This Q&A is part of the Sense the City Flickr Project. For background on this project see Sense the City – Flickr Project.
Tell us about the inspiration behind your photo
My inspiration behind the photograph was simply to capture the feeling and look of London. As a visitor to London I always enjoy the vibrant diversity of people and the buzz about the place, I never tire of observing people. I was quite taken with the ladies clearly at the beginning of their night out as they were having an animated conversation with lots of oohs and aahs. In contrast beside them caught up in the technology we all enjoy was somebody whose look I thought was very ‘London’ I loved his ring shades and vest and I could not resist documenting that moment.
How long have you been involved with photography?
It first excited me as a teenager over 20 years ago and has remained a passion ever since. In the years where I did not have access to a camera I immersed myself in photography books so I always stayed connected.
What equipment do you use?
At the time I took the photograph I used a Nikon D70 DSLR which alas is now in need of repair. Currently I either use a Nikon Coolpix 5400 or a Canon EOS 1100D.
What inspires you?
In terms of who inspires me there are many photographers I follow and enjoy, to name a few – Martin Parr, William Eggleston, Stephen Gill, Rinko Kawauchi, the Street Photographers in In-Public and many contacts I have made through using flickr.
In terms of what inspires me, it is mainly the excitement I get from human observation and the thrill of trying to capture interesting people and unique, funny, or surreal moments.
What is your preferred subject matter?
Besides photographing my children my closest affiliation is to Street Photography, i.e. capturing strangers in a candid way in public places, though occasionally I am happy to shoot anything that catches my eye be it an animal or architecture etc. People in essence are unique and provide endless opportunities to photograph. I find myself drawn to oddities and humor, connections and clichés. I hope to reveal the fun and fascination and even sometimes sadness of life. I try to present moments and coincidences in a visually pleasing manner.
Plans for the future?
To keep on taking photographs no matter what. I would like to develop a few different series – for example I can’t wait to return and take more shots on the tube. I also like the idea of taking random bus journeys and seeing what unfolds, maybe even leaning towards a social documentary series. Ultimately I would like to build up a strong portfolio of Street Photographs and publish a book one day.
Describe your photography in one word.
Fun
