Up way to early to get the bus back over to Heathrow for a second time this week! Off to Houston today. Flight was fairly long and boring but I did watch Iron Man and Kung Fu Panda. Watched Iron Man again as I missed the small part that Tom Morello play when I saw it in the theater a few months ago...

The line-up for immigration was for once not hours and hours, the bags came out nice and quick and then I was hit with the almost 100F heat. Yeah I'll be staying in doors as much as possible!! It just hits you like ton of bricks and slows you right down... Nap time!

Here's a shot from the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul earlier this week...

A computer/p-shop catch up day. Managed to finish most of the things I needed to do as I'm off again tomorrow for a trip over to Texas. Was really happy with a couple of the images I was working on today still top secret so they'll have to wait until they run before I post them...

Here's the Kerrang! cover this week with the Scars On Broadway shoot was pleased with the way the opening spread turned out...

Today was Jason's last day in England while I was in the country so we headed into town and dropped his stuff at a hostel near the British Museum. After that we went to the Imperial War Museum as he wanted to see the Cold War part which I had never done properly as there is always so many things to see there. We got interrupted as they had an exhibition on the life of Ian Fleming so we did that first which was great.

Met up with the Fish and had a great dinner at Gaylord. The Fish went home after we were denied The Dark Knight for a second time. Jason and I carried on to Garlic and Shots for a few drinks. We tried and then skipped the Intrepid Fox because of crappy service and then finished off at some snooty bar but hey at least they serve you right away! Was great to see Jason (Mr.Big Guns!) who was off to Amsterdam and then Belgium early tomorrow morning. Next time in Canada I guess!!

Woke up to a whole load of texts and email to make sure we were OK! Yes we were well away from the bombings in Istanbul last night but thanks to everyone who checked on us!!

Joined Gem, Kas, and Emily and went off to the Grand Bazaar in the morning. It was a whole load of dudes trying to sell you the same thing and I did get stuck with some new lamps for the garden. Weird though they didn't really bargain like they do in most countries... (The people on the far left make this shot, umm who's the tit with his thumb up?)

Once back at the hotel we picked up all of our luggage and Gem was nice enough to give us a lift to the airport. Caught our flight and when we returned to London at 410 I had a race with the clock to return all the gear before 530. Made it with 4 minutes to spare which was pretty good going apart from the lady at the desk trying to charge me double of what was agreed!! Cheeky pricks at that rental house which I try to use them very rarely now.

Met up with Jason and the Fish and we went back to Brighton to try and see The Dark Knight which was sold out so we settled with some Louie Theroux instead which Jason quite enjoyed!

Today was one of those days when you know why you chose the career path you did...

Went for a look around Istanbul with Kas and Emily in the morning and saw the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) and wandered back towards our hotel. Once back it was grab all the gear and go time!

Managed to get our taxi to drive through huge crowds of kids and drop us close to the right door. Walked into the venue and set-up in an interview room and then waited for Metallica to arrive.

When they finally did it was shoot time. It was rushed as my time was cut in half but they know what to do so got loads of shots. Was impressed with Lars who just said so you're Canadian. Everyone usually asks where in America I'm from. They were great for taking the piss out of Ian too which was quite hilarious! But as Ian said later at least they remember me... Oh and big thanks to Mr.Winwood for taking the accompanying pic.

After they did interviews they had their meet and greet which was was unlike any I had seen before. They all took loads of individual time with each fan which no band of this size would do. Once they were changed it was off to Tuning and Attitude (a closed off flatbed truck) where they play a few songs before going on stage. They jammed for a bit and Lars looked at me and said what's your favorite Metallica song? Before I could get all of And Justice For All out of my mouth they went right into it!! Had never heard it live and always wanted to so it was one of those amazing experiences! They played Creeping Death after and then headed for the stage.

Shot the first few songs of the show which was hard work with the high stage and Turkish photographers having fights in the pit!! Finished up on stage and watched the rest of the show from there. Was amazing to see a band warm-up and put on a proper show for once. Finished the evening off with Ian and Kas at the hotel bar over looking all of Istanbul. Now if only everyday could be more like this!!

Got up early to pack and sort a few things. My lovely Fish was nice enough to give me a ride into town. Did a few errands around town and then met Ian and Kas at Heathrow.

We flew out from the new terminal 5 which was massive. On our flight out to Istanbul there were some lovely clouds on the way and when we were approaching there was the most amazing lightning storm to watch out the window! Once we picked up our luggage (that all actually made it) we finally got to our hotel around 130 which was way past pass out time after a long day of travel...

