Missed It ?

We’ve all done it , missed the shot !

“The Shot” is a interesting description , “ A Shot ” exists either side of the moment you’ve just missed , why are the frames either side of the missed moment, not “The Shot” ?

Sometimes they are , I don’t want to go down the “ Decisive Moment “ rabbit hole but the “ The Shot “ description is not a truly definitive declaration !

I was reminded of this dilemma this week when I posted a landscape picture on Twitter from my on-going A48 project , this picture is unusual for me , I was setting up a still quiet landscape photograph that suddenly became a fleeting ambiguous moment ?

The moment before this shot , offers a visual explanation , inviting the viewer to complete the narrative , visual explanations are not always a good idea !

Let the viewer do some of the lifting , I think the “Ambiguity” adds value here , a unexpected narrative that vanished as quickly as it appeared ?

Did it become a Street Photograph ?

I’m not going there !

Hot Water , No 45 , The A48 project , 2020

The picture above could be described as the moment after the moment , at the time I thought the activity before this view was of greater significance but I missed that moment …… , I’m not unhappy with this picture , in fact I like the surprise element of this fleeting capture .

Strange how your best pictures are always the ones you miss , they live longest in the memory !

This humble location, image and scenario still feels like unfinished business to me , I will return !

I’m not too proud to return , repeat , fail and repeat until I capture the moment this place wants to give me !

While on the subject of missing stuff , I discovered a detail in one of my best known Brexit themed images this week that took me by surprise !

This picture is from a summer carnival not a political protest , I think the religious folk and the anti-Brexit folk collided here ?

This 5 year old image is rich in detail , it gets better with age .

I love discovering these little serendipitous elements that take on a new significance with hindsight ?

David Barrett shot the pandemic crisis during 2020, The Testing Times project can be seen by clicking above .   

The State Of Britain series is complete, it explores everyday life during the Brexit era and gives visual insights into British identity, aspirations and post-truth uncertainty .....

Check out the new UK Street Shop on this site to buy Prints, Walks & More …

He is based in the South West of England .

Stay safe …

Adapt And Survive !

I know when I go for my daily Lockdown photo-walk that I am unlikely to return with a “Street” capture , living in a rural location presents me with many photographic opportunities but the New York “Street” vibe is not one of them !

Hanging onto a general feeling of wellbeing should be a priority at the moment for all of us , Street Photography might be out of reach but that does not mean all avenues of creativity & photographic exploration are closed , you have to shoot what you can !

Maintaining your optimism and engagement with photography should be part of your survival plan , prove to yourself that your not a one trick pony, walk new paths , maintain your skills and learn new tricks .

Don’t let lockdown be your excuse to be dormant , see this time gain as a opportunity !

I was shooting a set of goal posts in the middle of a freezing field the other day as the mist came down , I got lost in the moment as I shot various viewpoints , when I turned around I was greeted with this view , it was not what I wanted , intended or expected ?

This stuff only happens when you engage with your surroundings !

Stay positive , stay safe ….

This picture did not fit my visual agenda last week but I adapted !

The Game Is Off , No 2 , 2021

2021

Welcome to all things UK Street Photography and the first blog of the year !

The first blog of a new year is usually full of optimism , plans and objectives for the year ahead , this blog might be a bit short on plans due to the world and the UK being a bit short of plans, certainties and absolutes !

I’m hoping to hang on to my optimism and objectives this year and suggest you do the same !

The State Of Britain series and the Testing Times projects could to be reaching the final pages as this decade ends , hopefully ?

I’m not sure life will be ready to welcome back Street Photography as it once did , a life of social distancing awaits us for a while yet , I’m looking forward to getting lost in the shadows of sunny days by the sea this year , its not much to ask ?

I’m seeking a personal freedom through creative activities, thoughts and pursuits this year , freedom is a state of mind !

Freedom is a state of mind , maintain your optimism and reset your objectives, the mist will clear !

