Invisibility is a great trick for street photographers to learn , the photo benefits are obvious but it requires a bit more than a black hoody or ex-army camouflage trousers to achieve the look !
The covid restrictions have locked me down into a very small English village , to be honest I have not really engaged with this place photographically until now ! This place has become the backdrop for my picture each day project , my photo world shrinks as each week in lockdown passes .
My daily exercise session involves a photo-walk around the local roads most days, I also venture into the rural landscape now and then in search of a photograph or two.
The side effect of my regular increased visibility is that people are becoming much more tolerant & trusting of my camera and myself !
Local folk understand the importance of creating a photographic record of these dark days .
This picture failed to make my 365 project or my pandemic themed series .
Truth be told this global pause has given me the time and the opportunity to discover my everyday surroundings, I might have achieved a level of invisibility locally but the real surprise for me is that my day to day has become much clearer, I see the visual depth of this place now , I notice the subtle changes in familiar scenarios . Time reveals everything, eventually .
The limitations of empty streets and lives on hold have forced me to work harder to create surprising elements within my work , a abundance of nothingness has proved to be a great inspiration and motivation to create something !
This stuff might not be “Street” but I am seeking and pursuing new visual destinations, despite the familiarity of my locations !
Dancing Trees, 2020
As a photographer I recognise that it is time to adapt and explore new avenues and representations of the mundane reality of my life during these challenging times , not only does this loose approach improve my mood and make me smile , it also helps me to realise that subject is only part of the picture !
Invisibility is great when you have a camera in your hand, its less appealing if your work conceals you ?
You have to ensure that your influence is not invisible, make sure that your presence appears in your pictures too !
Stay safe…
Tin Shed with broken window , 2020