I Haven't Got Time ?

Busy , busy , busy …

Are you really too busy to make Street photographs or are you choosing not to ?

So many Street Photographs to make , so little time …

When the going gets tough , do the tough become time poor ?

My life is so busy I haven’t got 1 /250 th of a second to spare , said no one , ever !

I can understand if your a UK based wildebeest photographer who’s diary is so busy that the planned Serengeti shoot has been put on hold but I can’t understand Street Photographers being too busy to reflect upon their everyday ?

Street Photography is a creative “Twenty Four Seven” lifestyle choice where subjects are found on the other side of your front door as part of your day to day , Street Photography happens where you are , emotionally and physically …

Learn to remove the obstacles that stand between you and your photographic aspirations …

Adapt personally, creatively and photographically to the curved balls life delivers…

The challenges of your day to day could provide inspiration for your pictures , in turn your photography might become your light during dark days ?

In short , find a way to make pictures , everyone needs a bit of me time , time to make sense of the nonsense …

One day you really won’t have the time …

The local supermarket car park became my location of choice , I just popped out for a loaf of bread , its not all glamour this Street Photography thing …

MORE…

If your blessed with a bit more time feel free to visit highlights from my Another Day Off project , The State Of Britain series and The Testing Times pictures , they represent the most turbulent years in modern British history and ten years of my life …

What will 2022 look like ?

There I was minding my own business , doing not very much over the festive period and enjoying the process !

The problem was I had time on my hands , time to think … that’s never a good thing , it gives me the opportunity to link the random dots with fragments of life and develop ideas that can lead to photographic activity !

In short I dropped my defenses briefly and became inspired , the question is should I execute this project or pretend not to hear “The Voices” ?

Do you have to keep moving on , when is it okay to do nowt ?

With 2021 behind us and the uncertainty of a new year ahead I have to decide what I want to do during the year ahead , a endless supply of societal challenges lie ahead in 2022 , where to begin ?

I’m not going to even think about New Years resolutions as I don’t have that many bad habits left in my socially distant life, my resolution is to have no resolutions …

Come to think of it my worst habit is taking on small photo projects that grow and end up being bottomless pits of dedication and effort , do I really want to dedicate 2022 to a new project and give birth to another beast of burden ?

The alternative is to dedicate the year ahead to a “feel good” Street Photography approach , I’m not sure that feels right in the current climate of downbeat “Chaos” either ?

What will you do this year , what will your pictures look like , will you engage with the uncertainty of 2022 photographically or take refuge in the safe space of “Feel Good” Street Photography , I’m genuinely undecided at this time …

Whatever you choose to do , best wishes for the year ahead , exercising the right do to nothing might be the sensible option as the Covid crisis continues but “Sensible” is no fun , stay safe !

Happy New Year…

Will you engage with the uncertainty of 2022 photographically …

Looking Back At 2021 ...

A year of transition , uncertainty and shortages , my lifestyle of choice was out of stock again during 2021 and I didn’t care much for the substitute !

Photographically this year was a challenge , my photography occupied a creative and physical safe space , meaningful motivation was hard to find but I remained receptive to the serendipitous gifts that my everyday delivered !

A misty afternoon walk during the first week of January led to a couple of memorable pictures , the symbolism of the pic below appears to reflect my frustrations for the early part of 2021 , I was ready to play but the pitch wasn’t safe !

Photographically I may of peaked too early , the best shot of the year turned up in week one but I’m saving that till last !

The Games Off , No 2 , January ,2021

I naively believed that the vaccine rollout signaled the beginning of the end of the Covid 19 crisis , sadly my optimism was short lived , I had not factored in incompetent UK political leadership , a dysfunctional track and trace system and Covidiots , no matter how much the government talked up the pandemic recovery and talked down the Covid risk , I became more suspicious and confused by the mixed messaging !

I continued to work on my Testing Times project as the economic effects of the crisis became increasingly photographable , footfall in our towns and cities remained low , Street pictures remained hard to find and my misplaced optimism vanished !

A atmosphere of reluctance & ambivalence prevailed as uncertainty undermined any attempts to make informed decisions about anything !

I continued to work on my Testing Times project , 2021 was a year of mixed messaging and confusion !

The economic consequences of the pandemic became more noticeable …

I start every year slowly but 2021 possessed a level of lethargy that surpassed all previous levels of inactivity , admittedly mitigating circumstances existed but I was still struggling to see past the Covid crisis photographically and personally !