A flash of positive thought or maybe total madness inspired me to buy a new Desk Diary for 2021, I hope it sees more life than the 2020 version, next year will only be better if we make it better , do things different !

A quieter diary is a huge creative opportunity to build portfolios, develop new ideas and undertake a deep edit of your life , doing something is usually better than doing nothing !

I have no idea what the year ahead will bring , I feel fortunate to have survived 2020 , everything changed last year including me , my appreciation of life has never been greater , each day is a gift !

I’m a big fan of personal aims at the beginning of a new year but I have no plans to set myself up for disappointments this year , planning anything at the moment is best done while consulting a crystal ball , this year will bring many challenges and surprises , I’m sure we will all adapt !

One day at a time and one shot at a time will be my photographic survival mantra for this year , this has been my approach for some time !

The more observant amongst you may have noticed the beginnings of a new UK Street Photography Online Shop , its early days but your welcome to have a nose around , excuse the builders in the corner !

Wishing you all many days of good light , good pictures and a better year ahead !

Happy New Year !

Keep it real, love life and stay safe …

Thought I would share a poem today in order to start this year with a smile , smiles are much underrated and harder to find these days !

The Common Cormorant (or shag)

The common cormorant (or shag)
Lays eggs inside a paper bag,
The reason you will see, no doubt ?
It's to keep the lightning out.

But what these unobservant birds
Have not noticed, is that herds
Of wandering bears come with buns
And steal the bags to hold the crumbs.

Christopher Isherwood 1904 - 1986

David Barrett shot the the pandemic crisis during 2020, The Testing Times project can be seen by clicking above .   

The State Of Britain series is complete, it explores everyday life during the Brexit era and gives visual insights into British identity, aspirations and post-truth uncertainty .....

Check out the new UK Street Shop on this site to buy Prints, Walks & More …

He is based in the South West of England .

Winogrand On Teaching Photography

I found this quote this year and made a note of it , it made me laugh out loud , I was hoping to use it in one of my Blogs but never did , its too good not to share so I blogged it today , sadly I can’t remember where I read it !

Its funny because its true , maybe a little direct for some ?

Many will never understand what photography is all about , I think its a DNA thing ?

 “I show the kids the work of Atget, Walker, HCB, Lee, Diane, and myself,” he replied. “And if they don’t understand what photography is all about from that, then fuck ’em !”

Winnogrand was speaking to Gerry Badger .

Best wishes for the New Year , stay safe …

David Barrett shot the the pandemic crisis during 2020, The Testing Times project can be seen by clicking above .   

The State Of Britain series is complete, it explores everyday life during the Brexit era and gives visual insights into British identity, aspirations and post-truth uncertainty .....

Check out the new UK Street Shop on this site to buy Prints, Walks & More …

He is based in the South West of England .

Merry Christmas

I must admit that this is not my idea of a Christmas picture , no reindeer , Santa , snow or other yucky cliches !

It’s not the greatest photo I’ve ever made either but it meant everything when I shot it and it means even more today !

Seeing the roll out of the vaccine on TV is one thing , seeing it in your community is something else !

This pic represents optimism , safety and hope , everything that was missing from 2020 and everything Christmas should be .

Stay Safe , Merry Christmas .

TESTING TIMES , the 2020 review !

My annual review is usually a upbeat, positive look back at the ups and ups of the photographic year , this year is different, very different !

Like photographers all over the world I adapted to the “New Normal” and photographed reflections of my life during the Covid-19 crisis , I wasn’t exactly spoilt for other photo opportunities , the governments restrictions meant that access was limited to almost everything , life stopped and everyone adopted new protocols !

Life was quite scary at first as no one really knew or understood the nature of the pandemic threat in the early days . I knew from day one that the use of space within the pandemic narrative & aesthetic was going to be important , in fact empty space or social distancing as its now known , is the subject in many of my early pandemic pictures.

Wet weather created serious floods in the South West of England and South Wales before Covid arrived , few could of imagined what other surprises lay ahead !

