The Shot I Never Forgot
‘The Shot I Never Forgot’ is an Arts Council funded project in which participating artists were invited to share a photograph that has remained in their mind since they shot it along with the story behind its creation. Most of the artists instinctively knew which image they should share, sometimes because it was poignant, sometimes because of its personal significance or simply because it is a great photograph.
As photographers, we shoot many more images than ever see the light of day, often including fabulous stand alone pictures – shot on instinct – whilst making work for another project. Because these single images do not fit the brief, they sit gathering dust in an ever-growing archive. The Shot I Never Forgot is a chance for some of these images to be presented in their own right, for others to enjoy; a platform to enable some of these memorable photographs to be seen for the first time.
This project began in February 2013 and culminated in an exhibition and publication, held during the Brighton photo Fringe 2014. Since then, it has been lying dormant, ocassionally being dusted off to receive some new submissions!
John House, February 2018
Julian Ward
‘Peru, 2006’ "This photograph was taken on a trek that I embarked on in 2006 to raise money and awareness for Cancer Research UK after the loss of my father. I travelled with a group of people who I’d not met before but who shared the experience of the loss of a loved one. My companion for the trip was my Mamiya 7 II camera and over the 10 day trek I took a lot photographs of my journey. It was a joyous and emotional experience and gave time for reflection. The boy was from a small village we passed through on our way to Machu Picchu. Perched on a rock he sat watching us inquisitively as we walked by. I was struck by his looks and his clothing set against the subtle tones of the landscape. I was usually at the back of the trekking group due to taking too many pictures and on this occasion I was able to communicate with the boy to take his portrait. I managed to shoot a frame with him before he ran off hastily. The picture brings together elements of photography that I enjoy and is a simple reminder as to why I like to make pictures. I’m aware that I’m drawn to the image because of its sentiment but I’ve learnt to realise that its ok to incorporate this into your work which remains part of my practice. The image is a moment of calm and more importantly connection in what I recall as quite a chaotic & very emotional period of my life."
