Annie Chalmers has become instrumental in documenting the local music scene in Coventry through her fantastic photographs. Rather than charging the bands for her pictures, she instead asks them to make a donation to Cancer Research. Annie was born in Coventry, but grew up in New Zealand, where she first got interested in photography. In 2003 Annie formed AMC Photographics with her partner Michael and they took pictures of top bands like Jethro Tull and Fairport Convention amongst many others. However, in 2004 Michael was diagnosed with Skin Cancer. In September 2004 the couple married on the Oncology ward of Walsgrave Hospital, but Michael died three days later, aged just 36. After a year away from photography, Annie has now become heavily involved in the local music scene, taking pictures of gigs at venues like the Jailhouse, the Colly and the Golden Cross. --- Hi Annie, how did you first get interested in photography? I always wanted a camera from the first day that I saw a photograph. It was total fascination for me. I must have whined at my parents for a camera since I was four years old. I got one for my 7th birthday and the rest is history. I did an apprenticeship as a photographer in New Zealand when I was 17 and have been lucky enough to be able to find work in photography ever since. You've photographed some great bands like Jethro Tull and Fairport Convention - who were your favourites to photograph? I will always have a soft spot for Fairport Convention. They were personal friends of my late husband, Michael, and were incredibly supportive when he died. His ashes are scattered on the festival field in Cropredy village where they hold their annual festival.
 | | Kristy Gallacher (pic: Annie Chalmers) |
They not only attended the scattering but came to the pub with us for hours afterwards. They brought their instruments along and we all sang until very late in the evening. It was no doubt very out of tune and gave the pub staff a severe headache. Since then, if I have attended any of their concerts, they have always sought me out just for a chat or a hug. They have even dedicated songs to my family and me during the set. I know of no other big-name band that is so accessible to their fans, it’s what makes them different. But to be honest, I love to photograph any band that is enthusiastic and is passionate about their music. It shows! A good example is Cov band Trailer. They totally lose themselves in their music and can never remember the faces they pulled during the set. Priceless and highly enjoyable for all who watch and listen. When your partner Michael died you took some time out from gig photography - what drew you back to it? I was drawn into the local music scene accidentally one Saturday night - by seeing some local talent playing at the Golden Cross. I didn’t really know anything about the local music scene at that time but was very impressed by what I saw.
 | | Resound (pic: Annie Chalmers) |
I remember telling John Oliver (Golden Cross promoter Jonny Random) that I was a photographer and he said that the local bands didn’t have access to a decent photographer, especially one that was really interested in the local band scene and music in general. So I offered to do some free shoots to get me back in the swing of doing gig photography. Before this, it had been nearly a year since I had my camera with me at a gig. I knew that Michael wouldn’t have wanted it to be gathering dust! It was something we talked about often, but unfortunately never had enough time to investigate. You don't charge bands for your services, but instead get them to make a donation to cancer charities... John said that I shouldn’t do it for free, which is when I came up with the idea of doing it for donations to cancer charities. I don’t want to profit from something that gives me so much enjoyment. I love clambering over chairs, tables and banging my head on amps to get the best shots. Bands don’t have to make a donation if they don’t want to, but most of them do and are as generous as they can be. What to bands think of it and how much have you raised? The bands think it’s a great idea and I love doing it, so that’s a double bonus. I only have to look at their websites to see how much use they get from these photos.
 | | Vijay Kishore (pic: Annie Chalmers) |
I’m not sure how much money I have raised in total as the donations via the Cancer Research UK website are anonymous. I don’t want to make people feel uncomfortable about what they can afford (or not). Most bands now give me £5-£25 on the night and I send off a cheque at the end of the month. Altogether, my donations over the last year have been well over £1,000 although not all of this has come from gig photography. So what do you think of the local music scene? It’s superb! When I first started one of my friends said I would only be photographing “dodgy local bands”, but nothing could have been further from the truth. The quality of the music has been amazing, something that I never expected but have found a true delight. Wonderful people, new friends, excellent musicians and lots of great music! I wish I had started sooner. What's the secret of a great photograph of a live band? Instinct, performance, enthusiasm and good lighting, as I don’t use flash...
 | | Wrapped In Plastic (pic: Annie Chalmers) |
It’s the band themselves and especially their passion for what they are doing. I can only capture what is there in front of me to the best of my ability. Lighting does make a big difference. The stage lighting at The Golden Cross and The Coliseum are the best I have found in Coventry. It’s always great to work at a venue where the owner or promoter has taken the time and effort to install good lighting that gives real focus on the band. Do you prefer digital or film cameras? It depends on what you want. I have always preferred film and still do. Digital is still not up there in terms of quality. However, I bought a 13 megapixel digital SLR camera a month ago which is swinging me a little. This is ideal for the gig photography and means the costs are negligible, especially when the bands mainly want to use the photographs for their websites. Tell us how you are involved in the Covstock event? I was asked to photograph the event by the organisers Wayne and John. The enthusiasm of these two is very catching! Plus I think the cause is extremely worthwhile, something not just to benefit children, but specifically the children of Coventry and their families.
Wayne and John have put so much of their own time, effort and fervour into this event; I am staggered by their altruism and professionalism. People need to get out and see the talent that is right on their doorstep… and all for a great cause. I must also say that Justine who is organizing the Covstock acoustic event downstairs, despite being heavily pregnant, shows true dedication. The whole event is something not to be missed. All the bands and artistes playing are top notch. What does a band have to do if it likes your photos and would like you to take photographs of them? They just need to contact me via my website www.amc-photographics.com or on the Covscene forum at www.setbb.com/phpbb/covscene.html | 
