Kirsten and Laurence
Last weekend I walked away after a photo shoot realising I had experienced something very real and special. It's quite rare to get the opportunity to photograph a couple simply to celebrate who they are. We all lead such busy everyday lives and in the main, our relationships all too often are given a back seat.
As far as couples go, Kirsten and Laurence are naturally and visually connected. But something more happened that day, not only did they stand still long enough to take a bit of time to look at where they'd come from and where they are right now...they actually trusted me enough to ask them some pretty personal questions. None of us knew what the responses might be, though I truly feel these images gave us a few of their answers. I sat in my car afterwards and let out a long breath...felt humbled, grounded and completely certain about what a great and honest relationship between two people should look like.
We're going on a bear hunt
The all time classic children's book, We're Going On A Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen was chanting through my mind as we tramped across fields and followed tracks lined with tall and thickly woven majestic trees. Brandishing a strong long plastic sword and armed with many snacks fit for a bear hunt, a young knight named Griff led us deep in to the forest in search of his bear friend. His faithful fair maiden sister, Anwen took control when times got hairy. Swinging off fallen branches and large boulders in her bare feet to help her little brother reach victory and glory. When the going got tough, tickling each other seemed to keep up spirits on this gritty journey.
A week with Bethan
Day 1 Jo was not only adamant to teach me the rules of photography, but the feeling and the story behind it. I realised before long photography isn’t just about the final result of the photos, but the story behind them, the people you meet, and the places you discover during the process. Before I knew it, I’d already encountered my first “decisive moment” as photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson proclaimed. Then we met Nicholas who travels around with his rucksack and dog. I’ve always had an appreciation for great stories, but nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to hear in such a short amount of time. I sat open mouthed in astonishment as Nicholas told his tales, and I only wish he could have stayed a bit longer. Jo then sent me off with my own little project inspired by Philippe Halsman, asking strangers to jump. I did get about six shots in the end, and most importantly met some interesting people on the way. After finding a television crew filming the Gadget Show, I spoke to the producer, observed the set and took some photos. I sat down with Jo afterwards, and she helped me find my weaknesses, ones I know I can improve on throughout the week. Day 2 My Tuesday morning consisted of a tea from Costa, a walk up through Chepstow, and a visit to Fletch’s tattoo parlour. Jo’s friend Aimee, was happy with us both observing and taking photos of Fletch touching up the 4 portraits of her young children on her back. I stood in amazement for the first ten minutes, taking in the atmosphere, the people and the art that was taking place in this tiny little corner. I realised soon enough, tattoos weren’t just an act of spontaneity, but something meaningful that would stay with that person forever, which is what I tried to capture in my photos. As I stood quietly, hovering, I tried to capture the connections between Fletch and Aimee; artist and client. They were both so at ease, so comfortable considering the permanent project being etched into her skin. Aimee was brave enough to trust Fletch with this massive responsibility, something she was passionate about, something that would stay with her forever, something she couldn’t afford to go wrong. She put complete faith in Fletch. Day 3 I began to create my own book of photos, as a keepsake and a way of displaying some of my achievements throughout the week. Jo then showed me some of her products, which is in some ways equally as important as the photos themselves. I learnt about the different ways to display photos, from a marketing point of view, and from a personal perspective. I now understand how every picture has a different need in how it’s displayed, depending on its content, colour and its audience too. Day 4 Jo’s taken part in a project including other artists, a story teller, a group of children and a residential home; ‘connecting the ages’. As the children finished off their Mosaic they’d started with artist, Stephanie Roberts, Jo and I hovered once again taking photos of the children and the piece of art they were creating. In all honesty I did find this project a little more challenging than the others. The children were constantly moving, and light has now become my best friend and my worst enemy. Nonetheless I enjoyed my afternoon, and even contributed a little to the mosaic myself!
The Jones Family
Childhood should be carefree and a time to explore. Each time I get to photograph children, I strongly believe that it should take place in their world and show what they naturally do best. When I woke up on a Sunday morning in July, I was already looking forward to this. I knew that I'd be hanging out with five cousins aged five to ten years, I also knew that I was going to experience all the right ingredients for a perfect morning's play date. So If you add lashings of warm sunshine, a long-grassed meadow and not to mention a pretty awesome treehouse...then it has to be said that my job doesn't get any better!
I arrived to find the kitchen table awash in rainbow-coloured loom bands that had been crafted into the most amazingly intricate bracelets, floral bouquets and animals. Now my own looming skills haven't really progressed passed the triple looped bracelet, but these creations left me wide-eyed with wonder. I was given an on-the-spot masterclass in how to make an octopus...a bit too advanced for me I fear.