Henry

These images were taken of Henry 20 days after he was born. He was born 3 weeks early. It was a lovely couple of hours with him, Sarah (Mum) and Pam (Sarah's Mum) watching him explore the world.

Tommy

Poppy

Royal Wedding: A new acceptance for photographers?

I spent the 29th April in London with my camera. I wasn't interested in getting images of the main attraction - Kate and William - but wanted to photograph those who wanted to be a part of the celebrations. Normally there is a great wariness to create 'street' images on my part due to the current climate of suspiciousness towards anyone carrying, let alone using, a camera on the streets of London. This day help a very different atmosphere and acceptance. The general atmosphere of the crowds was one of communal engagement. Many smiles. Conversation with complete strangers. A nice place to 'be'. It was also the largest fancy dress party I'd seen! And it wasn't just the British getting involved. I saw flags from many nations.

But why my question: 'A new acceptance for photographers?'

Well, I must be very sceptical and say that I don't think this atmosphere will last. Sadly. My experience of the day. photographically, was pretty unique when compared to being on a street or at an event and partaking in photography. This was different in two main areas.

It felt, and was, acceptable to photograph children. All the parents of children I photographed appeared very proud that I was doing so. If I were to photograph children enjoying life any where else in the current climate this would be a very big 'No No'. Why was today different? I have absolutely no idea. But I wish I could bottle what ever it was that created the atmosphere.

Secondly was the relationship with the police. All officers I met and photographed were very convivial. They appeared to be enjoying the atmosphere themselves. It must have made a big change to them looking after crowd control and not expecting anything major to happen - whilst still being alert to something possible happening. I would imagine their normal stance is waiting and expecting something to happen and their nervousness and anticipation feeding into a negative atmosphere with elements of crowds seeking to bait and escalate that uncomfortable air.

Through out the day I was never challenged as to what I was photographing and why. It was just accepted as part of what was going on during the day.

More images can be seen on my Two Dragons Flickr site.

 

 

 

Tim Hetherington

I never met Tim, but he greatly influenced me.

It is with great sadness that I have learned he was killed in Misrata, Libya. Tim influenced me greatly with his work 'Healing Sport' on how sporting activities in the war torn regions of Africa were helping heal wounds in many ways. This video, available until 29th April 2011 is well worth watching. I believe it provides an insight into a many who clearly believed in the humanitarian power of images for a change for good - despite the darkness of the heart and mind that had to be explored to create the essence of hope.

View this 'Healing Sport' and you will see how he influenced me in my project with young people 'Through Our Eyes'.

There are some excellent bio's of his background from working with the Big Issue and the Homeless to many other humanitarian projects he was involved in.

He shone a light on the dark corners of the human condition and showed their is potential for optimism. It is a very sad irony that he was killed looking to brighten that beam in ever darker corners.

A Life in Bags

This image has been selected to go through to the next stages of a national competition by a social equalities agency.

It was taken in Trafalgar Square which I find a fantastic location for street photography. The myriad of tourists mix with all social layers of British life. This image is a particular favourite of mine as it shows the these layers in one image.

Four very different images connected by the bags they carry and the reasons they carry the bags. The business man with his daily work life. The tourists with their accoutrement for their day in London and the homeless gentleman with what appears to be his life.

Four separate individuals connected by bags. Strangers to each other.

Esther Rantzen

I was asked to photograph the national launch of the Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) course from Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA England).

Esther Rantzen was invited to speak.

It was interesting to photograph her as she had stipulated that I didn't photograph her whilst she was speaking. This I fully understood, and complied with. What was interesting for me was that Esther obviously wasn't comfortable being photographed at all. It was obvious to me that she was very aware of where I was and made it quite difficult to get good images as she positioned herself away from the camera.

I found this a little disconcerting as her talk was very much about her work and, rightly so, Childline. Esther stated she actually new little about MHFA England and the YMHFA. The problem for me was her willingness to use the event as a platform for her work but appeared less interested in helping promote the YMHFA - especially by being helpful with the images.

This was a useful expereince for me in listening to the request of the person being photographed, but also keeping to the requirements of who asked me to create the photographs. MHFA England were very pleased with the images.

I've not heard from Esther.