I’m being flippant, but digital photography has turned everyone into snappers, and it’s rare that anyone actually prints off their pictures, or even looks at them after they’ve been chucked up on the numerous social networks. As an analogue lover, there’s something so special about every photo you print, even the ones you mess up. Maybe it’s the lack of pixelation, maybe it’s the smell of the chemicals, maybe it’s the labour put in, maybe it’s being able to hold it. Maybe it’s just that old nostalgia for something that’s slipping away.
Whatever it is, there is something that makes film photography special. Local photographer Barney Melton may not be able to put his finger on it either, but his recent exhibition at the beginning of the month in the Malt Cross of black and white portraits celebrated the medium. The large format prints, that were taken there and then in the gallery space and developed in his makeshift darkroom, not only captured people's likenesses, but their imaginations. By the end of his week he had been inundated with models who wanted to be a part of something a little bit different.
The photographs, hung on strings on the walls, were fascinating to look at. The sitters have been asked to just look ‘normal’ – straight on and side on – without any forced expression. The effect was bizarrely intimate even though they’re not smiling or pulling a face. All the subjects look handsome and from a different age. The camera he used for these shots was a sixty-odd year old ex-RAF bellows camera and the prints were taken on discontinued positive paper stock as opposed to negatives.The sharpness of the central focus combined with a slight lack of focus on some areas really draws the eye to the features.
The exhibition is now over but due to the popularity, Barney will be bringing his kit back for three days from this Saturday. If you want your picture taken – you get the only copy to you to keep – then scrub your face, check your teeth and get down to the Malt Cross. Additional hi-res prints are available on the day if one copy just isn't enough (can we suggest a bit of forward thinking for presents...). A word of advice - it could get a bit busy so if you know what time you're going to be in town, drop Barney an email to book a slot to save any faffing. This also might be one of your last chances to relax in the Malt Cross too, it's going to be closing for a few months at the end of the month so that they can do a Changing Rooms on it.
Melton Original Portraits will be running until Saturday 24 - Monday 26 May, 11am - 9pm (11am - 5pm, Sunday), Malt Cross, St James’s Street. Free entry. One photograph, £10; two photographs, £15.
Melton Original Portraits website
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