I started the year shooting a 365 picture each day but changed direction after 177 consecutive days .

The Testing Times series became my main focus this year , I shot the pandemic project almost everyday during the early part of lockdown. !

A pic from my abandoned 365 project .

You cant continue to photograph matchsticks when the world is in chaos !

I knew the Testing Times project was not going to be a fun shoot but it needed to be done , this project was undertaken with my working head on , I saw this shoot as a social responsibility , someone had to do it , so I did !

I did not know the significance of this shoot as I shot it ,?

I still don’t really ! The final chapters of the Covid-19 narrative and the Brexit story are as yet unwritten ?

I shot what I could , when I could within the Government guidelines and watched what became a 200 plus archive grow . This shoot started to feel like work because it was , I identified a need for a bit of photographic FUN during these dark days, as my everyday reality was not great , nothing seemed to change , each day looked the same, day after grey day , something had to change , so I changed it !

The Whoooosh project was invented to cheer me up and offer a positive photo-escape from all things pandemic !

The Whoooosh project was my fun experimental project , this in camera serendipitous approach made me smile as I shot it and still makes me smile now , despite the unaltered oppressive reality of life in lockdown. !

Everyone should have a crazy place to go and “Play” photography , a mental space where creative risks are encouraged and failure is embraced as positive learning !

Its great when you throw the rule book away and become both judge & Jury of your own “Good” photography definition ?

I love creating images that are beyond my understanding and control , especially when I’m living in a world that has become a creative cul-de-sac , images that can represent both technical “failure” and aesthetic “success” simultaneously fascinate me !

I love the surprises thrown up by The Whoooosh project , if you don’t like how your world looks , change it !

Whoooosh , I adopted a more creative approach for much of 2020 , This headless X-Ray dog is might be my my fave pic of 2020 ?

The photo opportunities during lockdown were few and far between , I carried my camera whenever I went out , I was fearful of missing the “Money Shot” when something significant did actually happen , this “Optimistic” approach paid off while shopping or waiting in line at the local medical centre .

As the drudge continued pandemic themed pictures became harder to find in my rural everyday but I knew that chances would still appear if I remained alert and patient , in short if I kept the faith !

No point in whinging , you have to get on with it …….

A Street / Doc shot from my Testing Times project .

Despite a life of fewer social gatherings I managed to find a few “Proper” Street moments during the summer months , I shot a number of “Sinkhole” pictures and managed this view of a bloke walking on yellow lines ?

The happy positive mindset that I associate with “Street” was missing from my photography this year, caution and a awareness of the virus threat replaced happiness within in my subconscious !

Staying safe was the priority !

I got my kicks wherever and whenever I could find them this year !

As 2020 wound down the winter months arrived and delivered a aesthetic that reflected the cold oppressive nature of 2020 , the NHS applause and the lockdown rainbows seemed like a long time ago as preparations for Christmas and a uncertain New Year began . The Testing Times project had been a major challenge to shoot and had lasted longer than I expected it would , Hopefully 2021 will see the end of Covid-19 and the Testing Times series ?

These wintery urban views reflect my feelings and memories of 2020 perfectly .

One Day The Covers Will Come Off , 2020

Merry Christmas ?

Hope you’ve enjoyed looking back through my pictures from what has been the most difficult of years , more Testing Times images can be seen by clicking the button above .

Twenty Twenty taught me to appreciate the small things in life more , life is not a rehearsal , you have to make the most of each day and laugh whenever you can !

Thanks for your support during the last twelve months and congratulations on making it through this unusual year !

Enjoy a peaceful festive season , stay safe .

David Barrett shot the the pandemic crisis during 2020, The Testing Times project can be seen by clicking above .   

The State Of Britain series is complete, it explores everyday life during the Brexit era and gives visual insights into British identity, aspirations and post-truth uncertainty .....

Check out the new UK Street Shop on this site to buy Prints, Walks & More …

He is based in the South West of England .

