Photography

Peoplescapes
Composite Documentary Photography

To view the pictures, click on the thumbnails below. Note that the pictures are composites and have lots of small detail. The images are copyright and must not be reproduced without permission.

Peoplescapes is a series of large composite photographic prints. Small versions of eight of these are reproduced on this website. The pictures show people in public spaces and their reactions to their environment. Each picture was made by taking numerous photographs from the same spot over a period of an hour or so. The figures are natural and unposed. The result is a form of documentary photography that records some of the minutiae of modern life.

The prints show people on bridges, in shopping streets and open spaces including pictures made in Edinburgh, Naples, Bruges and Sydney, as well as some locations closer to home. From a distance the images catch the eye but they also encourage close scrutiny as they are packed full of human detail.

About ten years ago I was looking at some paintings by Canaletto and was struck by the powerful effect created by the little groups of figures that stand in front of the buildings. Painters can control human figures in a way that is difficult for photographers. I wanted to gain some of the editorial control that painters have when they are watching a scene, see a man bend down to tie a lace, and choose whether or not he should be in the picture.

People are sometimes concerned about the issue of honesty when photographs are digitally manipulated. I attempt to work in the traditions of documentary photography and try to make a picture that accurately catches the mood of the scene in front of me. The construction of my pictures follows some self imposed rules. For example, people may be moved in time but not in space.

Richard Phillips was born in south London in 1947 and grew up in Birmingham. He now lives in Badsey, Worcestershire and works as a freelance educational writer, photographer and multimedia designer. He has a background in education, psychology and design.

• Ten prints were exhibited at the Number 8 Community Arts Centre, Pershore, Worcestershire from 4 to 23 January 2007.
• A portfolio of prints were reviewed at the Rhubarb Festival, Birmingham, July 2007.
• Prints were on show at the University of Nottingham Summer Exhibitions 2007, 2008 & 2009.
• Exhibition of 16 prints at The Courtyard, Hereford from 3 December 2009 to 9 January 2010.

Peoplescapes at Number 8 in Pershore

For more information on the pictures and prices please email phillips@badsey.net.

Here is Richard Phillips's homepage with contact details.

Some other photographers exploring composite photography: Peter Funch, David Weightman, Mark Wood, John Goto.

Updated 11 January 2010. HR