(A chat with the neighbour - Sunday morning down a small side street)
Photography, to me, is an art form that allows me to freeze moments in time, preserving fragments of society's tapestry for eternity. As a street photographer, I find immense joy in capturing candid moments that reflect the essence of the human experience, revealing both the beauty and complexity of everyday life. Through my lens, I seek to uncover the hidden narratives that exist in front of every one of us, unearthing emotions, struggles, and triumphs that often go unnoticed.
Black and white photography has always been my preferred medium for its ability to strip away distractions, leaving raw emotions and essential elements at the forefront. However, I also embrace colour images, as they offer a different dimension, adding vibrancy and nuance to the stories I tell. My artistic choices are deliberate, aiming to evoke emotions, spark introspection, and invite viewers to delve deeper into the images' meanings.
(A moment captured in Newport, Wales. He was unaware of me and just happened to look round)
What sets photography apart is its universal language. Each viewer brings their own experiences, beliefs, and perspectives to the photographs, thus interpreting them uniquely. It is this interplay between the photographer's vision and the viewer's interpretation that fascinates me the most. A single photograph can evoke a myriad of emotions, provoking diverse reactions from different individuals.
(Derry/Londonderry - An image that distils the city)
Photography serves as a powerful medium to bridge gaps, create connections, and raise awareness. It can challenge societal norms, question established beliefs, and instigate change. The thought-provoking nature of street photography lies in its ability to confront viewers with realities they might have otherwise overlooked. It challenges us to empathize, question, and understand the world from multiple viewpoints.
Photography means much more to me than just taking pictures; it's like telling stories that connect with the essence of being human. It's a way for me to join in a larger conversation, encouraging people to think about the complexities of life. As a photographer, I feel a deep responsibility to present images that go beyond the surface, allowing viewers to explore their own thoughts and create their own stories. The amazing thing is that everyone can interpret the photos in their own way, and this collective understanding gives photography its incredible power – it brings people together, sparks inspiration, and helps us better understand the world we live in.