The Last Picture Show

edinburghfringe2008 all you need to know

2008-07-10T23:40:00.000-07:00

Addiction is the reason; there's a new blog for 2008.

All the News, Reviews and imformation you need to survive the Fringe 2008.

edinburghfringe2008

To make a start

2006-08-06T00:24:00.000-07:00

Day one.

The High Street, the Mound and Edinburgh now once again rings out with the sounds and sights that mean The Fringe has once again started.

Beautifull women, daring entertainers and all the spectacle that is the Fringe once again on the High Street.

True Livewires

2006-08-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

This year once again pounding the streets where Livewire Theatre Company.
Their call of “Red Blood, black ships”, resonating out around the High street daily during the first week.
They are almost street veterans now, they know all the promotional ploys to attract an audience.
The fight scenes energetic, the rallying calls loud, the girls as gorgeous as ever.

When Sleep Isn't An Option

2006-07-26T03:04:00.000-07:00

For 21 days (give or take one or two) I'm on the High Street or at The Hogshead, Castle Street.
I walk, balance and stalk the High Street always looking for photo opportunities.
Some days they are given to you at other times you have to fight for them. Luck on my part is that in my years photographing the Fringe I've made friends with all the right people, and the fighting part is almost a thing of the past.

This years edge is just that. An edge (shot). Not many photographers can offer or probably achieve.

Shep Huntly and everyone else, Thanks!

2006-07-07T00:28:00.000-07:00

This year I've added something a little different to my collection of "toys" I'm playing with.

For me it is just playing. The only person I've to impress is myself. If other people like what they see then that's a bonus; that's always been my philosophy.

Adding the circle shots to my collection has been an exciting part of this years festival. Every one for me that little bit more exciting. All the performers have allowed me into their space, to get photos for me and something a little special for them.

Shep Huntly is a great showman and fantastic street entertainer, whom I've known now for many years, he like one or two of the others has given me an introduction as I've been about to get the photos you see here. I've become part of there shows and for that I'm truly thankful. Without them I'd not be here. Support street theatre, always fold something up and drop it into their hat. It's not free entertainment, it's the best entertainment in the world!

Best Show on The Mile

2006-06-06T00:41:00.000-07:00

The High Street is the place to be to see the best live entertainment in the World at Festival time. At times it's so busy it's hard to move. At 11.ooam as the barriers close the street, street performers and Fringe stages are the draw for the crowds.

J-P, Sham, Space Cowboy and so many more arm them selves with little more than cases, whips whistles and horns and crowds appear out of nowhere. They lay out their props, with their multitude of gags.

If you want spectacle it's there to be seen. If you want danger it's there to be seen. Edinburgh has the best Festival in the World and it's truly not to be missed.

Another Day in The Danger Zone! (Defying Gravity)

2006-06-06T00:03:00.000-07:00

There are photographers working out there in the World that risk there lives to bring us newspaper photos. I on the other hand risk only a laugh or an "Ah."

I've been very privileged this year to be able to almost become part of their fantastic shows. And for me take away one last image that will be as special I hope for them as they are to me.

Risking My Life For My Art (or a worms eye view)

2006-06-05T23:41:00.000-07:00

There are probably not many photographers in the world who could have the opportunity or be this stupid to achieve shots like these. People see me on the mile with all my gear, comments like "war correspondent" get made all the time.

Good photos can just happen, they don't have to be created, being in the right place at the right time.

When The Theatre is The Street, Respect

2006-06-05T13:01:00.000-07:00

Street theatre is about doing a job, in all weathers, rain, wind and sun.

But you also have to contend with in Edinburgh all the people flyering and promoting their shows.

If you get one show a day, you sometimes have to make it count.

Please respect street theatre, pay what you can afford. It's not Free entertainment, it's entertainment that you pay for later. Ask a Fringe act if you can pay for the ticket after their show.

And as you leave the (street) theatre please show respect for other shows that might be going on.

Photography with an Edge

2006-06-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

Don't ask me if I've any good shots when I'm on the street. On the day I've no idea. All I have is luck and good fortune on my side. I have to wait, my images come to me in that almost forgotten form film, courtesy of 1Stop Photo.

Risking life and limb I've now added the edge I was talking about, and a man with a concrete block is really risking life and limb.

And someone is going to have to tell Jinny if she wants to "busk" on the High Street, she needs to learn the words, and get a bigger microphone.

