This is my first post here and I hope you can help me with a small challenge.
I am a professional photographer, with a specialist interest in music and I'm under contract to compile a photo book with biographical notes on traditional Irish musicians and instrument makers living in Ireland.
For each traditional Irish instrument (there are about 12 on my list) I need a well known professional (or part-time pro) player, a maker and a good amateur player.
I have a few big names signed up to be photographed and I would welcome your thoughts on:
A) Who you would like to see representing each instrument
B) Your favourite instrument makers (in Ireland)
C) If you are a musician or a record label or an agent and would like your artist (or yourself) to be included in the book, please let me know.
Thanks for the replies so far. If it doesn't sound too much of a double-standard, it would be good if you could offer real names rather than pseudonyms for the nominated musicians.
I'm very familiar with the books mentioned. The Living Note concentrates on musicians from Clare - and I do have some signed up already from that county, but I hope to broaden the area slightly for my own book.
'The Living Note concentrates on musicians from Clare - and I do have some signed up already from that county, but I hope to broaden the area slightly for my own book.'
Does that mean you're only interested in Clare, Limerick, Galway and Tipperary or does your use of 'slightly' encompass a wider area?
Sorry, Banjo was inadvertently left off the list in this thread, it is on my original list. I will probably be using Tommy Cussen as the maker, but I don;t have a player confirmed yet.
I'll go where the people are that make up the best book - within reason (I have only small advance and cost is a consideration - but time is the most important factor and I'm on a fairly tight deadline).
I'm looking for famous, photogenic, well achieved, up-and-coming and talented. If it's the same person, so much the better, but a good cross section will do.
That's a tough set of criteria! What about someone who looks like Angelina Jolie, but sucks? Or someone who looks like Father Jack, but is an amazing player?
I realise that it seems like a lot of criteria and a bit jumbled up.
But actually, I'm working to a very tightly defined and carefully thought through "proposal" for the book. I know exactly what I need and why and the publishers feel that it's probably never been done that way previously for a book on the subject.
I'd love to spell it out, but I'd lose the contract at this stage.
I think you need look no further than Ptarmigan - Dick Glasgow. He's photogenic enough, in a trad sort of way. And he seems to play most of the instruments on your list.
But it's a bit invidious to expect us to say which are the best musicians - it's so subjective. I'd have thought you do worse than look through Tony Kearns book of virtually who's who in Irish trad. - Ceol & Solas. Many instruments are included in that and some of the best exponents - take your pick.
I realise you have to go out and do your own original work, but it's a good starting point. By way, sounds very formulaic - don't like to be negative but is this some sort of tourist book publication, destined for the bargain book stores in a couple of years?
Bodhran Bliss - sort of joke. He posts here occasionally and is the self proclaimed greatest bodhran tickler in the country, world, universe!! I think he lives up the wee north somewhere. I recall there's a YouTube video of him in action - search on this site. Whatever about his playing - he's certainly a character
Then my votes for the tenor banjo would be:
1. Barney McKenna as the professional musician who represents the tenor banjo!
2. David Boyle - banjo maker!
3. Dick Glasgow/Ptarmigan
I suppose it's not my place to comment critically on the books out there (I am actually in Tony's book, looking unhappy with the process) but as things are I think Nutan has the eye and although I am not mad about too much in the way of staged portraits I think Con Kelleher has done some very nice work. He's a bit fussy, sits you down, tells you where to put your hands and where to look and all that but while it made me uneasy sitting for him, it does work for a lot of his subjects and he teases out the person nicely in a lot of cases. And Jill Friedman's shot of Johnny Doherty ofcourse, that's spot on.
Paul Reid's work in progress (what I have seen of it), especially the B&W 4x5 work is very nice too.
That's amusing, because I'm trying to avoid grainy black and white shots, although they would be "expected" in such a book and I've given a lot of thought on how to avoid it.
If I can come up with something less clichéd, but not too off the wall for the sake of it, I'll go for that as long as it fits the images.
