What a year I've had. A lot has changed this year both in my photography and in my private life.
I started 2017 with 3 cameras and many lenses, owning a Fujifilm X-T1, X-T10 (which my wife and son now use) and X-Pro 1. I also had the following lenses 35mm F2, 35mm F1.4, 16mm F1.4, 23mm F2, 90mm F2 and of course the best lens Fujifilm make, the 56 F1.2 and have ended the year going back to basics one camera and one lens, without a doubt one of the biggest drivers of this decision was becoming a minimalist in my private life.
Back in July, I upgraded the camera from the X-T1 to the X-T2 and I’ve never looked back. I made the decision to go back to where I started - one camera and one lens (and if you follow my blog you’ll know “there can be, only one” lens that makes the cut, the 56mm F1.2), as I felt that I did my best work without having the distraction of deciding what lens I should be using. I will say that my street photography has improved no end, however, there was another reason for my improved photography.
At the start of the year I had people in my life that were very negative towards me and my work, but by March I had moved away from them.
One Sunday afternoon at the end of March, while shooting on Brick Lane in London I met Christian Cross. I noticed Christian was using the Fujifilm X100F and for some reason, Fuji users seem to be drawn to each other. Anyway, we got chatting about street photography and our love for the art, we then exchanged business cards and over following week we started messaging each other and soon we were heading onto the streets together. Meeting Christian was life-changing for me, not only is he an amazing street photographer (not as good as me lol) but, he is one of the most positive people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I do some of my best work when we are together and thanks to Christian I’ve gotten to know some amazing street photographers, I owe him so much.
The moment I meet Christian
Then there's Tom Jeavons, another amazing photographer, like with Christian, Tom has a very positive outlook on life and I’m so grateful to have him in my life. I love being out with him, he has a wicked sense of humour and I think this is why we get on so well. Both Tom and Christian would give you the shirt off their backs and never ask for anything in return.
Me and Christian
Then there’s Craig Whitehead and Chris Bracknall, two photographers I met in Cambridge, both Chris and Craig are very positive and again this makes me positive. Like with Christian and Tom I have gotten to be close friends with them and I feel honoured and lucky to have them in my life. These four amazing people have changed me and my outlook. I wasn't feeling great at the start of 2017, both mentally and physically. Most of this I put down to the company I was keeping. Street photography and my friends (plus my wife and son) have saved me. I’m not sure where I’d be without them and I’m very thankful for this.
Then just when I thought 2017 couldn’t get any better, I got the best birthday present ever, I met Bruce Davidson, for those of you who don't know, Bruce Davidson is a New York street photographer and the reason I shoot street photography. I was lucky enough to spend an hour with him at Beetles & Huxley in London, where he told me the story behind one of my favourite photos from his book Subway. I still can't believe I met him, I spent 3 days in London over my birthday weekend, where Christian opened his home to me. Both myself and Christian were so inspired by meeting Bruce Davidson, we ended up having the best 3 days of street photography, everything just seemed to click.
Bruce Davidson (I didn't even think of getting a photo with him)
2017 just seemed to be getting better and better for me. At the end of the summer, I had photos in an exhibition at The Print Space London, this was a huge honor for me. I also had my first interview for Eye photo magazine (Click Here)
At the start of the summer, I decided to start this blog. I’m not very good at writing like I need to say that lol, but I thought I would give it a try. I had no idea where this was going to go, I didn’t even know if anyone would read or even care about it. I’m not a writer, not even close, but I thought it would be a good way to showcase my work. Well, it turns out people do like reading it. My blog has ended up on the top 75 street photography blogs (no 59). I couldn’t believe this happened, I still can't believe it happened.
At the end of the summer, my good friend Spyros came to stay from Greece. It had been 2 years since we had last seen each and we planned to make the most of our time together. We spent 2 days shooting in Cambridge, where I finally got to meet another photographer, Digby this was the first time we’d met in person. Then we moved on to London for 4 days, where I was asked to lead one of 2 groups in the 3rd annual Streethunters Photowalk, man that was a blast. I got to see old friends like Brian Boyce, again we hadn’t seen each other since the first Photowalk in 2015. We had an amazing time and I can't wait to see all my friends again in 2018.
Spyros and Digby
Then in October I started my own Facebook group called No Rules Street Photography, the group is growing fast, again this is something I didn't really see happening, I really should start having more faith in myself. I know I left so much out of this blog, getting to know people at Fujifilm Uk, Dan from Live fashion and all the models, etc
Anyway, I just want to thank my friends, wife, son and all of my readers for being there for me and I hope my writing gets better in 2018.
Below is a collection of photos from the year
Brian Boyce in the Tate