I remember visiting my local City with a sense of apprehension , Gloucester had been hollowed out during my lockdown absence , closed shops and socially distant queues were “ Normal” now !

Eventually I learned to look past the abundance of nothingness and started to see a personal socially distant somethingness , these were very Strange days ...

My photography needed a injection of fun as the atmosphere on the streets had become oppressive , pandemic themed Street Photography was not delivering the inner smile or creative kicks I needed !

I headed off into my local landscape seeking a new direction with a total disregard for conventional photographic technique, within minutes a huge mischievous smile returned to my face , as a rebellious approach and interpretation of the landscape helped me find my missing Mojo !

Intentional Camera Movement helped me find my motivation & creative mindset last year too, once again ICM helped me through dark days , never underestimate the healing powers of sunny days , open spaces and “BAD” camera technique , any port in a storm !

It’s easy to forget that Street photography should make you smile , as the bookies cynically say “When the fun stops , STOP” ?

I spent two days shooting this short series, exploiting serendipitous camera movement during long exposures !

My mood was lifted along with some of the Covid restrictions as the year progressed , I was ready for the next round of 2021 with a second jab in my arm and the illusion of greater safety , despite the disappointment of the European football final I managed to find a positive mindset and pursue my next Street “Masterpiece” !

Let me be clear I don’t ever expect to find a “Street Masterpiece” but I enjoy the search, especially if the sun is shining and I’m “Seeing it” !

My first serious trip of the year had become a Testing Times Project shoot , as August arrived I was determined to find my first “Proper” Street picture of the year , don’t get me wrong I had been looking but the moments were not finding me !

I was more than a little ring rusty , my Street photography “Skills” were still in lockdown , I was reminded of the “Use It OR Lose It” adage as I had lost it !

My photo incompetence mixed with UK consumer demand inspired my favorite blog headline of the year but I craved pictures , not “amusing” headlines or a Greggs pasty … …

Milk Shakes , Steak Bakes & Retakes !

Following many failures I persisted , kept looking and eventually captured a “Street Picture” worthy of the description , Hallelujah !

The self imposed pressure to produce a decent pic lifted and my inner smile returned .

I enjoy the search, especially if the sun is shining and I’m seeing it !

A City centre shoot in September delivered a unusually high number of decent shots , I’m a one “Keeper” per shoot sort of photographer , in fact if the truth be told I don’t usually achieve that , footfall was high , the sun was shining and life was wearing a smile !

On days like this I just accept the gifts without guilt , I know the picture opportunities will run dry soon enough …

This day was one of those days , it really did feel as if the pictures found me , I wish I could bottle and share the recipe for days like these …

This day was one of those days , it really did feel as if the pictures found me !

The summer lifestyle pictures dried up as the year progressed , life became thin and Street Photography became thinner !

Once again I was living off scraps , a shot here, a shot there , despite the lack of good opportunities I had a smile on my face and was enjoying the freedom of Street Photography , I was learning to appreciate life and celebrated the small hard-won wins !

Nothing has changed in the UK , Britain is still in a state and the times are still testing …

I’ve been so focused on my projects during the last six years that I had lost the fun element within my photography , having fully formed project ideas, aims and objectives helps me to “SEE” new pictures but the discipline of a focused project driven mindset can and does become a long term burden , the photography becomes work , not play !

I had a smile on my face and was enjoying the freedom of life and all things Street Photography !

My photographic motivations were examined thoroughly this year , it wasn’t a intentional audit of my behaviors , it was more of a accidental re-assessment of my photography by a bloke with time on his hands, following the completion of my State Of Britain & Testing Times photo projects !

I raised the dreaded “Why” question with myself and acknowledged some uncomfortable home truths !

On a personal level the last two years really have been “Testing Times” …

Covid is not the only shit show in town …

Nothing has changed in the UK , Britain is still in a state and the times are still testing

I’m writing this with only a few weeks remaining of the year , uncertainty seems to be the only certainty for all of us , I intend to continue with my one day at time approach , it has served me well so far …

My photography lacks focus and direction at the moment but I’m enjoying the open space of being project free , all work and no play etc ,etc …

I keep adding a picture here and there to my State Of Britain series and Testing times project but both projects are finished , I’m just fiddling at the edges , nothing has changed in the UK , life is still a shit show …

My relationship with photography is changing , my photo- itch still needs scratching but not as often as it once did , I hope that changes as society and everyday life recovers ?

