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Chapter Four

At dinner, I was sandwiched between an upbeat Rhys Ryan and a very quiet Cameron. To my left, the conversation had been fun and easy. To my right, it was awkward and solemn. It hadn't only been noticed by Rhys, quite a few of the entourage had made teasing comments to Cameron about his glum mood as well. The sweet Hispanic nutritionist told him that he was in need of a wheatgrass shot to perk him up, to which Cameron strongly declined. After the comments had all been made, he did actually try to be a little more involved in the jovial conversations that were taking place around the table, but didn't look comfortable at all. I know I haven't known him for very long, but I also know when someone doesn't like me being around. Whenever I tried to talk to Cameron, he would answer me politely with only a one word answer. It honestly was like trying to get blood from out of a stone. In the end, I gave up trying. The thing is, I really liked Cameron when I first met him. I thought he was lovely. Now, I just think he's a moody git.

Anyway, moving on!
My objective for the night has become to ignore the gloomy Cameron and to focus on Rhys Ryan. I am wanting to get as many natural shots of him as I possibly can. Next stop is the backstage Meet and Greet before the show. I'll admit it, I had actually been dreading this concert, but after the interview on the balcony and now dinner, I am actually looking forward to it.

**

The atmosphere backstage is a total change of pace. It's organised chaos. There's the tech people, the sound, lighting and pa crew—all with very important jobs to do. The singers and dancers are in tight knit groups, warming up for the show. Cables are literally everywhere, I can't tell you how many times my heels have got hooked up on those damn things. I just follow Rhys, Cameron, Jules and Will everywhere that they go. Trying not to trip over or bump into anyone or anything. We eventually end up in a small dressing room. I was expecting something grander looking, but I suppose it's only a dressing room after all. "What do you usually do before a show?" I ask, scanning the small but fully functional room.

Rhys Ryan is looking at a small rail of clothing. "Uh, I guess the guys out there are the ones who do all the real hard work before the shows. I just like to hang out in my room." He glances across at the now closed dressing room door before carrying on. "We usually just all chill out." He adds, now looking at Will, Cam and Jules. "Sometimes we have the fans come backstage, but not all the time. About half an hour before I go on, I like to warm up with the backing singers. It's our bonding time before everything gets really wild." His eyes are wide and bright, dilating with excitement.

Without saying anything, I just start taking pictures of him. A shot of him trying on a jacket. A shot of him sat by his dressing table and looking back at me from the lit up mirror. A shot of him laughing with Will over something that had happened to them the other day. Every single picture is capturing a naturally relaxed Rhys Ryan.

We are soon leaving the dressing room, to head to another. The show organisers have laid on the Meet and Greet in one of the bigger dressing rooms just down the hall. As we approach at a fast pace, a couple of official people are waiting for Rhys. They introduce themselves, explaining to him that the fans are all eagerly waiting inside. I watch him warmly smile as he listens carefully, then he adjusts his posture by pulling back his shoulders before entering the room. He wants to look his best for his loyal fans. He wants to be the best. He wants to be—Rhys Ryan.
The room literally comes alive with his presence. He is welcomed with cheers, elated gasps and even tears of joy. With keen interest, I watch each and every one of his devotees. Some can't possibly smile any more than they already are. Some are simply too overwhelmed to say or do anything now that their idol is right in front of them. Some simply clap and squeal. Some giggle insanely. Some just start bawling at the mere sight of him. Then there are those who are really trying to play it cool, they don't want to blend in with all the other overexcitable fans. Age and gender doesn't seem to change how a fan reacts to Rhys Ryan. With my own eyes, I am seeing men, women, boys and girls all delighted to be meeting him. Then I start watching the man himself, move from one fan to the next with personable ease. With my camera, I capture the idol with those who idolise him. Each shot, shows just what he means to them and how much they mean to him. It's a two-way respect being forever immortalised within a sequence of photographs. The camera loves him, almost as much as his fans do. The lens lavishes it's love on him and it's reward is to have wonderful pictures of the sensational singer.