Take Me To Alaska

21/12/2014

Take Me To Alaska

Live at Pi Bar (Leicester)

At the end of 2014, I had the pleasure and opportunity to photograph a live music performance as my beloved friends took to the stage and played their debut gig as the band 'Take Me To Alaska'.

Formed in January 2014, the folk rock/indie band consists of 2 females and 1 male. Meesha Greensmith, Paige Greensmith and Luke Warren. Passionate musicians, both Meesha and Luke found one another via an advertisement posted on the internet. After contacting each other and then finally meeting in person they had a few jamming sessions. Later that year, in March, Paige joined, thus completing the 3 piece line-up for 'Take Me To Alaska,' who's music has often been compared to that of the band 'Of Monsters and Men.'

Personally I was very excited about their performance. I had anticipated and waited for quite some months to hear a full song or track of theirs. All year they would tease me now and again with 'Snapchat' videos and exclusive updates for their fans such as Twitter and Facebook. Finally on the 21st of December 2014 I was able to witness and hear 3 tracks live at the Pi Bar in Leicester. Their performance was incredible...excuse me if I'm being biased. Despite the nerves that were very evident at the beginning, they grew in confidence through out their short set.

The first song 'Second Best' was a strong start, with its heart pounding base chords supplemented by a beautiful subtle drum beat that, for me, echoed the sounds of the bands name. 'Second Best' seemed to take me to the snowy mountain tops of Alaska and wrap me in a blanket. It's well written lyrics perfectly intertwining with the music. For me this very song had some likeness to the works of 'The Black Ghosts', more specifically the track 'Full Moon'.

With a change of instrument for Meesha, came a slight change of pace for their second song. '3 Years of Fall' is an inspirational, tear-jerker of a song that starts with soft mellow chords and keeps to a slow pace throughout. The lyrics convey both deep emotions and expressions of love, inviting the listener to take a chance and open their eyes to life's possibilities. With the onset of each chorus the strums of their guitars increased and then slowed and as the song reached its close the instruments smoothly faded out one by one. 

The band finished off their set with a song called 'When Winter Comes.' This was the stand out track of the three for me. It felt so original and picked up from the mellow pace of their previous number. The warm tone set by the use of 3 electric acoustic guitars continued throughout the song, picking up the pace for each chorus. As the second chorus closed a solo bridge by Meesha kicked in before she was joined by Luke continuing the main tune. As Paige came in with her bass, Meesha switched from playing her guitar to drumming it and gave the bridge a very beautiful heart-felt touch. The song was brought back into a final round of the chorus and then faded out with a round of applause from the audience.

I really love the complementary vocals of male against female in their songs and each composition is woven together with a variety of different instruments, chords, and beats. The well written lyrics really show the raw potential these musicians have. As a lover of music I can't wait to hear more and follow the band as they embark on what I hope is going to be a bright and happy future.

Life Is a Rollercoaster!

I can't believe we're just two and half weeks away from Christmas! The past three months have flown by. I have managed to balance my social life and personal life, making time for myself as well as getting work done. It's been quite a roller coaster, getting back into the swing of student life was quite surprisingly easy, but it wasn't long before I found myself a little stressed out and overworked. Coming towards the end of this first term, I realise that I am on schedule and so ready for the holidays.

In between all that worry, relationships and friendships have popped up out of nowhere. Though they've surprised me and caught me off guard a little, I'm excited to see what the future holds. I look back at what these past few months have given me and the people I've met and honestly I couldn't imagine life without them. I must say that I've experienced things that I never want to encounter again, but then of course there are things that I can't wait to do...even ten times over...but I guess i'll have to!

Just to make things clear...
Because of the busy bee I've become, I have had to accept that I will only be able post photos on here and social sites when I have the time! You may view 'sneak peek' shots on here or via my Facebook page, for posts that will eventually appear but I am uncertain of when. But for now bare with me and I will try to update you the best I can.

Leicesters Landscapes

...and more from the 'Prom Princess'

Shutterbugs Freshers

I've been planning this blog post for almost over 6 months. I've finally, not only got round to making it, but I've gathered enough information needed to show off some young and beautifully talented ladies within the photography world.

