The Adventures of Ashley Maile

2009-06-26T23:30:00.007+01:00

Woke up to the very surprising and sad news. Then the jokes started pouring in... Left for Hampstead Heath quite early today as I had a shoot with the very lovely Silversun Pickups. Really nice people and thanks to Emma for sorting out the main prop and of course little Phoebe for putting it all together.

With the afternoon being free went to Sir Tom Baker to look into getting a suit made. Have a few things starting in August where I'll really need one so thought it's time to shrug off grubville and get a little smart...

Had to wait around for a job tonight, so Alistair and I went and saw The Hangover before the gig. A great little comedy and for once I didn't lose interest once the predictable Hollywood script kicks in around the halfway point! Realized it was directed by the same guy who did the classic Old School, probably why it kept me entertained the whole way through.

Caught a cab up to the Camden Church for the My Passion gig. Unfortunately it was running an hour late, fortunately there was a bar! Had a few drinks with Duff and Jon before the show and then went to the pit to shoot the show. They weren't as bad as their haircuts dictate! Still not something I would listen to but if they sorted out their look I don't think as many people would write them off on first look. Had to do the vox pops so figured I would try and find kids that had worse haircuts than the band sadly out of the three could only find one see Kerrang! in a couple of weeks for the results!

Here's a pic of chimp checking out his biceps which I realized I forgot to post from the Monkey World (Ape Rescue Centre) trip taken last weekend.

2009-06-25T23:16:00.000+01:00

First off just wanted to wish Olly Mitchell a happy birthday! Thought it would be a good idea to resurrect his favorite photo for the day... A big thanks to everyone who played along and showed a very constructive use of Facebook!

A screen shot of everyone's hard work.

2009-06-24T23:39:00.002+01:00

Apart from a couple of tiny things that needed to be sent in today was the first time in a while where I had a free day to enjoy Brighton. Went up to the Rottingdean pitch and putt with Carly and hit a round of 18 holes. Don't think I was as bad as last time but still got round without losing any balls...

Met up with the Fish, Laurence, Alice, and Ronnie for a little dinner and then picked up Neil before heading to the Dome for Jeff Beck. Show was not bad but I think we were at a disadvantage with the seats. He tends to play more to the center-right and being over on the far left we couldn't see him that well.

2009-06-23T23:39:00.002+01:00

Mostly a day of retouch and sorting things for the rest of the week. Had a great dinner with Tom, Jo, and the Fish at our favorite Tapas restaurant Casa Don Carlos. After a few too many pitchers of sangria came home and passed out.

Here's a pic of Steel Panther (The Doctors of Love) which will be in tomorrow's Kerrang!

2009-06-22T23:40:00.003+01:00

Left early for Cardiff this morning only to arrive late afternoon. Went through Fratton which took hours longer than it should have! Once there did a quick shoot with the New 1920. Nice guys and Colin had sorted a great location which I won't give away until the feature runs. Spent a total of 2 hours and 25 minutes before going back via London which shaved an hour and a half off the journey!

Here's a pic of Sally who seems to be the role model, poster Chimp at Monkey World (Ape Rescue Centre)...

2009-06-21T22:56:00.004+01:00

Drove up to the village of Bray at light speed with "Lead Foot Fish". Basically got stuck in traffic leaving as it was the London to Brighton bike ride. Did make it on time to meet the Borgs for Scarlet's Birthday lunch.

We were seated right away at the Hinds Head Hotel which is part of the Heston Blumenthal empire. It was traditional pub food unlike what the Fat Duck had to offer across the street. Prices were a bit high but it was one of the best pub meals I've had since I can remember, no excuse why they all shouldn't be as good as this!

Spent the afternoon in High Wycombe and got hooked on the Total Wipeout USA which is a hilarious contest that is a cross between a Japanese game show and American Gladiators.

Once home spent the rest of the evening finishing off a few things for tomorrow...

2009-06-20T23:57:00.004+01:00

Two words... Monkey World! Been looking forward to this ever since I realized it existed two weeks ago! Stopped in the Chich to pick up half the school and then carried on to Dorset. Spent the day at Monkey World (Ape Rescue Centre) which was brilliant. A great bunch of monkeys and apes, again as always the Orangutans had me entertained for hours.

