Music photographer of the year competition...

The On Song festival invites all enthusiastic music photographers to enter their work in a bid to become our 'Music Photographer of the Year'. We're looking for images that capture the essence of live music in any shape or form and sum up what you believe music is all about. The winner will then be invited to Carling Academy Liverpool to photograph Travis on Monday 29th September alongside acclaimed Liverpool photographer Mark McNulty.

Mark McNulty has been photographing live music for over twenty years and explains what it feels like to shoot a show;
"The general rule of thumb for gig photography is 'first 3 songs no flash'. The band want to get on with the show, you're in the way of the security and you're obscuring the view of the ones in the front row who've held their place since the doors opened. With the added loveliness of flying drinks, it makes perfect sense to get the job done and get out of there... so whilst it's not exactly glamorous, the access and adrenalin is worth the hassle".

If you think you've got what it takes then email ONE low res (72 dpi) jpeg to mail@liverpool-academy.co.uk along with your name, age and what you think your picture says about music. Entries will be judged by an expert panel and must be received by Friday 19th September.

The music photography of Mark McNulty is documented in his new book "Pop Cultured" and we celebrate its release this September with an exhibition of live photos from the first 5 years of Carling Academy Liverpool. Available to view at the venue throughout September, this visually stunning display of his work captures the current crop of Liverpool musical talent as well as some of the most iconic figures in British popular culture.

Closing date for all entries - Friday 19th September 2008
For more information on the 'On Song' festival please visit www.onsong-festival.co.uk
Mark McNulty's website can be found at www.mcnulty.co.uk