(was left a lovely comment by Ric's Mum, Ric is the shot blowing out the fire torch. Took a moment to stop by her blog. If you have a moment I recomend you do. It's bloody brilliant. Thanks Ric's Mum. You gave me a good laugh!
http://judithtaylor.blogspot.com/

Firefly Productions (from Fringe-photographer)

2006-06-05T01:46:00.000-07:00

Friends for longer than everyone else on the High Street. Firefly Productions I didn't have much of a chance to see this year. They're show was a little later in the evening, meaning they weren't out flyering for most of the time till after I'd left the High Street for the my evenings in the Hog's Head.

Every day I'd try to get to see their show, and someone or some cast would arrive at the exhibition. For me as my venue I felt I just had to stay.

Time was rushing by. I was getting more and more stressed out that I still hadn't made it.

Their visits to the pub this year were few and far between all down to timing of their show. And this year they were only here for two weeks.

In the end it came down to their last night. I thought no matter what I had to see and photograph their show.

My how glad I am I did. The G-City monologues, life in Gotham City for the super villains after Batman had to retire, was certainly the finest piece of work I'd seen during the Fringe: nominated for a Fringe First too.

On the Smallbrown Film rating another 5 film show.

Budapest Kiseret and Another Day on The Street

2006-06-04T00:51:00.000-07:00

Firefly are back. For that I'm truly thankful. With a Fringe legacy that stretches back ten years the arrive once again with a piece of theatre to knock your socks off.

Budapest Kiseret is theatre of the finest order and is not to be missed. I almost stopped taking photos for them I got caught up in what was unfolding on stage. I had no idea what was coming up, the narrative twist had me sitting on the edge of my seat.

For me and of course Firefly yet another Andrew five film rating!

Once again on the street I was on a beautiful high, enjoying the sun and out just taking photos. More things to add to my collection.

Caught in The Headlights

2006-06-03T22:35:00.000-07:00

I have always been as honest about why I love the Edinburgh Fringe. I have always found it better to tell people why I love to capture whats going on on the High Street.

Beautiful people, beautiful women. Some casts and crews have that ability to just catch your attention head on. This year there are a lot fewer than normal.

One cast stands out from the crowd, so much so, that not only were my photos only just up in the Hogshead on display, that they even went missing same night.

That's a record even for me and my exhibition.

Rabbit

2006-06-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

When you see something on the street that draws your attention, with the Fringe there is no telling how good or bad it's going to be.

The group of stunning bunny girls flyering on the High Street promoting Rabbit a black comedy about a disfunctional family playing at C3 venue at 12.25PM.

The humour dark, even in the process of taking photographs and following the story as it played out before me I found myself laughing at things, me and everyone else in the audience probably shouldn't of been laughing at.

The young cast played out everything with the accomplishment of actors and actresses beyond their years. They are stars of the future and true stars of today. Take an hour out half way through your day and grab a seat. I'm sure once word spreads, this will be a sell out show. Don't miss it.

And as for my film rating once again a five film show.

Maybe I should pick shows for people, not for a few years now have I picked a show not worthy of a good rating.

A Royal Mile Tour with Bunnies and Arthur Smith

2006-06-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

Second year I've made it onto the Arthur Smith Alternative Tour of The Royal Mile. It's one of The comedy highlights of the Fringe.

This year as luck would have it, the cast and crew from Rabbit, had been asked to participate.
I think Arthur Smith had also seen their potential like me.

What we didn't probably expect was how much they would eventually participate in the event, with one of the cast being the most adept of climbing bunnies I've ever seen in my life. And another who had what can only have been called a "close encounter of the bathrobe kind."

Hoping, climbing, running we followed Arthur down the Royal Mile. Hanging on all he had to say of his version of Edinburgh history and whether God exists.

The answer, well that was for another tour I suppose. Maybe again in a couple of years.

To Flyer or Not to Flyer

2006-06-01T00:47:00.000-07:00

Well I've caught my good friend Nikki once again.
Out promoting her show. Once again on the High Street drawing in the crowds to a show.

And once again with a few days to go new casts now form part of the High Street spectacle. Other casts have packed up and on their way home.

The last week is a hard week for myself. So much to do, so little time to get it done. But still The Show must go on. For this the last time.

