Journal
Location Information
Contact with Twm also known as Polly Amorous, began by way of a message from myself and then I received a telephone call back on Sunday 25th January 2022. Over the next few weeks, we communicated through email, messenger and telephone. I was sent a selection of dates where I could attend to see his performances at events and nightclubs around South Wales. Unfortunately during this time, I could only attend some of them due to having COVID-19. The following photoshoots were all in Mary’s Nightclub, Cardiff, having permission from each individual to take and use the images for this project.
Photoshoot Writeups
Date: 01-02-2022
Venue: Mary’s Nightclub, 89 St Mary Street, Cardiff, CF10 1DW
Event: Viewing Party
Time: 18:30 until 02:00
This photoshoot was in the middle of Cardiff City Centre, I had already worked a plan of how long it would take to get there and what I may need as far as equipment was needed. I took two camera bodies, lenses, tripod, flash unit, light meter, cards that were formatted and a set of flat shoes! The photoshoot was to be inside the venue and I may need my flash unit and to change the settings on my camera to capture the images I wanted to.
Arriving at the agreed time in the venue, I waited to meet Twm. He arrived with a case of luggage, a massive grin on his face and was really welcoming.
Twm showed me upstairs to the dressing rooms and where he would get ready for the show. It was very relaxed and the conversation was flowing with lots of questions and answers. I was told I was to try to avoid getting customers in any photographs until it was checked with management. As it was pretty dark despite the main light in the room being left on, I felt the use of flash could be needed. I also asked to put on an additional light a lamp which the manager, Gordon, gave me. Twm said that he hoped I did not mind, he had asked Ren a Drag King, known as Justin Drag, to come to the venue early. Justin was part of the evening lineup as a support to him.
During the next hour, or so whilst Twm was transforming into Polly I took images, trying different settings on my camera. Some worked whilst others did not. Suddenly Ren came into the room as large as life itself. Both he and Twm were very friendly and willing to go with the flow whilst I took photos.
At 20:45 one of the management team came into the room to advise them both about the time and let them know it was time for them to go onto the stage to do their set. Following them downstairs I stood back and watched as they took the stage. The atmosphere was buzzing and the crowd were very happy to be there. They sang some songs and then Ru Pauls Drag Race came on the television screens, during this time I was advised to not take photographs. After around an hour, the program had finished and the singing, and banter between Polly and Justin flowed for around two hours. During this time I captured more images and changed the settings on my camera to suit the lighting. Towards the end I took a selfie on my phone with them, collect my belongings and left at around 01:00 extremely tired and looking to the next event.
