Photography Inspiration

A few weeks back when I was in London I took the chance to see a couple of exhibitions that really inspired me.

The first was called Wembley to Soweto, at the Oxo Gallery. The gallery shows the results of a month long photography course run in Johannesburg last year that gave teenagers an opportunity to learn not just how to take good photographs, but how to feed your family using a camera as the tool of your trade. Watch the video below to learn more.

The second exhibition was by Duffy, at the Idea Generation Gallery. I love Duffys work, so it was great to have the chance to see some of it printed and hung large… great experience.

What’s been inspiring you recently?

The Mead Booth!

I had the distinct privilege of photographing some of my best buddies getting married at the weekend, and what a blast it was! There is genuinely no two quite as unique as Chris & Laura… a Dr Who themed address? Why not!

Photographs are coming soon, but for now check out the photobooth pictures over here where you can view & order prints.

Chris & Laura Mead

On The Road

Very excited to get out on the road again this week, as I head south for Chris & Laura’s wedding. I’ll be spending some time with an old flatmate, reconnecting with Australian friends I last saw in Uganda 3 years ago, drinking coffee at Monmouth, and last but not least of all watching (& photographing!) some of my best friends getting hitched!

Should be an epic week…

The Gap Films

My buddy Alex has been blogging faithfully over at The Gap Films… and I highly recommend you read it!

Here’s what Alex has to say about it…

The outcome: And then it came to me in a (true) moment of inspiration. The times I’ve enjoyed films the most is when I have intentionally engaged with them. Like the best things, films engage us in the big stories that shape our experience of life. This was something I discovered when I had the chance to study a short course in Film, Religion and Ethics. My enjoyment of films was totally enhanced by having a framework within which to ask, to reflect and to mull over the questions raised by them.

So, the gap films was born.

So, what are you waiting for? Off you go & read the blog

Baby P

The ever lovely Kat invited me into her home to shoot a few photographs of her and the bump as she prepares for Baby P to arrive very soon. We had a blast just hanging out and talking, and oh yes, taking a few photos! Here are a few of my favourites.

Kat & Baby P

Kat & Baby P

Home Sweet Home

Harry Baker

About 18 months ago I developed a love for performance poetry. Sadly, very little happens with it in Scotland (at least as far as I can see). One of the things I’m most looking forward to at this years Fringe Festival is the Poetry Slam, which Harry Baker performed in last year (I think he won, in fact… but I don’t want to misinform you just in case I’m wrong!).

Harry Baker

Harry performed at SOLAS festival this year, and by golly was he good. A poem about prime numbers? Yes please.

More photographs from SOLAS on flickr here.

Open Swimmer

My friend Kirsty plays with Open Swimmer, and despite numerous attempts I only just managed to see them play last weekend at SOLAS for the first time.

Loved their sound… they have a single out on iTunes (Sugar Bowl), but personally I think it’s not overly representative of their sound. Was great to see them perform and get a feel for their work.

Check out their website, buy the single, and then go see them live!

Open Swimmer

Open Swimmer

Open Swimmer

Open Swimmer

Open Swimmer

More photographs from SOLAS on flickr here.

SOLAS

I spent last weekend at SOLAS festival with Christian Aid… what a delight! Between interesting speakers (including Christian Aid’s Kathy Galloway and my old flatmate Alex Smeed!), great music (Jo Mango, Iain Archer), and a little performance poetry, the weekend was certainly one to remember.

I was there helping Christian Aid run their venue, Southern Cross, where we manned a cafe, held a few panel discussions, and encouraged people to get involved in campaigning… we really do believe poverty can be over!

Have a perusal of the photographs below, send Christian Aid some love, and purchase some advance tickets for next years festival…

SOLAS

Southern Cross Venue

Kathy Galloway

Iain Archer

Glass Painting

Glass Painting

More photographs from SOLAS on flickr here.

The Storytelling Coaching Community

A few years back I was in Chicago for STORY, and ended up at another mini-conference called Cultivate. I had the privilege to meet Matt Knisely at these events, and have been following his work ever since.

Matt is a multi Emmy® award-winning photojournalist and storyteller based in Dallas, Texas focusing on social-awareness campaigns around the globe. His work has been featured all over the show – NBC, BBC, FOX News.

Very excitingly, Matt is launching a coaching community for visual storytellers. I can’t tell you how phenomenal an opportunity this is to learn from an experienced and extremely talented practitioner. I’ve already sent in my application.

Read more about the Storytelling Coaching Community on Matt’s website, and then sign up!