We are in the Presence of Gods (well Martians anyway)

2006-05-31T23:57:00.000-07:00

Once again the squeek of "yellow margarine" sounds on the High street.
The invasion has started. We have to bow down to the voice of authourity. The Martians have landed.

Crowds flock drawn by that strange, and ireverant take on the world of popular music.

These men have murderous intent. They only want to kill you all, well thats their take on it anyway. Kill you with laughter they will.

Taking a Break (to take more photos)

2006-05-31T00:31:00.000-07:00

Monday afternoon of the final week, and someone I was introduced to a couple of day's earlier came over and said "hi."

The first thing she'd said to me after I said I'd like to photograph her, was that she didn't look great in photos.

My reply was the wrong people had been taking them.

It's was just the tonic I needed to pick me up at that moment. I was just killing time on the mile looking for more images to add to my ever expanding collection.

I had and have over the last few weeks made promises to street shows to photograph them, but time and weather have sometimes been against both me and them.

Lorna and I headed off towards one of my many "studio spaces on the Mile."

Ten or fifteen minutes later. I had run through just a couple of films.

I had asked one or two cast members from shows if they'd like some photos done, but until now no one had taken me up on it. "ce la ve." Thanks Lorna, and I hope you like the photos!

Just one More Beer

2006-05-30T23:47:00.000-07:00

The spectacle of the Fringe, the good, the bad and the ugly once again prowl the streets of Edinburgh.
Once again Slaughterhouse Live are one of the big draws round the Fringe stages. I would expect nothing more from a group who have a good few Fringe years under their belt. Add them to your must see list!

On the beautiful front two girls now I've had the pleasure of meeting now for a number of years on the High Street are Mhairi and Becky, and I have to thank them for always brightening up my day when I run into them.

Now That the Cows Have Gone

2006-05-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh's Streets and Squares are now devoid of the sight of the cow parade.

One cow has a special place on the pages of this blog.

Jinny our own High Street supervisor is the artist behind this beautiful creation.

So it was with great delight I felt the need to add the two photos I have of her cow to my newest blog.

The Luck of The Draw

2006-05-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

For Street performers to get a show on the High Street there is a ballot in the morning to decide who gets what slot during the day. With more performers than available slots the ballot can mean a day or two off some days.

The draw for me has been the chance to add a nice selection of random photos to my collection. And the shot I love so much. The group shot.

How Many Miles

2006-05-30T00:04:00.000-07:00

There is Always a Better Vantage Point

2006-05-29T00:34:00.000-07:00

On the High Street with so much going on people are almost Q-ing up to get on to the many bollards that adorne the street.

The other interesting thing I've now seen is the people who bring seats to street shows. Their Theatre is the Street (maybe street performers should charge more for these dress circle seats.)

Then again there are those people who are lucky enough just to have a veiw of the street from there window.

Wish it was me.

Not Searching Anymore

2006-05-22T14:52:00.000-07:00

From late on last year I've been trying to get in touch with the cast from "The Cagebirds," who I happened to meet last year. From contacting the Fringe, to putting messages on the forum pages. But I search no more, two of last years ensemble cast.

It's great to see faces from previous years. Even better to see stars in the making.

That is what the Fringe is all about.

A Cut Above The Fringe

2006-05-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

With final preparations underway for this years Exhibition. Flyers now designed, Mr Brown is going to new heights to get better photographs of this years events on the High Street.

My Fridge is full to bursting point with almost all my film I need for this year,only another 40 rolls to get. Started stocking up about May, as I've always said nothing like being prepared, never, ever leave anything to the last minute. You have no idea of what pitfalls can come up.

The pub is also already full of images from last year, I won't have much space to fill this year. But thats where the suprise might just come in!

Be prepared this year, for a new and possibly exciting finale to my career on the street with a camera, "well for me anyway."

My outlook for this year, getting better by the minute. Things are defiantly on the up and up.

The countdown continues.

Blowing my Own Trumpet

2006-05-22T01:09:00.000-07:00

I just take photographs, I don't do anything that most people who own a camera can do. But some people like my work.

British Journal of Photography-
“One of the finest examples of street photography”

Little D-fects Theatre Company-
“Genius”

Firefly Productions-
“Finest and most stolen”

1Stop Photo-
“How Street photography should be done”

Ensemble Tours-

"Fabulous Photographer"

Theaker Von Ziarno-
“Photographer extraordinaire”

Stickman-
“Performers want to come to Edinburgh, not for the Festival…
But to be photographed by you.”

