These days, it seems that photography is everywhere: it has become ubiquitous and disposable, responding to the trend dictated by social media for people to be constantly busy taking photographs of other people. This expression has always made me faintly uncomfortable, suggesting that one is somehow removing something. When it comes to portraits, I prefer to think of the process as making a photograph, with the emphasis on a collaboration between the photographer and the subject.
But is it possible to distinguish between a simple photographic record of a person that merely records the topography of the face, such as a passport picture or a ‘selfie’, and an image that gives us more meaningful information about an individual?
The American photographer Richard Avedon has said that a portrait is a picture of someone who 'knows they are being photographed'. In other words, there is a relationship between the photographer and the subject. At its very best, this relationship, however transitory, can lead to the magical moment when something special is revealed about the subject.
This collection of new photographic portraits of some of the remarkable people who provide various services to my local community. Some are carrying out the jobs to which they have been appointed, while others offer their time and skills on a voluntary basis. It is my hope that these images will provide a lasting visual archive of how the Wash Common community is served.
Bev Lewis Blossoms Field Play Area
Bill, Pub Landlord ,The Gun Public House
Dave Stubbs. Local Historian
David Fenn. Town Mayor
Derek Peaple, Headteacher
Doug Cook. Sports Teacher and football Referee.
Eileen Barnes. Founder member WCCA
Eugine and Oliver!st Falkland Scouts
Fr. Paul. Vicar St Georges Church
Fr.Bruce. Priest St Francis de Sales
John and Wilson. Falkland Cricket Club
Maddie Barnes.Papergirl
Marion Fenn. Allotment Steward
Mike Estela. Owner Budgens Supermarket
Pat Richardson. Dinner Lady
Peter Norman. Say No to Sandleford Campaign
Sandra And Andrea Falkland Phamacy
Sarah and Rui. Fish and Chip Shop
Terry Evans. Litter Picker
Valerie Maskell.Writer and Founder New Era Players
The images were shot on traditional black and white roll film using a medium-format Hasselblad camera mounted on a tripod.