community matters - the staffordshire walkers

This term the Photosocial Group at Midlands Art Centre are engaged in a project to document 'community' in all its various shapes and forms. This is my first contribution - the Staffordshire Walkers.

I came across them on the green in the village where I live, just after they had finished their lunch. What a fantastically friendly group they are. It's very obvious from their Facebook page what a vibrant community they've created.

In a world increasingly obsessed by busyness, material achievement and the cult of the individual it's so refreshing to see people take time to enjoy each other's company whilst walking amongst the beauty of nature. Thank you so much, Staffordshire Walkers, for letting me photograph you!

she said

she said

SHE'S DEAD

she said

 

she said

I AM THE VICTIM

she said

she said

HER COAT IS HUNG

she said 

she said

I AM THE SURVIVOR

she said

 she said

I KILLED HER

she said

nigel

Proof positive that you don't need to spend a king's ransom on top-end photography equipment to capture a decent image.

The photographs in my last posting (Genny) were taken using my new lighting system. In contrast these photos featuring a fellow member of the MAC Photosocial Group, were illuminated by a humble electrical heater!

genny

Genie Mendez, or 'Genny' as she is known, is the vocalist in Lycio, a rather splendid Brummie band. She has, I've since discovered, an amazing voice.  Here's a link to Lycio's Soundcloud page and is well worth hearing.  As I type I'm listening to their interview and session for BBC Introducing.

I met Genny earlier this week when she most kindly gave up some of her time to model for the Photosocial Group at the Midlands Art Centre. As well as being a beautiful young lady she exhibited tremendous grace and patience as a massed huddle of nascent photographers circled around and poked a bewildering variety of cameras and lenses at her!

It was good to meet such a confident, empowered young woman who doubtless is destined for great things.