Inspired by Bert Hardy
A lot of my work is inspired by images made by photographers like Bert Hardy. This black and white image was captured in a London coffee shop, I was intrigued by the intensity of the subject as he explored his laptop screen.
Bert Hardy (1913-1995) was a self-taught photographer (like me) from London, known for his exceptional work as a staff photographer for the Picture Post magazine, the leading photojournalism publication in Britain during its time. Hardy's work spanned the tumultuous years of World War II and the post-war period, offering a candid and compassionate lens on the lives of ordinary people, soldiers, and the aftermath of conflict.
One of the hallmarks of Hardy's photography is his remarkable ability to capture the humanity of his subjects. Whether it was photographing the gritty reality of London's Blitz, the liberation of Korean War prisoners, or the everyday lives of people in post-war Britain, Hardy's photos resonate with emotional depth and universal humanity. His work serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, joy, sorrow, and complexity of human life.
The Photographers Gallery in central London has an exhibition of Bert's work until 2 June 2024 and it's well worth a visit.
Bert Hardy: Photojournalism in War and Peace - exhibition trailer
My final image was taken by me in Brick Lane circa 2012 and was part of my project Sensing the Street which asked the question "What is the essence of the urban habitat street?" Like Bert Hardy I try to not only document historical events and social changes but also captured the fleeting moments of joy, struggle, and humanity that define our collective experience.
