A 'place' I have visited

matthewlawry — Fri, 5 Jul 2013 09:33:52 GMT

I was drawn to photography long before I ever engaged in it: the indelible nature of images and their universal appeal. For me it is unlike any art form because it creates ephemeral imprints on the mind. You need only see a photo once for it to be with you for the rest of your life. I think Nick Ut's photo of Kim Phuc running away - naked - from a napalm attack was the first image that really imbued in me, this sense of longevity. I will never, ever forget that image.

I started taking photos, although I really had no idea what I was doing.I started shooting film, because it taught me discipline. There was little room for error, and I started to become more frugal, but at the same time more confident with my photography. I learned.

I still largely only shoot film. I like the idea of not knowing whether or not I actually captured what I saw. Whether I was quick enough, or nailed the composition, It's all a mystery until that film is developed. It's a romantic idea I guess, but I don't mind that.

Most of my photography is candid street stuff. Again, I like it's random nature. But in Sri Lanka I was really drawn to the rail network and what It means to the country. This is my take.