James James-

"Bloody brilliant, funny, full of memories and great photos."

Promoting Your Show

2006-05-21T23:52:00.000-07:00

If your out on the mile there is one thing that you will always see "beautiful women."
If you want a good audience the more beautiful the better.

Why? It's the advertising trick everyone has used always. From aftershave to beer. From cars to holidays in paradise.
Nothing promotes something better than a pretty face.

So please don't complain if on these pages you see more good looking and beautiful women than men. It just means that the Fringe theatre groups are doing what they need to do to get people into their venue.

Just Past Half Way

2006-05-20T00:17:00.000-07:00

I was sitting in the pub on Tuesday evening sorting through photos, getting them ready to put up on display. A couple came over to my table, they had been directed over from the bar.
They where looking for a show. They had seen them on the High Street, hadn't got a flyer, couldn't remember their name. They described the two Japanese gentelmen.
Gamarjobat, was who they were looking for. For my help I was bought a beer. I gladly accepted of course. But before they left the pub I managed to track down a couple of photos which I of course gladly passed on to them, with my thanks.

Sitting quietly last night I started looking at the spaces not yet filled. Just enough I think to keep me going until the end of my run.

Just have to see what happens over the next couple of days.

Compliments From Your Peers and More

2006-05-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

It's a great feeling to be recognised through what you do, by people who have celebrity status.
Today on the High Street I happened to run into by chance Arthur Smith once again, three years out of six is not bad going. Even better he remembered my work. He'd taken his "pub tour" into The Hogshead, and I'd managed to get a couple of photos of him then. Then last year (or possibly the year before) I made it on to the alternative tour of the royal mile. The photo oppertunities came thick and fast.
He thanked me for my work, saying it was the first time he'd got photos of the event.

I'm looking forward to this years to now.

Another person I ran into was a beautitful young lady from last year, whom I'd "stalked" on the High street. It was great that she made it down to my party last year and rven though she's only here visiting this year I hope she's around at the end of the Fringe.

Distracted By Beautiful Women

2006-05-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

This year I have done my best to be on the mile 24/7. Through rain or shine. I've been there seen it and done it, bought the t-shirt!

"Got the flyer, to prove it."

Today was one of these days. The sort of day when I didn't really need to be there, but I was. Rain didn't stop play it just slowed it down a little. But thankfully this has been the first bad day of the Festival so far.

Still The Bunnies would be on the mile. "Always a bonus."

The girls from the production of "Rabbit," are some of the most beautiful women I've met on the mile since I ran into Sadie from Little D-fects three years ago now , and all the girls that have over the years arrived with Firefly Productions. "you might see a patern here. Yes I'll admit it, and you can tell instantly that I've always been drawn to productions with beautiful women. As I say in my profile, Audrey Hepburn and Louise Brooks are two of this worlds most enegmatic icons and are a must see in the cinema or on TV.

I'd rate a good few of the women I see easily alongside any Holywood great of today, some even more so, especially when your dealing with the standard Edinburgh Fringe audience.

If their acting career is where they want to go. I hope it takes them to the top. For it's a place some of these girls truly deserve.

The Last Picture Show

2006-05-18T01:01:00.000-07:00

August 2006.

Was my last every Fringe photographic Exhibition.

If you didn't make it to that one, there will be no more to see.

Mr Brown and photography will most probably be parting company.

I just need a real holiday.

For everyone whose helped and made what I do the success it's become my biggest thanks.

All my friends, fans and supporters, many thanks. Without most of you I'd not still be doing this .

There has to be a starting point, but there also has to be a finish line. Last year I was on the brink of saying no more. Got to about this point in the year and had a change of heart.

All photographs © Andrew Brown

Plucking Amazing

2006-05-17T01:50:00.000-07:00

On Saturday the 26th I got a call from Adrian from Pluck, asking if I had anything planned for Sunday afternoon.
"No, was my reply." It was my last day on the street, a time to say my final farewells to people and add one or two more images to my ever expanding collection.

"Well how would you like to come and shoot our show, we've only a few shots of the new show."

How could I refuse. Pluck are good friends, fantastic on the street and on stage. And have been great supporters of the Exhibition and my photography over the last few years.

