Pauline Keightley

My photography is about creative and alternative style, natural light, composition and photojournalism. I aim to mix the old with the new and capture moods such as quiet moments of inner reflection. I first got inspired by photography through the amazing images in Life magazine, Vogue and later in Vanity Fair and through art at school. Back in 2004, I took some interesting photos at a London gig with a small disposable camera (!) and I realised then that good photography is about having a good eye for it while of course, good equipment is like having good tools!

I submit work to major websites and festivals, press, artists promotions, album artwork, theatre and events. I cover political, sports and fashion events; weddings; major festivals such as Edinburgh Festival, Edinburgh Book Festival and Celtic Connections; Scottish Ballet; Manchester Jazz; portraiture, concerts, and more. I have taken photos of famous artists such as Elton John, Snowpatrol, Paul McCartney, Fleetwood Mac, Jerry Douglas, Richard Thompson, Mumford and more.

One of my interests is images of new artists and several of those I’ve photographed are now signed to major labels, including – Emeli Sande, Hurts, Warpaint, Everything Everything, James Blake, Miles Kane, Admiral Fallow, Metronomy, Haim, Low Anthem, Head and Heart, and more. Plus a live album shoot in Manchester for Kirsty McGee and Mat Martin.

I have taken photos for Scottish singer-songwriter Emeli Sande since 2007, that were subsequently used in her promotions for gigs and it was a thrill to see her successes in 2012! I took photos and met her backstage at King Tuts in 2010 and I took photos at her Royal Albert Hall concert in November 2012.