A morning full of house errands. Big thanks to Jason who has been helping out on his holiday!!

In the late afternoon we headed up to Crystal Palace for day 1 of the Athletics Grand Prix. Got to see Asafa Powell win the 100 meters which was amazing. Was a good little preview for the Olympics. Too bad I can't make day 2 tomorrow but the job that came up was one I couldn't refuse!!

Went to Arundel castle (pic: Jason) and Swanbourne lake which was nice as I hadn't been to the castle since I was really young.

Jason and I then took a train through the country side and up to London. We met up with Carly at the Ben Crouch and after a little walk around Soho we ended up back there for some food. Phoebe was over when we got home so capped off a nice day with a fun filled evening...

A mellow day after sorting out a load of pics. The Scars On Broadway feature turned out well I think. Jason was an amazing house guest and stained the new door that was installed yesterday.

After that we went to the other pitch and putt further down the road in Rottingdean with the windmill back drop. (pictured) didn't run into anyone that should have been working this time but Jason got one back on me with way less strokes! Had a lovely meal with the Fish and basically passed out watching Snatch. I'm sorry I couldn't get the bi-noculars out in time!!

Had the biggest moaner of a builder out install a new door today. Actually he was pretty entertaining by the end!

he was finished Jason and I decided to try out Roedean pitch and putt. It was good fun and ending up beating Jason which is unheard of. Had a feeling though it's because most of the holes were the same, ALL 16 of them!

Came up to London to meet Jason after the door was delivered and a load of pics were finally finished and in. Jason had done a mini look around the south bank so I figured I'd take him to Camden as he'd never been before...

From work earlier today a sneak peak of Second Smile which will be in next week's K!

Had a shoot around noon with the Second Smile. Nice guys who were well up for driving me across town to a great location I had been told about. It's always great to get a band in a position that they can't move from when spiders are crawling on them! Once we finished they gave me a lift back into town which was great.

The Fish and I went for a top secret meeting and then met up with Jason. Took Jason out to the beautiful Seaford and Beachy Head (suicidal capital of the UK) After a cold windy wander we drove back along the coast and through Rottingdean which Jason and I will probably venture to for a little pitch and putt later this week. But in Rottingdean we came across the meeting point where all the starlings hang out before they head for the pier. These houses looked like something out of a movie they were covered with so many birds!!

On the way home we were hoping to find a pub that served food on a Sunday night. No luck finding one that would serve food past 5 on a Sunday so ended up at Love's which is always great...

Went up to town to pick up my good friend Jason who I hadn't seen since I left Canada almost two years ago. He's coming for a few weeks so I'm sure we'll do a few touristy type things. Met up at Paddington and then did a little round about way to Victoria and then back to Brighton. London not the best place to travel through on the weekends, as there is nothing running most of the time and too many tourists about!

Got back fairly quickly and went for a walk around Brighton. Had a quick tapas at the great Casa Don Carlos. Went to the pier afterwards which had a great Helter Skelter FAIL! (pictured) The jet lag had caught up with Jason so once he had gone to bed the Fish and I watched The Wedding Singer to see the mutants from table 9!

Finished a load of work before heading off to the Concorde 2 to spend the afternoon/evening with Elliot Minor. Nice guys and made them laugh quite early on as I told Alex there would be no Zoolander on my watch!

Got loads of great shots and the fact they were up for getting in the sea on a cloudy, windy day like today was great. (Pictured) Shot the show and after was pretty crazy as it was like Beatlemania with the band getting mobbed by loads of kids!

Once the party died down with the kids we hopped in a few cars and went out for a few drinks. But after a couple I called it a night as I had still loads to do tomorrow including picking up my friend Jason from town!!

Started in Covent Gardens for a news non event! Guitar Hero was doing a new launch with Bring Me The Horizon where no one was really around. Had them hold the game and the amp and really not too much else. Went back over to the office to do a shoot with the King Blues. They were on good form and in particular so was Tom Bryant who was up to his old tricks. (pictured)

After the shoot headed over to Fulham to meet up with Simon who was having his leaving drinks. Scoot came along and we both had a good few drinks. Managed to get the tube back and catch a train all the way home even in a weakened state!!

Spent the morning trying to get through to the Turkish Consulate and when I finally did they said we'll call you back if you need a visa. Never heard from them again so I guess I am good to go!

Went to town and picked up some sushi and then headed for Laurence's place. We had a great sushi feast and catch-up chat. On my way out we ran into his neighbor who needed help getting her exercise bike up to her flat on the second floor. So Laurence and I lifted the very heavy bike up loads of stairs, once inside noticed her cat that looked very interesting. It was a Rex which I had never seen with fur before. I thought they all looked like Mr.Bigglesworth!

