Brian Duffy
© Brian Duffy
Brian is originally from Glasgow but moved to London in 1989. He now lives in Sawbridgeworth, a small market town on the Hertfordshire / Essex border.
His interest in photography began at school when his art teacher started a lunchtime camera club. Sadly, this folded after a few weeks due to a lack of interest.
Despite this, a spark was ignited that grew into a passion for photography. A few years later Brian bought his first “proper” camera; a Vivitar V3000S with a 50mm f1.7 lens and taught himself through magazines, books, constant practice and many mistakes.
His interest in street photography came about whilst working in London. Brian regularly carries a camera and enjoys taking pictures of people and things happening around him.
Brian finds street photography allows him to escape from the demands and pressures of everyday life; being in his own world just observing what is happening in front of him with no pressure to get a specific image.
He likes to capture images of people doing interesting things; it might be an expression, an action or simply how the light falls on them in the scene.
Away from street photography Brian also enjoy photographing landscapes, sport and portraits.
Brian is currently studying for a BA(Hons) Degree in Photography through the British Academy of Photography & University of Chester
London Photo Show Exhibition
What inspired you to curate this particular collection of photographs for your exhibition?
When I decided to participate in the London Photo Show 2023 as part of the Urban Photographers Club I knew that I wanted to exhibit my street photography work. My interest in street photography comes from observing people as they go about their daily lives. As Shakespeare wrote, “All the world’s a stage and the men and women are merely players”. I like to candidly capture their actions and expressions and how the light falls upon them in the scene.
Could you share some insights into the creative process behind these photographs?
The images are a cross-selection from my catalogue and images shot specifically with the exhibition in mind. I wanted to show observational street photography, capturing people’s actions and reactions on the street.
What emotions or messages do you hope viewers will take away from experiencing your exhibition?
I hope my images will make people smile, perhaps even laugh, as they view the expressions and actions or the scene around the people in my images. I would like to highlight to the viewer some fleeting moments in time that we can easily miss as we go about our daily business and perhaps encourage them to slow down and observe he world around them.
Are there any specific stories or moments from your photography that you would like to highlight in this exhibition?
I know it’s an old adage but photography opportunities are everywhere so always carry a camera (even just a smartphone) By stopping and observing the world around you, there’s more chance of seeing and capturing things that most people wouldn’t even register.
How do you see your photography evolving in the future, and how might that influence your future exhibitions?
I am currently studying for a BA(Hons) Degree in Photography which has increased my knowledge of the art and history of photography as well photography as a business. I have also been developing my portrait and lighting skills through the course and workshops. Portraiture is a genre of photography that really interests me and I would like to develop this to a point where I have sufficient quality and body of work to exhibit in the future.
What has been your experience with UPC in regards to this exhibition?
I have visited the London Photo Show in previous years and have been so impressed with the work on display. I have never had the knowledge or confidence to exhibit my work before. The UPC introduced me to the opportunity to exhibit at the LPS 2023. The support has been excellent with regular meetings and discussions on social media groups.