{"id":2561,"date":"2011-05-04T11:48:00","date_gmt":"2011-05-04T15:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=2561"},"modified":"2011-05-10T12:53:39","modified_gmt":"2011-05-10T16:53:39","slug":"interview-with-chris-porsz-soulful-black-and-white-images-of-peterborough-from-the-80s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2011\/05\/04\/interview-with-chris-porsz-soulful-black-and-white-images-of-peterborough-from-the-80s\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview with Chris Porsz: Soulful Black and White Images of Peterborough from the 80’s"},"content":{"rendered":"
\""Gladstone<\/a>
"Gladstone St Early 80s" - Chris Porsz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For this week, I had the pleasure of interviewing street photographer Chris Porsz from Petersborough, England. His work has spanned over several decades, and his images are iconic and classic. When I first saw his soulful black and white images, I knew that I had to feature him on my blog. I hope you enjoy his images and words as much as I did.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1. Chris, you have an incredible collection of black and white street photography that has spanned for several decades. Can you tell us the story of how you first got started in street photography and what drew you to it?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Chris<\/a>
Chris Porsz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Like most people I started taking pictures of my children\u00c2\u00a0 but was \u00c2\u00a0unhappy \u00c2\u00a0with the \u00c2\u00a0results from\u00c2\u00a0 my \u00c2\u00a0Kodak instamatic. \u00c2\u00a0So in my late twenties I progressed from Zenith, Praktica to Canon. Some creative urge drove me to roam the streets recording everyday life in my city. \u00c2\u00a0As I cannot draw or paint I found it very satisfying and magical that all I had to do was press a button to capture posterity.<\/p>\n

Not technical, I struggle with using flash or posing \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0people and so found it easier to use the streets as my studio and take candid shots. \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Unpredictable and exciting as you never know who is coming round that corner. \u00c2\u00a0It was also a good way to relax from my thirteen year stint as an A&E porter.<\/p>\n

My negatives from the early 1980\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 gathered dust for over a quarter of a century. \u00c2\u00a0Only two years ago I sent some of these grainy images to the Peterborough Evening Telegraph. From that came a weekly column Paramedic Paparazzo and readers wrote in identifying themselves. As a result we have my reunions in the same locations which are not easy to achieve but the outcome is immensely satisfying.<\/p>\n

2. How do you think that street photography has changed over the years?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Chris<\/a>
Chris Porsz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite such issues as rising security paranoia supported by jobs worth officials I think it has got easier. In our digital age people are more use to seeing cameras. Personally I have become less shy, more sociable and happier to approach complete strangers. Automatic digital cameras are a great boom and I have great respects to the masters like Bresson who had to focus and expose his decisive moment. To get instant results and to be able to take loads and delete is fantastic.<\/p>\n

The biggest change from 30 years ago were the empty streets and now white vans and polythene bags get in the way of a good photo. I cannot photshop so I try and get distracting backgrounds right first time.<\/p>\n

3. What do you wish to convey to your viewers through your photography?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Chris<\/a>
Chris Porsz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To share with my viewers everyday mundane street scenes in a different light and to see something extraordinary in the ordinary. \u00c2\u00a0To witness society changing through \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0my teds, skinheads, punks, Goths and emo\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s along with the architecture.<\/p>\n

I was more interested in people and I cannot believe I deliberately blurred the backgrounds out. Now it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s wide angle to put it all in a social context. You will rarely see a picture of mine of just a boring building as people bring them alive, give scale and date the picture.<\/p>\n

I am trying to capture snapshots of time just by fleeting expressions on a face and to provoke the viewer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s emotions. \u00c2\u00a0It was pleasing at my exhibition or on one of my calendar\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s when people touch the image and smile with fond nostalgic memories of a bygone age.<\/p>\n

4. Tell us a bit about where you take most of your street photographs, and how are those places unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Chris<\/a>
Chris Porsz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Asked why he robbed banks the prolific US bank robber Willie Sutton\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0replied \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcbecause that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s where the money is.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 So I go mainly to the town centre and surrounding streets.\u00c2\u00a0 Particularly the more socially deprived cosmopolitan areas that are vibrant, buzzing\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0and rich with characters as opposed to quiet middle class suburbia.\u00c2\u00a0 The great melting pot with people up against adversity which reminds me of my parents struggle as refugees to Peterborough in 1947 from the horrors of Nazi occupied Poland. I have a few precious, priceless images of my family that survived and perhaps one of the reasons why\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 photography is so important to me.<\/p>\n

5. When you are out on the streets taking photos, what inspires you to capture a certain scene or image?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Chris<\/a>
Chris Porsz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I am always looking for people who are different and stand out from the crowd such as my 80s punks. \u00c2\u00a0Often the elderly with weathered faces, flat caps and walking stick battling against the elements. Or to observe and record the interaction of a group and trying to get the composition right.<\/p>\n

True to say we can make rather than just take photos. I often set my stage, such as a big billboard and patiently wait for the right actors to enter. Humour is crucial to me and I recommend trying those juxtaposition shots. \u00c2\u00a0See \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcIt bites\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 \u00c2\u00a0I like candid but some of my favourites now\u00c2\u00a0 are when people react to me and my camera in some totally unexpected and spontaneous way. They duck or do a little jig for example something that my imagination would never dream up in a posed studio setting. It is why I have this passion for street photography especially when the actor\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s ad- lib and do impro.<\/p>\n