For now, because I'm fairly familiar with digital post processing (I have won several "Photoshop" related awards) I'm keeping an open mind and I'll be shooting everything on medium format cameras with digital backs.
'But actually, I'm working to a very tightly defined and carefully thought through "proposal" for the book. I know exactly what I need and why and the publishers feel that it's probably never been done that way previously for a book on the subject.'
Well, I'm sorry to say that all your other messages don't give me an impression of a 'tightly defined' and 'carefully thought out' proposal at all.
If you know exactly what you need why haven't you been more specific re. your requirements?
Foley has featured on a BBC documentary on the bouzouki in Irish music and the making of the instrument. He has been making THE best Irish bouzoukis in Ireland since their introduction in the 60s. A very numble man is Joe who deserves recognition.
New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Hello All
This is my first post here and I hope you can help me with a small challenge.
I am a professional photographer, with a specialist interest in music and I'm under contract to compile a photo book with biographical notes on traditional Irish musicians and instrument makers living in Ireland.
For each traditional Irish instrument (there are about 12 on my list) I need a well known professional (or part-time pro) player, a maker and a good amateur player.
I have a few big names signed up to be photographed and I would welcome your thoughts on:
A) Who you would like to see representing each instrument
B) Your favourite instrument makers (in Ireland)
C) If you are a musician or a record label or an agent and would like your artist (or yourself) to be included in the book, please let me know.
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by photosireland
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Well from our ranks;
I nominate bodhran bliss !!!
and of course Ilig on the fiddle...
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by the wounded hussar
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Seriously, Prof. Prlwytzkofsky here has a strong interest in trad. photography and I'm sure you've seen Tony Kearns work?
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by the wounded hussar
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
... and there's also Nutan's work on the book 'Blooming Meadows' and Christy McNamara's on 'The Living Note'.
I think it would be helpful to all if you were to list your chosen instruments.
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by MacCruiskeen
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Yeah, is the harmonica on it?
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by Steve Shaw
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Thanks for the replies so far. If it doesn't sound too much of a double-standard, it would be good if you could offer real names rather than pseudonyms for the nominated musicians.
I'm very familiar with the books mentioned. The Living Note concentrates on musicians from Clare - and I do have some signed up already from that county, but I hope to broaden the area slightly for my own book.
The instruments I will be focusing on are:
Fiddle
Flute
Tin Whistle
Bodhrán and bones
Harp
Lutes (bouzouki, mandolin, guitar)
Accordion
Concertina
Uilleann Pipes
Thanks for any suggestions you can offer.
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by photosireland
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Tsk.
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by Steve Shaw
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Oh, and the harmonica! ;)
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by photosireland
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
No tenor banjo? :-o Come on!! There are tenor banjos everywhere in ITM?!
I really think Barney McKenna deserves to represent the tenor banjo! I mean, he really is the Godfather of Irish tenor banjo!
And for accordion I would Tony MacMahon, no doubts at all! His playing is simply amazing!
That's my two cents..
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by Mattias Holm
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
'The Living Note concentrates on musicians from Clare - and I do have some signed up already from that county, but I hope to broaden the area slightly for my own book.'
Does that mean you're only interested in Clare, Limerick, Galway and Tipperary or does your use of 'slightly' encompass a wider area?
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by MacCruiskeen
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
I nominate Pauline Cullinane for harmonica, she is an all ireland champion and lives in Clare.
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by Joseph Tailyour
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
I would love to have good pictures of Barney McKenna. Such a great player, and such a great subject for photography!
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Do you want the most photogenic, the best players, or the most famous?
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by gam
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Sorry, Banjo was inadvertently left off the list in this thread, it is on my original list. I will probably be using Tommy Cussen as the maker, but I don;t have a player confirmed yet.
I'll go where the people are that make up the best book - within reason (I have only small advance and cost is a consideration - but time is the most important factor and I'm on a fairly tight deadline).
I'm looking for famous, photogenic, well achieved, up-and-coming and talented. If it's the same person, so much the better, but a good cross section will do.
