This picture makes me nervous in a way that, thirty years ago, it wouldn't have. There's always been a power gradient in documentary photography, and it only ever slopes in one direction. And as an old, white bloke who is nothing but middle-class by any sensible definition, I'm very aware that I need to especially careful in this regard.
I don't believe that we can only make work about our own communities - whether defined by income, geography or any other means -but I am aware that we all do have to be very aware of issues around 'othering' people in ways that are unfair and untrue. And for me it was Darren McGarvey (aka Loki) who really helped me top contextualise these issues, and when I rule the world I will decree that all documentarians (in any medium) should read it.
And, for me, the photographer who flattened that gradient as well as anyone working in our medium was Chris Killip, who I freely admit is my photographic hero. That's not just for his work, which I revere, but also because of his working method. I've spoken to people that he photographed, and although he was a stranger (and mistrusted) when he began some projects he built a genuine rapport with communities, based on respect, grace and generosity. When my wife (Michaela Simpson, a photographer and printmaker) were chatting with Bever and his family in Skinningrove a while back he produced a box of wonderful 20X16 Killip prints, and explained how Chris and his wife had kept in contact for all these years. (A postscript to that is that my wife was rather concerned about the state of the box that she dropped off and archival one with tissue and gloves - the very least such masterworks deserve.)
On balance I can, just about, let the above work be seen. It is a family portrait, and I had no intention of belittling or laughing at anyone. It was also made on 'neutral ground' - The Town Moor, which is open to all. And in a world where documentarians are able to record less and less of the world around them we should, perhaps, make work while we can. No AI, no shooting limitations, just honest work.
Well, that's my excuse anyway. Now, where did I leave my monocle...
