Social Landscape

Social Landscape ( Photographic Essay )

Series of pictures made using a 35mm SLR camera.

A documentary project based on the local area and environment where i live. The idea came to me after i encountered a chance meeting with a local resident.

"Hey! What you taking photos for?" The aggressive male voice echoed in the silence.

I was just about to record the small tag of graffiti on the wall of an inner ally.

Seemingly this quiet town on a Thursday night at precisely 10PM has a lot to answer for amongst the community of the young men and woman.

Me and the man whom now appeared much calmer begin to converse. He tells me his story

"I could tell you a lot about Bodmin, i'v lived here all my life. I once very much wanted to join the army, unfortunately instead i got in with a crowd where i began to smoke weed and drink cheap cider on the streets. Some of the crowd were older than me, some much younger. There was simply no where to go or nothing to do.

I am now 35, trying to turn my life around. I now have a job and i have my dog. Previously my life consisted of alcohol, drugs, police and even done time in prison. I am afraid many more like me do not stand a chance.

A simple coffee at a dedicated hang out that does not cost the earth would be a great start. Everything is money these days and that is also part of the problem."

His Jack Russel terrier starts to become agitated so he thanks me for listening, wishes me luck and he heads on his way.

For that brief moment i saw through his eyes, a different life, a different path. I head on my way with a focus.