Author Archive
Bruce Davidson : concerned photographer
Written on April 26, 2018
in My inspirations

‘Every body of work I’ve done has a certain social dynamic – and I don’t put too much sugar on it.’ Bruce Davidson (Born 1933 – Chicago) I have a copy of Davidson’s photobook ‘England/Scotland 1960’ on my shelf. Documenting the urban and rural life of that period, in many ways it’s
To see a world in a grain of sand
Written on April 12, 2018
in Photoquotes

‘To see a world in a grain of sand and a heaven in a wild flower’ William Blake (1757-1827)
Zambian wildlife
Written on April 7, 2018
in Zambia

In an earlier post – Urban Safari – I wrote about my trials and tribulations photographing wildlife in Zambia. Now that my embarrassment has faded, I’m ready to talk about it again. Starting with the wildlife itself, you can expect to have a marvellous time in Zambia. Its national parks are relatively
Ode to London – kickstarting your photography
Written on March 31, 2018
in London

When I say ‘London’, what do you think of? Congestion? Famous landmarks? Galleries and museums? You might say ‘I love its green spaces’, but I doubt it. I worked in central London for more than twenty years, which probably explains my love-hate relationship with the place. When I had enough time, I
What shall I photograph?
Written on March 22, 2018
in Creativity and technique

‘To achieve his best work, the young photographer must discover what really excites him visually. He must discover his own world.’ Bill Brandt (1904-1983) ‘What shall I photograph?’ Young male photographers aren’t the only ones asking that question. Nor should they stop, even when their hair turns grey, as mine has done.
Vivian Maier : amateur photographer
Written on March 14, 2018
in My inspirations

Born in New York in 1926, Vivian Maier worked as a nanny and took photographs in her spare time. As far as the public is concerned, the story nearly ended there, because she didn’t share her passion with others. Towards the end of her life, her archive of more than 100,000 negatives
Reflection
Written on March 7, 2018
in Photoquotes

‘We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.’ Anais Nin (1903-77)
After the rain
Written on February 28, 2018
in Zambia

This year the rainy season was late in Zambia. But once it started, the rain came with a vengeance. Where we live in Lusaka, the area between the blocks of flats is for car parking. Drainage is poor and the ground has been compacted by the weight of cars. Not surprisingly, the
London Peace March : 2003
Written on February 21, 2018
in London

On 15 February 2003 I joined the Peace March in London, protesting against war in Iraq. The number marching that day has never been agreed. Organisers said 3 million, the police estimated 750,000. Undoubtedly though, the London march was part of the biggest group protest ever held. It didn’t stop the war,
Portrait of a cross dog
Written on February 15, 2018
in Town Dogs

During my Town Dogs project I often went to Bookmongers, the secondhand bookshop in Brixton, south London. Rosa would usually be there, greeting customers and enjoying their attention. And I would always leave with too many books. Over the months I took many pictures of Rosa and this is one of my