I found them in Victoria Park, lying carelessly against each others, the grass murmurous with tiny busy insects and the rich summer sun oozing into warm open pores. I felt I might be intruding into such intimate moment but they welcomed be with warm hearts. Their comfort with each other belied their familiarity; ‘it’s actually our first date’ one said. I took their picture and wished them well.
Aleshia - Washington Park
It’s 35 degrees and humid, far too hot to walk so I hire a scooter and ride down from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building. I see Alesha taking shade under a tree with her friend; the colour of her hair wrap immediately catches my eye.
The double exposure is entirely serendipitous, like the meeting.
Summer in Victoria Park
I’d spotted the group when I first arrived at Victoria Park. The sun was reflecting off their clothes and radiating light with brilliance as equal to the group’s energy. You could feel the warmth of their closeness and excitement of being together, like an adventure. It never occurred to me that they might actually be amenable to being photographed. Having tried, respectfully but always unsuccessfully, to request to photograph muslim women wearing a hijab, I’ve learned that it is unproductive energy that risks making someone feel uncomfortable, no matter how sincere and politely the request is framed. So it came as a wonderful surprise when, just as the sun was lowering in the sky and the group was enthusiastically making portraits, they actually asked me to photograph them.
Resting easy
Behind the National Theatre, a man and a pigeon take their rest.
Summer in Victoria Park
Girls who want boys Who like boys to be girls
Ellie - Clapham Common
Feb 9th, soft, cold light on Clapham Common.
Under the Banks of the Thames
Thirty years I’ve lived in or around London and not once have I been down onto the banks of that great river.
Drew, sometime actor and runner along the southbank.