My weekly blogging activities are also under review as Photoland like my blog appears to be standing still or at best repeating itself , a weekly blog is a big ask when street life is suppressed in the UK !

Sometimes the subject does not need any help , just a witness !

Looking back ,the highlight of my photographic year was the two day ICM photo landscape shoot that created hundreds of failures and only a few “winners” , the edit lasted longer than I expected , a two day shoot led to a two week edit ??? Being tethered to the computer for two weeks is not my idea of fun !

Every frame needs to be examined very carefully when adopting this “experimental” ICM technique , most frames fail on technical grounds before you get around to considering the “too much blur” or aesthetic questions !

Although these images are captured and processed digitally they are not altered , no shenanigans here , this is ICM with integrity, if such a thing exists ?

LATE FOR CHURCH , 2021

I took refuge in the local landscape more than I realised this year , accessing good local locations when the conditions are just right is a huge advantage , I almost always come back with something …

Street Photography still delivers my biggest smiles and most surprises , it is the most rewarding form of photography for me and is what I want to do when “Normality” returns ?

Sadly Street Photography feels like a bendable thing that does not want bend at the moment , a square peg , round hole dilemma. The new normal is not creating the pre-pandemic “Street” vibe I once enjoyed , I hope its not lost forever ?

Street Photography is dependent on the hustle n bustle , light and shade of life , when life stands still , Street Photography stops !

December was kick started by a misty morning shoot at one of my fave local locations , the light at this place can be really special , it would be rude not to shoot these pics when the conditions are right !

A Contre-Jour approach to urban locations gives the work a classic feel , reminds me that we all walk in the footprints of those who have gone before …

December , We all walk in the footprints of those who have gone before …

I sincerely hope that you have managed to make a “somethingness” of 2021 both personally and photographically … .

I started 2021 slowly and finished the year even slower , I’m not complaining , just being here feels like a major achievement …

Photography helped me beat the futility , I hope photography has helped you too…

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

Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful festive period and better things for the year ahead …

January , Saving the best till last , I did not expect to be gifted a view like this during my first walk with a camera in 2021 , ?

MORE…

If your blessed with a bit more time feel free to visit highlights from my Another Day Off project , The State Of Britain series and The Testing Times pictures , they represent the most turbulent years in modern British history and ten years of my life …

Managed to shoot this during the last weekend before Christmas , I think my photo-year might be done but I’m still looking …

The Christmas Street Photograph !

The pursuit of a decent Christmas themed Street Picture is one of my established festive activities , I don’t always find one but I enjoy the search !

This blog has received minor modifications for 2022

Street Photography has a long tradition of the Christmas Pic , despite the abundance of opportunities around the world The Christmas Street pic is not as easy to find as it looks , here are a few of my efforts from previous years .

The festive period usually delivers the time , positive mindset and opportunities to find something that reflects a bit more than the traditional Christmas imagery , the challenge is to find something that goes beyond the familiar “Ho , Ho , Ho and looks a bit deeper , social comment , humor or surrealism perhaps ….

Find something that goes beyond the “Ho , Ho , Ho ….

As a busy blogger I have a need for seasonal Xmas imagery but my motivation goes a bit deeper than that , its a bit like wanting to write a successful Christmas song , I hope to create a iconic festive Street photograph every year , I want to make a pic that goes on to have a life of its own ,

I’m looking for something that makes me smile or subverts Christmas traditions , truth be told I don’t know what I’m looking for but I hope to recognise it , when I see it !

What is the recipe for a “good” Christmas Street photograph ?

It’s no surprise to me that classic Christmas iconography appears to be the reoccurring feature of all Xmas themed pics , finding the twist , surprise or irony seems to be the challenge . The misaligned chimney attracted me to the view below , without that I would have walked on …

Themes of excess , commercialisation and superficiality are all viable routes for exploration for those wanting to put a bit more jingle in their Street Photography bells !

This Santa was on stilts that were hidden beneath the chimney , no need to bend for this low view point !