6. Who are some photographers that you look up to, and how have they affected your work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Chris<\/a>
Chris Porsz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of my heroes is brave Don Mc Cullin an honest, compassionate and modest photojournalist with his haunting Vietnam images.\u00c2\u00a0 I was a lousy printer and ruined many but his dark, rich, gritty monochrome printing\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 influenced me. His colleagues too, Eddie Adams and Phillip Jones Griffiths \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcgentle eye\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 of Jane Bown \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0and the reportage of Chris Steele-Perkins. Over the pond Elliot Erwitt and Vivian Maier\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s newly discovered treasure trove. \u00c2\u00a0Other inspiration comes from today\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s New Yorkers such as Jo Wigfall, Dave Beckerman, and James Mayer and of course you Eric!<\/p>\n

7. Describe the favorite street photograph you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve taken. When and where did you take the photo, and why is it special to you?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\""1980.<\/a>
"1980. Good neighbours. Annie Gertrude Blunt and Jim Shahid Shah. Both departed" - Chris Porsz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of my favourites is \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcGood Neighbours\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 that I took three decades ago. It says it all and sums up perhaps how I would like to see society. Black and white, young and old getting on. From my parents struggle I know that racism and hatred inevitably leads to one thing, gas chambers and crematoria.<\/p>\n

8. What type of camera and which lenses do you use for your street photography? Also, how do they help you capture the decisive moment?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Chris<\/a>
Chris Porsz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I am a very minor amateur that just dabbles at it so I have to keep it simple. The best camera is the one in your pocket. It helps to have good gear but mainly it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s being there and seeing potential. To quote the great Beckerman, photography is 90% perspiration and 10% inspiration. \u00c2\u00a0I walk for hours with a rucksack of supplies and often return with average stuff but just occasional a little gem shines through and it makes the effort in all weathers worth it.<\/p>\n

I had a Canon 1000D<\/a> and just treated myself to a 60D<\/a> as I thought the swivel screen would be good for candid but not used this feature or the video yet. My Canon 15-85<\/a> is\u00c2\u00a0 an\u00c2\u00a0 excellent\u00c2\u00a0 lens but I wanted to\u00c2\u00a0 stick to \u00c2\u00a0400\u00c2\u00a0 ISO\u00c2\u00a0 inside \u00c2\u00a0so the \u00c2\u00a0Canon 2.8\u00c2\u00a0 17-55<\/a> is\u00c2\u00a0 great and \u00c2\u00a0I keep it on all the time. \u00c2\u00a0One of my biggest mistakes was under exposed faces so remember open up a third or two and always revert back.<\/p>\n

I have changed my style and ditched the telephoto which gives that artificial compression. As Capa said \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcif your photos are not good enough then you are not close enough\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 (D Day beeches!)<\/p>\n

I shoot mainly at around 20mm with fast shutter set ready as you want the unexpected sharp. I mostly\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 shoot blind from the chest and the wide angle, great depth of field and auto allows that. \u00c2\u00a0Also often pointing the camera up to get a dramatic building backdrop. \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0You will see many of my characters on the edge of my frame as it makes candid much easier.<\/p>\n

Avoiding eye contact with the lost tourist approach and\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 if it becomes tricky a smile and an explanation goes a long way.\u00c2\u00a0 I like candid and\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0shoot a few off so as not to interfere with the flow but then I engage \u00c2\u00a0It is this social interaction of chatting,\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0eye contact and some gesture that separates the mediocre from the fascinating image. \u00c2\u00a0I do feel my job as a paramedic dealing with patients does help me get a more sympathetic image. I also love listening to peoples potted life stories and snap away but not through the viewfinder.<\/p>\n

9. What do you think is the future of street photography?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Chris<\/a>
Chris Porsz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I like to think the dawn of the digital age has just begun and it can only get better. It is easier and more democratic and we\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 can all now take a half decent picture.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0The trick is to take something unique and memorable.<\/p>\n

10. What tips would you give to aspiring street photographers in the community?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Chris<\/a>
Chris Porsz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With the benefit of hindsight I \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0regret not taking more but you took it all for granted and film was expensive. So at 58 I am now\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0making up for lost time and at every opportunity recording the ever changing face of my city. \u00c2\u00a0My advice would be to simply get out there and start snapping. Take plenty, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s cheap but whatever you do backs them up three times as I have lost precious memories and learned the hard way.<\/p>\n

11. Thank you for this personal interview. Are there any shout-outs that you would like to give?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Chris<\/a>
Chris Porsz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Thank you very much Eric for allowing me to share with you and your viewers my thoughts and a few of my favourites.<\/p>\n

Links<\/h2>\n

www.chrisporsz.com<\/a><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.peterboroughinpictures.co.uk\/<\/a><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.thecandidframe.com\/<\/a> to hear my podcast with the great Ibarionex Perello.<\/p>\n

Valeriejardin.wordpress.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n

Twitter<\/a><\/p>\n

What do you think of Chris’ images? Leave a comment below and tell us how they made you feel!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For this week, I had the pleasure of interviewing street photographer Chris Porsz from Petersborough, England. His work has spanned over several decades, and his images are iconic and classic. When I first saw his soulful black and white images, I knew that I had to feature him on my blog. I hope you enjoy […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2618,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[372],"tags":[736,734,614,735,21],"class_list":["post-2561","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured-photographers","tag-80s","tag-chris-porsz","tag-interview","tag-petersborough","tag-street-photography"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/05\/3.-Gladstone-St-Early-80s.-Where-now.-Notice-the-Hoover.-web.jpg?fit=765%2C510&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2561","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2561"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2561\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2618"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2561"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2561"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2561"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}