Well before Trainspotting had begun, I ordered myself an AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D lens. Having had the pleasure of shooting on one several times over the past few months, once again thanks to KenMc, I had to have one.

So I ordered one and after waiting several frustrating weeks of delays and postage mix-ups, it finally arrived yesterday morning. It was worth the wait. Last night was my first chance to use the lens, as we were shooting more promotional material and posters for the upcoming Devious Theatre production; ‘Smitten’. Once again I have the pleasure of collaboration with Mr Paddy Dunne, he’ll be working his photoshop magic on the shots and Devious Theatre should begin releasing posters for the show this coming weekend.

Today was my first proper chance to test the new lens, a promo-shoot with progressive grunge rocker’s The Lions Mane. I’ll be working with the lads in the coming months as they begin to make a dent in the local music scene with a string of gigs, videos, E.P releases and of course more promo-shoots. I’ve shot most members of the band before, as they either are or were members of various bands throughout the Kilkenny Music scene, so they were all more than used to me sticking a lens in their face.

With no real concept, other than print media promo-shots for the band’s debut performance in Kilkenny, we chose to keep it simple. I chose the Boreen in Kilkenny because of the great selection of simple locations for posed-group shots; lots of stone walls, winding lanes and quiet locations to set up shots. Using the new lens’ limited depth-of-field to my advantage by positioning band members, playing around with in-camera colour temperatures and levels. Keeping in mind the style the lads were going for, in-line with their long-list of progressive and grunge influences and indeed their promo-shots. I’m more than happy with the outcome and the new lens. The lads will release more promo-shots from today’s shoot in the coming weeks.

The Lions Mane will play their debut full-band performance in Cleeres Theatre on August 16th in association with KilkennyMusic.com. A night of melodic, riff-heavy songs with ambient guitars, layered vocals and highly percussive-independent rhythms. Support on the night comes from Dublin-based progressive metallers Hero In Error, also playing their long-awaited Kilkenny debut and I’ve also being waiting a long time to shoot these guys live. This is going to be one of the gigs of the summer, an example to certain bands in Kilkenny that “progressive” music is exactly what the title suggests, it’s meant to be progressive, or let’s say go somewhere. It’s not about the tattoos, the right t-shirts or haircuts, it’s music for the sake of music, and it’s awesome.