SPOTLIGHT: Powder & Plot

1. What made you want to start up your own clothing line?

I spent 10 years of my life playing music in bands and being creative.  When that chapter of my life ended I wanted to still bring something creative to the scene and had always taken a big interest in fashion

2. Where do the influences for Powder & Plot come from?

I've always been a big fan of British history and culture, mainly the Victorian era and golden age of exploration.  We've got so much to be proud of as a nation but we also have lots of villains and pretty incredible characters in our history too.  That's also where the idea of the name comes from - Powder & Plot - The gunpowder plot of Guido Fawkes or 'Guy' as we know him.

3. You've got some interesting designs amongst your collection, can you talk us through some of them? How do you come up with the design ideas?

I wanted to put designs together that have the ability to strike an emotion from people or intrigue them.  Having somebody coming up to you and compliment what you're wearing or ask where you got it from is one of the reasons people want to buy nice clothes and feel good in them.

4. Many of your lookbook images have a countryside/forest backdrop, is this something that inspires you? 

I think one of the best parts of our heritage is that we live in a beautiful country and I'm a country boy myself so I wanted to show that in our lookbook and video, that we take great pride in where we come from and the natural beauty that surrounds us outside cement and bricks. There will always be a lot of cross over from the countryside and wildlife in our designs.

5. Do you have a favourite tshirt design? If so, why?

I've heard lots of people pick different designs as their favorite but for me my fave has to probably be the Aleister Crowley tee.  He was a really nasty piece of work and not many people know about him but he's very interesting to read about.  I recommend anybody to look him up to see what I mean!

6. I've spotted your clothes on some pretty marvellous music types, how did that come about?

Coming from playing music for a long time, I have had the pleasure of playing with many fantastic bands and artists and I keep in good contact with them.  When I told them what I was doing now and showed them the designs, they loved them and the concept behind the brand and it's nice that many were some of my first customers.

(Pulled Apart By Horses)

7. How would you describe the Powder & Plot style? 

Tshirts inspired by British history, loveable rogues and villans.  Edgy, yet elegant.

8. What can we expect from the line in 2013? 

We are currently developing more products such as embroided polo shirts, vest tops, sunglasses and hats so keep checking back throughout 2013 as it's going to be a very exciting year for us. We plan on putting on lots of competitions for our customers and followers and also have our 'Sunday Sessions' being launched later in the year.  I'm keeping that a secret for now but it's pretty exciting stuff!

Check out Powder & Plot HERE:

http://powderandplot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/powderandplot

Photo Credit: Dom Meason 

Video Credit: Rachael Lewis

SPOTLIGHT: Tom Langford - Photographer

1. How long have you been a photographer?

Well I have been taking photos since I was teenager, but no more than snapshots until I began my AS Photography back in 2004. However I would only really say I'd been a 'proper' photographer since 2008 when I began taking on small commissions and photo jobs alongside my University projects, so about 4-5 years.

2. What inspired you to get into photography?

Well as a child I was always interested in art and was an avid sketcher (and still am to an extent!), copying pictures from magazines or drawing from my own imagination. As I grew up my imagination and ideas for drawings expanded and almost outgrew my drawing capabilities, so I found myself looking for a new medium to satisfy my creativity. Around the same time it was suggested by my GSCE Art teacher that I take some photos of people and their emotions as source for my drawing. After this I became more fascinated with capturing something real with film, rather than replicating it in a drawing. But although what I was capturing was real, I could manipulate it with the light or giving my subject instruction. 

3. Do you have a particular favourite style of shooting?

As I nearly always photograph people, whether it be a gig, a portrait or a wedding I always try to chat to the person first so I can get a feel for their personality and make them feel more comfortable around me, as if their is an awkwardness its really reflected in the images. However in terms of style I always tend to shoot and retouch my pictures in a certain way so that people can tell the image is by me without reading the credit underneath. I think if you can acheive this, there is no greater compliment to your style than this. As somebody who really favours prime lenses for portraits, I always tend to shoot them wide open with shallow DoF to really highlight the subject and make interesting compositions. In terms of retouch; I try to do minimal technical editing, with a focus of getting it right in camera but mainly adjust the colours and tones in Photoshop to put my own twist on it. Nearly all of my images have colour tweaks in them from how they are shot to create a mood with the image, which in its self makes it more of a 'portrait' than just a document of a person in a certain place.