"Sing La, La, La and ignore 2021" ?

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 .

Contempt !

When is contempt okay ?

Respect seems to be a thing of the past for many photographers and its no bad thing !

Too many have brought a prissy approach to their photography for too long , is it time to rebel and leave pixel peeping & super sharpness behind in exchange for a genuine dose of photographic freedom & liberation ?

Start seeing the work with more than your eyes alone !

Relax , let blur become your new sharp and serendipity your new trick , let “LUCK” and creative risk into your toolbox and keep them there !

Leave room to be lucky within your work and treat your hard earned and learned technique with a higher level of contempt !

I found my neglected Whoooosh project languishing quietly in the corner the other day and decided it needed to be re-whooooshed as I was getting trapped in a “Old Skool” aesthetic and mentality , not to worry , I’m okay now …

Looking forward has got to be better than rehashing the past , unless your a historian .

The pipe and slippers can wait , have an adventure , go rogue now and then !

Perhaps this bad technique, technique is harder than it looks and is little more than “Good” in-camera technique in disguise ?

Keep it fresh , stay safe …..

Your next capture should always interest you more than the old stuff !

David Barrett is a former community photography project leader , commercial photographer and former Senior Shop Stewart with Unite The Union.

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 .

"OLD SKOOL" Sunday

Sometimes things just happen , no planning , serious intent or inspiration !

All I did was go for a walk on a wet misty morning and then serendipity took hold , I just rolled with it ?

One shot became two so on and so forth, eventually I ended up with a number of pics that belong together and live happily as neighbors , uniform light , consistent approach etc .

A successful personal photo shoot for me is usually one picture , admittedly I’m quite hard to please ! I do not expect one picture to inspire the next which in turn leads to more , I tend to see each picture individually , not as diptychs , triptychs or a polyptych ! Whatever they are ?

I have only just realised that the reason this happened when it did was due to a increased level of expectation, I went beyond the one shot at a time ethos / mentality !

I started seeing the shoot as “The Whole” rather than individual photographic fragments , I saw a opportunity !

I wouldn’t walk my dog in these conditions but I’m really looking forward to following up on these pictures from a dull Sunday morning , the consistency of light and approach really helps these frames relate to each other and helps them hang together !

I’m not pretending that these are individual masterpieces but they definitely draw a level of strength from each other , the take away point being “Fill Ya Boots” shoot what you can when you can before “GOOD” weather turns up and spoils things !

Let your last capture inspire the next !

Strange how the lockdown era has inspired me to shoot square again and investigate my neighborhood for “Old Skool” photographic subjects with a “Old Skool” approach , trying to create a some-thingness from the emptiness and nothingness of 2020 !

Reminds me of being 16 and trying to make photographic sense of a 1970’s Tyneside with my humble twin lens reflex , the good old days ?

Is it possible to shoot a short series before twelve noon on a Sunday morning ?

Maybe , maybe …

This grey oppressive light feels right for these unusual times , stay safe …..

Creating a some-thingness from the emptiness and nothingness of 2020 !

David Barrett is a former community photography project leader , commercial photographer and former Senior Shop Stewart with Unite The Union.

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 .

Surprise ?

Analysis of your photographic motivation is a important thought process , !

Why do we leave our warm comfortable homes to optimistically search for images as yet unknown in cold wet open spaces ?

The lockdown limitations have taught me that Street Photography is more than a activity , it is a photographic mindset that reflects creative awareness ,openness and receptiveness , to what have become very familiar surroundings .

My shrinking pandemic world has forced me to look deeper than ever before at scenes I have never considered to be worthy photographic locations, the picture I’m sharing today is not how I usually shoot , its a bit too quiet for me .

I’m not complaining !

This Street Photography thing is about what IS there , not what you would like to be there !

I think this photo shoot might of been shared with Wim Wenders and Stephen Shore, two meters apart , obviously ?

When things change you have to adapt !

Stay safe …

One day the covers will come off , 2020