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by photosireland
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
That's a tough set of criteria! What about someone who looks like Angelina Jolie, but sucks? Or someone who looks like Father Jack, but is an amazing player?
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by DrSilverSpear
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
I realise that it seems like a lot of criteria and a bit jumbled up.
But actually, I'm working to a very tightly defined and carefully thought through "proposal" for the book. I know exactly what I need and why and the publishers feel that it's probably never been done that way previously for a book on the subject.
I'd love to spell it out, but I'd lose the contract at this stage.
All will be revealed at Christmas!
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by photosireland
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
I think you need look no further than Ptarmigan - Dick Glasgow. He's photogenic enough, in a trad sort of way. And he seems to play most of the instruments on your list.
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by skreech
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Thanks for the tip - one instrument would be enough!
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by photosireland
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
"I would love to have good pictures of Barney McKenna. Such a great player, and such a great subject for photography!"
I was lucky enough to get a few shots of him a few years back.
They go with some shots of Sharon Shannon in the steel protective box!
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by Weejie
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
"one instrument would be enough!"
Huh? I didn't see shaky egg on your list!
(Geddit? "One instrument would be un oeuf?")
I'll get me coat then...
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by Steve Shaw
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
For Tin Whistle my votes would go to Mary Bergin / Breda Smyth / Cora Smyth
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by deirjon
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
"For Tin Whistle my votes would go to Mary Bergin / Breda Smyth / Cora Smyth"
Great thoughts thank you - I'd forgotten all about Breda Smyth and that wonderful album she brought out about 6 years ago - almost rock and roll!
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by photosireland
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
"...someone who looks like Angelina Jolie, but sucks."
If you find her, could you let me know?
# Posted on May 12th 2011 by gam
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
But it's a bit invidious to expect us to say which are the best musicians - it's so subjective. I'd have thought you do worse than look through Tony Kearns book of virtually who's who in Irish trad. - Ceol & Solas. Many instruments are included in that and some of the best exponents - take your pick.
I realise you have to go out and do your own original work, but it's a good starting point. By way, sounds very formulaic - don't like to be negative but is this some sort of tourist book publication, destined for the bargain book stores in a couple of years?
Bodhran Bliss - sort of joke. He posts here occasionally and is the self proclaimed greatest bodhran tickler in the country, world, universe!! I think he lives up the wee north somewhere. I recall there's a YouTube video of him in action - search on this site. Whatever about his playing - he's certainly a character
# Posted on May 12th 2011 by the wounded hussar
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
"don't like to be negative..."
I'll hold you to that.
"...but is this some sort of tourist book publication, destined for the bargain book stores in a couple of years?"
Oops, too late! It's just a book.
# Posted on May 12th 2011 by photosireland
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
I bet it's black and white
# Posted on May 12th 2011 by ...
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Then my votes for the tenor banjo would be:
1. Barney McKenna as the professional musician who represents the tenor banjo!
2. David Boyle - banjo maker!
3. Dick Glasgow/Ptarmigan
# Posted on May 12th 2011 by Mattias Holm
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Banjo ? None better than Angelina Carberry.
# Posted on May 12th 2011 by Kenny
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
http://www.flickr.com/photos/madrarua/1304827842/
# Posted on May 12th 2011 by Hugo Chavez
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
I suppose it's not my place to comment critically on the books out there (I am actually in Tony's book, looking unhappy with the process) but as things are I think Nutan has the eye and although I am not mad about too much in the way of staged portraits I think Con Kelleher has done some very nice work. He's a bit fussy, sits you down, tells you where to put your hands and where to look and all that but while it made me uneasy sitting for him, it does work for a lot of his subjects and he teases out the person nicely in a lot of cases. And Jill Friedman's shot of Johnny Doherty ofcourse, that's spot on.
Paul Reid's work in progress (what I have seen of it), especially the B&W 4x5 work is very nice too.