Many of the great Street togs have juxtaposed the festive season with a economic uncertainty theme , Christmas is not a great time for everyone , this approach demands high levels of sensitivity , sincerity and integrity , don’t play at this approach , it demands respect and thought , tread carefully …

You do not have to look too deeply to discover the dark under belly of Christmas unfairness , loneliness and need , Christmas will not be merry for everyone …

A festive image from my State Of Britain series …

Generous quantities of snow tend to appear in many of the “Best “ Christmas themed Street pics , The white stuff can be much harder to find here in the UK nowadays , New York gifted Saul Leiter and others opportunities to make some of the greatest festive Street pics ever , back in the day , snow is not as reliable in the UK as it once was, Santa is much more dependable than snow these days and he’s fictitious , only joking , he’s real , he’s real , honest … oops ?

Like it or loath it, snow looks great in pictures , if it comes, make the most of it …

It never ceases to amaze me how a visual re-examination of reality can create a alternative reality , a super reality where order gives way to visual chaos , the eye of the surrealist can subvert truth and suggest alternative “Visual Facts” , is reality stranger than photographic fiction ?

The picture below is probably my fave Christmas Street Pic , it possesses surprise , humour and Surrealism , I don’t get these gifts very often !

Thanks are due to the Street Photography Gods , they even threw in a big red focal point too …

It’s Going Downhill …

All of the pictures above were captured during pre-Covid times , things seemed better then , my Street ethos feels damaged now , personal freedoms , picture opportunities and the inner smile are all ebbing away, slowly …

Congratulations if you’ve managed to keep on , keeping on with a smile on your face following the Covid crisis , in fact just “Keeping On” is worthy of applause , maintaining a appetite for creativity is difficult right now but the alternative is worse …

Finally the last Christmas pic for this blog is a picture “of” and “for” our times , this pic turned up in 2020 , its a outtake from my Testing Times project .You don’t always get what you want but if you try , sometimes , you might find , you get what you need ….

You get what you need …

Keep an eye out for my 2022 annual review, its a hefty volume and has been weeks in the making , 52 weeks in fact and is well worth its ticket price (Free) , its a classic tale of triumph over adversity , victory in the face of danger and lethargy in the name of apathy …

Many thanks to everyone who has followed this blog and my work this year …

I’m unsure if this years pursuit of the Christmas Pic will be successful , its much harder nowadays and getting harder as I write , I’ve asked Santa for a good Xmas pic this year and will try to find one myself …

Take care if your out and about , keep it real and stay safe…

Merry Christmas …

MORE…

If your blessed with a bit more time feel free to visit highlights from my Another Day Off project , The State Of Britain series and The Testing Times pictures , they represent ten years of my life and the most turbulent years in modern British history …

Perfect Planning Prevents Poor Pictures !

Have you got a winter plan ?

No , no , no , not the one that involves copious amounts of alcohol , festive food and sofa loafing while watching “It’s A Wonderful Life” with your nearest and dearest …

This is a photography plan that enables you to be “LUCKY” and comfortable during your winter shoots !

How are the best photographers always in the right place at the right time , come ice, mist , rain , hail or snow ?

You’ve guessed it , good photographers are engaged, prepared and organised , physically and mentally !

I carry a list of “Aspirational” shots in my head , I have established picture ideas, l know the locations , light , weather conditions I want and I’m prepared to wait , a “good” weather forecast or view from my window can trigger a drop everything photo shoot , these unexpected shoots challenge the patience of those I share my life with but they almost always deliver , you have to do what you have to do !

I don’t want to be out in cold winter weather freezing my “Wotsits” off for nothing , I want good pictures in the bag quickly , these pictures still rely on serendipitous events but I plan to be in the right place on the right days, I prepare to be “lucky” !

Fleeting moments are fleeting , you have to be there …

Plan your shots in decent weather to avoid walking about aimlessly in the cold , I have established viewpoints in my head, I know how I want the pictures to look before the shoot, I work quickly and plan to return home in time to see Jimmy Stewart save Bedford Falls !

A “Good” winter weather forecast for me usually involves mistiness , hard frosts or snow , I then match the conditions with one of my pre-selected locations , photography becomes so much easier when conditions are “Perfect” !

You need warm clothing , fresh batteries , good shoes , bobble hats and a deep lens hood , then just fill ya boots , Brrrrrr !

Early morning starts can be a challenge in winter as footfall can be low in cold weather , be patient & ready, you might not get too many opportunities . Make best use of your “Waiting Time” to pre-plan the masterpiece your about to capture , scrutinise the scene carefully , predict what might happen or go wrong , make sure your view is “The Best One” !

Shoot against low light to make the best of misty mornings , short telephoto lenses with deep lens hoods will help to compress the perspective and amplify the misty effect , don’t be a hero when the cold becomes too much , go home !

