Paul Harries is one of the worlds top Rock Photographers. Working for Kerrang, has taken him across the globe photographing everyone from Muse to Ozzy Osbourne. He’s been there, done that, got the T-shirt and taken a picture to prove it.
Over the years he has built up many special relationships within the industry and in 2 weeks a brilliant exhibition of photographs taken by Paul during time spent with the band Slipknot will be on display in London. We caught up with Paul on the way to get the beer for the private view.
How did you get into photography?
My art teacher, he showed us how to make pin hole cameras and we developed our own prints, it seemed magical as the image appeared before my eyes.
Do you always have a camera with you?
Fuck NO!
Where is the exhibition?
The Strand Gallery in London (see below)
What kind of pictures can we expect to see?
A mixture of Live, Posed and Candid backstage shots. Slipknot do not let many people shoot the candid moments so I am very lucky that they trust me to do this.
Are the pictures better if you like the band?
Not always, some great bands look rubbish and some rubbish bands look great.
Do you ever get star struck?
Now I am older no, but when I first started I met a few heroes but I tried to keep my cool.
I did shoot Fish from Marillion and I was a big fan when I was 14.
I had to keep it together that day…….Marillion, how cool am I?
Do you have a fav photograph?
I have a few – VIlle Valo with an oxygen mask on and Corey Taylor from Slipknot in the corn field. Both shots are on my site www.paulharries.com
Do you wear ear plugs at gigs?
Yes, always.
All time fav gig?
Best gig was Henry Rollins at the Marquee club, must have been early 90’s. He came on in just shorts, the lights were on full brightness, plain white and stayed that way all through the show. Loads of people were stage diving till he caught one and sat on him
for a whole song…nobody stage dived after that.
It was raw and powerful, just amazing.
Where is your favourite venue to take photos?
The Astoria was good RIP!
What camera do you use?
Canon Digital SLR
Do you have one tip that will help me take better photos?
If you are working with people be a person first and then a photographer. You get much better results when you have a good rapport with the subject.
Are bands and musicians easy to work with generally?
Almost all bands are great, it is the people around them that can cause problems.
Are you a frustrated rock star?
20 years ago I would have said yes, but now I am more of a frustrated racing driver.
Paul’s Slipknot exhibition is at
The Strand Gallery, 32 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6BP. July 12th to 24th 2011.
Mon to Sat 11am to 7pm, Sun 11am to 6pm. Free Entry
Paul Harries will be there to chat on Saturday 16th 3pm to 7pm