A photograph of mine features in the April edition of the The Simple Things magazine. The rose was planted by the lady who lived in my house before me. I think she’d have really enjoyed this article.
Thanks to the magnificant Lomography for this lovely piece.
‘Inspired by the freedom of larges places in London, Laura Ward seeks for peace and serenity in small things. For her, photographing in film has the power of slowing people down and make them consider wisely each frame to be portrayed.’
I met Kathryn Jospeh to take pictures for Oh Comely late last year when the winter season had begun its stern grip.
Suggesting the feature to lovely Frances at Oh Comely was made on a whim after I shared a bottle of red wine with my friends Nemone and Fleur - both of whom nudged me to do it. I’m a fan of Kathryn’s and thought she’d be perfect for the magazine. Luckily, they all agreed and I found myself collaborating with writer Jessica Furseth ( you can read her feature here). I’ve known Jessica for a few years and I thoroughly enjoyed reading her piece and found parts of it relatable. “At 43, you could call Joseph a late bloomer, except that she’s always been making music – just, you know, for herself”. I feel this way sometimes about my own work. It also reminds me of a recent comment by a man who said all of his favourite photographers were women in the 40s plus who were mothers. He couldn’t understand why they were overlooked in the bid to find the next hot young thing. Parental status aside, age affords plenty of stories.
As for the photographs of Kathryn, I prefer to shoot in natural light but I knew ahead of time that we’d be doing these pictures at night. The only option I had was to shoot on cinestill 800 and find whatever light was available. Lit stairways, light bouncing through windows and a bright bathroom.
Kathryn is currently on tour in the UK.
Kathryn Joseph for Oh Comely, issue 47
Kathryn Joseph for Oh Comely, issue 47
Cover by Hülya Özdemir.
Like a lot of people, I love the turning of a year. I love the newness of January and how it feels like shedding a skin. 2017 on the whole has been pretty amazing, though December has been a beast. As we edge closer to January I thank my lucky stars that everyone I love is still alive.
I set out to push myself in 2017 to do things I hadn't done before. I gave a couple of talks which were well received. I played a small role in an appeal for homeless photographers. I wrote articles - something that doesn't come easily to me. I even blogged more which is a small miracle. I only exhibited once and that was at The Paxton Centre, but my work was published in Oh Comely and presented at the ICA thanks to Emma Watson.
I need to scale back a bit next year but I've just come back from a short meeting to discuss a small possible exhibition on my doorstep with a local photographer. Effra FC also turns 10, so something had better mark that occasion.
Here are some of my favourites from the year shot on 35mm and digital. Go here for 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009.
This blogging marlarky is becoming a regular thing. Just a quick one for the Easter weekend as it comes to a close (sob).
The lovely Oh Comely magazine (issue 36) have featured my photos 7 times to accompany stories on Awakenings. It looks marvelous and feels even better. If you have never read Oh Comely, it's a curious and playful independent magazine presented in a beautiful artbook style magazine combining writing, photography and illustration. It's really beautiful. You can purchase Oh Comely at WH Smiths, Sainsbury's, Waitrose and other good arty independent shops.
Thank you Lara and Frances.
Note: I didn't take the above cover photo.
I had every intention to blog more in 2016. I prefer this space to wordpress even though very few venture here to read my words. That's OK. We're living in a world of likes and hearts and broadcasts via Twitter and Facebook these days.
I know it's been a difficult year for a lot of people, for countries, for the environment, for communities. The latter half of my own 2016 has been <insert very bad words>. I am not going to blog about that but I've found it incredibly easy to keep on taking photographs.
There is plenty that I haven't blogged about which has been really, really, really exciting and good and cathartic and creative. Plenty of excursions - sometimes with only a tent, a camera and a willing companion. Exhibitions in Cambridge and London (one of which is due to head to Tel Aviv next year thanks to the force for good which is Shutterhub and Karen Harvey). There have been photography shows and conversations I can't stop thinking about. I've collaborated with Margaret Clift McNulty on a small project that I want to share in the new year. Effra FC hosted its inaugural 'in conversation with..' event which was so inspiring. I'm looking forward to it being my turn in early 2017 where I'll be in conversation with David Viramati Sampson. I'm grateful for the support and warm words of so many people. Am I gushing? Maybe. These are darker days and it feels important to be grateful.
Here are my favourites (the ones I can share) from the year shot on film, digital and phone. This is the first year I seem to have swapped musicians for trees.
Go here for 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009.
Foxley is not an easy place to find. I documented it for 18 months as a surprise for my father-in-law David Higgott. To read more about this project go here.
Thank you eyescape for featuring two of my pictures in this digital publication (pages 12/13)
