So, after thinking about a blog comment that involved the idea of subterfuge, i decided to really do what is expected. Stop talking about it and do it. Using the inspiration i have gained from looking at the theoretical ideas of Graham and Frank i threw myself into "real life".
So, i went to numerous bookies around the city centre and took secret photographs on my phone, so as not to be seen, of the people who were sat in there at 1pm in the afternoon. I deliberately chose this time because it couldn't be seen as a fun outing to the bookies, it was people who were sitting there because they almost didn't have anything else to do, or want to be anywhere else.
All of these images aren't the best quality, but that wasn't my intention, i wanted to show the real side, and it isn't amazing. If i had of gone in there with a camera and made it obvious, i wouldn't have been able to get the shots i wanted. The quality of the images doesn't hold back the context. I do really like some of these images, some not so much, but there are a few images that really do pinpoint my point of view, for instance the first image. A man sits alone in the bookies, tesco bag by feet. The light above him shines down on him, almost representing the whole world of addiction, at the time there is nothing better you'd rather be doing, it's your own world where nothing else really matters. I want to carry on with these "secret photographs", so i'll be heading to the Casino tonight. Watch this space.
I love this idea, I thnk you're onto something. I totally agree with what you say regarding the necessary secrecy of taking the photos. People who are losing a lot of money can be potentially hostile if they see someone taking pictures of them. But by doing this you are doing exactly what we have been talking about over the past few months. The reality, the thing itself, etc. keep up the good work. These pictures are actually very interesting to look at.
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