Much of my work and photography is in health and social care, although I have persuaded a few friends to take part in my projects. This project is closer to home and is about ‘working people’ in my neighbourhood. Some of these people I know from using their services and others are strangers to me. Historically images of working people are problematic because the photographer often wants to ‘classify’ or label people and their occupations, sometimes ordering them heirachically, and can be seen as manipulation and even ‘classist.’ I am a doctor and I don’t work in the community where I live - will that affect how people relate to me and how I portray them? 

I want to produce photographs of people who work, largely in local shops and services, in negotiation with them; they too have ideas about how they want to be portrayed. One agenda for people who so far have agreed to be interviewed and photographed is that I should be able to produce images that will advertise their businesses on local social media. I think that is part of the compact with my ‘sitters.’  I too have an agenda which is about exploring what it is like to be working in a service industry on my high-street. Maybe I can say something about that.