4. What would you say makes your photography unique?

I think the things we have spoken about in the above question cover this really, its about my approach to the image and the relationship I develop with my subject really. In terms of styling or production the images I make are quite simple in that respect, but its HOW I photograph that person and how they react to me that really makes it. I want people to feel like they know something more about the subject by looking at my photographs. This is especially the case with my Scooter Rally series, as it calls on so many senses, the smell of the petrol, the noise of the engines; I want people to be able to envision this by looking at my images.

5. Where do your main inspirations and ideas come from? 

In terms of inspiration I am quite selfish and I know what I like to shoot, and this provides the main basis of my photography. I am a crazy art/fashion magazine collector and have every issue of Dazed & Confused from mid 2008 to present, as well as countless copies of i:D and 125. These stimulate me and push me to experiment with new ideas or retouch techniques. I am a firm believer of working instinctively and seeing something I like and tirelessly trying to use it in my work, or work out the method behind it. 

As a huge follower of Mod & Skinhead movements and the young people like myself who are part of them, they form a large section of my portraits. I like to find people who are interested in something so much that it is outwardly reflected in their style and fashion but also inwardly as if it is more than just a phase for them and they 'feel it' inside. Its capturing this, that inspires me most. 

6. Have you got a favourite image? Talk us through it if you do.

I wouldn't say that I have one single image that is my overall favourite, because I think that some images work off of others and give each other strength in a series. However as I have got older I am more fussy about the images that make the cut to my portfolio so the images that are on my site are a collection of my best work, from the many frames that come out of each shoot. 

7. Have you got any exciting projects on the horizon?

Hmm, I have a couple of Model test shoots booked in for a few weeks time where I will be working with some new people which is always exciting to collaborate with different people. Away from my portrait/fashion work I have also been commissioned to photograph at a new Big Ska festival working with some legendary names in that genre, which is a big deal for me. This event is also supported by Teenage Cancer Trust which I am very happy to support.
As the festival season draws to a close, the gig scene around Portsmouth always hots up and has some great gigs booked in, which I will endeavor to get to and photograph as many as possible.

8. What are your goals for the future?
As every month and year goes by that I am in Photography I seem to learn more, and do more and fall in love with it all more!! At the moment, all of my work is primarily based around the South, although I have worked in London a little this year. For the future I'd love to get the opportunity to work in London more. Get taken on to a music magazine(s) or blog and do more musician portraits and editorial work as well as getting Live Photos published.
In its simplest form, I would just like to expand my reputation and branch out to new publications and clients and produce new and exciting work for them! (Shameless plug if anyone wants to book me!) If I can continue making a living and being as happy as I am now taking photos then I'm doing alright!!

9. How can we look at your work and contact you?

All my work and contact details can be found on my website: www.tomlangfordphoto.co.uk
Or if you are looking for Wedding work : www.weddingsbytom.co.uk
Lastly I do upload previews of new work and behind the scenes stuff on my facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Langford-Photography/321735111204976?ref=hl

SPOTLIGHT: HARBOUR

For a band that are on the up, you're certainly not ones to give your life stories away on network sites. So what or rather, who is Harbour?

HARBOUR is a group of five; Chris, Mike, Andy, Charlie and Adam. We started the band about a year ago now. We just got fed up with the musical projects we were involved with at the time and came together to try and build something we could actually be proud of. 

Why Harbour? Is it just a name or are you actually massive lovers of boats?

We named ourself HARBOUR for a few reasons. The first being that it's the British spelling of the word which we liked. (Americans spell it Harbor.) The second reason was it's primary definition which is a safe haven for boats and ships from stormy seas. We see this band as a safe place for our thoughts, ideas and feelings to exist so that made sense. The final reason was it's meaning of hiding things, like, 'to harbour a grudge'. It seemed to fit what our band was to us. 

These days it seems that bands are all popping up from the same locations, however not many reign from the West, coming from Cheltenham do you reckon you could be the leaders in alternative music for the old West Country folks?

haha! There's actually a massively vibrant local music scene in Cheltenham. We're really proud to be from the group of bands, promoters and music fans that we come from. 

You've already had the chance to play shows with FUTURES and The Xcerts, is there a particular show you've played that's really stood out to you guys? Or one that you're particularly hyped about for the future?