This is a hit and run approach !

Identify a few local locations that might deliver your next Masterpiece , imagine these views in mist , snow etc , these are your go to locations for bad weather , have a plan , stay warm but don’t suffer for your art , its not necessary !

Give one of these planned “Bad” weather shoots a go , the atmosphere can be photographically tangible , stay local and you’ll be home before George Baileys’ Building And Loan runs into trouble !

A Good picture or a couple of hours sofa loafing ?

You’ll remember your photo shoot long after you have forgotten your sofa loafing ?

PS: If you have never watched “Its A Wonderful Life” you should , this 1946 , Frank Capra cinematic festive masterpiece won’t help your photography in any way but it will feed your soul !

Nostalgia is what it used to be …

Take care and stay safe , every time a bell rings …

Unlikely subjects can become viable in winter weather .

Beware the little Blue Bird !

Is the little blue bird in danger of over playing its editorial hand ?

The current “popular” algorithms do not appear to be scaring off enough Street Photographers , the latest plan is to remove photographs taken in public places from the platform if they are created without the consent of the person / persons depicted , this will definitely inspire even more togs to leave the platform !

Is this the day photography died on Twitter ?

As usual these draconian measures are being introduced to protect someone from something but I’m not quite sure of what , why would a social media platform feel the need to go beyond established common law ?

Could a world of “Unidentifiable” subjects be the future of Street Photography ?

Photographers in the UK enjoy the freedom to make photographs in public places as a form of artistic expression , this right is based on the fact that a individual does not possess a right to privacy in a public space !

This right and legal freedom is the very basis of Street Photography , don’t sleepwalk into this rights grab in the belief that this has nothing to do with you !

This nonsense has been threatening from a distance for a while , why does the perceived protection of a few always trump the established rights of many ?

New Twitter Policy , 30 , 11 , 2021

Beginning today, we will not allow the sharing of private media,

such as images or videos of private individuals without their consent.

Publishing people's private info is also prohibited under the policy,

as is threatening or incentivizing others to do so.

A anti-photographer social media narrative makes us all less safe on the streets as the “be suspicious of photographers” subliminal message is touted with potentially physically dangerous effects !

The public are beginning to believe that Street Photography is antisocial or worse , ILLEGAL !

I don’t feel dangerous , I feel endangered !

The editorial control of the little blue bird has already become noticeably louder than it should , I’m certain that Street Photographers will fly the nest if the dodgy algorithms and big brother policies continue !

I have no doubt that some abuse their photographic freedoms in the UK , I am equally certain that laws to deal with bullying , decency and other missuses already exist to protect victims but the authorities do not exercise them , current laws need to be acted upon if a unnecessary clamp down of Street Photography is to be avoided !

We owe it to each other and ourselves to act responsibly while working the street , I trust the photographers I follow on twitter much more than the little blue bird ?

The last thing any of us need is for the little blue bird to see itself as the Photography Police , FFS !

Take care , stay safe and don’t tolerate the erosion of your legally established rights …

Remember we are the content …

Graffiti Could Be A Life Saver ?

A pertinent bit of graffiti landed in my neck of the woods this week and it reminded me of a important visual lesson !

Growing up on Tyneside I was no stranger to graffiti in the urban landscape , some locations were so heavily “Painted” that it blended into the scene and the “Message” was lost , I was familiar with the 1970’s “Prepare For Revolution” message that Killip captured in Wallsend first hand , it was also part of my everyday !

Like advertising a “Good” piece of graffiti relies on context and the relationship between the message and the location of the work , the right site can increase the effectiveness and add another layer of significance, that is why the “Prepare For Revolution” picture became iconic , the snowy version possess a Eastern European vibe that amplified the “Revolution” implication ?

Trying to capture the political mood of the times we live in is made easier for photographers when the “Writing On the Wall” is politically driven , I always try to photograph the bits of thoughtful “Vandalism” I find , I believe that “Street Art” / Graffiti of significance serves as a useful barometer of public opinion !

The graffiti I found this week appeared to be out place , it felt “Louder” because the “Writing” was not antisocial , in fact the message was heartfelt and shouted loudly at this very quiet , off the beaten track bus stop location , it took me by surprise !

A “Save The NHS” message should not be necessary in a UK recovering from the effects of a deadly contagion !

The Health & Care Bill passed through parliament this week , it is believed to be a Trojan horse that will facilitate privatisation and cause lasting damage to our NHS !

