THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN…

Earl Slick is back in the UK for his current tour and he is meeting up with Nick for a much-needed catch up in Norwich and London during his new album signing.

Nick has been missing his good friend Earl who returned to the USA between UK Covid lockdowns during 2020, after a brief spell of teaming up with Glenn Matlock to produce several musical lockdown videos together.

Nick is looking forward to spending some quality time with Earl. The pair have known each other for six years and have completed several projects together during that time. Nick’s pictorial documentary of Slick’s career depicted in candid on stage and offstage images, took four years to complete and will soon be released in a fine art publication. Nick is now discussing further projects with Slick and how they can continue to work together.

“It’s been fantastic to work with Slick over the years. He is one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever met. It’s a great honour to experience his friendship.” (Nick Elliott)

Slick will also be featured in Nick’s feature film documentary of his life story ‘The Story So Far’ discussing their working and friendship exploits.

ALBUM LAUNCH WITH DEAD REYNOLDS…

Nick and members of the elliottstudios team attended the much anticipated Dead Reynolds album launch party, held in the Victorian Ballroom at The Dukes Head Hotel, Kings Lynn. Hosted by Special guest Alex Baker of Kerrang Radio, the launch was a total success. ‘Breathe With Strangers’, the latest offering from Dead Reynolds, is an utter masterpiece, musically interpreting the frustrations of a global pandemic and national lockdown.

The album continues to rack up thousands of hits on Spotify and iTunes. The Dead Reynolds rocked the packed venue with all the tracks from the new album. Nick and the team had a chance to catch up with the band after the set to discuss further projects and congratulate them on a fabulous new album. Nick accompanied the band back in July to the VW White Noise festival and the Pen festival, to continue their pictorial documentary series.

Nick has recently been reccing several places of interest to complete a commission project with the band. Shooting starts within the next few weeks and the finished images will be used for promotional material by the band.

“I was really pleased to be invited to the album launch, I was looking forward to hearing the content of the album and their performance of the whole album in its entirety. I know the guys have worked really hard on it.” (Nick Elliott)

Iron Maiden Feature Film…

Nick was delighted to be contacted by NBA film agency for a lead role starring in a feature film chronicling the life of heavyweight rock icon Bruce Dickinson, front man of Iron Maiden. Nick got tooled up in costume with a bass guitar to play Iron Maiden‘s bassist Steve Harris in this feature length film directed by Ian Dray.

Dray has previously directed several Harry Potter films and Captain Corellis mandolin starring Nicolas Cage.

Filming took place at RAF Coltishall, where several purpose-built film sets were erected.

The film is set for cinematic release later next year. Keep watching nickelliott.info for updates

“When I was Planet Rock‘s official photographer I worked with Iron Maiden so it was really special to be involved in this production about Bruce‘s life.” ( Nick Elliott)

Q & A. Part 10…

Q1. What are your values for your photography and how do you measure and evaluate them?. (N. Rogers. U.K.)

A1. The values of my images are personally measured with integrity, honesty, authenticity and trust, based on my own known values of morality, integrity and ethics. However, my owns values are not subjected onto others, my images portray my own unique opinion within my own boundaries of creativity and art. (Nick Elliott)

Q2. Do you always see photographic opportunities wherever you go? (J. Brewer. London U.K.)

A2. Yes, pretty much. There is photographic opportunities out there wherever you look, but opportunities to create art are sometimes limited. It’s a representation of oneself, and what you see individually that sets us apart, it’s the opportunity to just take a picture of a moment, or create a piece of individual art, and all art is subjective. ( Nick Elliott)

Q3. I find your recent dark art project is quite intriguing and I’m looking forward to viewing the whole collection. Is this the direction your art is going in now? What about the fear of failure or rejection? (V. Huber. Manchester U.K.)

Q3. Yes it is the direction that my art is going. Creatively this is something that I have to explore which has previously been denied. Unfortunately the fear of failure and rejection is something every artist has to live with because it’s inevitable as art is so personal. If my art gives me satisfaction and evokes an emotion from its audience, wether that be positive or negative, then I feel I have achieved my goal. Art is designed to stir a broad range of emotions from its audience, from repulsion to inspiration. No art can be classed as rubbish, it’s just personal to the viewer wether they find it intriguing and captivating. (Nick Elliott)

Q4. What type of camera do you recommend for an amateur photographer? (J Snow Wales UK)

