On bank holiday Monday in August I visited a village show at Lustleigh, which is nestled within the Devon countryside on Dartmoor. The show has been around for over one hundred years and has great historical features with early remains of settlements dating as fare back a 2500 BC. There has been early documentation of a bee-keeper living in the village that is said to be the only one at the time living on Dartmoor (perhaps when everything was in black and white).
With all that information, I was hoping to capture some really interesting Devonshire folks, but also to capture how the society has changed in terms of old family traditions around festivals.
I set out for the day prepped from the research I conducted the night before around photographers and Lustleigh.
Influence!
Martin Parr has been a great influence upon my work with the Chelsea flower show, capturing what he calls ‘Old Britain’, his work and documentary style of both the small and big county shows has made me towant understand the culture and anthropological society around old traditions.
After seeing and talking to Matt Stuart in London, I have been fascinated by his style and humour in his work. I started to realised within my work that I was starting to rush for one gold winning image. I felt I need to blend in with the crowds at the show, be nice and not aggressive, to enjoy watching and waiting for the key moment to capture unique subjects. Prior to the show I contacted Matt for his thoughts where he gave some really encouraging advice.
I met Stephen Leslie at the Street London event, who was a truly amazing person with a wealth of knowledge. His latest book ‘Sparks’ has really inspired me to take my time when capturing the street characters. I have thought about my work in contexts of the subject, always having to look at me/the camera to create an impactful image.
I have thought about this for a while, even though I carry a camera around my neck I don’t want to shout about me being a photographer by having a massive bag and a large number of big lens to lug around. I have often thought that going out into the urban environment with one lens has pushed how I work.
Below is a list of what I tend to take out with me when in street photography mode.
In the rucksack
In the front pocket
Electrical tape (black)
Spare change (for coffee)
Mints
Business cards
RPS card that explains photographers rights
Lens cloth in pouch
Main pocket
Camera bag
Reusable Hoxston mini press bag
In the camera bag
Leica Q
SF 26 flash
AAA batteries
Leica battery
Polarising filters
Tips for keeping style when photographing events
I have found personally using a small camera or small prime lens allows me to get close to the subject and interact with the subject whilst creating powerful imagery. I would recommend that you take your time with events and not rush into photographing people, there may be a lot of people that look different or dress in a unique style, but it may be for the show itself. Take your time to find the true individuals and characters.
How you take your images in the street will apply to how to capture the people in the events; stay true to your style and technique and the events will become a type of street photography.