Adopted Hsiao-Ning (pictured) at the end of the day as she was the best natured and seemed to make sure that every other Ranga in the nursery was doing OK! The Fish also adopted a Gibbon named Pung-Yo as she was told gets looked over ever since his mate had a baby. Can't wait to come back must look at the Calendar and book it in again...

Finished the day having a curry with the school in Chich and before returning to Brighton.

2009-06-19T23:58:00.004+01:00

Last day filling in at the office. Ended up being a busy week and lost out on a fair bit of work because of a couple of idiot decisions made by a few individuals who shall remain nameless. At the end of the day did a very quick shoot with Coalesce who were nice guys...

Raced home and had a quiet evening in which is always welcomed, especially as we are leaving early tomorrow for a trip to Dorset I've been looking forward to for ages! A pic from Toronto Zoo of who I hope to see more of tomorrow...

2009-06-18T23:02:00.002+01:00

Another busy day at the photo desk and finally finished everything for the week, now start next week! Was supposed to be shooting Mars Volta tonight but another fuck up from the usual suspect prevented that from happening.

A pic from the Steel Panther's visit to the office earlier this week...

2009-06-17T23:04:00.004+01:00

More office fun today, well the usual I guess. Got a message from Ian and it looks like the 4th annual thrashing of Barnsley by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park happens during a cold Saturday afternoon on December 19th!

Here's the latest issue of Kerrang! out today which features the Alexis On Fire shoot from a few weeks ago.

2009-06-16T23:04:00.003+01:00

Joined the 845ers up to town and got stuck in with the usual beginning of a week. Had a few hour break and went off to Retna Studios to do a shoot with Suicide Silence who were passed out all over the studio when I arrived. Set up all the lights around them and then they sprung into action when I mentioned being ready. Got a shot of Mark and his spectacular beard (pictured) as he mentioned almost everyone at Download had commented on it!

Back to the office and before the end of the day Steel Panther dropped in to say hello. I think I managed to get every person from the office in a photo with them. Went for a quick Sushi dinner singing the SP hit Asian Hooker of course, then it was off to Club 229 for the show.

Easily it was my favorite Steel Panther show I've ever seen and I think is was because they played pretty much the entire album and only a couple of covers. Headed to the post gig party and after a nod from the Fish it was time to call it a night...

2009-06-15T23:05:00.001+01:00

Thanks to the lawnmower man at 8am for about 15 mins that was it, I was up for the day.

Tom, Olly, and I left after check out, and took the long drive back to Brighton. Crashed out in front of the telly for pretty much the rest of the day. Needed to re energize as I'm filling in at the photo desk starting tomorrow until the end of the week.

A shot from last evening's drummer circle of drunken madness...

2009-06-14T23:06:00.011+01:00

The third and final day at Download and I only had a few things assigned to do which was nice. Still managed to pack the day full though. Checked out Suicide Silence who I'm doing a shoot with next week, also saw the always great Sevendust.

Went down to the main stage for ZZ Top who were great then photographed the buzz band of the festival, Steel Panther. An absolute blinder of a show as they only played original material. The third stage tent was spilling out the sides which is probably the only time that happened all weekend! Headed up to see Papa Roach afterward and Jacoby was good enough to point in my general direction for a decent shot. Finished the day off with the quick 2 song shoot and even faster upload of Def Leppard, while watching the blue bar I was fortunate enough to given what ended up being a godlike red wristband for a free booze tent! (Pictured is one of the perks of working in a common area with yourself left open to abuse courtesy of Simon Young!)

Finally with all the work done hung out with Eric from Shinedown which then turned into a gang of drummers who had been invited to the free booze tent. Oddly they had not been given a red wristband so the bartender and I schemed a great way to get the drinks out to everyone after security banned me from taking out more than two drinks! Bam Margera even joined us and just as I noticed that bus calls were taking people away I disappeared back to our hotel and from what I've been told passed out in the lobby...

2009-06-13T23:06:00.006+01:00

Day 2 of the Download festival today, woke up to the most hilarious text from Tom which unfortunately can't be repeated! A question though why are farts guaranteed comedy?

Arrived at the site early and tried out the really slow upload speed to send files to the mag. Painfully watched the blue bar for a while then went and shot one of the first bands of the day, DevilDriver.