Did we learn nothing from the calamitous Test & Trace privatisation ?

I’m sure this graffiti wasn’t created by a angry revolutionary or a Banksy wannabe , this looks like the voice of a “Middle England” that no longer trusts the Government with our health service !

The Health & Care bill will encourage the rationing of healthcare and should worry every family in the U.K …

This Government can not be trusted with the nations health !

Take care and stay safe…

“Middle England” losing trust in a Government they elected !

David Barrett shot the pandemic crisis during 2020, The Testing Times project is coming to a end, hopefully ? It 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 the print of the month , other Prints, Walks & More …

He is based in the South West of England .

How Did I Get Here ?

Imagine a photographic life where others choose what you photograph , when you photograph and even dictate how the final photograph should look , this is not a dystopian photo-nightmare this is the reality of commercial photography !

It’s not all bad though , if you can swim in such turbulent photographic waters you will have adapted to the most demanding of photographic practices , being all things to all clients consistently is a big ask , your ability to wear many (Hard) hats and adapt to changing priorities each day is a prerequisite !

General practice commercial photography requires great camera technique , lighting technique and strong social skills and that’s before we get into highly developed entrepreneurial instincts !

My photo world never lived up to my Antonioni inspired “Blow-Up” aspirations , no , no , no ! Antonioni's 1966 movie has a lot to answer for …

I frequently photographed the underside of Super Tankers in a dry dock or Steel Works that resembled the bowels of hell, don’t get me wrong I’m not complaining, I loved the sheer scale of industrial photography, although Shipyards and Steel Works could be dangerous places !

I wonder how many photographers would know how to shoot the dark wet underside of a ship in dry dock nowadays , not that there’s much call for this sort of work in the UK now , it never really mattered to me what I photographed, it was all just another days work !

All manner of things would turn up in front my lens, accompanied with strict instructions and a multitude of unusual client requirements , cars , caravans , buses , fashion , corporate portraits and annual reports etc , etc !

This work wasn’t highly creative as most of the clients gave one specific instruction , “As Supplied Visual” !

Truth be told Commercial Photography is little more than supply to demand and I happily exploited my hard learned photographic technique for cash. Everything was always needed yesterday and surprisingly the deadlines were always met , big budgets fix most problems !

I worry that modern photographic education does not prepare students for commercial practice as it once did , the vocational photographic education I enjoyed is vanishing , we are all photographic “artists” now ?

I shot this billboard AD for the NUFC car sponsors back in the day , “As Supplied Visual” ,remember Rover cars ?

Art Directed by Graham Dobson for Chapman , Stewart Advertising .

Photograph David Barrett

Inspired by my “Blow-Up” illusions or should that be delusions, I developed a personal photographic manifesto , . all I wanted was to photograph my way through life, with one camera , natural light and a little imagination , only then could I discover the photographer within , or so I thought ?

Somewhere along the way my photography became hard work , I got stuck with banks of lighting , heaps of cameras , a mobile phone and demanding clients , this is where it all went wrong ?

Thankfully the digital workflow that disrupted my “Old Skool” analogue practice actually facilitated my escape which in turn created the photographic “freedom” I always craved and still enjoy today !

I’m still seeking the “Photographer Within” and the elusive “Perfect Picture” although I sincerely hope that I never find either !

“How Did I Get Here” ?

One picture at a time , just one picture at a time …

It could happen to you too if your not careful …

My most recent pic , Ladder , Nov , 2021

David Barrett shot the pandemic crisis during 2020, The Testing Times project is coming to a end, hopefully ? It 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 the print of the month , other Prints, Walks & More …

He is based in the South West of England .

Connecting !

What is photography about , maybe that should read what is your photography about ?

This most basic of questions could reveal most about you and your photography motivations , aims and objectives !

Perhaps the opening question should be, What can your photography be … ?

Understanding “Why” we do anything is never a bad thing but undertaking a thorough examination of photographic motivations will not only help us understand recent activities, it could / should inform the decisions we make that help determine our direction of travel !

Enjoying the activity of making exposures out on the streets might be the beginning and end of your Street Photography motivation , the creation of a inner smile and a general feeling of wellbeing is arguably the greatest incentive to undertake Street Photography , regardless of the end result !

Connecting with your everyday in a new way is the challenge should you choose to accept it !

Photography really can help us to connect with life , not just life in general but the lives of others too and that’s before you engage with the social aspects of photo groups , workshops and festivals.