The next day I arrived at the Pleasance around 1.30pm, fully laden as always. Met Jon and headed into the theatre space. I've shot Fringe theatre for a few years now this was my biggest venue yet, and it was a sold out show. I was feeling just a little nervous at the thought.

Shooting the street and using the 8MM lens I've become part of so many shows, but it's really just in and out.

As the audience took there seats I readied myself for the show.

Pluck are amazing, within moments the audience were almost rolling around in their seats. The music and humor came thick and fast. Adrian, Jon and Sian once again brought tears of laughter to everyone in the audience.

Pluck were only here in Edinburgh for the last week of this years festival, after last year hectic schedule I'm sure it was a slight change for them.

On the High Street they have always been a great draw around the Fringe stages. Their theatre show makes them legends in their own time. Best comedy show at the Fringe. Undoubtedly! They will become the Edinburgh Tattoo of the Fringe, sold out the year in advance.
Become a convert, book in advance, they are a not to be missed show, wherever they are in the world.

Three New World Domination Bids

2006-05-16T23:40:00.000-07:00

With the Martians going for an invasion of Earth, three more of the alcove acts were there going for the title of blocking the High street.

First was Todd Various, magician, his cups and ball routine is in it's short life almost legendary.

James James, magician, again a cups and balls man of incredible stature and a brilliant and truly entertaining master of mirth.

Then to top it off we had the two sopranos, whose sound is to knock your socks off. Whose good looks would top any chart. Look out "Charlotte" you've got competition.

Street Pirates, Acrobats and French Farce

2006-05-16T01:35:00.000-07:00

This year on the street the diversity of street entertainers was beyond imagination. Fresh and imaginative duo's took center stage on the High Street and in Parliment Square.

The Street Pirates were the first of a few new acts I managed to photograph and the last show I photographed was Tim Tam from Japan.

The best indication of good street theatre is the number of other street performers in the audience. When you bring a show to the street if it's new and vibrant there are always people interested in what you are doing.

The well established street performers draw crowds year after year. J-P, Stickman, Vince, Beautiful Stu, Sham and others to numerous to mention, hold crowds with all their skills at their disposal.

Street theatre is art as good as any Ballet or Opera. As complex as any theatrical production, or big budget film. And certainly, no defiantly more entertaining than the dross we seem to be feed down our throats of reality television.

For 45 minutes we are entertained, we share the laughs and the "danger" with the people standing next to us. And as we should take centre stage at the end of their show to reward them with the financial remunination they truly deserve.

A Promise to Keep

2006-05-16T00:38:00.000-07:00

Last year I met once again three beautiful young ladies, now I have a promise to keep. I have to track down the shot and let them get a copy of them on the High Street.

If I'm right one of them has the possible potential of being a model. My judgment was right a few years earlier when I photographer yet another group of girls and one of them made it onto the books of Select Model Agency.

If the opportunity arose before I give up this year this girl would be one of the last girls I'd love to have the opportunity to give some portraits to, just to see if I'm right.

Two more 5 Minute Breaks (on the same day)

2006-05-03T04:58:00.000-07:00

In the last week, Thursday in fact. I was still in recovery mode from my Exhibition Party. I was taking things a little easier. It was as if I was on winding down mode, but there are always, shows and people to photograph.

I ran into Mag's from Rabbit, she was on a day ofF from promotion and just on the street taking a break. I managed to convince her as I've mentioned before to give me a few moments of her time. She concented and I again headed off the High Street with a beautiful young lady to take a few photos. "Always a bonus."

My first choice space was at that moment in time a part time football pitch for some teenagers.

Two short breaks was exactly what I needed for the day. In fact some of the shots I got that day were certainly some of my favourites from the Fringe. Thanks to all the girls for being my insparation and tonic I needed on that day.

A Final Party and a Promise

2006-05-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

This years party will of course be my last, as host, photographer and exhibitor. The turn out as good as could be expected. Well over the hundred mark at a quess anyway. I spent most of the early part of the evening welcoming guests as always. Street performers one and all, with only one or two exceptions turned up. The alcove artists also among their numbers too. Fringe staff made it down for a first and second time. Firefly made it there yet again, the Hogshead had become a stopping off point on their way home, so they had been in most evenings before and after. The cast from Rabbit to made it down, only two of them not there on the night, but they were organising a party for the cast and crew later in the evening.