Headed back into town up to Camden for the Mars Volta at the Roundhouse. Had a good chat with Awais beforehand and we were only allowed to shoot the first ten minutes which really wasn't enough but hey I managed to get home by ten so I really can't complain with that!

Made it back home by 130 after a 4 hour journey across the country! Had a stressful afternoon trying to figure out what was needed to travel to Turkey for work between doing a load of pics, looks like I'll have to bug the consulate early tomorrow morning...

A sneak peak from a load of poster pics I was working on of the Dead Swans which will be in next week's K!

Left home around 1pm to get up to Nottingham. Quickly checked in at my plush hotel (the Travelodge) which was way cleaner than last time. Wandered up Maid Marian Way to meet up with Nick Ruskell who was reviewing the Converge show this evening.

After a few drinks we went over to the Rescue Rooms for the show. Coliseum opened up and for me they were the best band of the evening. They actually had songs as I found it hard work listening to Integrity and Converge. Did manage to get a few shots even though there was two tiny tin can red lights!! Passed out back at the hotel once I had put all the pics to computer...

A nice relaxing Sunday. The Harries family came for a visit. We took the kids to the pier which was incredibly windy. Couldn't help laughing when we spotted a kid crying on the slowest ride on the pier!!

On our way back down the other side there were some clouds that looked like the beginning of a horror movie so after a picture we made our way home!

Once the fence in the Garden was finally finished this morning went and did a load of errands with the Fish. Put a dent in them but there is way too many things to do. Had a lovely bolognese for dinner in our new Secret Garden which was great. Now that the Secret Garden is finished it goes one room at a time...

A lonely trolley from B&Q... Yeah it was one of those errand type days, so how long do you think we are going to be?

Got up early and left the Travelodge as fast as we could! Made it back to Brighton in 2 hours which was great. Decided to have a mellow day out with half the school. So headed out to the Witterings which were beautiful sandy beaches, in England really? I didn't believe it either until I was eating sand that the wind was kind enough to blow in my mouth!

Ended up hanging out until the other half of the school returned, watched a bit of Kerrang! TVwhich wasn't as bad as everyone says it is apart from playing videos that were 98% old!

Was up way too early in order to get ready to go to Essex for Stewart and Rebecca's wedding. Great job by Holloways who delivered the garden furniture minutes before we needed to leave and of course thanks to head of school Fish for some last minute purchases!

Did the 2 hour drive to Great Dunmow for the wedding. Drove past (London) Stansted on the way. How that airport can be associated with the word London escapes me. It is MILES away!Quickly changed at the fantastic Travelodge that had a present awaiting us and it wasn't placed by the Gideons!

Wasn't sure who we would know (actually I knew no one!) when we arrived at the wedding and on first look no one, but then Erin and Luca turned up followed by Clarabella and David. Was interesting as we were all put together for the ceremony and then we stuck together while we waited for the dinner. Now I knew being of the music side of things we would be outcasts so I was jokingly throwing out the Table 9 reference from the Wedding Singer... Yes we were the mutants at Table 9, and extra thanks go out to the best man whose lame comments about our table and Stewart's choice of lifestyle weren't exactly original.

Finished the night off with a little dessert and keeping the Table 9 collective posse outside together. Nice! (or Safe as Luca and Stewart would have put it) Congrats on the wedding by the way!! Don't take the suicidal advise of your best man and cut your hair Stewart, that wouldn't be so "Safe"!!

Most of today was again at the computer... Headed up to town in the early evening to spend with the Fish, and Paul Xavier who was doing the haircut routine. Phil was over too so the four of us had a great Chinese and then it was what kind of a twat can we make Ashley look like while trimming his hair?? (pictured!)

Ended up catching the last train home which was a mistake, bus replacement!! And then only one bus so on a full bus we had to go all the way to Haywards Heath to drop off four people (there are usually two buses!) Home way to late with an early rise only moments away when I finally got to sleep...

A day of computer/p-shop catch-up... Finally got out a few things finished that there has been no time to do. Must keep all clients happy!

Here the cover of K! tomorrow with the Converge shoot from Salem.

Feeling very tired from the lack of sleep. Now the point of travelling from Gatwick was lost today as once landed we sat on the tarmac for an hour waiting to get off the plane. Apparently there was a plane in our spot and no one was qualified to operate the Jetway!

Grabbed the bags and caught a train home which was also late, perhaps the bus isn't so bad after all. And you usually get a laugh when the nutcase National Express driver Tony is doing his best to be a comedian!

