Well the inspiration is certainly working as evidenced by your work. We know you're from Birmingham and studied there, serving as proof that creatives in the Midlands can achieve massive success. What have been the pros and cons of being a creative outside of London?

A pro would be the mind-set I’ve developed over the years. Being from outside of London encourages me to work hard and take opportunities when they present themselves. Because there aren’t as many creative jobs or opportunities in Birmingham in comparison to London, every opportunity I get Is the result of hard-work, networking and being a positive person people like to be around. In a sense, it makes getting opportunities more satisfying. A con of being a creative outside of London is the lack of opportunities. There are very little stable photography jobs in Birmingham. The jobs that are available usually consist of working for companies doing family or new-born photography. Or they require you to be skilled in photography, videography, graphic design and web-design in an effort to lower the cost and hire one person to do everything. The main reason I became a freelancer wasn’t because of choice but circumstances. I didn’t want to spend my time doing something I’m not passionate about. I would rather go out and find my own clients than work for a company doing something I have no interest in.

As a photographer do you have to change your approach to shooting in a high-octane gig versus if you were doing a portrait session?

I’m more limited in how I can photograph a gig in comparison to a portrait session. When I shoot concerts, I have no control over the lights. I can’t decide the brightness, positioning or colour unless I speak to the lighting technicians before-hand. Sometimes they’ll listen to your suggestions and change the lighting, however most times they’ll do whatever they think looks cool for the audience. When I shoot a portrait session, I have a lot more control. I can talk to the artists directly and show them the photos afterwards. I try to find a balance between shooting artists on stage and backstage. I don’t want to become one of those photographers who only shoots artists portraits backstage. 

We notice from your site that you're a multidisciplinary creative. Between photography, graphics, illustration and writing - what does each discipline give you in terms of fulfilment?

I think each discipline gives me the same sort of fulfilment. I get the same level of fulfilment when I take a great photo just like when I write an interesting article or produce a cool illustration. I don’t draw or write as much as I used to but it’s definitely something I still enjoy doing. At the moment photography’s my main creative outlet.

Through your photography you've been up close and personal with a lot of stars that the majority of us will only see through a screen. Has anything surprised you about meeting musicians you like?

Anytime I meet a musician whose genuinely down to earth and humble it surprises me. It’s easy for an artist to have a big ego when they’re in the music industry but when they're down to earth, it’s always a relief. I feel more comfortable taking photos of them and starting conversations. It’s even better when they like the photos I’ve taken.

If you could photography anyone that you've worked with already, who would it be?

I’d love to photograph Dave for a magazine cover or brand campaign. Having the opportunity to work with him on something would be incredible. I’ve only had the chance to photograph him at concerts and festivals.

What can we look out for next from you?

Definitely, more photos. Festival season is finished but a lot of artists are starting their tours in September/October. I’m hoping to photograph as many shows as possible before the year ends.