Last Night – A Conversation with David Hay

Another masterclass! This time from our very own David Hay, speaking about ten of the photographers who inspired him. He brought a trolley full of books, and told us about Vivienne Maier, for one – that’s one of hers on the screen here. And about Jaques Henri-Lartigue, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Edward Weston, Diane Arbus, and five others – not just about their work and what was special about them, but stories from the lives of these great characters.

After the break, David spoke of ten images from the PPS Galleries archive that exhibited particular qualities in a photograph. As he talked through them, it became more apparent what a skilled group we are.

And finally, ten of his own images, with a little about how he goes about taking them. For example: first time in a new place it’s normal to be excited and indiscriminate, and easily led towards the standard views. Second time, there’s a better chance to figure out what’s really going on and how the place works. Third time is the time to take photos.

And what happens when he’s taken them. An image very similar to Tears, below, from our Main Cup in 2017, was recently entered in a global competition, and won in the Best Street and Travel section. A fine photograph, like a fine photographer, will keep succeeding.