A Lichfield photographer has found himself in focus as an exhibition of his work begins.
Rich Spencer is showcasing his music-related images at the Flamingo Tea Rooms in the city from tomorrow (September 4) until the end of the month.
The exhibition will feature a number of pictures spanning seven years of photography.
Tomorrow’s opening night – which runs from 5.30pm until 8pm – will also see local musicians performing.
“The show includes an intimate portrait of American guitarist Kaki King, a shot she selected herself as she said she could tell what she was thinking from her expression,” Rich said. “It’s really gratifying to know the subject has had a personal reaction to the shot like that.
“These pieces are all about the emotion of the performer, whether through expressions, gesture or movement, these are the three key things I watch out for when squeezing on the shutter release.”
His love of live event photography began at Aberystwyth University where he began capturing local concerts and folk jam sessions, as well as shooting bigger names in local venues.
And he admits that the modern age of digital photography will never erase the skill of capturing the moment.
“My Godfather introduced me to the concepts of manual photography and developing your own shots and surprisingly the scientific side of it didn’t put me off,” he explained. “This was all very useful when I got to University and found out I’d have to use a completely manual camera to take shots in black and white and make the photos myself!
“It seems a generation away these days, but I’d say that all photographers should have that experience to really engage with their craft. In the digital realm it’s child’s play to shoot a hundred frames before you even blink – you don’t really learn the value of the individual frame unless you’ve had to change a roll every 36 shots. Consideration and patience are really key.”
For a taster of what to expect from the exhibition visit www.freeboprich.co.uk or www.facebook.com/RichSpencerPhotography. Prints will be on sale throughout the exhibition and visitors will also be able to buy the shots online too.
