" When you see a group of photographs together, they create their own context and, in a sense their own text"
Walter Benjamin
“We are Crediton” 2018 Exhibition
Thinking back to March 2018, where an exciting collaboration unfolded in Crediton, my home town. Partnering with another photographer, I dove into the bustling streets of Crediton for an exhibition dubbed "We Are Crediton" at the Bigger Picture Gallery. Our mission was simple: roam the town, chat with locals, and invite them to be part of our showcase.
Approaching folks on the streets, we pitched our idea: to snap their portraits and display them alongside others in the gallery. Surprisingly, everyone we approached was game. Their enthusiasm fuelled our excitement.
The exhibition was a hit, as seen in the slideshow opposite. Since then, I've continued my photographic journey, recently acquiring a vintage Rolleiflex medium format camera from 1958. With its 120-millimeter roll film, it's become my latest tool for capturing life's moments in stunning detail.
2018 Exhibition
Roaming Exeter with my new old camera
Strolling through Exeter's lively streets with my vintage 1958 Rolleiflex camera, I couldn't help but draw parallels to the legendary Vivian Maier. Like her, I aimed to capture the essence of everyday life, albeit on a smaller scale.
Approaching strangers, I sought their permission to snap their portraits, explaining my personal art project inspired by Maier's work. Surprisingly, people were receptive, sharing stories and smiles as I clicked away.
Though I knew I couldn't amass 150,000 shots like Maier, each photo felt like a piece of Exeter's urban puzzle, revealing its charm and character. And with every interaction, I gained a deeper appreciation for the city and its inhabitants.
As the day wound down, I left with a collection of candid snapshots and a renewed passion for street photography, grateful for the chance to document the beauty of the everyday.