So, where to begin? It has been a tumultuous two years since we’re all still in the midst of chaos. In January 2020, I moved in with my fiancé after being proposed in July 2019… then, BAM! A pandemic struck, lockdown happened and has dragged me down and my mental health into the pits of Hell. But since then, things have been getting back on track - being 3 stone lighter (19kg, 42lbs etc), changed day jobs, being nominated as HMA’s Best Photographer 2020 and almost getting published with Billboard Magazine (it sadly fell through due to the pandemic so there’s next time).

As soon as I was given my first concert back in June, I was awestruck but at the same time anxious about getting back into the swing of things. With the pandemic still ongoing, I was doubting myself. My thoughts were running at over 100 miles an hour thinking what if I have lost my touch with music photography.

Since returning, I photographed a grand total of 23 shows (10 of them sold out) & three festival in which two of them sold out! I would say it’s a pretty good achievement considering the circumstances. During this time, I have marked a couple of photo anniversaries. One of them was with my longtime friends Metal Hammer (December 2011) and it’s a decade since contributing on past and present opportunities. Long it may continue! I have done my first band shoot after… I would say, three years? It was a great time with all involved and you can take a look at the results of the Gone Til Winter I can’t wait to do more similar shoots soon and in the near future. Another achievement was having my photo of one of my all-time favourite bands Orbit Culture on their Wikipedia page. No biggie, right? Cheers to the members of their Discord for making this happen. The band are currently reaching new heights in the metal music scene so be sure to catch the wave. I hope to work with the Swedish maestros again!

After all of this, I am very thankful to still do this after 13 years (since picking up my first camera on 29th December 2008) and I am eternally grateful to my fellow friends in Metal Hammer Magazine, Distorted Sound Magazine, Total Rock, Rock Sins and Pop Sins for allowing me to photograph shows alongside them. I cannot wait to do more of this with fresh goals and a new mindset.

Here are a few highlights from the six months that live shows came back in the UK. Looking back at them… Why I called this year a practice run? Well… I’m only getting started! Bring on new shows/festivals and new heights! See in the photo pit soon, love you all! <3