Playing with both Futures and The Xcerts was amazing for us. We're fans of both of those bands so we were honoured to be on those shows. I think our favourite show as of yet would have to be 2000 Trees Festival this year. Our tent was pretty much full up and the amount of people who knew our songs and were there to support us was incredible. 

Is there anything, or anyone, that inspires you as a band? 

Loads of things inspire us in different ways. In terms of song writing it's usually inspired by really personal things. I think that's what makes the best kind of songs. We're massively inspired by the bands around us that work so hard to achieve their goals and undoubtedly the people who support what we do. 

What can we expect from Harbour in the near future? Anything exciting you can tell us about?

We're working really hard at the moment on writing and demoing some new stuff. We're excited to be playing Underground Festival in September in Gloucester but right now we're really getting our heads down with writing.

The songs we're working on are the bravest yet and we're really keen to make everything as perfect as we can before sharing it with everyone.

Where can people hear your music and get in touch with you?

Everything we've been able to record so far is available for free from our website which is www.WeAreHarbour.co.uk  and of course we're really active on facebook as well which is www.facebook.com/harbourband

We've just got instagram as well for everyone who's on that. Our username is HarbourBand. 

SPOTLIGHT: Myles Bartholomew - Musician & Designer

Your musical conquests have been quite varied in style and genre, is this because you have a love for all musical styles, or has it been more of an exploration?

Err good question. I tend to like all musical styles really (other than ska and modern "RnB"), so yeah, I'd say it was more to do with my love of general music. I'm a bit like someone with ADD and an ipod. I'll be listening to a song and think "I'd love to do something like this" and I have to stop myself before I end up actually doing it. I had over 3 projects on the go at once at one point and it was pretty undoable.

Which style do you prefer to experiment with the most?
 

I'd say prog or ambient music is best to experiment with, that's only if I have to really pin-point a style. The best way to experiment with music is to try and forget about genres or styles. I find that if you forget that genres exist, and everything is meant to have it's own place then the music you make will sound different, writing will be easier and it will generally sound a bit more interesting. I don't think that's a popular opinion though..  

What has been your favourite experience in playing music?

Probably playing lots of live shows and getting to play/record at BBC maida vale studios for the radio one rockshow. That was cool. The guys in Senator really helped me get the confidence to play and record properly. We had some success and we all got on great. Every show was a blessing. 

All in all though my favourite experiences is just praise and having any kind of following. You could play to a room of 5 people and if just one of the five liked it then it was worth it.

How would you describe yourself and your musical offerings to those reading this?

Haha ermm. This is a tough one. I guess I just try to be as humble and down to earth as possible. I don't like egos, like, real egos, inflated ones. It's probably the ugliest trait in a person and there is a RIDICULOUS amount of it in music, so I try to offer something without that. I mean; some ego is required for playing music, you need to have faith in yourself in order to get the courage to perform, but I don't think you should look down your nose at people because they arn't wearing the same clothes as you, or don't sound like your mates/fave bands. That isn't a dig at anybody by the way. Everyone has their own opinions and ways of doing things. I'm just not massive on big heads.

I think musically though I just aim to always try something new. Trends are cool in their own way but I try to avoid ripping people off or sounding too much like something. Its hard (if not - impossible) to be completely original and everyone should take influence from something though.

Who or what has inspired you to develop your skills as a musician over the years?

My dad taught me how to play classical guitar when I was young, so he has been a great influence to me really. Other than that, just my love of music and every album I've ever owned/listened to. The hardcore/metal scene and the experimental scene. Any kind of music that I enjoy really. That and all my friends, family, loves and all round life experiences.

What's on the horizon for you at the moment? Anything special you're working on?

Errr well I have Shipton (my acoustic project), I have a split with an incredibly talented musician called Doug Haymann coming out soon, as well as some shows including a supporting slot for Listener at Southampton Joiners in a couple of weeks. Also: my most recent band "The Divorcee" have our first and following shows on the way (something I am extremely looking forward to!) It features fellow band mates from Senator and Sleep Centre in it, so it's like a big, happy family band for me. I have faith that it will have a lot of strength behind it so it's all very exciting at the moment. 

You're also an incredibly skilled designer, how do you mix the design work with your music?

