When I got an email via my website from Brendan asking if I’d like to shoot some pictures for an album, Northlands, I was intrigued but didn’t reply for a while.

There was a website link in the email, www.northlands-music.co.uk I followed it and read the lyrics from the songs on the album and listened to some sound bites. I replied to Brendan straight away by email and contacted him on Facebook saying that I would love to be involved.

The album is conceptual, telling the story of a guy who travels away and then returns to the North East of England to find things have changed. The coastal scenery remains but the heavy industry, ship building that he grew up with has now gone. There is a running theme of rivers throughout the album, the environment that industry once surrounded.

Brendan, Tony and I chatted over ideas, but I already had some strong shots in my head, based around the travel and sea aspects.

We agreed on a date for the shoot and locations. I think the guy`s were surprised when I said they would have me for all day and the locations spread around the North East, involving lots of driving. I planned the driving as it gave me time to listen to the album and really get into the guys minds.I wanted to produce some images the guys would love and compliment the album they had been working on for two years.

I borrowed some old suitcases from friends as props, hoping the guy`s would work around them for shots.

Listening to the album in the car was a real treat and gave us all ideas for shots. It also gave me the feel for the edits to the pictures. Some of the images will be used on the album and others for press releases, so if you take the time to view my gallery of Northlands, you’ll find three different styles going on.

Yet again photography has got me involved in exciting stuff, meeting two great talented guys who I think I shall be seeing again. If you’re reading this dudes… told you it would be a laugh and fun… and thanks for the killer sandwich.