It’s an unassuming place. A few people are smoking outside on picnic benches. It isn’t well lit. I’m pretty nervous, hoping to see someone I know. One of the band member’s parents comes out of the front door and the anxiety lets up.
Inside, the band has already started. The room is small and packed and awash with blue. I recognise the back of my friend’s head and squeeze through the crowd over to him. I place my hand on his shoulder, he turns around and smiles and puts his arm around me.
I take out my new camera. This is only the second gig I’ve tried to take photographs at, and so I stick close to the people I know. I manage to get a few nice shots of the guys, and as I get more confident, I decide to move a bit closer and take up a spot to the left of the stage.
I move too late and they finish their last song. I always feel like their sets end too soon. I suppose that’s a good thing.
We’re invited to a large backroom after the set with the band, their close mates and family members. I try to take a few photos of the band celebrating the launch of their new EP. My friend says that he thinks the way I take photos of everyone is quite selfless, maybe because I’ll never be in them. I smile at him and think “thank god – I was worried people were getting annoyed at me”.