Back in focus for 2019 and looking to challenge more photographers to get involved and Take 5. We kick off the new year’s entries with London street documenter Ross Beasley aka @arby1975, someone who’s work I’ve followed since I started shooting in the streets of London. A fine selection of black and white stills, encapsulate what makes Ross tick as a passionate creative. Enjoy
In his own words…
So some basics about me. I’m from Hertfordshire, and I’ve been taking photos for the about 8 years. I’m totally self taught and originally started my photographic journey by taking pics of graffiti and street art. This evolved into taking pictures of whatever I found interesting, when I was out and about. I continue to hone my skill and build on an already substantial portfolio of images.
2 Rise tag (Above)…
It’s very rare when I am out and about in London, that I don’t come across a 2Rise tag somewhere. This particular one I captured just off of Brick Lane, and I love the way that it is framed by the passing foot traffic. A lot of people see tags as the dirty side of Graffiti, but I love the different handstyles and it’s always enjoyable for me when I come across a tag of someone I know, in a different city or country.
Dahkoh
I've known the Gums and Tongue Crew for a good few years now, and on this day I was out and about with Dahkoh, The Real Dill and Alex Party. They had managed to get access to a rooftop in East London which was perfect for a day time paint, without any unwanted hassle. It was a winter’s day so being high up made it feel that much colder. This is a photo of Dahkoh working on his piece.
Policewoman
I now and again go along to protests in London as they can sometimes throw up some interesting photo opportunities. I captured this shot at a Tommy Robinson protest last year in London where the mix of beer and the summer heat led to some anticipated confrontations. Here the woman on the left had started to get into an argument with the Police officer to the right. Then out of nowhere her slightly inebriated friend decided to get right up in the police officers face and let her know his views.
Squirrel
Sometimes it’s about being in the right place at the right time. I was sitting on a wall talking on my phone, when something to my left caught my eye, and it was this chap slowly creeping towards me. Luckily, he was happy for me to get a photo before he scurried away.
London Underground
I love the tube network in London, and find it a place where you can get some interesting shots. Sometimes I find that the best shots I get are not always the crystal clear photos, but the blurred light trail ones.
A further selection of Ross’s work can be found over here with his continued pursuing of social documentation and art in the street.
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Words: Matt Strutt, Ross Beasley
Images: Ross Beasley
Contributors: Aaron Darveniza
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