This year has been an interesting and thought-provoking one for me professionally—a year of growth, reflection, and continued evolution in my photography practice.

As a creative working in the ever-challenging gig economy, I often find myself navigating the delicate balance between artistic fulfilment and the realities of sustaining a professional practice. It’s no secret that finding the right clients is becoming more complex as the industry shifts and evolves around us.

Here’s a selection of some of my favourite images that I’ve produced over the last 12 months.

I then came across another photo of Muhammad Ali. These were gently posed images of Ali standing next to a stairwell at Lord's Cricket Ground in 1966. These images intrigued me and made me want to find out more. I love this series of photographs, so when I discovered that a Black photographer took them, I was overjoyed and definitely needed to know more. This is how I found photographer Gordon Parks.

For the longest time, I, like so many others, struggled with simply asking for help. Whether it was about asking for pay rise, taking a much-needed day off, or even just asking a colleague for a favour, I'd freeze up, overthinking every little detail. Was I afraid of wasting their time, or I just didn’t not want to look like I couldn’t handle things on my own? Maybe it was all these. Either way, it kept me stuck, full of hesitations.

But here’s the thing I’ve finally learned...

I’ve been asked many times about how I approach strangers to photograph. So many photographers find this extremely difficult, stopping and asking strangers for their pictures. And I can totally understand their fears and hesitation. So it's with this in mind that I’ve put together a one-day workshop which aims to help photographers or anyone with a camera, develop the confidence to approach and produce editorial-style portraits of strangers. So if you're interested, you need to be quick as there are only a few slots left, then check out my website page here if you'd like to know more. https://www.johnfergusonphoto.com/exclusive-masterclass

At sixty, I find myself standing at a fascinating crossroads. Validation for my creative work has become more than just a nod of approval—it's become the fuel that propels me forward.

"Photographing Strangers”

We will venture into the bustling streets, where you'll learn the art of street portraiture and the subtle dance of interaction between photographer and subject. Through hands-on practice and guided instruction, you'll discover how to approach strangers with confidence, establish genuine connections, and capture authentic moments that speak volumes. Read more and book here

Frames Photographic Magazine featuring British Photographer John Ferguson

The mention of Olan Mills got me to reflect on the evolution of photography, particularly in the business and commercial realms. In the 70s, studio photography like Olan Mills's was a prevalent style, characterized by formal poses, staged backgrounds, and a certain classic aesthetic. Fast forward to today, and the landscape of photography has undergone a remarkable transformation.

Our social media landscape has diversified and expanded to unimaginable expectations, bringing with it both the good & the undesirable side of human nature. The ability to reshape, modify, & inform the way we think & see our lives has moved or altered many of the perspectives we have on life, especially for those over a certain age.

We make first impressions on others within seconds.

Who knows where the internet & Ai and all it's platforms will lead us in the next ten years?

HAVE YOU GOT A FAG, 'ME MAN!

Halfway through my photo shoot with the talented Sinead O’Connor in London some years back; “I’m grasping for a fag, have you got any my man”.

I didn’t smoke back then, and a little panicked I asked around the studio, including her PR agent at the time if there were any spare cigs for Sinead.

Luckily my brilliant assistant on the day, Nick, offered to run down, we were in a photo studio near London Bridge, and he bought her a pack of Marlboro Lights.

I recently wrote a post on Linkedin about positive mindset messages and how important this is for everyone. Well, I was delighted to receive some news that one of my images from a personal project had received a highly commended award at The Photography Foundation Social Documentary Awards

INSOMNIA

I'm currently working on a new photographic project exploring the lived experiences of individuals who have Insomnia. The work aims to tell people's individual stories, explore the subject's different nature, and pose questions about how the modern world may be contributing to the rise in sleeplessness.

I'm actively looking for new participants to be involved in the photographic and short interview process. So, are you, yourself, experiencing bouts of Insomnia? Do you find the idea of this project of interest, or would you know of others close to you with similar sleepness issues? I would love to hear from you.

Please drop me a line or DM my Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/johnfergusonphotos

So what's it all about then? Mudlarking?! This pastime is becoming ever more popular across the globe. "I'm sure the original mudlarks would look with some disbelief and disdain at the throngs of people who head down to the foreshore of the River Thames. Small groups and individuals venturing down into the mud at low tide to wade around in search for lost and discarded objects", says Nicola. 

So what happens when you try to put together a one-day pop-up creative portrait studio in your local high street?

I recently had the good fortune to collaborate with the local Chip Community Hub, a creative enterprise based in Ipswich.

My Joy with collaborating with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

It’s been over ten years now that I’ve been working alongside the Trust producing “people” images for all their websites, booklets, brochures, posters, magazines and much more. I’ve learnt so much from time spent with some really amazing people working on behalf of the Trust.

Now here’s a question. When was the last time you visited a museum or an art gallery?

I only ask because on the weekend, my wife and I, plus two friends had the loveliest of days, finishing off the day with a meal in a great restaurant in central London.

Being a photographer I am a regular gallery visitor, I’m always looking for and visiting photo exhibitions, plus we visit one or two of our favourite museums in London during the year, especially when one of our favourite artist's works are on show.

Visual storytelling is one of the most potent ways to convey an organisation's message. Just a single image can help quickly communicate your charity's message to its audience.