Steve Bonati
In 2014, a series of workshops organised by The Guardian and led by Matt Stuart and Stephen McClaren gave me the inspiration, motivation and confidence to become a street photographer. The historical and contextual element of the course provided a great insight into the different approaches and imagery captured under the all encompassing title of “street photography “. Significantly, it revealed a breadth and diversity of approach in attempting to find ones own vision. I have been fortunate enough to be in the company of, and learnt a great deal from Martin Parr, Gus Powell, Melanie Einzig, the late Christophe Agou, Vineet Vohra and my friend and mentor Mimi Mollica.
Being based in the NW of England provides me with the opportunity to visit places such as Liverpool, Manchester and Blackpool with London a mere two hour journey away. Retirement from my teaching role has enabled me to spend more time in completing my main project which is a wide ranging, in depth attempt to compile ” street ” imagery from Appleby in Cumbria to Zennon in Cornwall. In completing the project I have attempted to portray the individualistic and idiosyncratic nature of ” Englishness ” through street photography across various towns, cities and counties. Currently final images are being selected, sequenced and layouts finalised for the publication of a book which will realise my ambition and add to the recognition I achieved by being awarded first prize in the single category of The World Street Shooting competition in Los Angeles by LACP.
