A review of my presentation to York Camera Club

Many thanks to York Camera Club for their review of my recent Zoom presentation.

Last night, York Camera Club hosted a presentation from John Gill, based around his Street Photography and Portraits. John’s work is mainly based in the North and he included images from his acclaimed co-authored book ‘After the Coal Dust’, a text full of poignant and moving photographs, chronicling the demise of mining communities.

John’s work is not about creating pretty pictures! Yet, in spite of the harshness of many of his subjects, his photographs are endowed with a powerful beauty. The faces of John’s subjects visually articulate the social and environmental changes that are taking place around them,- changes over which they have little control. His background in the darkroom has led to a very high level of technical control of the monochrome process.

During the presentation, John posed the question, ‘but is it art?’ He then answered it with a series of stunning portrait images, which were so well crafted and full of depth. John delivered his presentation in such a relaxed manner, that was full of warmth and humour.

So, thank you John for treating us to an evening of brilliant visual entertainment.

A reminder if any camera club, photographic society, college or university wants me to do a lecture – in-person or Zoom/Teams, please get in touch.