Member Feature | Lloyd Hunt
“Embracing uncertainty will drive creativity, this is what gets me out on about with a camera.”
Lloyd Hunt is a street photographer based in the South West of England, capturing the energy and character of urban life with a keen eye for colour and composition. Passionate about both digital and film photography, Lloyd explores the unique textures and tones of analogue shooting alongside his street work. He recently started his blog, putting into words his views on photography and beyond. His zine, Summer Optimism: One Day in Plymouth, is a series of images taken on a single day in July 2021 as the UK emerged from its second national lockdown.
We reached out to Lloyd for a feature interview because his work captures the energy of street photography with a great eye for colour and storytelling.
© Lloyd Hunt
VS: What first drew you to photography, and how has your journey evolved over time?
LH: I've always taken photos as far as I can remember. I always had a disposable camera with me as a kid. Later on in life, I treated myself to a digital SRL, primary for the Devon landscapes but then, eventually, Devon streets. Looking back on my photos taken as a kid, I can see the odd street photo. I must have always had that interest in me.
VS: You shoot both digital and film—what do you enjoy about each format, and how do you decide which to use for a particular project?
LH: It's all about the colours. Unlike many, I enjoy the post-processing side of digital. I'm happy to take my time and play in Lightroom. I tend to push the colours into the surreal, with bold saturation and reduced contrast. Possibly vulgar to some but enjoyable for me.
I only returned to film last year and with it came a love for the new (to me) pallets offered by various film stocks in various situations. I'm still experimenting with film and learning as I go. To be honest, I don't even know if the battery is charged in my X-T30 at this moment but I will return to digital, I'm sure.
© Lloyd Hunt
VS: Your work captures a strong sense of atmosphere—how do you use light and shadow to create mood in your photography?
LH: I love bright sunny days with harsh light. I will either choose to use shadows to highlight a bold colour with a subject within or to remove the shadows for a full frame. The light at that time will dictate which way I go on this.
VS: What is it about street photography that keeps you coming back to it?
LH: I enjoy capturing people enjoying their surroundings. The more joy present, the better. Nothing is certain on the street. No moment with ever be repeated. There is a rush from being there at that time, in that place... and with the correct settings dialled in. Embracing uncertainty will drive creativity, this is what gets me out on about with a camera.
© Lloyd Hunt
VS: Are there any particular cameras or film stocks you love using, and why?
LH: It's all about the size and weight for me, the smaller the better. Preferably with a wide fixed lens. I currently have a Fuji X-T30, with an eye on a X-Pro2, and a newly acquired rangefinder, a Konika Auto S3. A beautiful, tiny little thing. Currently, I cannot beat using Kodak Gold200 on a bright sunny day but plan on experimenting with unusual film stocks soon such as Santa Color, for example. I'm starting to feel the draw of medium format, so I may have to abandon my small and light camera goals.
© Lloyd Hunt
VS: You also run a blog, what inspired you to start writing about photography, and how does it influence your own creative process?
LH: I struggle with the endless scrolling and likes gathering of Instagram and others. I don't feel that it is healthy at all.
I recently started to read long form posts on Substack and the experience is very calming. I love being able to slow down and absorb photography in my own time. There are some great photographers sharing their experiences and the stories behind photos and I thought that I would give it a go. I can't write but I can explain my thoughts and experiences at the time I took my photos. Writing this down and sharing is so rewarding, regardless of whether people read it or not. I highly recommended it whether it be on your own site or a space such as Substack.
© Lloyd Hunt
VS: How does photographing in different environments (whether at home or while travelling) impact your approach to capturing a scene?
LH: I live in Plymouth, South Devon, which during the summer is very busy, full of public events and tourists with plenty of photo opportunities. Outside of the season, it's a very different story. You have to approach it with a small town mentality. I recently saw a great video by Roman Fox on this subject and one of his tips that stand out was to adjust your expectations. Doing so frees you from disappointments and allows for new opportunities.
Travelling offers a certain camouflage with a camera on the street, that of a tourist. You are often free to point your camera towards anything of curiosity without fear (military sites not recommended!).
A community street party in Plymouth, England © Lloyd Hunt
VS: What’s been one of the most unexpected or memorable moments you've captured?
LH: I have a set of photos from a community street party in Plymouth. It's an area of Plymouth that has been often neglected but now the community has coming together to open shared spaces and bring art to the street. The photos from that day never fail to cheer me up.
Summer Splash © Lloyd Hunt
VS: Do you have a favourite photo you’ve taken? If so, what makes it stand out to you?
LH: I particularly love the perspective of the two boys looking down upon people partying and jumping into the sea in Plymouth. It was a sunny Saturday in July 2021 and one of the lockdowns had just been lifted. it was great to see so much joy and people enjoying the outdoors together again.
VS: Are there any photography projects or themes you’re currently exploring?
LH: I'm currently continuing to explore film, with an aim to show off Plymouth. In particular, there are many people who swim regularly in the sea in all seasons, myself included. I would like to capture these experiences on film. This must be done with great care as many of these swimmers have overcome a lack of confidence in their bodies and abilities to then swim in pubic. But that warm glow you get from those cold swims should be captured and shared where possible.
© Lloyd Hunt
VS: What advice would you give to photographers looking to experiment with film for the first time?
LH: Embrace uncertainty.
