DAVE SHRIMPTON
Dave Shrimpton is a portrait, people and street photographer who uses vintage and classic cameras from 1890-1970, both on location and in his Cambridge studio. Dave works in large and medium format film and also uses the 1851 wet plate collodion process to capture images on glass, metal and Perspex.
The digital revolution has not only dramatically improved the quality of images; it has also opened the door to a new world of creative possibilities. DSLR cameras and smartphones seemingly make professional photographers out of all of us. We can take rapid multiple shots and quickly crop or delete what we don’t like. But in today’s disposable world, it is important not to overlook the value of contemplation and composition.
Nostalgia for an era when photography was less about instant results led Dave to reconnect with photographic methods of the past using vintage cameras. An image that passes through the lens of such a camera is processed in a dark room by the skilled hands of the technician. The end result should be valued as a unique piece of artwork.
Dave has long been inspired by influential artists such as Man Ray and Dorothea Lange for his large format film photography and by Vivien Mayer for his Rolleiflex medium format street photography
In 2016 he was flattered to be runner up in the Royal Academy of Arts ‘Street Photography’ competition and shortlisted for the 2017 British Photography Awards (both taken on film cameras).
Dave’s recent solo exhibitions presented a snapshot of his photographic journey from film to digital then returning back to film. The exhibits also demonstrated the art of photographing on to tin, glass and Perspex.
Most recent adventures involve the exploration of wet plate photography, shot with a modern twist.
