"Everything but The Bull" - A Charlbury Photo Project

Fri 10 Jul, 16:00

Hello Charlbury,

Many of you have seen me taking photos over the past couple of weeks.

A number have asked me “why?” which I find a curious question, and one that’s not easy to answer. It reminds me of the Bill Hicks ‘bit’ where someone asks him, “What are you reading for?” If I were painting on canvas, would people also ask ‘Why?”

I’ve tried a few answers... “For fun” is the simplest, easiest, and most accurate, I believe, although it’s had mixed results.

“I’m capturing light on a photosensitive surface using selective framing and composition of the world, balancing light, shadows, lines, and textures to tell a story or evoke an emotion” Again, very accurate but I fear my questioner will walk away (or punch me) before I get to the end.

How about “Because I fear death,” or “I want to fill an artistic void in my life,” or “I want people to remember me when I’m gone”? Perhaps a little intimate for a stranger on the street.

And finally, “I studied photography at Uni, spent many years as an amateur band photographer, and now wish to learn new disciplines, namely Street Portrait and Street Photography.”

So, for whatever reason above works for you, I have started a project called “Everything but The Bull” - Capturing Charlbury and its People.

The name is not a diss of the pub – I like the Bull very much – but I think it has enough focus (and photos). I want to remind people that Charlbury is more than the current Media onslaught.

If you see me on the street and want to be photographed, please ask. If you see me taking pictures and you don’t want to be in them, just let me know and I’ll avoid you where possible.

The pictures will be up on a gallery site, starting soon.