My Kind Of People - Peter Weaver

From models in club photo shoots to candid images out on the street; some Ragged Victorians to violent looking roundheads, bows and arrows at the ready at events; real characters from the farming world to children playing in their own way, unaware of the camera, concentrating on their own, important to them, tasks.

Never quite sure who would be coming next, the people all had a story. Peter recounted the whereabouts of each and everyone interspersed with tips and hints or an anecdote. How do people not use a lens hood he asked? To control the light hitting the lens was vital. Some use of long lenses and quite often the wide angle gave him the opportunity to frame and compose the image as he wanted. Sometimes it was that grab shot where you just have to be quick. Talking to his subjects is as important to Peter as taking the picture.

Many of the events he has attended over the years have now sadly ceased due to new organisers not coming forward, or the insurance requirements going through the roof. Keeping up with the calendar and travelling in all directions is part of the vital planning and preparation for Peter’s extensive portfolio.

Peter’s love of photography, going back many years, film and slides being the where many of his earlier records lie and the importance of making it fun shone though. The images are for ‘you’ and as long as ‘you’ enjoy the process and the sharing them this should be the priority. I think his approach is what I attempt to do but I still have plenty to learn!

Jane Tearle