However, I'll add here that for some reason, it was a day of technical failure, to a certain extent .The day started with my sat nav playing up and deciding to take me in completely the wrong direction - thankfully I still got to the Glasshouse in plenty of time .Then, a couple of days before, I'd been asked if I could find anyone to film this event, but sadly, hadn't managed to drum up any volunteers - however, when I arrived, a cam corder had been found, and I had a spare SD card, so I figured I'd have a go at both film and photography :) I also eventually remembered that my camera has HD video - which turned out to be a blessing, because when I came to upload the video from the camcorder card, I found it was corrupted, and despite several hours of trying to correct it and salvage something, every thing I had filmed on that was lost - so I was very grateful and relieved that I had shot several sections of film footage on my canon !
Technical problems aside, I was right about it being a fantastic day . To start with, its always good to be involved with the choir - not just because I love the music these guys make, but also because they are so welcoming and really lovely people. It was nice to see Beryl and Penny from the Glasshouse again, too - I met with them several months ago when I photographed a 2 day Viking re-enactment they had organised at Ty Mawr Country park :)
I was introduce briefly to Africa Entsha, and their publicist, Jo, before the first part of the day - the workshop - started .The group were, to a man, so friendly and obliging, and Jo too was a really nice lady - we arranged that after the workshop, and before the performance, I'd take the guys outside and we would get a few informal publicity type shots - Jo explained that they needed some images for the groups website that was being put together.
Then - the workshop . The Glasshouse is a lovely venue, but as always with galleries of any sort, lighting is a pain ! Bright sunlight that came through the windows, was absolutely dazzling for the participants, so it was partially closed curtains and overhead lights . I really didn't want to use flash, when people were trying to concentrate and enjoy taking part, so it was up with the ISO again - however, I was still pretty happy with the photographs I got .
And - thankfully - I'd also recorded some of the workshop using the HD video on my camera
The 'Technical Gremlins', incidentally, came out to play again with this particular clip ! Although it appeared to have been recorded in the same format as every other clip I had filmed with the camera, the editing software I was using absolutely refused to play it - and nor would it upload to youtube or any other hosting site I tried - though it played perfectly in VLC, so I knew it wasn't 'lost' - it was 4 HOURS solid work to finally discover software that resolved the issue - I owe thanks to good friend Mark, and my husband, Sean , because it was combination of their advice that finally enabled me to sort it - meanwhile, I remembered why I prefer photography to film !
The atmosphere during the workshop was fabulous - everyone was having such a good time, and it showed - I hope I managed to capture some of that, with both the pictures and the footage I got ! The guys in Africa Entsha were just so enthusiastic, as well as talented, and everyone one of the participants was clearly loving it .
And a treat at the end - so glad I recorded this on my camera -
After the workshop finished, we were treated to some absolutely lush African food -
- I didn't realise how hungry I was till I smelt that food - and then I tasted it, and it was fabulous :)
The Jo arranged for the boys to pose for the photographs we had discussed earlier
Later, when I sent Jo these images she said they were 'amazing informal shots' and she was 'very happy', and they are going to be used on the web site that is currently being built for the group :) So, I am very happy too !
The guys had travelled from London the night before, and had had a packed itinerary for days - they had recently played at the Edinburgh festival (where they had been nominated for an award) and had a lot more dates to follow this event - but they never stopped smiling, and were incredibly courteous and friendly with everyone, posing for pictures with fans, and so clearly enjoying themselves - consummate professionals, as well as talented . They even had the energy for some fun, in between working :)
Then, the performance - I spoke to the boys manager beforehand, and he said the guys were fine with me using flash - thank goodness, because it was obviously darker during the actual performance .
And WHAT a performance ! These guys are so entertaining, again, their absolute pleasure and enjoyment was so evident - everyone watching was smiling !
And again - very glad I used my camera to film a couple of songs :)
A couple of days later, one of the images I took was used to produce advertising flyers for the group .
It was a really enjoyable day - I know I spent most of the time with a big smile on my face, as did everyone else there. Big Thank you to @67 and The Glasshouse, to the Wrexham Community Choir, to the workshop participants and of course, to the amazing Africa Entsha - if anyone reading this ever gets a chance to go these guys perform, please go - you really wouldn't regret it :)
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