The Pits

Rihanna backstage at the o2 Arena in London.

When I first launched my website, back in 2006, the primary reason was to highlight my music photography. Over the years, as that part of my 'career' has tailed off, there has been more emphasis on my writing, which inevitably has circled me back to The Who. Of course that's fine but the time I spent photographing bands, and other events such ballet and theatre, were really enjoyable and I miss the camaraderie of my fellow photographers. One thing was guaranteed, no matter how testing the shoot, there would always be a laugh or ten to have.

I've been thinking for a while about doing a podcast. This year I've made five appearances on other shows to talk about The Who. I did consider doing my own show on the band but, since there are so many other really good ones out there, what's the point? Instead I'm going to launch a podcast dedicated to music photography, with guests from that world and maybe, if I can, musicians to talk about how they actually feel about the photographer's in the pit. Because sometimes they or their management and / or PRs make it really difficult, other times photographers are welcomed with open arms. I think it's a symbiotic relationship but it isn't always seen like that. Increasingly, photographer's are being asked to sign contracts or are subject to right's grabs which make it impossible to shoot. The internet and its impact on intellectual rights and copyright is another issue, camera phones are another issue.

So, starting as soon as I can tie down some guests, I intend to launch 'The Pits', a podcast dedicated to music photography and how it has changed over the years. I will try to get some big names but I also really want to give a voice to those not so famous, whose livelihood depends on them being in the pit every night and just surviving.

I have a few tales of my own, but I have friends who have been involved in the music photography much longer than I ever was who I know have some great stories. It's something I really want to find time to do.

David Tennant performs as Zombie Clause