A LOCAL filmmaker and photographer has had a whirlwind summer experiencing life on tour with a legendary band which has included some major festivals and venues.

Disco band Chic, led by guitarist Nile Rodgers, are known for hits including Le Freak, Good Times and Everybody Dance, and have been performing since the 1970s.

This summer, the band – which performed in Jersey in 2013 – have been touring across Europe.

And, they were joined for seven weeks by Jersey-based Cameron Aird, who travelled with the band as its official photographer.

Previously, Mr Aird has worked on the H&M fashion show in London last year, as well as The Lion King 25th Anniversary event.

After picking GCSE photography as a newly-offered subject in school, he discovered his passion for the visual arts.

Now he pursues photography and filmmaking as a full-time job to help “inspire the younger generations to push into a career that is also their passion”.

After building up a relationship with Nile Rodgers’ management team, Mr Aird received an unexpected email to join the team on a tour where Mr Aird said he was able to capture “timeless music” and amazing moments.  

Pictured: “A standout moment was being able to walk with Nile to the Eiffel Tower experiencing his first ever visit to the tower despite many visits to the city.” (Cameron Aird)

He shared an “unforgettable” moment from the tour where he photographed the band at their show at Hyde Park performing in front of more than 65,000 people which had “an phenomenal energy to it.”

“I think overall to be able to be up close and personal with such a highly respected artist in the music industry was a real pinch-me moment,” added Mr Aird.

Mr Aird said that despite Jersey’s many great attributes, most creatives often face difficulty accessing opportunities compared those living in the UK.  

“Yet, having come from such a small community of people, it has really driven me to reach and achieve more than just a local scale of work,” he said.

“The thing I have come to appreciate the most is coming back to the Island from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world and getting that respite, enjoying Island life to recuperate before heading off on the next adventure.

Pictured: Nile Rodgers performing on stage with the band Chic, which he and his late partner Bernard Edwards formed, creating massive global dance anthems and era-defining hits.

“I feel privileged to say I’m from Jersey. Although we are a small community of people, we have a huge array of talent and impact in the world.”

The Jersey based filmmaker and photographer said that the tour has definitely opened up the door for new relationships to be built from working with the crew behind Nile Rodgers and Chic. 

And, offering advice to young Islanders looking at a career in the creative industries, Mr Aird said: “Network with people within your industry, be curious, learn and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Don’t aim for perfection, aim for development.”