This post is all about fresh young photographers that have either been around for a while or just started out and looking to further grow their love and passion for photography as much as me. I have been able to watch and view each photographer grow, through their work, personalities, and well as a special treat just for you they've allowed me to ask them a few questions about there love for photography. So first up is Sophie Clarke.

Sophie Clarke 
From 'Sophie Clarke Photography' 

Profile
Age: 15
Favourite Quote: "Believe in your dreams even when they seem lost" - Hayley Williams 
Based: Leicester, UK 

Q&A
How long have you been taking photographs?
"About 3 years"

How long has your page been up and running?
"8 months in 3 days"

What or who started your interest into the world of photography?
"I don't know.....I guess I've always had an interest in the 'art world' ever since I was a little girl and well photography just falls under that"

Are there any photographers that you just look at and think 'Wow! I want to be like her/him'?
"erm...I think that about some of your work. But I love Craig Jones work, he's what I want to be! A Wildlife Photographer.....Oh and I also love Alan Sanders work."

What do you want people to think or feel when viewing your work?
"I want them to feel apart of a beautiful world, I want them to see a different side to the world that they live in. I would like them to think 'WOW' when they see my photographs (This is mainly when I become a Wildlife Photographer I hope)"

Are there any tips you would like to share to those photographers who are starting out with their own love for taking photographs?
"Hmmm, all I'd say is, Don't look at other photographers work and then feel as if your work isn't as good and never will be, keep on trying; you'll become a great photographer. Photography takes time and patience!"

To visit Sophie's photography page click the link below!

Sophie Clarke Photography

Emma-Louise Davie
From 'Emma-Louise Davie Photography'

Profile
Age: 13
Favourite Quote: "You aren't what you see in the mirror. There is more there." - Hayley Williams
Based: Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Q&A
How old were you when you started to realise you loved taking photos?
"I was about 11 years old when I realised I liked going out and about, taking photographs."

What initially interested you into the world of photography?
"It's the idea of being able to travel anywhere, taking photos, visiting places and seeing new things. I like to think photos are a permanent visual of our memories, though they do not move, they still manage to make us feel everything we did when taking the shot. The adventures of what photography brings are great too!"

Do you try to portray a meaning or a story behind each photo?
"Yeah I do. Sometimes I'll look at something and think, 'Oh, there is so much more to that than most people would see because it's all about imagination!"

Do you have a favourite thing or scene you love to photograph?
"I love to take close ups (macro shots) and landscapes, also if the sky is looking particularly nice I won't hesitate to take a photo of it."

What or who motivates you to continue taking photographs?
"Sometimes my family motivate me, but it's mostly out of my own interest. Some days I will just really really want to get out there and take loads of photos. I also go to my schools Camera Club (TBS: Turiff Photography Society) which motivates me a bit."

Would you say seeing other people's work, that you love, fires up the spark within you to get out and create your own?
"Yes, it does, quite a bit actually! Art also inspires me, I'm a big lover of art. Vincent Van Gogh is amazing, some of his work really inspires me. I love his paintings and if i'm looking for inspiration, quite often I will turn to his work and then all of a sudden ideas just seem to pop into my head."

Do you consider photography to be a hobby or even a potential career for you in the future?
"Definitely a potential career, but right now it's a hobby. When I leave school I'd love to make a career out of it."

What advice would you give to those of your age, starting to create their own pieces of art?
"I'd just say, don't ever be afraid to let your imagination run wild! Obviously, don't do anything that could get you into trouble, but if you see something that you think is interesting and might make a good photo, take the damn photo! You never know how amazing it will turn out to be. Then if you really like it, you should share it and be proud of your work!"

To visit Emma-Louise's photography blog click the link below!

Emma-Louise Davie Photography

Katie Ellis
From 'Katie J Ellis - My Life'

Profile
Age: 20
Favourite Quote: "Some of the biggest mistakes you make in life are out of love" - 90210
Based: Leicester, UK

Q&A
When did you first start taking photographs?
"Well I first started taking photography seriously when I opened up my own blog. So judging from my very first blog post I'd say since May 2010."