Spent the rest of the day at the second stage which had some great acts on it. Chris Cornell and the Prodigy stole the show along with Static-X. I don't think You Me At Six fared to well with the Download crowd. For a look behind the scenes they had the most ridiculous photo release form to sign. I sent a text to their management to say I wouldn't bother shooting the band if I had to sign it and was told not to worry about it. Too bad for the band that no other photographer had done the same as quite clearly by the lack of photographers most had chosen not to bother photographing the band! I've seen it before and I'm sure I'll see it again, rights grabbing release forms kill a band's chances of any extra press!!

Highlight of the day had to be right before the Prodigy hit the stage. Normally the camera men troll the crowd to put girls on the big screen for them to then be pressured by the crowd to "show us your tits" but on this occasion they could only find men who in true comedic fashion showed their "Tits!" For some reason they wouldn't put the man pictured above on the big screen but to add to the hilarity in this outfit he kept falling off shoulders into the lucky crowd!!

Finished the evening listening to Slipknot doing the last of today's pics and a quick snapshot of Chris Cornell for the review. Headed back to the hotel bar and after some shouty Danish people annoyed our crowd I called it a night...

2009-06-12T23:07:00.004+01:00

Met up with Tom and we headed for Donington today for day one of the Download festival. Got to the hotel and checked in and were told that the hotel bar closes at midnight so in our entrepreneurial way we went and stocked the room with alcohol to possibly make money with thirsty drinkers later. We were like a couple of contestants on the Apprentice!

Made it to the site in time to do my first scheduled band Billy Talent. Had no space to put a computer down in the media tent which was handy seeing as we needed to upload everything as we shoot for the review! Had enough cards to get through the day which was packed with Killswitch Engage, Korn, Faith No More, and of course Limp Bizkit. Now I think I've mentioned it before that I find testimonials that photographers put up on their website to be absolute cheese! I might be able to fill a website with them too but on today's occasion I thought I would do the opposite. Was told by a particular lead person that he didn't really like any of the pictures in the feature. I was told just didn't like any of them when I asked if there was anything in particular... Brilliant! Got the lowdown from the manager after who didn't seem to bothered...

Left as Faith No More were finishing so we could get back to the hotel to sort out all the images from today. Back at the hotel Tom and I realized we would have been fired had we been contestants on the Apprentice as they kept the bar open all night long...

Would love to put up my favorite shot of the day (a Limp Bizkit one) but I'm sure it will be STOLEN by a load of fan sites and posted all over the Internet. Check the mag on Wednesday for it but in the meantime here's a shot of the best numbered pit security man!

2009-06-11T23:05:00.002+01:00

I'm really ready to give up on humans. Seeing programs like this yesterday and reading stories like this one make me sick. (sorry second one extremely upsetting!) I hope the "youths" don't get caught but get really fucked up by some vicious karma. Really? A defenseless animal? England listen up and sort out the education, teaching a little conscious to the average person wouldn't go a miss. Nobody ever wants to be accountable for anything... Rant over most likely only for a moment.

2009-06-10T23:29:00.004+01:00

Did find out who to blame this morning for the diversion the taxi had to take. The Obama's had a load of streets blocked for security therefore my taxi was double the cost! Dear Mr.President could you kindly make out a cheque for...

Tedious day at the computer number __? Sorted out loads and have the finalized list of things I've been assigned to do at Download this weekend. Will more than likely be a busy one and to be honest this years line-up is looking much better than last year. The organizers seem to listen to feedback as I mentioned last year why not get a Faith No More/Soundgarden/Guns N' Roses reunion and you'll be laughing. One third can't be wrong!

Took a very late train up to town and fortunately the tube line I needed was running fine! Made it to the Borderline in plenty of time to have a quick bite with Alistair and Tom before catching the Hexes opening show. Managed to get a decent enough spot in the middle squash for Alexis On Fire but only lasted a few songs before heading home. Great show and the crowd really went off for them which was nice to see.

Here's a shot of the Telegraphs which is out in today's Kerrang!

