FS2012

Back at FS2012 for the 4th year in a row. The usual champagne fights, great music, and a blisteringly ambitious show.
A bit trickier to photograph this year due to the lack of a press pit, and jumped up security casting a skeptical over anything that resembled a press pass but hey it happens and if in doubt, sneak in the back...

DRA Hall Ball

I realise that January was a quiet month, blame exams. BUT after a brief hiatus to get my affairs in order, the .com is back.

I don't think I have done the DRA Hall ball before, but I've been to Kinkell before, and there was another familiar face... Mr Hudson. Remember him? He did that "supernova" song way back in 2009 and headlined the Kate Kennedy Opening ball (more on the KKC later). Now, the opening ball is famous for booking rather vapid acts. So what was DRA doing with him? Well they coaxed him out of a mountain of empty microwave meals, Jeremy Kyle on ITV2, and job seekers allowance and stuck him behind the decks of course (in the tightest jeans I have ever seen). To be honest, I wouldn't have put him there, he spent at least 20 minutes of his set "figuring out what the buttons do" and then the rest of it pretending he'd figured them out.

So, Mr Hudson not a highlight. Though the other acts (the artists formerly known as "The OK Kids"), and the high spirited ceilidh band should get high fives all round. As should the free ice cream stand. Oh and the casino tables too. All in all a really fun event to cover. Although, after what I've just said about Mr Hudson, probably one I won't be invited back to... ouch.

Photos are here, get 'em while they're hot: http://www.photoboxgallery.com/bengoulter/collection?album_id=1155870038

QMU Glasgow Christmas Cheese

It's end of term, it's Christmas, and people are feeling festively freaky. Glasgow University's Queen Margaret Union has the answer... a 12 hour "cheesey" christmas ball.

Once again I was with Valour and Felicity to cover the event. V&F provide awesome photobooth set ups at events and I go along to provide roving shots.

7.30pm - we arrive to set up the booth and Santa's grotto.

8am - doors open!

8.30pm - santa's off having a fag, I go to get some food.

9.25pm - I return with tasty (yet over priced) pizza, Oli wanted ham and mushroom which is difficult to find in Glasgow if you don't want it deep fried.

10pm - I start work.

11pm - sumo santas fight, Glaswegians are experts at this...

12am - Getting tired, time for a drink. Go to the bar to order a pint of "magic". Christ on a bike, that's actually a drink here?! It's wkd and cider... it's rancid. Gulp it down.

12.30am - Tennents this time please, Catherine.

1am - Dj begins the longest set I have ever witnessed. His music taste is hard to stomach, I guess that's why they call it "cheesey".

2am - photo booth closes, a quick discussion between us sees QMU getting the "naughtiest students" award.

3am - roaming photography done. Game over as I submit to sleep in "camp hope" in the tv room of the union. Thankfully I have a sleeping bag.

6.45am - alarm goes, extract myself from sleeping bag, sling camera around neck, ruffle hair to "sexy messy".

6.50am - let's test the licensing hours, order a pint of tennents...

6.52am - ...drink pint of tennents for breakfast.

7am - roaming photography continues.

7.30am - survivors photo!

7.45am - how have you lasted 12 hours in heels!!?

7.50am - last orders

8pm - bouncers kick everyone out.

The R&A

The university is 600 years old. So what better way to celebrate than to have a 3 year birthday bash followed by a big golf tournament. The peeps in development are working on the birthday invites to this shindig so they asked me if they could sneak me into the Royal and Ancient golf club to take some snaps of their silverware. I'm told it's a rather exclusive club and they rarely open their trophy cases so I was one lucky bunny.

Photographing in the world famous R&A in trainers? Scandalous! Looks like this party is going to end in noise complaints, nudity, and comas in the bath tub. One party bag and a big slice of cake for me then please.

Christmas Ball 2011

Movember 2011

During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.

The St Andrews Medical school had a "Tashion show" to exhibit the fruits of a months growth.

All in all we raised £500.

Bongo Ball 2011

It all began with Bongo. My first event photography gig was the infamously wild Bongo Ball at Crail Airfield. Back again this year for a final nod to the fantastically colorful affair, my last as a student at St Andrews. Perhaps I'll be back for it one day?

Ethnic Dance Society

It's certainly that time of year again. The time where everything is very busy, lots is happening but I forget to update the blog etc.

It's been a busy summer with trips to Canada and Portugal. Updates all in good time.

For now I'll keep things recent. As a favour for a friend I took some shots for the Ethnic dance society in St Andrews.

The committee

Freshers week 2011 - Jose Gonzalez

Admiral Fallow

Jose Gonzalez

Jose Gonzalez

Greeting cards

Well blimey, by the looks of this blog you'd think I'm not doing anything.

Greeting cards are now in stock at Bess and the University 600th shop. Or from me. Either way they're limited edition so stock up while you can!