Rival Sons

On July 2nd in Liverpool, I captured a series of dynamic images of Rival Sons, aiming to freeze raw, authentic moments in time. Using a combination of deliberate lighting and composition, I sought to highlight the energy and intensity of the band’s performance. The fast-paced environment necessitated quick shutter speeds to minimise motion blur while still embracing the natural movement of the musicians. By consciously managing exposure and focus, I was able to preserve the vibrancy and emotion of each moment, translating the raw power of the live performance into striking, evocative images.

 

In post-production, I explored various techniques to enhance the visual impact of the images. I blurred out the background to create a shallower depth of field, making the band members stand out more prominently and drawing attention to their expressions and movements. I experimented with different editing styles—shifting some images from colour to almost sepia tones—to see which conveyed the mood best. One standout shot features a double exposure of Jat and Scott, where I played with colour adjustments, altered opacity levels, and added a background to create a layered, artistic effect. These editing choices allowed me to learn and refine my skills, ultimately enhancing the storytelling and emotional resonance of the photographs.

 

This experience not only deepened my technical understanding of photography and editing but also reinforced the importance of capturing genuine moments and experimenting creatively to produce compelling images.