THROUGH THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S EYE: SEEING PLACES DIFFERENTLY What happens when a photographer stops looking for photographs and lets a place reveal itself? In this illustrated Zoom talk, Mark Stothard MA ARPS, explores returning to Ouistreham after a year away and seeing the coastal town through a photographer’s eye. Using photographs, field notes and reflections from his project Across the Channel: Ouistreham Harbour Facing Britain, Mark considers how wandering, memory, observation and photography alter our relationship with a place. The talk introduces the idea of the dérive, an approach to walking without a predetermined route, and considers what happens when the photographer allows streets, buildings, weather, infrastructure, people and the coastline to shape the photographic encounter. From overhead wires and ageing doorways to graffiti, cafés, harbour structures and the Channel itself, apparently ordinary details become starting points for thinking about identity, memory, tourism and the changing character of places. The session also explores how photography and travel writing might move beyond conventional destination imagery. Rather than asking, “What does this place look like?”, Mark asks, “What does this place make us notice, feel and remember?” The result is an accessible, visually led discussion about photography, place, and the art of paying attention. THEMES Returning to a place after a year away The dérive: letting the street choose the photograph Seeing beyond the postcard When the ordinary becomes photographic Photography as encounter rather than capture The city as a living, changing thing People, absence and the atmosphere of a place Beyond the human viewpoint From photography to travel writing What happens when we stop trying to find something? WHY JOIN MARK Mark is a qualified photographer and educator, with over 30 years of experience as a freelance photographer and holds a Masters** degree in photography, in addition to a BA (Hons) photography degree; amongst other media qualifications. On first submission, Mark was awarded by his peers at the Royal Photographic Society, both Associate and Licentiate Distinction. Now preparing to return to university for a doctoral degree in Photography. The area of research for this PhD is investigating Psychogeography and Affect Theory relating to Photography, Media and Art with the philosophical and cultural relationship of Posthumanism. WHAT DO PAST ATTENDEES SAY ABOUT MARK AND HIS PAST EVENTS? “I was looking for someone to help me understand my canon camera whilst on holiday in Minehead. I am so glad that I booked a one-to-one day out with Mark. I can’t say enough about how professional Mark is & how wonderful our day out together was. Mark instantly put me at ease and nothing was too much trouble for him to explain. Mark does this in a way that you can easily relate to in day to day scenarios. I have since joined Mark‘s Lightroom Monday group and now enjoy learning all about post production of my images.” Joan, Middlesex “I joined Mark on one of his 1 to 1 workshops “New to Photography Workshop” back in April 2019, I wanted to rejuvenate my hobby for photography, having been a member of a local camera club where if your face fits you were ok I wanted to understand more about photography and techniques, well 18 mths on having been a regular attendee on his walks and trips I feel I have learned much more from a very motivated, experienced educator and communicator.” Malcolm, Somerset “Many thanks for all the help on your photography workshop in getting me away from auto settings, and understanding depth of field, rule of 3rds ect, it has been a great help in improving my photography skills and making everything even more enjoyable than I ever thought possible, Many thanks, Mark.” Mike, Taunton, Somerset “Mark has the knack of simplifying the technical. He is always available to answer questions, even when they have been asked before.” Katrina, Minehead, Somerset “After having owned my Nikon DSLR camera for many years and never having taken it off Auto, I decided to join Mark on one of his Full Day Camera courses. He took me through the basics and encouraged me throughout the day, by adding new skills at varying locations. By the time we had finished, I felt confident to continue learning and practising my new skills. A great day for those who need to better understand their camera. Thanks Mark.” Karen, Porlock, Somerset “Mark has endless patience, is very encouraging and has a wealth of knowledge, he has been a great support in helping me progress my intermediate photography skills from capturing the shot to editing in Lightroom.” Joanne, Minehead, Somerset ”We had some lovely days with sun, clouds, rain and wind. Today an Exmoor photographer showed us some beautiful places on Exmoor. Thank you Mark Stothard for taking us the whole day out and giving us a lot of tips ?” Elma, Facebook, NL “Mark’s passion for his art of photography, comes through in the warmth and professionalism he shows in all his workshops. He makes you feel welcome, relaxed and nothing is too much trouble! He simplifies instructions so that we can all understand. We all come away feeling greatly inspired and with new knowledge to become better photographers ourselves. His variety of workshops shows his broad knowledge. I particularly enjoyed the trip out onto Exmoor to photograph ponies and Highland cattle, where his enthusiasm is evident. The ambience of the smaller groups, where everyone is friendly and Mark inspires us to help each other, as well as sharing his tips and knowledge with us. I would thoroughly recommend attending any of his workshops.” Sue, Bridgwater, Somerset

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