Passed out for a while and then rocked through a little work at the computer... Here's a pic of Zolberg of Sign from the Reykjavik torture dungeon shoot that's in this week's K!

Met up with Ian for breakfast and then took a later checkout... We were off to do a shoot/interview with a band today. Can't mention too much as it's not supposed to given away. It was lovely to see Anna again and the band were great. I know it wasn't exactly what the mag were after but I think it will work shoot wise. After the shoot it worked out perfectly as I went back to the hotel, said bye to Ian, and caught a car to Newark airport.

Showed up right on time to spend a half hour watching a bit of athletics in the bar before boarding a plane back to Gatwick. Now this flight had to be one of the bumpiest flight I had ever been on! The seat belt sign didn't turn off the entire flight, and you could barely see anything out the window... There were some religious choir singers on the flight who all held their hands up during take-off but you know what? Your little prayer didn't really help with the turbulence now did it!!

As you can see from the picture it was nothing but a whole load of 18% gray out the window for the bumpy flight! Tried watching Be Kind Rewind and then 21 but kept falling asleep...

A day of travel... Off to New Jersey today but finally from Gatwick which is great as it means I don't have to make the trek all the way to Heathrow for once!

People were great at check-in and everything went so quickly. Flight was fairly boring and once at Newark after hours waiting to get through customs it was only a few more hours until Ian arrived from Heathrow.

Met up with Ian who was in great spirits after being on an empty flight with a yoga instructor! We caught a pre-booked car (where they wait with signage in arrivals) out to East Brunswick to our hotel that was in the middle of no where. It's funny when people say oh you lead such a luxurious lifestyle... Really? I think pictures are really what speak!

With the two of us hungry the hotel recommended catching a cab which basically took us across a highway for a silly amount of money to Famous Dave's. Ian and I ordered some starters and once they came realized we didn't need any mains!

After dinner we decided to walk back to the hotel which was more of an adventure than an evening stroll! No sidewalk, long wet grass, and cars whizzing by on the freeway not the best idea but hey it was definitely an experience! I did learn though that Ian was scared of Frogs as he freaked out when one jumped in front of him. He said he wasn't keen on nature and if there had been any snakes I'd have had to carry him back!! Brilliant! And so the Adventures of Ian and Ashley continue on...

A mellow day at the computer sorting out images. Finished off the Johnny Truant shoot from yesterday which turned out great. Reminded me of the Minus shoot from a few months ago, look wise not the windy part!

Packed up all my gear as I am off to New Jersey tomorrow. Now this will be the shortest trip and I am not complaining. First of all going from Gatwick is great! So doing the shoot early Sunday so I can catch an evening flight and be back in the UK for Monday morning. If only all trips to places where there isn't much going on went like that, now it going smoothly is another thing altogether!!

An ad for Go Audio's upcoming tour that looks pretty good...

Left at 10am and rolled home at 10pm!! A very long day that involved sitting on trains for the most part. Was told the best way to get to Bristol was to go through Fratton that was until the train to Bristol was cancelled. So ended up arriving an hour and a half late! Thankfully Johnny Truant didn't mind waiting. They were even up for driving to a location I had seen in a book.

Well the Clifton Suspension Bridge didn't disappoint! The wind was the only problem at the bridge. Hadn't done a shoot in such blustery conditions since Korn in Prague this time last year! Thankfully only had to wait for Rueben's hair to calm down rather than the entire band...

Spent about 3 hours in Bristol and then back on a train all the way home, another thanks goes out to the lovely Fish for having saved some lovely made dinner for me!

Right saw this creepy little number in the Top Shop window in London the other day. What are you advertising???

Brighton and Hove council! What the fuck am I paying council tax for? For you to close offices, reduce services and now I have to go miles into Hove to sort anything out. Thanks for nothing!

Between a couple of errands, spent most of the day at the computer sorting the Converge shoot, and a shot of Scars On Broadway... Went into town to have a few drinks with Carly who had a great Canadian care package for me. Crazy thing is I think I had been back since I had last saw her! Maybe she should move to Brighton??

Here's the cover of Kerrang! this week with the Maiden shoot which seems like it was ages ago.

So this time last year I was in Greece with Larissa celebrating Canada Day! Well today was a day of errands around London. But it had to have been as hot as it was in Greece last year. I think Larissa picked the wrong year to come to England because it rained non stop last summer. Well if you could call it a summer...

The Fish and I tried out a Thai recipe that Scarlet had emailed over and it was really good. I don't think we messed it up as and the taste was great. Here's a pic for Larissa of when I did get a chance to put my feet up!!