British Life
Portfolio 1 - 2015
The British Life Photography Awards ran from 2015 until 2018 printing four portfolio books with an exhibition held most years in The Mall Galleries in London. The exception being 2018 when the exhibition was held in The Royal Albert Hall, London
“The inspiration for these awards was the renewed interest in photography that has been enabled by digital technology, along with a desire to revive a greater awareness of documentary photography” – Maggie Gowan - British Life Photography Awards director.
I managed to get at least one photograph selected for every edition. Here are my contributions, along with their story as printed in the books.
The Unofficial Mayor Of Bentham
The butcher is often found sitting here, blocking the narrow pavement. Passers-by who are forced into close proximity often feel the need to converse with him and can frequently be seen sitting with him on his window sill sharing the time of day. As a result, there isn’t much going on in this small market town that he doesn’t know about.
Big Dave, World Champion Wargamer.
As with many wargamers, Dave paints the figures that make up his armies – in wargaming circles this is often considered as much a part of the hobby as fighting the battles. Dave asked my to photograph individual pieces so that he could show his work to others. In exchange he agreed to pose for me when we finished.
Portfolio 2 : 2016
Armageddon Approaches
I was walking the dog and watching the gathering storm looming over Lancaster, when suddenly the setting sun burst under the clouds. The dog walk was curtailed and I nipped inside to grab my camera.
The Escapee
This sheep had escaped from its field and had been recaptured by the farmer close to my house. I noticed the approaching storm and asked him to pose. I asked one of his children to hold a flash off camera for me and got a couple of shots before it started to rain.
Portfolio 3 - 2017
Gamekeeper
I knew that hens had gone missing and that the Gamekeeper was after a fox. I'd asked him to give me a call when he got it. It turned out that he had caught two on the same night. The Gamekeeper has been picked out by using a flash on a stand, off camera and fired using a wireless trigger. I got lucky with the sunset.
Portfolio 4 - 2018
Sticking it to The Man
This man found a disused quarry on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and built a cabin. he has lived here for the last three years despite the National Park Authority's best efforts. They keep taking him to court, he pays the fine at a small amount each week and then goes back to his cabin and continues to live with his dogs, chickens and girl friend. He works locally.