Recently I've started to feel a growing sense of disillusion towards photography. I kind of feel as though the magic that I once felt has started to fade. This feeling has stemmed partly from the over stimulation of photographs that we all are subjected to on a daily basis, particularly through social media and, of course, the 'selfie generation'. I also think the fact that I have been shooting for other people (i.e. paid work) hasn't helped, not that I'm complaining about the money because that's great, but I think shooting for someone else's needs and wants, kind of creates a creative disparity between what I'd actually like to shoot, how I'd like to shoot it and what I'm actually being asked (and paid) to do. Similarly, I also think I've been falling into the trap of shooting things just because I think people will like it, although in 30 years' time I know these pictures won't mean anything to me.
I've wanted to do a project for a while now, but I couldn't think of anything that was meaningful enough to spark my imagination. So what is my "Fragments" project? Well, a fragment by definition is a small piece that’s come off a larger whole, and that's what this project is going to represent. I read somewhere that the people who are closest to you reflect parts of who you are, and therefore I plan to capture the people, places and things around me that are a part of my life, and in some sense influenced me. I'm trying to make photography more meaningful and important to me again.
All photos within the project will be shot on my medium format Hasselblad 501c. Why? Well, I love that you have to slow your process right down when using this camera, it kind of takes you back to some of the raw basics, you only get 12 shots per roll. I'm going to be shooting with black and white film which I will develop myself, I like that by doing it this way I am a part of the entire process, from conjuring up the idea, releasing the shooter, to seeing the final product - it's both tangible and organic.
The first photo in the series is my new born niece. She's 4 days old here. The photo is a perfect way to start the project. New life is the start of something, it brings hope.
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We first brought Leela home a year ago. She was initially very timid and didn't dare to leave our side on walks, but she soon settled in. Buying a dog is a huge commitment, and requires effort, and certainly is not to be taken lightly. But after a year of early morning walks, picking up poo, and finding dog biscuits in my pockets at inappropriate times, I can tell you that any effort that is put in is given back ten fold. Bringing her home was the best thing we have done, she has brought love and laughter in to our home, and brought me and my fiancée closer together than ever before. We are a family.
This photo is part of my Fragments project.
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My Granddad Joe, his house is a treasure chest full of art, old photographs and books. When we were children all our family would congregate at his home on christmas day,
and as a result his house still has the aroma of Christmas to me. He regularly sends me little newspaper snippets in the post relating to photography that he has found.
One of the most intelligent people I have ever spoke with, he continues to be an ongoing source of inspiration.
This photo is part of my Fragments project.
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