# Posted on May 12th 2011 by Prof. Prlwytzkofski
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
"I bet it's black and white"
That's amusing, because I'm trying to avoid grainy black and white shots, although they would be "expected" in such a book and I've given a lot of thought on how to avoid it.
If I can come up with something less clichéd, but not too off the wall for the sake of it, I'll go for that as long as it fits the images.
For now, because I'm fairly familiar with digital post processing (I have won several "Photoshop" related awards) I'm keeping an open mind and I'll be shooting everything on medium format cameras with digital backs.
# Posted on May 12th 2011 by photosireland
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
You mean you'll shoot in rgb and reserve judgement on whether to greyscale or cmyk for effect? The prof (above) will have kittens.
# Posted on May 12th 2011 by ...
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
"The prof (above) will have kittens."
Well, unless he turns out to be my publisher, I think I'll be OK.
# Posted on May 12th 2011 by photosireland
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
I think it's a bit weird you have to find your subjects here. You'd hope for better insight in your subject.
You're not the failed shopkeeper from Adare are you?
# Posted on May 12th 2011 by Prof. Prlwytzkofski
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
photosireland wrote:
'But actually, I'm working to a very tightly defined and carefully thought through "proposal" for the book. I know exactly what I need and why and the publishers feel that it's probably never been done that way previously for a book on the subject.'
Well, I'm sorry to say that all your other messages don't give me an impression of a 'tightly defined' and 'carefully thought out' proposal at all.
If you know exactly what you need why haven't you been more specific re. your requirements?
# Posted on May 12th 2011 by MacCruiskeen
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Ah, just got that Adare reference, Peter!
http://www.shannaquay.com
# Posted on May 12th 2011 by MacCruiskeen
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
I think it's a shame that some of the people here find the need to be so negative and attacking. I was looking for suggestions, that's all.
I'm not from Adare, I'm actually from Colchester in the UK.
I won't bother you again. But thanks to those who gave their help without the negativity.
# Posted on May 13th 2011 by photosireland
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
You're not Stephen Power then?
# Posted on May 13th 2011 by Prof. Prlwytzkofski
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
No, I'm not. Are you Peter laban?
# Posted on May 13th 2011 by photosireland
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
As Fat Freddie used to say: 'Does the pope sh*t in the woods?@
Best of luck Stephen.
# Posted on May 13th 2011 by Prof. Prlwytzkofski
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
See you at Willie Week Peter.
# Posted on May 13th 2011 by photosireland
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Another newbie hounded off the site!
# Posted on May 13th 2011 by curiadydrwm
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Fantastic, a dissing from someone who thinks there was an author called 'George Louis Borge'!
http://www.bodhranwisdom.co.uk/Pages/Drum%20Wisdom.html
# Posted on May 13th 2011 by MacCruiskeen
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Well from our ranks;
I nominate bodhran bliss !!!
and of course Ilig on the fiddle...
# Posted on May 11th 2011 by the wounded hussar
Yep, I am truly great, albeit on a humble bodhran.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcEwPt0bQZs
After about two minutes I start too take it semi serious. With that broken beater that RIPPED the skin.
A lot better than my singing at Willie McBride's Grave (sic)
Never move up key when you are hoarse and can't sing in the first place.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bL2uNwOJo8o
But poignant.
You don't actually need photos of me now.........
# Posted on May 13th 2011 by bodhran bliss
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Joe Foley for bouzouki without a shadow of a doubt!!!
# Posted on February 6th 2012 by Ringo's ring
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Foley has featured on a BBC documentary on the bouzouki in Irish music and the making of the instrument. He has been making THE best Irish bouzoukis in Ireland since their introduction in the 60s. A very numble man is Joe who deserves recognition.
# Posted on February 6th 2012 by Ringo's ring
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
Few of the numble men left, indeed.
# Posted on February 6th 2012 by Weejie
Re: New Photography Book - Musicians Wanted
You're a bit tardy, Ringo's Ring, the book has already been published.
http://www.theliffeypress.com/proddetail.php?prod=01-6
# Posted on February 6th 2012 by MacCruiskeen