As the numbers swelled the pub was almost bursting with the cream of all that could be seen and heard on the High street. Complinents again came thick and fast through the evening, "Rabbit" now found out I wasn't just some photographic stalker on the High Street.

Early on was my first duty of the evening. Enough people had arrived and I had a presentation to do. Ginnie, High Street supervisor extrordinaire, artist of note, had a present to get. As mentioned previously she had designed one of the cows in Edinburgh for the Cow Parade, so once I found that out I'd hatched a plan. Printed up a couple of enlargements of her cow. Then on the first day got her and Cathy in a group shot with the street performers. Then started my "undercover operation," the photo mount I started having everyone sign. Two years ago like me Ginnie had mentioned that it might be her last year, but things always change. So I thought I'd take no chances, and whenever, if she does give up, she'll have something to remember her time on the High street. I think she liked it. Vince certainly said "that he could see her welling up."

Second point in the evening where I again took centre stage was my second botteling speach ever. A hat was provided for myself once again and donations were greatly recieved.

As the evening proceeded towards close, numbers started to drop. A good if not great time had by one and all. As last orders sounded I found myself in the company of a small, but hard core party crowd. Up for more drinking, but for me it was time to call it a night, and being as sober as I was leave with as many memories of my last official party of the exhibitions history.

The promise, to Lorna who couldn't make it. So hope you like this article and photos, because it's all for you.

Calling The Shots

2006-05-02T04:09:00.000-07:00

Through 5 of the 6 years on the street I’ve been using Nikon F100’s and Nikon F5’s. My first year I trusted to a F90X. Lenses of choice over the years: - Nikon 80-200 f2.8 AFS. Nikon 500mm F8 Reflex and a Nikon 85mm F1.4, all of which I’m still using.
This year I also managed to add for three weeks only to my ever expanding arsenal of lenses a Nikon 8mm F2.8, which I had seriously great fun using.

Film choice over the years has always been the same Fuji Press 800. Then on occasion Fuji Superia 200 and 400. The consistency of Fuji is the one thing I love and most of all its exposure latitude is incredible. When you’re working in variable lighting or moving from the street to a theatre venue it’s important to know you have a medium that you can rely on.

The Nikon 8mm and a second Nikon F100 body this year came from Calumet Photographic. Nice to have use of good rental equipment and a pleasure to deal with.

All images this year scanned and printed. File size of around 1.5MB although with film the largest file size I can have and have had produced is around 94MB.

My Show has Overrun

2006-05-01T23:23:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago my good friend and Manager of the Hogshead Emily, was given the chance to move from the Chanter to The Hogshead Castle Street. The day she started, I came down to visit. The first thing she said to me was that the walls were a little bare could I do something to brighten the place up.

I headed to the Chanter, into the atic space there and started collecting photos. The views and animal shots originaly resided there for a little while.

Then the Exhibition was coming up so I said I'd bring it with me to. So after designing my flyer I went home that night, re-worded it to show my new venue.

A deal was struck once again between Emily, Jason (her boss) and myself once again, the exhibition started in ernest back in late July.

As a result this show has been on now for around 21,600minutes, which means I've overun by 21,555minutes, which of course means I'm banned from the next draw or two.

The High Street Staff

2006-05-01T23:08:00.000-07:00

Every day on the High Street there are lots of background characters. There to help, to direct, to clean. Without them we'd not know who was on where. Have stupid people cycling up and down the street. Help people find each other when they become separated. And remove the sea of flyers that would probably engulf the High Street.

Without the High street staff and the rubbish busters, there would be times in the day where there would be nothing to photograph. (not that there is ever not something happening.)

The High street staff have always been part of what I love to photograph on the High Street, and they have also helped me out so many times through the years. This year as much as any. At times when I've needed to get somewhere, find someone or just dispose of a camera for a few moments. They are the people I trust. To Cathy and Ginnie thank you for putting together another great team.

Thanks to them all for all their help and support over all the years.

Photographing beautiful Women

2006-05-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

I've never denied that my passion for photography has been driven by one thing, that of photographing beautiful women.

You may have already noticed that one cast. One cast member has recieved more attention than most.

