A local filmmaker and photographer has jet-setted across Europe this summer, having the chance to experience life on tour with a legendary band, including 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.

The band which performed in Jersey in 2013, have been touring across Europe and were joined for seven weeks by Jersey-based Cameron Aird, who travelled with the band as its official photographer.

Express had the chance to sit down with Mr Aird after this wonderful opportunity to get the behind-the-scenes tour details…

What made you decide to turn photography and filmmaking from a passion into a full-time career?

I first found my passion for the visual arts back at school when I was picking my GCSE’s. Photography was a newly offered subject which piqued my creative interests.

Throughout my time, I have been driven to pursue photography and filmmaking as a full time job as I wanted to turn what I love into my job.

I hope my career also inspires the younger generations to push into a career that is also their passion.

Although it has it’s hardships running your own business means you’ll never work a day in your life when you do what you love!

How did the opportunity to photograph and go on tour with Nile Rodgers come about?

Most of the time any opportunities that comes through are built on already existing networks and growing with the people that are willing to help you grow with them.

I have built a relationship with Nile Rodgers’ management team which lead to an unexpected email one evening back in April which lead to a seven-week tour with Nile Rodgers and Chic this summer.

What was your reaction to being offered the chance to tour with such an iconic artist?

I was excited to jump on tour with Nile and the band as I knew they had so much timeless music which I knew would bring a special type of energy to the shows!

Have you been on many tours with artists before?

I have had the opportunity to work with a few bands and artists now and while I do a variety of video and photography work in the industry both on-Island and off-Island I have loved any opportunity to jump on tour!

Where did the tour take you, and what was it like working with Nile and the rest of his team?

This tour consisted of travel throughout the UK and Europe, with a stand out moment being able to walk with Nile to the Eiffel Tower experiencing his first ever visit to the tower despite many visits to the city.

Was there a particular moment or experience from the tour that really stood out to you?

The tour’s show date at Hyde park, where they performed in front of 65,000+ people had an incredible 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.

How has growing up in Jersey shaped your career?

Although Jersey has many great attributes, being born and raised in Jersey we often don’t have the opportunities that we would would get compared to the UK.

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.

Have there been elements of island life that have helped you along the way?

I definitely have my parents, close friends and family around me to thank for supporting, trusting me, and giving me the time and space to develop and push into a career that was once a passion and now my full time job.

The beauty about being in Jersey and the thing I have come to appreciate the most is coming back to the island from the hussle and bussle of the rest of the world and getting that rest bit, enjoying Island life to recuperate before heading off on the next adventure.

How does it feel to represent a small island like Jersey on a global creative level?

I feel privileged to say I’m from Jersey, although we are a small community of people – we have huge array of talent and impact in the world and I feel like although our lack of opportunities we have a reason to prove people wrong and push for more than just the Islands we live on which I’ll be forever grateful for.

What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers and photographers who want to break into international creative spaces?

The best piece of advice I could give any aspiring filmmakers or photographers that is looking to pursue their passion into a career – is to never give up. Even when times get tough, it’s those times that shape you!

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.

Has the tour opened the door to any new opportunities for you?

The tour has definitely opened up the door for new relationships to be built from working with amazingly talented crew, from the band to Nile Rodgers and the whole behind the scenes team – I’m confident that having built that working relationship, that the future will bring more adventures and opportunities.