2009-06-09T23:29:00.005+01:00

Left for town early today and to the Southbank Skate Park for a shoot with Dead By April. The shoot went fairly quickly and finished with an odd request of the band having their photo taken with their manager posing wearing shoes, socks, and a skateboard! (pictured)

Spent the rest of the day at the office working through p-shop and retouch. Because of the tube strike took a bus up to Camden's Roundhouse to do some live pics of All American Rejects. They really knew how to strike up a pose in the first few songs so nailed the shot very quickly.

With the continuing tube strike decided to get a cab from the Roundhouse to Victoria. I've taken a cab that route before for about £14. Well for £30 the cabbie absolutely bottled it and went round some diversion in Soho. Not even an offer of a discount when quite clearly he had gone the longer way by not turning left! Did get a chance to edit everything on the train which worked out well as all I had to do was hit send once I got home...

2009-06-08T23:34:00.004+01:00

Worked through a load of images for next week's K! Also sorted what looks to be a very busy next while with Download and various shoots. No complaints from my end at all! I just may be a little tired like this yawning Gorilla, Charles.

2009-06-07T23:07:00.003+01:00

Started a few things today while the Fish did some applied arts with Stewart. Had a nice burger break and then got back to it. Fell asleep to the classic Parenthood again, I will get through it one day...

Here's a pic taken near Rachel, Nevada I thought turned out well.

2009-06-06T23:54:00.006+01:00

Up before dawn to more of the pouring rain and caught a train back to Brighton. Made it home before 11am which was great.

Proceeded to avoid doing the annoying errands by trolling through the hilarity that is YouTube. Discovered that there is Monkey World (Ape Rescue Centre) in Dorset which will definitely be a place to go SOON! (Some more pics from Toronto)

Picked up a few movies and watched Roxanne, and Gladiator. Tried to find the comedy classic Three Amigos which the Fish had never seen but no luck so the search will continue...

2009-06-05T23:44:00.003+01:00

Jumped on an afternoon train to Sheffield, by the time I arrived it was a complete down pour. Made for the venue in Emma's car and met up with Lewis and Mastodon. Had a quick bite and then it was back to the venue for the show.

Tonight was probably the best live sound I've heard in ages, it was as if everything was slightly turned down and really crisp and clear. Yes like listening to the CD (which is my favorite from this year so far) A very hard show to shoot with rubbish from behind lighting but did manage to get a few shots... My usual favorite of Brann mugging for the camera!

2009-06-04T23:44:00.002+01:00

Didn't have the best sleep laid out over 4 seats so it was a trying day to get through! Managed in the end with only a few things to do before tomorrow.

This week's cover of Kerrang! which came out yesterday of Limp Bizkit which I thought turned out well...

2009-06-03T23:35:00.006+01:00

Young and new photographers see this! Next time you hear a potential client use one of these cliches send them this link. Actually I can't wait to forward it on to the next person who tries it on!

Drove out to Niagara Falls with Kirsten as Ian "I got hit by a car" Winwood wanted to stay around Toronto. Took an hour and a half to get to the falls which were quite an amazing sight. It felt as if it was pouring rain when you were up close because of the mist. After a few pics we headed back to Toronto to pick up our luggage and Ian "I got hit by a car" Winwood.

Left for Peasron "YYZ" Airport and hit some slow traffic but managed to return the car rental and get to our gate with loads of time to spare. For once BA staff was polite, perhaps the Canadian mix helped? Boarded the flight and managed to get the best seat on the plane... 4 seats to myself at the back, many seats equals loads of sleep.

Some shots of Niagara Falls, I think so!

2009-06-02T23:11:00.004+01:00

After breakfast it was in the car and out to St.Catharines to meet up with Alexis On Fire. Had some food at the Lancer where everyone seemed to know Dallas. Watched them rehearse and then did photos all around the area. A favorite shot of the day was when Dallas asked Ian (who had said "I got hit by a car" at least 5 times up to this point) if he had been hit by a Smart Car and the band couldn't stop laughing!

After finishing up the shoot in the Port Dalhousie area we headed back to town and went with the band to the Blue Jays game. They had sorted some great seats and Ian "I got hit by a car" Winwood managed to get on the big screen with the band! Finished the night off at Sneaky Dee's and had a few drinks and some poutine with Kirsten and Liam although again the jet lag kicked in early again...