What captured your interest into creating your own photography work and setting up a blog?
"Well I suppose it was because of my best friend. She got me interested in the whole photography and blog making. I saw her amazing photos on the blog she had created and decided I wanted to do the same."

Have you always had a love for photography?
"In some ways yes. I've never liked being in front of the camera, but when it comes to taking them I've always volunteered just so I don't have to be in them."

What do you enjoy most about creating art in the form of photographs?
"Capturing moments and making them last forever."

Do you edit your photographs as soon a you get your hands on a computer or do you feel you have to be in a state of mind or zone to edit them?
"Definitely have to be in the mood. I can't sit and edit for hours if I'm not motivated to do so. Not unless I know the pictures are going to turn out amazing!"

On average how long does it take you to edit each photograph from a single shoot?
"About 20 minutes for just a simple photo. If I want to do more to the image, like having half in Black and White and then the other half in colour then it's more like 1-2 hours."

Do you have any advice for other photographers when editing their photographs and getting in the zone to do so?
"I would let them know to just take their time. Don't rush editing, try out each tool and see what works best. If you have shot a lot of images covering the same scene then just choose the best ones. I also find time goes much quicker when your sat listening to music. That's a good motivator right there."

To visit Katie's photography blog click the link below!

Katie J Ellis - My Life

Brothers Homecoming...

So as I mentioned in my last post, I and the family were tracking my brothers flights as he was on his way home from a 2 year LDS based mission. Serving in Winnipeg, Canada.

After I posted the 'Make-over' post I was up for another 2 hours and eventually caved in for my sleep. The following morning having set my alarm for 4am I got up and started to make preparations for the 'Welcome Home' get together party. Sticking up the window banner, fetching the pre-ironed 'Team Chris' T-shirts, typing in advance texts and saving them to drafts for when we had our brother in our arms. It was very exhilarating to think that none of which was going to happen did my brother know of.

Our lift, which was by the lovely Aaron Toogood who arrived at 5:45am. We then made our way down to the airport and walked into the arrivals. Tracking his last flight on my phone found that he would soon be landing within the next 6 minutes. We could visibly see where the planes would be landing and taking off, in fact during the time we waited at least 3 planes took off. After finding out that the first two planes would be delayed, our brother's flight would be the first one to land of the day. Soon after, we saw his plane land and passengers started to come through arrivals. After 737 days of interesting emails, awesome photos and hilarious stories the adrenaline certainly kicked in.

Then it was it, there he was with his big suitcase in one hand small suitcase in the other. Walking up the little arrivals ramp, with his head down and smile on his face he was finally home. It was the most happiest moment of our lives, the Johnson family back together again.

Thanks gran, for this beautiful photo of us as a family

Very special thanks to my dads work friend Gayle Hunkin for this amazing cake!

Words that are stuck in my head...

"you did it, you did it" - Mum

"It was like a running race, everyone else was the audience and his family and friends were at the finish line" - Aaron Toogood

"What did you do to your hair" - Chris (with sarcasm and gesturing towards me)

"Dyed it red" - Me (laughing)

"Who the first person you saw?" - Dad 

"Katie, with that" - Chris (pointing to my hair)

"I've cut my fringe short" - Claire

"Your Huge!!" - Chris (gesturing towards Claire)

"You can't say that" - Mum (with sarcasm)

"I meant like that....height" - Chris (moving his arm up and down, symbolizing height) 

5 years today!

5 years ago this very day and date, me and my family received news that our beloved grandmother/mother had passed away.

It was very ironic that she has passed not only on her birthday, turning the age of 74, but that it was only 3 months later that Hyrum Johnson my cousin was brought into the world. But I'm sure my gran would have loved him all the same.

On the very day of my grandmother passing I personally wasn't to well, having been sick with a cough and a cold over the weekend. I was collected from school by my mother after throwing up in the girls toilets on the monday, I can distinctively remember walking home hand in hand with my mum as she told me the events of that sad dreary day.

Dad hadn't yet received the news at the time, as he was busy at work in several meetings. My uncle and my mum had been trying to contact him all morning, in the event that it was my grans birthday my dad had planned to visit her after work but of course it was too late.