Behind the lens: 20 photos of musicians in Manchester by Chris Payne

Behind the lens: Chris Payne

'I’m a freelance photographer based in Manchester, and head photographer at Northern Soul. I use a Nikon D610, but most of the shots here were done with my first camera, a D3200. 

I’m a musician, but the saxophones went into the loft when I picked up a DSLR for the first time in 2012. Photographing live music seems to give me the same buzz I get from performance – and my background in theatre and film (I worked at Cornerhouse for eight years up until the birth of my son in 2010) has given me an eye for the theatrical. I love going for something a bit different – an extreme close-up, or a weird framing. Although I try to make sure I get as much done “in the camera” as I can, I really enjoy the editing process, where it’s possible to wrangle the shot into something special. This is often a necessity where gig photography is concerned, as the lighting can be unpredictable, with strobes and the dreaded red or blue floods. In addition, you tend to only get to shoot the first three songs (without flash) so you take what you can get!' 

'Photographing Johnny Marr and James have been real highlights this year – Tim Booth doesn’t hold back on stage, and Johnny is always good for a wee rockstar pose. I suppose the selection here shows the wide range of music still coming out of the UK’s great music city.' 

You can view more of Chris’s work at www.chrispayneimages.co.uk, his articles for Northern Soul here and you can buy some of his work online here.

You can find him on Twitter at @xtofallabout and on Facebook

Rewind to the '90s and check out the crumbling Crescents and free party scene in old Hulme

A reflection of this great city and its ever changing landscape