Big Cities or small towns?
Do you need to travel to big cities, or far and distant lands for documentary projects or street photography?…. I don’t think so.
No doubt about it, if you have the opportunity to travel and shoot. Do it, its not about the destination…. Its the experience of new places and cultures.
But do you have to travel to huge cities? Far away lands to work on a project?… Nope… Solid and powerful work can be created on your doorstep.
I’ve been to London for example many times to shoot… But when I get there I really don’t feel inspired. Don’t get me wrong on this be cause I love London but I just can’t get in to the zone so to speak when I’m there.
Put me in a small town or village… I find the inspiration to shoot immediately. I have a better sense of the history and how their small culture might be… I know this isn’t the same for everyone because some outstanding work has been created in the busiest cities in the world… I just prefer a different environment.
The small set above was taken in Lulworth Cove. I’ve been there numerous times, but after speaking to the owner of the local fishmonger, I had a better understanding of the place.
Lulworth thrives on tourism, especially throughout the summer months, but the fishing industry there has taken a real big hit.
15-20 years ago there would have been a fleet of around 30 boats. Today there is 4-5 that still go out and attempt to earn a living. This is due to the economic state and fishing rules of Britain, but after my talk with her it hit home how the small fishing villages have suffered dearly.
With this in mind I had a connection with the town and the inspiration to shoot was immense.
Windsor is a town I really like shooting in. Its not too big but has a lot of character. It gets very busy but the right time of day and its a real pleasure to walk around and shoot the streets.
For you that have read my blog in the past will know of my passion to document my family. This might be at home, park or grandparents. Some of my best work has been within this project.
I suppose the point of this post is to say, don’t feel like you have to travel into the bustling cities of the world for street. While its great if you can…. It’s not necessary…. For those who only ever go to the city, I’d say to try shooting in your own neighborhood or a smaller town/village… You might be surprised!
Cheers!
