Diaries of a photographer...part 7

14/12/06

11.44 - The first day of the rest of my project...I hope!

Another change in direction has sought me looking into the top tourist spots and landmarks to photograph in the UK. So I am sitting under the chimes of Big Ben to start shooting the London landmarks that made the lists I have found.
I am excited by the lists and plan to do my subversion idea explored in Brighton. Taking the unconventional shots of those monuments rather than the expected tourist shots. ~this has to work as I am running out of time!

12.39 - Just been talking to a lone protester outside parliament (parliament square...check their website) campaigning for peace. maria, a really interesting and calm person who believes in what she is doing and seems amused by authority.
Her colleague has been protesting at this spot for 5 and a half years! Truly outstanding. What incredible dedication and courage for what they believe in, I only hope that I would have it in me to do something similar if the cause demanded it and my passion was strong.

They are constantly in court, battling for their rights to be there and constantly get challenged. It was exciting too as it was one of the first times I have ever asked to take a portrait.
Onwards...

13.25 (according to Big Ben!) - Round the other side of parliament eating my lunch by the river. This area is great - tourist heaven and all of them snapping the same images! This project is kind of about that - what the tourist takes and how they are the same shots from the same angels. Its funny taking photos from 'abnormal' spots...get some funny looks. Feeling confident though and this new direction has certainly got me quite excited. I have said that a few times but hope it pans out well this time when I get the negs back. Feels like a more holistic approach though and generally a more sophisticated concept to the issues I have been thinking about.
Its funny the presence of parliament. Makes me feel passionate about our history and democracy and at the same time dismayed at how contained in that building are the decision makers for 60 million people.
Feels historic.
Gunpowder, treason and plot!

13:50 - Just been stopped and searched under the terrorism act! Given the seize of my equipment (ha ha!), they were obliged apparently! Bit of a joke really and they were friendly enough but what happened to civil liberties? My details are once more to be entered into a police database!

The interesting bit is they as good as told me it was due to number crunching! Due to the report on the Stephen Lawrence enquiry - the MET were criticised for who they were stopping and now they have to stop a wider range of races etc so their stats look better!
This country.

15.43 - Winter light fades too quickly! Hence I am heading to London Bridge and home after what feels like a most productive day.
Whether the photos are any good or not remains to be seen, however, I am confident this is the right approach and its now persistence and confidence that's needed. I think repeated visits to the locations should prove worthy as people may play a big part. Those I come across and what people do around the landmarks etc.
Shot the London eye and was heading to Tower Bridge but light let me down. Depending on which survey I work from, I still have the Gherkin and Tower Bridge to shoot.
Onwards and upwards.
Hurrah!...hopefully!