Looking through my archive I've discovered a distinct lack of urban photographs this year which, given that I have said I am 'inspired by the rhythms of the city', doesn't give a very true picture of my normal photographic practice! I'm not sure why this is, because I spend just as much time as ever in the urban environment, possibly even more. I think perhaps this calls for a New Year's Resolution along the lines of 'take more pictures of the city' because out of all the photographic genres, urban is the one I am most drawn to. The city is
an endlessly recycled canvas providing a ceaseless source of changing subjects, potentially a creative inspiration which I must make more use of.
I deliberately use the term 'urban photography' and not 'street photography' which these days more often than not seems to involve people in amusing or unlikely situations - once you 'get' the picture, there is little more to be understood from it. I am more interested in the architecture of the street - the signs and symbols, the detritus and the traces of activity, ambiguous juxtapositions and reflections, which go to make up the complex layers of city life....
