Paris France

Last month I went to Paris Photo with my friends and fellow photographers Charlie and Janie. Me and Janie have both assisted Charlie and I also used to assist Janie. I was generally really lucky and assisted nice photographers but these two also became good friends. We're an odd bunch in a way, you can see people in restaurants trying to suss us out but I like that. We haven't got much in common I suppose other than photography, all being bolshy and enjoying buggering about. That's more than enough though surely.

 

 

Paris Photo itself was great. There's a lot to see and it is pretty overwhelming but there are real gems that make the slog worth it. Check out Julian Germain, Stephen Shore and Johanna Diehl. 

Nat

I met Nat ten years ago when I was an assistant in a freezing cold studio under some railway arches in Birmingham and she was the glamorous client. We stayed in touch and she really helped me when I moved to London, introducing me to some of my best clients and taking me to places they'd never have otherwise let me in.

Nat is a DJ and these shots were for her new website. If you need a DJ, hire Nat. She has an unbelievable record collection and knows a lot about music but is not a snob. She plays the the best dancing around, screaming along in your car songs. In a good way.

Stepney Jewish Centre

I first went to Stepney Jewish Centre to photograph a project that Dulwich Picture Gallery were doing there. I've photographed lots of art classes with older people and I always really enjoy these jobs but this was different. It was clear immediately how comfortable they were with each other. Everyone got involved in the project; laughing, arguing, heckling, reminiscing. There was even impromptu singing- something to do with the price of a banana. I guess you had to be there. Anyway, I asked Paul Jarvis the brilliant co-ordinator for the centre if I could come back to photograph them and here are the results. 

Mexico

I spent February travelling around Mexico on heavily air conditioned buses listening to terrible pop music with Adam (pictured hanging out a a Taco stand). 

It's a brilliant country to potter about in. For one thing all food comes slathered in chilli, salt and lime. Even fruit. The people are welcoming and funny. It has deserts and mountains and brilliant cities where you can guarantee there'll be live music in the local square, teenagers dry humping and old people slow dancing. Ole!