Through observing the places I have visited, and within my day-to-day life, I can conclude that I find England to be a somewhat messy place. Messy in the way it presents itself, and messy in the minds of it’s people. I am pretty sure that messiness is not unique to England, but I do think all places, from the local to the national have certain qualities that make them recognisable or typical, in and of themselves. It is this sense of place that I want to consider, both through the familiar, and also the largely overlooked elements of the spaces we encounter.
Sound and Vision: making sense of photography
With that in mind I am going to present you with an opportunity to immerse yourself in a variety of sounds that I have collected along the way. I have attempted to maintain an awareness of the sensory nature of my travels by keeping my phone on silent and absorbing what I can through my senses. There is a sound-recording device on my kit-list which accompanies me on every shoot.
The Thrill Of The Shoot; Anxious times for photographers.
In February and March as the news from China was filtering through to the public via a seemingly unworried Prime Minister, the population knew things were about to change. It was in that state of mild fear and uncertainty that I last went out with the camera prior to the lockdown (Friday 13th March). I wanted to capture something of the anticipation of what lay ahead, and I had a hunch I wouldn’t be able to go out for a while.
Photographic Pause: A time for reflection
I am writing this post as the whole world wrangles with what to do under the most unexpected of circumstances: that of dealing with COVID-19.
Things are changing on a daily basis, and London is edging ever closer to a full lockdown. The last two days have brought better weather and the urge to be outside, moving, and in the (distanced) company of others is magnetic.
My Great Photographic Adventure in Great Wakering (Part 2)
I entered Buddie’s Diner, a bright and sparkly little cafe which contained around six square tables. Inside there was just one customer, sat with a cup of tea, and two ladies working, who were behind the counter. I was greeted with smiles, and good mornings, and I had barely sat down when the sole customer bellowed “So what are you photographing today then?” “Oh!” I said in surprised response, “well, I can photograph you if you like?” For me this interaction felt like my true introduction to Great Wakering, and in many ways to village-life itself.
Bus, Camera, Action
I feel very engaged with the physicality of my journey, whether that is using my body to walk or cycle, or by fully engaging in my surroundings through sight and sound. Even these blogposts are a way of working through the project, in an exploratory fashion; a place to get my thoughts out, and to open a dialogue with anyone who feels like sharing.
Photo Project 4 x 4 x 4: Seeing more
Through observing things more closely on my wanderings, it has become very apparent that there are traces of humans everywhere, and I find that fascinating. Whether it’s a fallen post that someone will undoubtedly have to retrieve, or a sign telling us that ducks are nearby; somebody, somewhere has made or needs to make a decision to bring these things into action or existence.