Q4. What ever one the photographer feels comfortable with. It’s a personal choice. The camera should be an extension of your body, considering balance, weight and even how you carry them. You can create a fantastic photo on one of the most inexpensive cameras, it’s all about your eye, the opportunity and the camera being an extension of you, and how comfortable and capable you are with using it which leads to proficiency. (Nick Elliott)

Q5. I’m struggling with my photography. I can’t seem to make the most of natural light and when I use the flash things look washed out. Have you any tips? (D. Rivers. Birmingham UK)

A5. They are probably washed out because they are overexposed. Shooting on manual brings its own problems, capturing natural light is a technique in itself. You need to know and understand how your camera reads natural light, all different makes of cameras read natural light differently. This is what makes film photography much more difficult than digital. Always shoot on manual, understand your cameras capabilities and bracket your shot. Experiment with lots of different natural light situations and practice. This is all part of the creativity and fun of photography. Hope this helps. (Nick Elliott)

Nick thanks you for all your questions. He will answer all questions that are sent. If you have a question for him please submit it to Benicebond@icloud.com

Winner

It was with with intense pride that nickelliott.shop and the Nick Elliott brand was awarded specialist art retailer of the year 2020/2021, for London and Southeast region by Corporate Live Wire Prestige Awards, that recognise small/medium businesses that continue to deliver excellent service within their market.

The judging panel based their final decision on, service, excellence, quality of products and creative practices.

The London and Southeast region is one of the largest and competitive regions for this business award, and once again elliottstudios have proven to be a Business worthy of this recognition.

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS

Rock art photographer Nick Elliott and Andy Blithe, CEO, director and producer of Aturn Films, took a trip back to Nick’s hometown of Peterborough to continue the filming of ‘The Story So Far’, a documentary based on the unique life of Nick.

The emotional visit started at Nick’s family home in Stanground. Once noticing filming taking place , the owners of the property kindly invited Nick inside to walk the familiar floorboards and stand in his childhood bedroom where all his dreams of photography began. Outside Nick was thrilled to meet his old next door neighbours who still reside there and have seen many changes to the street.

Filming continued at Nick’s Secondary School, the Stanground Academy. It was here that Nick met up with fellow photographer and old friend, David Lowndes. The pair had lots to reminisce about from their editorial photography days when they worked side by side at East Midlands Allied Press. David did a photo shoot to accompany Nick’s interview for the local publications, ‘Peterborough Today’ and ‘Peterborough Telegraph’. Nick was honoured to be invited back to visit the Stanground Academy in the near future to deliver an inspirational lecture to its students.

No trip down memory lane would be complete for Nick, without visiting the Peterborough Lido, Peterborough’s historical open air swimming pool. Although the pool itself was closed to the public, Vivacity kindly organised for Nick to enjoy a private visit. Nick was an expert swimmer, and was even considered to represent the UK in the 1972 Munich Olympics. His swim training and abilities all started at the Lido under the watchful eye of his dad and several professional coaches.

The last stop of the day was a visit to the East Midlands Allied Press building, where Nick’s career began as a editorial photographer for the local newspapers and magazines.

It was a successful day of shooting ‘The Story So Far’. Many thanks to Nick’s PA, the capable Annie Brookes for her organisational skills to make this day a triumph. Listen to Nick talk in greater depth about this exciting and sentimental day in upcoming posts.

READ ALL ABOUT IT

John Kerrison, a freelance photojournalist for Norfolk Magazine and Norfolk and Suffolk Magazine publications , caught up with our favourite rock art photographer Nick Elliott, at Brundall Bay Marina for a swashbuckling interview onboard Norfolk’s almost famous Penthouse 2 boat.

John has interviewed Nick several times previously for the Norfolk publications, however there was still much to talk about with all Nick’s new and upcoming projects.

Further information will be released shortly regarding the dates of publication so you can read all about it.

“Great to see my dear friend again. John is very good at what he does, so I know it will be a mean interview.” Nick Elliott.

UNDER WRAPS

Dom Greenwood and Luke Green from the superb rock band Dead Reynolds, met Nick for a concept meeting recently at their practice studios in Wisbech.

The meeting was a resounding success with many ideas and concepts being discussed. Shooting on this particular project will begin in June and Nick is raring to go.

“Not only are Dead Reynolds an extremely talented bunch of musicians, they all have a great image that I intend to capture and make this album art totally kicking”. Nick Elliott.

The concept will comprise of several location shoots around Cambridgeshire, incorporating landscapes into the design. It will likely take 3 to 4 days to capture, and Nick will head up a team of stylists and make up artists to ensure that the boys look their usual top dollar. Further brief discussions about visuals, layouts and styling will take place with the band before shooting starts.