Being brought up with a cinema background my passion was always great movies. From the age of 3 until 10 I spent all my free time in the ODEON on Clerk Street, Edinburgh. I saw every film, except for the "X" certificates. Two years of suffering the Sound of Music, but a great many other fantastic films had passed before my young eyes. I always had a soft spot for good looking actresses

Mags from the crew of Rabbit, has this incredible look that I always seemed to be drawn to. She reminds me of young Faye Dunaway of, The Thomas Crown Affair or Bonnie and Clyde fame.

All the other girls from Rabbit too were notable in their striking good looks. All of them well deserved on the pages of fashion or film magazines, or on this blog or more notably on the walls of my photography exhibition in the Hogshead.

When the cast left, they stopped off at 1Stop Photo and dropped off a couple of things for me as a thank you, for the photos I'd donated to them over their run. My thanks back of course will be making sure I've a lot more "Rabbit" photos added to my blog.

PR Man Available at a Price

2006-05-01T04:14:00.000-07:00

Having spent as much time on the street over the years as I have I’ve seen most of the promotional stunts that people pull to promote their shows.

I’ve even convinced shows to pull “stunts” I’ve seen before, because they work on a photographic level, and if you get a crowd of photographers, you get a crowd to flyer to too.

Also with my “contacts” I recon I can get you exposure on the street. That will give you access to audiences you would not dream of.
So next year if you want my Fringe experience can become yours. As long as you and your company have the nerve to try my promotional ideas and buy me a good few beers.

Saying My Farewells

2006-05-01T02:46:00.000-07:00

My last day arrived. Out on the street armed to the teeth with every photographic tool at my disposal, even though it was more of a day to say my goodbyes. I had headed to the draw once again, with the last of the photos I had to pass on to the performers. This year I have almost no photographs left to take home with me, which is always a bonus. I must be the only photographer happy to nothing left to show for what I've done, except for what can be seen here or on the walls of the Hogshead, Castle Street.

A little later in the day I ran into the "Bunnies" and the guy's from Rabbit. They had one more day to go, but I'd of course be back at work. Not for a few years had I had so much fun with one particular cast on the High Street. If it wasn't for them it may have been a little dull on the High Street, apart from the street performers.

This year there were a reasonable amount of casts and crews there to see, but very few had seemed to take the trouble to make things interesting to photograph. Livewire in the first week were once again a delight to photograph. Firefly with Jordan out in his Joker costume, another pleasure to see.

One or two other casts had arrived in costume, but most were only in promotional t-shirts or sweatshirts. Promotion of the show is always the key, whether the "stunt" is part of the play or not it's the promotion that matters. The bunny girls were promoting Rabbit, and there wasn't a bunny girl costume on stage during the show. Good for PR on their part.

Just Before The End a Night at Jongleurs

2006-05-01T01:14:00.000-07:00

In running a photography exhibition with a difference. I end up photographing loads of different events. Everything from dance to musicals, theatre to street theatre. On the 1st of September it was my first chance to shoot a comedy show.

Earlier this year Rex Boyd had found my original Fringe Blog and added a link from a street performer forum. He also dropped me an e-mail inviting me along to Jongleurs in Glasgow, which due to other commitments I was unable to attend.

In our e-mail conversations he told me he should be coming up to Edinburgh during the Fringe and then early September for a couple of nights at Jongleurs.

Rex was truly complimentary about my street photography and is a true "legend" it seems fom street performer circles. So a great compliment to have respect from a figure of such stature on the street.

On Friday the 1st of September I headed along to Jongleurs and looked forward with anticipation to shooting my first stand up comedy gig.

Rex introduced me to Simon Fox compere for the evening, who himself is a photographer and was impressed by "the size of my camera." (doesn't make me a comedian.)

In the course of the evening I grabbed a good few shots of everyone who was on that night. It was a great night Todd Various and his girlfriend Irene were guests of Rex to on the night, the jokes came thick and fast and Rex was head-lining the night.

Watching Rex and taking photos was a little difficult. I was laughing so much the camera shake was caused by fits of laughter, I promise. What I did find interesting was the number of staff on that had laughed their way through the acts on before, but actually stopped to watch a great comedian on stage. When you've got as energetic a routine and audience participation it will always be different from the night before, where ever you are in the country or the world.

I was having so much fun I almost ran out of film on the evening. It was the last of my festival stock, so I at least had judged it perfectly down to the very very last roll.

Tony and Joe opened the evenings proceedings. A great night over all thanks Rex for the invite.

Now you can move on to the second part of this blog.

The Last Picture Show Continues