Haha, one of my university lecturers once set us a task of merging music and graphic design, stating that "they are very similar things in terms of how they are made" and I completely agree with it. Writing music and designing designs require harmony, practice, experience and confidence, not only that but both require and certain skill that comes naturally through love of creating.

I know some of my coursemates might read this and think that that was pretty lame. So yeah, sorry guys, I'm a bit lame sometimes..

Where can we get our hands on your work? Both musical and design? 

All of the following links:

Shipton: http://www.facebook.com/collectmyyears   
The Divorcée: http://www.facebook.com/TheDivorcee 

Design Work: http://mylesrolandbartholomew.carbonmade.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/M0R0B

As I said: some things are still being recorded etc so the best thing to do if you want to follow any of my projects is just watch the spaces above and actually follow them.
Also, don't be afraid to add me on Twitter/facebook on my personal accounts. I really do try to be as friendly and as humble as possible so any praise, talk, questions, work you'd like doing or anything of the sort that you'd like to forward to me, then please, go ahead :)

SPOTLIGHT: Amy Sapphire Photography

1. Where did your love of photography come from?

I’ve always loved taking photos and I especially love the impact and emotions it can provoke in people and the story a photo can 

tell. As part of my degree at university, there was the opportunity to study photography and 

from the first lecture I was hooked. I realised then, that photography is what 

I want to make a career out of. I managed to get my hands on a DSLR and my passion for 

photography quickly grew, it's amazing to find a creative art form that I love!

2. Do you have any favourite styles you like to shoot?

I like natural, realistic photos, especially in portraits. I find that you get to see the real person more when they aren’t staged and set-up 

for the camera and the final photo is more true to the person in it. 

Another style I really enjoy is costume portraits. I find people can 

be quite ‘stiff’ in-front of a camera as themselves, especially if 

they are shy, but put them in a cape or some wings and they don’t hold 

back and you get to see a side of their personality which can be 

hidden in day-to-day life. I also love vibrancy in the colours in 

nature, such as really blue skys and bright green grass; I find them 

fresh and uplifting.

3. For someone thats never heard of you, how would you describe Amy Sapphire Photography?

I would say it is fun, relaxed and new. I like to think that I work in a calming but fun way which allows people to relax and be themselves. 

It’s rare that I ask some-one to sit and pose for the camera, I only 

do this if they are a really confident person or it’s the look we are 

aiming for. I like to think I allow people to be who they are or who 

they want to be, whether this requires a costume or not.

4. What or who inspires you?

It sounds really cheesy but I do take inspiration from everything around me in my day-to-day life, the people I know and meet and the 

places I visit, all spark something in me which gives me ideas. I find 

that people inspire me the most though, these can either be new people 

I meet or the people closest to me in life. I find the differences in 

people’s lives and personalities fascinating, I love to see little 

things in people’s characters and emphasise these traits to create a 

portrait which really represents the person as a whole.

5. Have you got a favourite image? and why is it your favourite?

I have a quite a few favourites, its hard to pick one photo. I suppose one of my favourites and most memorable is one from a shoot which I 

did recently. The person in the portrait works with the emergency 

services and to others can be seen as a hero, so it seemed fitting to 

put him in a cape. The cape allowed him to release his inner child and 

he instantly started running about, acting out fight scenes and hiding 

behind rocks. I love this photo in particular because it represents 

this mischievous, child-like behavior in his position and facial 

expression. The colours and tones in the photo contrast nicely with 

the harsh, black cape adding depth to the image. He is nicely framed 

and the shadows add dramatic effect. Overall I just think it’s a fun 

photo which demonstrates the fun we had on the shoot.

6. Can you give us an insight into what to expect from your business over the coming months?

I aim to expand and develop my skills to cover other aspects of photography and experience all that it has to offer, however my main 

passion and interest is still to be portraits, hopefully many more 

costume and character portraits as these are the ones which excite me 

the most. I aim to experiment with many more different effects to 

achieve all the feeling and emotions which can best display a person’s 

character.

7. Finally, if anyone wishes to contact you or view your work when can they reach you?

There is a selection of my work and some info at www.amysapphire.com or you can take a look at a few more of my photos on my flickr page at 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/amy_webber/ If you have any queries or 

comments then I would be happy to hear from you, you can email me at 

amysapphirephotography@gmail.com