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It's been a while since I shot any concert stuff but had the chance to shoot three bands at Belfast's Limelight 2 on Saturday. I packed a massive camera bag, instead of just relying on the 24-70 in a small venue. And guess what? The 24-70 didn't get a look in. My new favourite lenses for concerts have got to be the nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 and the nikkor 10-24mm f2.8. These two, along with my trusty 50mm f1.8 seem to give the best coverage.

These two are of local Belfast band The Organ Grinders. Top one is shot with the 70-200mm and bottom one is shot with the 10-24mm

Same again for band number 2, A Little Bitter. Top shot with the 70-200mm and bottom with the 10-24mm

Anyhow, I'm not ready to retire the 24-70mm just yet as it's still the best general purpose lens I own. It ain't getting a look in for concerts or roller derby but it does most of the heavy lifting at the wrestling bouts.

Runnin Riot Preview Show

I had the real and honest pleasure of being invited along to the Daring Rehearsal Studios in Belfast to hear Belfast punk band Runnin Riot preview tracks from the forthcoming CD release. A cracking, straight ahead, pedal to the metal four piece that never disappoint. Lots of Oi, some ska and a healthy serving of Buckie make it an evening to remember.

Foy Vance, Farriers and Foreign Slippers

I was at the Mandela Hall last night to shoot this concert; Foy Vance's return to Belfast after way too long. Great support from Foreign Slippers and Farriers.

Foreign Slippers

Farriers

Foy Vance

Sunflowerfest August 2011

We travelled to Tubby's Farm, Hillsborough for our first trip to Sunflowerfest. We also took some children (aged 12 and 8) to test out how family-friendly the event was. The setting was nice, a farm with separate camping fields for general punters and those with families. There was a very good range of activites for the wee ones, and the music was well thought out and ran like clockwork. Main Stage bands were followed by a choice of  acoustic music on the Campfire Stage or something a little louder on the indoor Barn Stage. Spoken word and comedy were also catered for, although I have to admit I didn't get to these. Holistic Therapies and workshops were running across the weekend, if that's your thing.

 Sunflowers were, of course, everywhere which is no bad thing. There were some excellent bands on the main stage, including Sunday Night's headliners, Cashier No9 and Duke Special who performed what was pretty much a greatest hits set accompanied by the one and only Chip "Temperence Society" Bailey.

 'Tric were on stage on Saturday and were what can only be described as an AC/DC tribute band that didn't actually play AC/DC songs.

 Trucker Diablo rocked the mainstage as well, with some straight-ahead rock and roll, complete with an exceptionally hairy guitarist.

 Brother and sister duo Southern played some nice stuff, very "Gerry Anderson" friendly tunes

 Payola were again, a great bit of rock and roll with a front man who was vaguely reminiscent (in looks at least) of the late Jim Morrison.

 And of course, the very pink and quite loud Tanya and the Whiskey Princes.

From a photography point of view, this was a great weekend. Easy access to the fronts of the stages and no hassle from security - there was a nice friendly atmosphere to the whole thing. Some great bands to shoot and as always for an outdoor festival, some amazing characters around who were not camera-shy. Kids loved it, as their first experience of a festival. Maybe Willowstone next year, but don't think they're going to ready for Pigstick for a year or two yet.