Photobooks, the pond and telling a story

Here’s an update on my photobook’s series.

The intention is to buy a photobook per month. These are generally themed around streetphotography or portraiture, but I have recently added a documentary / photojournalism book to the library.

North of the Dixie by Mark Spelz was recommended as part of a #BlackLivesMatter post on social media, outlining recommended reading following the recent heartbreaking events that occurred in Minnesota, when George Floyd was killed by a Police Officer.

This is something that is front and centre as a discussion point with both of my kids.

I have founding it challenging to fully articulate the longstanding ingrained racism and hardship black folk have and do experience, so I thought this book (aswell as watching films and documentaries) would be a good resource for us all.

The book has some very powerful images and also referenced notes for further reading.

I had an interesting discussion with a client a couple of week ago, who mentioned the irony that this year has seen unprecedented change or realignment of the norm. All in the year 2020, or what is normally perceived as perfect clarity.

This discussion was before the terrible news from Minnesota.

What I found particularly harrowing was the content on Twitter under the hashtag #policebrutalitypandemic.

I don't think the width of the Atlantic Ocean has ever been so narrow, or met the definition of ‘the pond' better. We share so such commonality with our American cousins demonstrating the Black Lives Matters movement.

There is a #BLM march here in Brighton this coming weekend and its something that the kids have asked to go on, I know this is against a backdrop of COVID-19, but these are indeed changing times.

Black folk have had immense influence on our Culture, Media, Sports, Politics, etc. They have an uncanny knack of reinventing the perceived norm, for the betterment of everyone.

No doubt this same level of persistence and influence will bear fruit to deal with these hardships.

GAS isn't good, but photobooks are.....

This is my first blog on the new website.

The last 2 years, I have been predominantly shooting film in either 35mm or 120mm. I have loved the experience. It’s been a double benefit, for slowing me down and also chimping.

Of late I thought I would purchase a couple of photobooks, to develop my craft. Having read plenty of reviews, I decided on ‘The Suffering of Light’ by Alex Webb.

This is essential reading for anyone interested in street photography and getting an understanding of framing.

Also, Webb discusses his reasoning for prominently specialising in the use of colour, rather than black and white for his imagery.

As much as you will consume the content of this book quickly, you will most certainly revisit the pages for inspiration, time and time again, as the content covers 30 years of Alex Webb’s career.

Essential reading and a learning for me that photobooks are better than GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome).