In June 2016 we voted to leave the EU. Whether remain or leave it could not be denied that this was a colossal shift in our collective Identity. In the same period America elected Trump, Theresa May called a snap election, millions of refugees were forced to flee their homes and war continued to plague the world. It seemed to anyone following the media as though the end times were upon us. It was a period of extreme polorisation and sensationalist media.

 

At the same time I was entering my final year of a BA and had begun a series of street photography. This series grew over the next 12 months; I travelled throughout the UK to shoot in multiple cities, at several political marches/protests until it eventually became what is now titled ‘Stepping Back’. I wanted to capture something other than was seen in the media. I was looking for an optimistic view; I sought out the small moments of humanity that would demonstrate to me our true state of identity at that time.

 

I believe there is art in everyday life and in a world so divided and confused street photography offers a chance to freeze a moment, to make all it contains imperative and push the viewer to think on the good in life.