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As I looked through the photographs of the singers, I thought of my own time in music. All the different singers and manners of singing I've encountered. The photographs seem like the beginning of a typology of vocalists - all in front of that open condenser mic. I like the look of that.

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What instrument did you play, Neil? That’s so interesting. Do you have photos during that period of time? Regarding the photographs above, They are mini-typologies, like a haiku of some sort, 5-6 images that tell a story but not a full blown series or essay. It could also be seen as a seed of an idea that could be expanded later on. That’s what is fascinating with photography. So many possibilities for crafting visual stories. Thanks for looking!

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I played guitar, piano, and sang a bit - with a whole bunch of dabbling in other instruments. I began in photography by shooting gigs, so I've taken quite a lot of photos of singers, though not in any way typologically. Less static in preparation and more in the thralls of performance.

My favourite is this one, Alice Glass when she was with Crystal Castles: https://neilmilton.scot/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/crystalcastles_web.jpg

Of all the substandard photos of me, I have, as an artist, this is by far my favourite ;)

https://neilmilton.scot/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2021-04-02-11.38.27.jpg

I'm not typological in my approach to photography. I don't have such an organised mind. Your photos above, though, I think it would be a tremendous project to have. A set-up similar to the photos above. High-key background. Single mic. All different types of singers. (Rock, jazz, indie, classical, opera, metal, etc...) :)

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Look at you, rocking with a guitar! Nice one. Thanks also for sharing your Alice Glass’ photo. Dynamic and spontaneous. I will check the rest of your music photos on your website.

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Ironically, that photo of me came from one of my worst performances, bar none. Still, In a rare instance, I looked the part ;)

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The expressions of concentration and focus on preparation are coming through really strongly - I can almost feel them crackling!

Another great post, Stella - thank you. 😊

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Thanks, Rebecca! I haven’t seen these photos in a long time. I look at them with fresh eyes and indeed, they come through stronger than the time I captured them. All the nuances I did not notice until recently.

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I love how Courage comes from a French word for “heart.” I think it takes wholeheartedness to share what the soul yearns to express through our art making. Trusting the process is such a big part of this. Abundant Courage to you, Stella, as you embark on a new year of the creative life!

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Thank you, Ann. You have such a unique insight and it comes from a deep place. I appreciate you sharing them. You always give me something to think about. I sure would enjoy a hike with you if we lived closer. I bet I’d learn so much!

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I could learn so much about photography from you, Stella. That would be a dream hike.

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What a beautiful idea to capture the moment before the singing or the moments after during the applause.

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Thank you, Kathryn!

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Love these photographs, love the square crop, love the stillness in the moment but the dynamic look on the performer's eyes. You can nearly hear their thoughts. Beautifully resolved, Stella!

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Thanks Xavi! I’m glad I stumbled upon them while I was going through my archives. With fresh eyes, I seen these images differently compared to when I first photographed them.

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I find that fascinating, how as we grow, our perception of our own work changes. Either for good or for worse but it never stays indifferent.

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So true, Xavi!

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