The real surprise photography delivers to me is a deeper understanding of my own life , its a well worn phrase but trying to make sense of my everyday through photography is a deep challenge , especially during these turbulent times !

A frosty morning converted this bus stop into a abstract photo opportunity that reflects the conflicts of these times !.

Street Photography can be whatever you want it to be , it could be based around your neighborhood , town or even the local bus stop , the secret is to keep it simple , look deeply on a regular basis, build and learn, one shoot / shot at time ! Don’t let your ambitions run away with you …

Having decided on what to shoot , where to shoot and when you can shoot, try to develop a frame work of ideas to work within , think about the work of others that you admire , how was it created , is the light consistent etc etc ? Find inspiration wherever you can , develop a plan and make a start , it gets easier once you make a start !

You could be forgiven for thinking that this blog is about connecting with your environment , neighbors and community and on one level it is but the real takeaway here is about connecting within yourself , with your own feelings , thoughts and emotions and finding ways to express who you are through your photography !

I can’t believe you have nothing to say, photography really can be more than a process that shows how things look, it can amplify your thoughts and echo how you feel .

Learn the language of photography, seek significance and connect with yourself …

The beauty of life doesn’t happen somewhere else , it reveals itself to you everyday but you have to be in the right place to notice it …

The right place is a receptive mental space …

Tree in a retail car park , its not what you see but how you see it !

David Barrett shot the pandemic crisis during 2020, The Testing Times project is coming to a end, hopefully ? It 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 .....

He is based in the South West of England .

The Nearly Pictures !

Thankfully we all manage a bit of photographic success out on the streets now and then , we all suffer photo failures on a wholesale basis too !

The ones that frustrate me most are the “Nearly Pictures” , the ones that are close to meeting my ambitions but fail to win the coconut ! How high do you set your “Successful Picture” bar and how do you sort the wheat from the chaff ?

Failing big is easy to see and edit out , its the near misses that can be hard to let go !

One photographers “Success” can certainly be another’s failure , it all depends on your expectations and what defines progress for you personally, pictures that are sharp and well exposed with good light might be success for some, it all depends how far down the Street Photography road you have travelled and what you want from your photography ?

This capture did not surrender easily !

The nearly Pictures live longest in my memory because they possess a degree of regret , a sense of what could have been , might have been, should have been but were not due to a myriad of reasons, mistakes or excuses !

The most frequent reason for my Street Photography failures is that I stopped pursuing the image in my minds eye and settled for second best , I tell myself its a alternative view but the truth is I gave up too easily and its second best ?

When I found the location above I visualised the “Legs moment” , I knew that with a bit of patience , graft and luck a decent pic might reveal itself , so I staked the location out and shot twenty plus failures before this scenario turned up , its not until you get into it that you realise how many variables can sabotage your potential “Masterpiece” !

I was so invested in this location that I took a twenty minute break between two sessions , I was eventually rewarded with the pic above which went beyond my expectations . Sorry if this shatters any illusions of this being a one frame spontaneous, casual capture, it was anything but … .

Some of the failures (Nearly Pictures) that preceded the capture above , a ethos of continuous improvement and learning from failures can eventually lead to success !

Speaking of one frame wonders I was surprised to discover that I managed another decent shot on this day , when I went into the files to investigate this shoot for this blog , I discovered that I had managed to bag the shot below , I had forgotten that these two shots arrived within 20 mins of each other on the same day , the “One Frame Wonder” below found me as I was taking a break from shooting the “Big Balls” pic ?

Nothing wrong with taking breaks and re-assessing your pursuit of a picture , adapting your approach as you go , its important to maintain a level of belief, will life align briefly just for you ?

Its better to be lucky than good looking !

This is a genuine “one frame wonder” no second chance with this one !

I have a black and white view of photographic success and failure , a picture is either right or wrong , I can’t live with pictures that are nearly right , I prefer to take failure on the chin , learn and move on …

The takeaway point from this blog is to keep pushing your photography until it delivers what you want , when your instincts tell you that a decent pic is possible keep on shooting the variations until you find it , or it finds you !

Don’t settle for the “Nearly shots” they will haunt you forever , the little things that bother you now will grow over time and become huge in your mind , make sure you make the most of your picture opportunities and do everything you can to get “The Shot” before you walk away , no regrets !

Don’t be lazy and don’t settle for “nearly” , the harder you work the luckier you will become…