A few years ago, a fellow photographer asked if I'd like to go with him to Lincoln to take photos of the Steampunk festival.
I think this was in 2015, as I remember editing the shots before going out to lunch at where our wedding reception would be.
I remember enjoying the festival and seeing some amazing costumes, but what I didn't like was that at times I felt like I was in a rugby scrum of paparazzi photographers. I think the year after a lot of the people had said that they wouldn't allow photographs if the photographers didn't ask before taking shots, and were respectful, and I completely agree with this. I was so nervous at the time but I made sure I was always polite and respectful and asked before shooting, and I don't think anyone turned me down.
This wasn't the aim of this post, I was actually struggling to think what to write, but it's a good point of getting consent, and making sure people are happy to be photographed, and to talk to people if they ask to see what you've shot. Mostly they'll be interested and curious, and hopefully impressed with the shot.
Okay, I'll stand down from my soap box and post some shots..
Firstly my favourite costume, the Steampunk predator..
Cleopatra, one of the paparazzi scrum shots I remember..
And below is a selection of the rest..
As a photographer I try to mix what I do in my shots, I've done still life, some macro work, lightpainting and I enjoy a good model shoot. If you'd like to check out any of my other work I'm on Facebook, or you can find me on Instagram under neilru75
Thanks very much for looking
Kind Regards, Neil