AN AMATEUR music photographer from Ellesmere Port says he is amazed after his image, taken at the Jacaranda in Liverpool, was shortlisted for an international competition.

Dale Anderton, 35, had been at a gig at the popular venue as part of the B(Witch) Music Festival around Halloween last year and decided to use a new piece of kit to attempt to capture the perfect shot of the artist – Freak Slug – the resulting image is now in contention for So.Co’s Image of Music ‘People Choice’ Award 2024.

The So.Co awards highlight the talent of professional and amateur music photographers from around the world. The 21-image shortlist for the prestigious award is selected by an industry panel including the likes of the Independent’s music editor Roisin O’Connor.

“It was quite a shock,” says Dale. “I entered it with hope but didn’t think that I would get through [to the shortlist]. It’s quite amazing.”

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Dale, who normally works in construction, first started actively pursuing photography around two years ago, attending a photography class at the City of Liverpool college. He has since set up Capture the Mirage, photographing various gigs, and events like Notting Hill Carnival and other festivals during evenings and weekends.

Dale explains that the shot which has been nominated was born out of improvisation.

“On this particular shot, my flash had failed, so I was wondering how I could use the light in the venue, and I had these new lens filters and managed to capture the light and refract it and produce this almost double-exposure effect where you can see the lead singer twice within the image.

“I was made up with how it turned out.”

Dale says that his father had also been a keen photographer but sadly passed away around the time that he began the course in Liverpool.

“The fact that the award nomination has come around, I think my mum saw it as a great nod to my dad.

“My dad would always have a camera with him. I think it used to drive people crazy at points how much he would get his camera out. I think that definitely lit the fuse.”

Voting for the So.Co Image of Music ‘People Choice’ Award 2024 is underway until March 6, with the award to be announced on March 26.

Dale said it would “fantastic” to win adding:  “It’s recognition that good photography is not just for professionals but that there’s also avenues out there for amateur photographers to progress.”

To vote for Dale’s image, visit: Awards - So.co and click on the ‘Vote Now’ button.

More information about Dale’s photography is also available at: https://www.capturethemirage.com/.