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Snow showersMagazine
The big picture: Unfamiliar sights
by Conrad Astley18/ 8/2005
A NEW book of photographs portrays well-known Manchester scenes
viewed from unfamiliar angles.
Lost And Stolen, a collection of works by Ed Swinden, is a world
away from the idea that photographers have to travel to far-flung
destinations to get inspirational shots.
One section of the book, entitled solitude, contains photographs of
characters among the city's streets, usually on their own.
In one poignant shot a girl sits alone in the Cornerhouse cinema,
under a sign reading Waiting For Happiness.
Another section deals with scenes of ordinary life - again, mainly
in Manchester - while another contains more experimental pictures
made using unusual techniques.
Ed first became interested in photography while working as a
journalist for the Metro News, when he saw how news photographers
were able to tell stories using pictures.
He took up photography as a hobby, but left a night class in the
subject after one month, feeling tutors weren't letting him pursue
his own ideas.
Ed now works taking photographs for public relations firm, as well
as for music magazines such as the NME, but continues to take more
artistic snaps in his spare time.
He says he has been influenced by artists such as David Hockney and
Edward Hopper, as well as by a photographer called Elliott
Erwitt.
He said: "He showed all sides of life, but didn't patronise or make
anyone look foolish. That's a quality I admire, because I like to
have respect for whatever I photograph.
"Most of these photographs are from Manchester because it's my
home. I've got to take pictures of what I know, rather than trying
to go somewhere and impose my views on that place. Sometimes it
seems a little bit egotistical to do that."
The book is available from
www.edswinden.co.uk
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