classic indecision, meant that I was packed up like a Sherpa going up Mount Everest, carrying the Pentax 67, FujicaGS645s I’m the delightful Minolta X500.
Happenstance delivered today where I stumbled across a Transgender March. As I wasn’t too tired, I was quite active getting some street portraits, approaching folk. But the photo used at the top of this blog post. The person on the left. Thought I may have been a Daily Mail photographer.
FFS.
I did have a chuckle to myself and think: 1) I’m a 53-year-old dad of two, I think I need to modernise some of my wardrobe, 2) am I near the autumn of the street photography journey that I’m on? I don’t fancy much being pointed out as a right wing broadsheet tabloid photographer, as the hair turns a bit more grey?
Read MoreNOTICE: This isnt a party political broadcast blog, just a comment on my activity.
Summer in London isn't just about picnics in the park or dodging the inevitable rain showers; it's about the electrifying atmosphere of open-air gigs. And this year, with a line-up spanning generations and genres, I've been truly spoiled for choice, bouncing between the vibrant energy of Finsbury Park and the iconic expanse of Hyde Park.
At the current time I'm in a rich vein of form, my daughter is turning 18 in September and my lad is 22 so there's some common ground of a show in the same musical taste and attending such open their gigs with your kids is magical, before they think is sad to go with their dad!
I love capturing t-shirt designs and comments in the summer, I got these street candids from willing participants, at Finsbury Park.
First up on my summer music pilgrimage was Finsbury Park on July 5th, for a truly unmissable triple bill: Fontaines D.C., who were supported by the excepitional Kneecap, and Amyl and The Sniffers. What a day! Finsbury Park, with its impressive 45,000 capacity, was buzzing from the moment the gates opened. The air crackled with anticipation as people streamed in, clad in everything from vintage band tees to the latest streetwear.
Kneecap brought their signature raw energy and biting lyrics, setting the tone with their politically charged hip-hop. The crowd was absolutely captivated, a sea of bobbing heads and raised fists.
I noticed in the crowd, the patrons were aged between 15-75 years of age, its what music (and lyrics) should be about, bringing people together, not pulling them apart.
Then came Amyl and The Sniffers, and if you've never witnessed Amy Taylor's stage presence, you're truly missing out. Their ferocious punk rock was infectious, turning the already lively crowd into a joyous. I’m sad that I didnt take any photos, but I was enjoying the tunes too much!
And then, Fontaines D.C. took to the stage. I am lucky to have my daughter introduce me to their music very early on in their careers. I’m astounded how good they are, for a band so young. Their melancholic yet powerful post-punk sound filled the vast park, the Irish brogue of Grian Chatten’s vocals carrying across the field. Tracks from their new album blended seamlessly with older favourites, creating an almost spiritual experience. It was a masterclass in modern rock, proving exactly why they're one of the most exciting bands around right now. The energy was palpable, a perfect fusion of intensity and unity.
Just a few days later, the grandeur of Hyde Park beckoned for a very different, but equally compelling, musical journey. On July 11th, I found myself immersed in a legendary lineup: Neil Young, Van Morrison, and Yusuf / Cat Stevens as part of the BST Hyde Park series. Hyde Park, with its immense 65,000 capacity, offers a unique open-air experience, where generations come together to witness musical titans.
Unfortunately, I was only able to capture two T-shirt candids, as the Clientele was slightly different to Finsbury Park.
I can’t beleive this was the first time I have seen Neil Young live, but to have that moment with my kids, was truly special.
There's something truly special about seeing artists of this calibre in such an iconic setting. Yusuf / Cat Stevens, with his timeless folk anthems, brought a sense of peace and reflection, his gentle melodies floating through the summer air. Hearing classics like "Wild World" and "Father and Son" sung by thousands was genuinely moving.
Van Morrison followed, delivering his signature blend of R&B, jazz, and soul. His voice, still as distinctive and powerful as ever, filled the park. It was a soulful, improvisational performance that showcased his undeniable musical genius.
And then, the legend himself, Neil Young, took to the stage. The Godfather of Grunge, with his trusty guitar, delivered a set that spanned his incredible career. From searing guitar solos to poignant acoustic moments, he commanded the immense space effortlessly. The raw honesty and passion in his performance were a stark reminder of his enduring influence. To be in that crowd, under the London sky, witnessing these living legends, felt like a true privilege.
Two vastly different musical experiences, both equally unforgettable. Finsbury Park offered a raw, energetic dive into the cutting edge of contemporary rock, while Hyde Park provided a nostalgic, yet still electrifying, journey through the songbooks of true musical icons. Both venues, with their well-organised facilities (cashless payments are a lifesaver!), ample food and drink options, and clear security measures, ensured a smooth and enjoyable experience despite the massive crowds.
Whether you're headbanging in the mosh pit or swaying gently to a classic ballad, there's nothing quite like the communal joy of an open-air gig in London. As the summer continues, I'll be keeping a close eye on those concert listings – who knows what other incredible musical adventures await!