Me and Julio down by House on Fire, a photo from Manzini, Northwest

Photographer's Note

Subtitled: Freshlyground in Swaziland.

Freshlyground are probably the biggest band in South Africa at the moment - they even managed to share the stage with Shakira at the 2010 World Cup opening ceremony.

Not always my favourite band, they are still an outstanding live show. This shot is of Julio, their lead guitarist.

On the controversy front - they got in to a little bit of trouble playing in Swaziland: some of the progressive elements in the country are calling for a cultural boycott until such time as there are clear movements towards a full democracy (at present I am living in the world's last surviving absolute monarchy). As always, these things are a tricky choice - I was a definite supporter of the sporting and cultural boycott when I lived in South Africa at the fag-end of apartheid; but the venue House on Fire raises huge funds for various charities in Swaziland, and has a number of Fairtrade businesses running from their premises.

technical details - very little post-processing: a little bit of sharpening of the reduced image, but the stage lighting adds the non-natural colouring. As always, shot without a flash.

Kofman, RhodieIke, delpeoples ha contrassegnato questa nota come utile

Critiques | Translate

Juzo (2151) 2011-11-21 5:19

Hi Iain,
Strong portrait with the natural light, his profile is strong, I like the blue backdrop but I also wonder how this would go in B&W, with less distracting colour maybe. I hope too for progress in the political and cultural side there, this pic represents many thing sot many people there I am sure.
Cheers
Justin

wolf38 (30) 2011-11-21 23:08

Hello lain. My compliments for this wonderful portrait. The blue-colored background fits perfectly. I especially like the very informative text, - truly exemplary. Overall, a good contribution for TE. Rgds wolfgang.

RhodieIke (11752) 2011-11-21 23:22

Hi Iain, Splendid photo of this chap from Freshlyground in Swaziland. Having grown up in Zimbabwe, I can see a whole can of worms opening up here, some for the better and some not, that's life hey. Have a good one, Cheers Iain.

delpeoples (60342) 2011-11-23 3:11

Hi Iain

I remember how much you love concerts and dance shows. This is an excellent example. I like the ultra close up and also the baclground blue tones. The definition is great especially as you were without a flash. Have a look at Rlrad's blues concert stuff, it's enough to motivate us all.

Cheers and have a happy day
Lisa

sacimar (38173) 2011-11-23 4:19

Hello Iain,

I like this composition in blue, the portrait is interesting, it's an artistic image, you composed a good one,

Best regards,

Sergio

aliabazari (21197) 2012-02-27 14:07

Hi Iain...
The portrait is very good and powerful with the Beck Grand good.
With respect.
Ali

jmdias (114220) 2012-03-15 7:52

iain

very nice framing with the personage at right and the blues at left. I liked the sharpness and the light, a not so easy task in a dark place like this.

hugs

jorge