So, how do I sum up the 365 days of 2009?
It’s virtually impossible to put into words. We had such an amazing year.
At the beginning of 2009 we got to meet our beautiful baby and Elliott’s first brother, Isaac, and on Boxing Day the same year we found out we’ll be having another baby in 2010! I travelled to Jakarta & Bali to DJ and took the family to Spain and Montreal, where we spent a fantastic Christmas.
Our photography business went from strength to strength and we met so many amazing people this year. Not just our super-cool clients but also inspirational photographers, musicians and new friends from all sides of the industry. We’re so grateful for the support we’ve received and feel so lucky to be doing something we’re both totally passionate about as our career. It’s something we never take for granted. We thank everyone reading this – family, friends, clients, photographers or just people who enjoy looking through our images and seeing what we’ve been up to. Cheers.
I want to say a massive THANK YOU to my wife and best friend, Evelyne. She’s been amazing this year, looking after the kids, our home and, when she’s not doing all that, helping with the business. She deserves a medal. And a holiday! Thanks babe. I love you.
I wanted to put together a slideshow of some of my favourite photos from 2009. It took me all day! I had to leave out so many to make sure the slideshow wasn’t an hour long! There’s music too so turn those speakers up if you’re not in work 
Speaking of music, as with the past couple of years I’m listing my personal albums of the year. Anyone who knows me will tell you that my taste is somewhat diverse and this year’s list is a real mixed bag. So here goes…
1. Pearl Jam – Backspacer
My fave band of all time returned with their best album in years. I caught them live in August and, as always, they delivered a showcase in how to give the fans the show they deserve. Love ‘em!
2. Alice In Chains – Black Gives Way To Blue
Another Seattle band and an immense comeback album. Caught them live twice this year and got to photograph them both times too.
3. Silversun Pickups – Swoon
Featuring my favourite track of the year in “Growing Old Is Getting Old”, Silversun Pickups deserve to be huge but I kinda like that I can see them in small venues. For now.
4. Gomez – A New Tide
Just when you thought Gomez had found their stride, they deliver their best album yet. Have played this repeatedly in the Gerrard household.
5. Manchester Orchestra – Mean Everything To Nothing
They’re not an orchestra and they’re not from Manchester! A band I have yet to see live but I’ve played the album loads over the past few months. Ace! Great video too…
6. Erin McCarley – Love, Save The Empty
I’m not always in the mood for heavy guitars and Erin makes pop music without being crap. Her song, Sleepwalking, is one of my faves of the year.
7. Bat For Lashes – Two Suns
Hypnotic, haunting and often beautiful.
8. Despised Icon – Day Of Mourning
It doesn’t get much more brutal than this! Another heavy-as-hell offering from Montreal’s finest metalheads. Their drummer is related to the Terminator. Maybe.
9. The Ghost Of A Thousand – New Hopes, New Demonstrations
Featured in my Best Of slideshow above, The GOAT are one of the best live bands in the country and this album saw them raise their game on all fronts.
10. Metric – Fantasies
Have loved Metric since Evelyne introduced me to them in Montreal. Another quality collection of edgy indie pop songs.
11. Biffy Clyro – Only Revolutions
Deserving their new found status, Biffy look all set for global domination. Quality rock music.
12. Your Demise – Ignorance Never Dies
The leaders of the new school of UK hardcore, this album set the standard in 2009 and their Birmingham gig was as intense as it gets.
13. Catherine Feeny – People In The Hole
Currently only available through her website, this album shows why Catherine is one of the most underrated singer-songwriters around. If you like acoustic music, check her out.
14. The Dead Weather – Horehound
Jack White turns up with yet another great rock n roll band, with The Kills’ Alison Mosshart on vocals. Even better than I expected and equally impressive live.
15. Depeche Mode – Sounds Of the Universe
Another one of my all-time fave bands. Totally unique and they never disappoint.
16. Architects – Hollow Crown
Another hardcore band taking their music to new levels. The musicianship is breathtaking and they’re amazing live too.
17. Doves – Kingdom Of Rust
A quality collection of tunes from the boys from Manchester.
18. Every Time I Die – New Junk Aesthetic
Like being asked to dance and then punched in the face. In a good way
19. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
I have no idea what the title means but Grizzly Bear are one band who delivered a uniquely original album this year. I predict big things.
20. The Red Chord – Fed Through The Teeth Machine
When I’m driving and need something to wake me up I turn to The Red Chord. Looking forward to catching them live again in April this year.
Honourary mention – Mick Flannery – White Lies
Released in 2008 but I only discovered it this year and I’ve played it to death since. Amazing artist. Amazing album!
Other great albums this year included Idlewild, Gallows, Converge, The Big Pink, Alexisonfire, Slayer, Weezer, Suicide Silence, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Powderfinger, Pete Yorn, Outcry Collective, Oceano, Lamb Of God, Mastodon and The Black Dahlia Murder.
Disappointments = U2 & Editors
So there it is… 2009 is gone but 2010 promises big things. Happy New Year
Wondered why you put ‘first brother’!….fab news, many congratulations and all the best for 2010. WOW!…what a slideshow….love it ……great images and great inspiration! Pleased to find some of my favourites there too! Rosie
Sweet! That is a slideshow to be proud of.
So chuffed to be working with you
Brilliant stuff Steve, thanks for helping make our year so great.
Brilliant pictures and we are honoured that some of ours feature in it too! My only regret of 2009 is not having you to shoot our wedding, but at least we got a fab day out with you!
Fabulous work as always Steve! Can’t wait for our 2010 shoot…can’t believe we completely missed 2009!! x
Captivating.
Great stuff Steve.Thank you for making 2009 a fantastic year working for Birmingham Live.
Beautiful work Steve, all the best for 2010.
[...] Best of 2009 — Steve Gerrard Photography Steve’s made a slideshow of his fave pics from last year and there’s some absolute belters [...]
My waters broke this morning (!) and I have been trying to relax – so when my sister-in-law told me about the 2009 slide show I immediately logged on. To see a photo from our Feb 09 is wonderful and I send very best wishes for baby number 3.
[...] year, around New Year, I list my favourite albums of the year. You can see my choices for 2009 HERE and 2008 [...]