“I’m really looking forward to working with these guys. It’s going to be a bit of a giggle”. Nick Elliott.

Q & A PART 9

1Q. Out of all the things that you do, what makes you the most excited? (Kirsty Sheffield UK)

1A. Knowing that I have got a great shot, after I’ve taken it. I instinctively know when I’ve captured a face melter.

2Q. On the radio you always seem very jolly. What makes you laugh? (A Donovan London UK)

2A. People with good humour, sarcasm and wit. The kind that just bats back-and-forth with ease.

3Q. Do you remember the very first photo you ever took? (Richard Rushby Whitby UK)

3A. That was a picture at the pleasure beach at Great Yarmouth, and it was of the pirate on the rollercoaster. I think it’s still there.

4Q. I live on the west coast of the USA. Will USA Tour come to California? (B Donaldson USA)

4A. Hopefully it will. There are plans for multiple tours starting off in the south east states of USA. Our plan is to do all the states at some point.

5Q. What do you think to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers? (J Carter UK)

5A. I think they are a fucking good band. Would love the opportunity to work with them .

Thank you for all your questions please keep them rolling in. If you have anything you would like to ask Nick please send it to Benicebond@icloud.com.

PRESTIGIOUS RECOGNITION

Nick and the elliottstudio team were surprised and thrilled to be recognised for an award from Prestige Awards.

The Corporate Livewire Prestige Awards recognise small / medium businesses that have proven to be the best in their market over the past 12 months. The Prestige Award judging panel base their decisions upon areas such as service excellence, quality of products and innovative practices.

“It was a fantastic surprise to be contacted by Emma and Rocky to give us the news. We don’t know who nominated us but it’s great to know that elliottstudios provide a great service to it’s clients.

“We are ready proud of nickelliott.shop. Just going to find my best Rock ‘n’ Roll Jeans for the award presentation party!!” Nick Elliott

The Prestige Awards celebrate businesses and individuals worldwide that constantly offer excellent products and service.

WEll DONE!! nickelliott.shop

2 STILL MAD FOR IT

Andy Blithe and Nick have been horsing around in Norfolk with the continued filming of ‘2GOMad in Norfolk.’ The boys have been joined by an additional film crew, freelance cameraman Simon Page and Dylan Knight, to assist with filming.

The ‘2GoMad’ series has kicked off with the pair trying their luck at ghost hunting in the grounds of the historical St Benet’s Abbey on the Norfolk Broads, with the help of paranormal investigator Karl Hardiment.

It’s a closely guarded secret if the ghost hunters actually made contact with the ghostly monk that is said to roam the Abbey, you will have to watch out for the episode to know for sure. One thing is for certain, if you have a ghost in your cottage or see an apparition on your wooden stairs, or get lost in the Bermuda Triangle, call the real Ghostbusters!

Most recently Andy and Nick joined the Knight’s Tower Medieval Combat Group to test their sword fighting skills with this medieval re-enactment company, under the supervision of founder member Lee Warden. The boys usual wiry sense of humour added to the shenanigans which was all caught on camera. Filming continues and the series promises to be a sure hit, if the first edits are anything to go by.

“I’ve really enjoyed the programmes that we have done to press. It’s starting to pick up pace. I’m excited about the long-term future of the projects. It’s going to be mad.” Nick Elliott

BRING IT ON

Recently Nick made a visit to the offices of Kings Lynn’s local newspaper, The Evening News, which was the location of the latest Dead Reynolds music video shoot. Nick was there to capture Dead Reynolds performing their new single for the video and to add to the rockumentary series.

Andy Blithe was also shadowing Nick, capturing our favourite rock photographer doing what he does best for the Aturn Film Production, ‘Nick Elliott -The Story So Far’ a documentary about Nick’s life.

Dead Reynolds rocked to the town of Kings Lynn, as the sound of their new track ‘Bring It On,’ could be heard streets away. Filming was completed during the day and will be released in June. The video shoot was a resounding success and completed with the help of numerous extras.

Triston Finnis from Twisted Melon Productions also rocked up for moral and extra support. Dead Reynolds sounded and looked amazing for the shoot so give the music video a hit on YouTube and see how fantastic this new track sounds.

These boys are really going places they just keep astounding us with their superior songwriting and breathtaking musical performances leaving the audiences wanting more and more.

“First time out for some months and I’m back on the project in a serious way. I’ve got some really good stuff that will be a strong addition to the rockumentary. It was really great to catch up with the boys, Dead Reynolds are a tremendous band. There is lots to look forward to.” Nick Elliott