Sometimes I don’t know what I’m looking for photographically but I hope to recognise “IT” when I see it !
I was reminded last weekend that tired familiar surroundings can become locations of choice with a little optimism and fresh eyes !
The recent moody, misty, soft light put a real photographic spring in my step , I cleared all my previous plans and shot Friday , Saturday and Sunday morning !
Clearing my “Dance Card” during lockdown is not difficult !
I engaged with my local landscape on Friday , I could not resist the abstract sculptural qualities of a hard cut winter hedge on what was a cold frosty morning. I enjoy working in a more considered way now and then . Street can be a bit full on !
The shot that really surprised me was this familiar street scene , I had never considered the potential of this location until Saturday when all the elements came together ? Can’t believe its taken so long for me to see this …
A very familiar scene that looked different on Saturday, I had never seen the potential of this view before
I have spent most of this year shooting the Covid crisis like many other photographers, secretly hoping to create a pandemic image with a “British Street” vibe , which is easier said than done when the population has vanished !
On Sunday I found my shot , maybe the shot found me ? I was trying to shoot a serious “Doc” shot when this curious Crimbo come pandemic opportunity turned up ! Anyone for Christmas Pudding ?
This is not a “Cold War” collage but it looks as if it could or should be !
Testing Times , No 203 , 2020 . That’s the Christmas card sorted !
The Testing Times project is looking better than I ever thought it could or would , I think after more than 200 pictures it might be coming to a end , leaving me free to shoot another calamitous year of Tory governance , who knows I might discover “What Brexit Looks Like “ , then again I might put my fingers in my ears, close my eyes, sing La, La, La and choose to ignore the realities of 2021 photographically ?
Maybe not ?
Thanks for taking the time to read this blog, stay safe ……..
David Barrett is a former community photography project leader and commercial photographer .
He is currently shooting the pandemic crisis from a personal perspective with the Testing Times project .
The unpublished State Of Britain series is now complete, it explores everyday life during the Brexit era and gives visual insights into British identity, aspirations and post-truth uncertainty .....
My next project is called “Track & Trace” it wont be very good but I expect it to receive substantial government funding !
He is based in the South West of England .