Earlier this month, the industry lost one of the greats with the death of John Downing, one of the finest photojournalists the United Kingdom has ever produced.
For the latest in theBPPA’s Spotlight series, Board member Jonathan Buckmaster writes a fitting tribute to his friend and colleague of many years.
A few days ago I wrote a post on my personal facebook which said
Back in 2012 I went to the Democratic Republic of Congo documenting work with ex-combatants. One of the things I learned was how lucky we (in the west) are being able to plan our lives and having some idea of the future vs their living a day to day life. Following that 2012 trip I thought had managed to reduce my planning to a minimum and lived a fairly free unplanned life (compared to many). I now realise what a complete fallacy that was. This morning its obvious that all of the plans I have made, (we have made), work, trips, financial planning, investment have all gone out of the window.
I illustrated the post with an image of young boys playing with simply made spinning tops at an IDP camp at the village of Karonja on the outskirts of Masisi .
The post got number of comments and requests to see more of the work I did there so this afternoon I have had a quick look back through the trip and pulled out a set of images not of the work I did there for the client but images of (mainly) children that followed me around where I was working and posed for the camera.
These images were not created with any journalistic or other intent other than to show the people in them.
Technical Note: These images were created with either a Nikon D700 or a Fuji X100 (original model).
People that know me well know I am a petrol-head
It will probably come as no surprise that I met and photographed Stirling Moss a few times. One of my most prized possessions is a biography of him I “borrowed” from my father, it’s probably the first biography I ever read and I still have it – have had it for over 40 years now. I regret not having the courage to ask him to sign it when I last met him (I had it in the bag and had carried it around all day).
These 4 pictures were taken on the celebration of his 80th year at Goodwood Festival of speed. A wonderful man. I’m a bit surprised but I did shed a tear when I read the headline…
Goodbye Stirling… Rest in peace The best driver ever not to be champion… he put loyalty before prizes..a lesson there for us all I think…
