Metal Memories From The Pit / John Inglis, Bloodstock 2017

The opportunity of my life was offered to me to shoot my first open-air Metal festival, Bloodstock, in 2017.

Photographer: John Inglis

Editor-in-chief Steve Göldby said he saw potential in me and had every confidence that I’d do a great job. I thought to myself, holy shit, I cannot let him or MetalTalk down, but most of all myself. With Amon Amarth, Megadeth, and the very theatrical Ghost (a personal favourite) as headliners, I’d be a fool to pass it up.

Metal Memories From The Pit / John Inglis, Bloodstock 2017
Bloodstock. Photo: John Inglis/MetalTalk

At the time, I had a borrowed camera and lens from my best friend Scott Clarke, and all the time, I was thinking, ‘Oh god, how am I going to do this? Am I out of my depth?’

With passes all sorted, I headed to the media tent, not even knowing what the drill was but set my laptop up and my camera gear, and I was ready to roll. The pit usher took us down the tunnel into the arena pit for the first band on the main stage. My stomach was churning on hearing the heavy rumble of the bass bins being tested.

Metal Memories From The Pit / John Inglis, Bloodstock 2017
Bloodstock. Photo: John Inglis/MetalTalk

Seeing the fans at the pit barrier with a seven-foot stage made me feel like I was going to perform. Safe to say, yes, I was shaking.

Metal Memories From The Pit / John Inglis, Bloodstock 2017
Bloodstock. Photo: John Inglis/MetalTalk

The feeling was just beyond anything I’d ever seen or done, seasoned photographers made me feel very welcome, and I soon settled into the flow of what had to be done. It was insane meeting stars like Jeff Waters (Annihilator), David Ellefson (Megadeth) and countless others. By far the best moment of my life, and I’ll treasure it forever.

Hella Rock Festival

Metal Memories From The Pit / John Inglis, Bloodstock 2017
Bloodstock. Photo: John Inglis/MetalTalk

My journey so far has been quite overwhelming, and I’m blessed to be given these opportunities to do what I love doing.

Never give up your hopes or dreams. You never know where they can lead you. You never know who’s watching.

Metal Memories From The Pit / John Inglis, Bloodstock 2017
Bloodstock. Photo: John Inglis/MetalTalk

John Inglis has been the chief MetalTalk photographer at every Bloodstock since.

Get Involved.

MetalTalk are always looking for talented photographers and writers. Interested, then email SteveRitchie@MetalTalk.net.


Metal Memories From The Pit / John Inglis, Bloodstock 2017
Bloodstock. Photo: John Inglis/MetalTalk
Metal Memories From The Pit / John Inglis, Bloodstock 2017
Bloodstock. Photo: John Inglis/MetalTalk
Metal Memories From The Pit / John Inglis, Bloodstock 2017
Bloodstock. Photo: John Inglis/MetalTalk
Metal Memories From The Pit / John Inglis, Bloodstock 2017
Bloodstock. Photo: John Inglis/MetalTalk

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