Crafting Connection
Initially, when I started using a camera, I never gave any thought to how my work would connect with and reach an audience. For me, photography has always been a personal journey, an escape from the mundane routine and an opportunity to explore my surroundings.
I have been capturing the beautiful landscapes of Suffolk for a good few years now, but it was only in the past few years that I began exhibiting my work in galleries, cafes, and even holiday properties with the intent of selling prints and framed pieces. Usually, I limit the numbered runs to around 10 or 20 copies. At first, this felt daunting, and I experienced a sense of vulnerability and imposter syndrome, and I often felt that my work wasn't good enough to be displayed publicly.
I was quite guarded about my work early on, and was hesitant to present it to the world, printing very few of my images. Although I had a social media presence, it was minimal. In a way, I was always taking pictures for myself, and even though I now sell my work, my photographic process and approach have remained the same. I always strive to be authentic to myself and not to shoot with selling in mind, as I believe it can detract from the passion and enjoyment of a hobby.
Printing your work is very rewarding. Nothing beats seeing a piece of work in print vs. on the screen. One could even argue that the photograph isn’t a finished piece until it is printed. Seeing them framed and up on the wall is even better, especially when it is someone else’s wall! There is a real sense of achievement to the whole thing, and whilst displaying them to a public audience can feel scary, there is one thing that I have taken away from this experience, and that is connection, the title of this blog.
Both long-term residents and holidaymakers, whether on a brief weekend getaway or a more extended stay, have derived a genuine sense of delight and enthusiasm from my work. Some have found that my images bring back fond memories of a special trip or day out, while others experience a surge of joy from recollecting a particular moment in their lives. For instance, one individual had a childhood flashback with their family while looking at an image of Dunwich.
At the beginning of last year, before the pandemic, I sold several pieces in a local cafe. This was to a mixture of people that were both local and holidaying in the area. The interest was amazing and beyond anything that was expected, and as I replaced some of the gaps with more pieces, others then sold. I have received inquiries for my work from distant locations as well. For instance, during the Christmas season, a woman contacted me to purchase a framed piece for her husband. They used to reside in Ipswich, but currently reside in France. Upon browsing through my gallery, they were able to relive fond memories of their time in Suffolk. Additionally, another lady residing in Spain requested a couple of prints from me.
I was deeply touched by a recent request for my work from a gentleman in Arizona, USA. Although he was born in Arizona, he spent a considerable amount of time in Suffolk with his family, and it holds a special place in his heart. My artwork resonated with him so strongly that it even evoked cherished childhood memories. It is truly an honor to create pieces that evoke such powerful emotions and connections.
“The connection I feel to home through your pictures is profound. Each time I pass down the hall, or into various rooms, there’s a piece of that magical place for me to connect to, and my house truly does now feel like home.”
The satisfaction of creating a connection, both online and in-person, through my art is what makes everything that I do truly fulfilling. While social media validation through 'likes' is great, the real joy comes from engaging with individuals over a physical piece such as a print or framed artwork.
I am grateful for the support of everyone who has purchased my work, and I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you.
If you are interested in adding any of my prints or framed pieces to your collection, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I would be thrilled to hear from you!
