Writing in the frame, using photographs as Writing Prompts

A class with Holly Dawson, author of 'All Of Us Atoms'

I create images of people with my phone camera, and with my proper camera a Sony 7c. It is my third proper camera. My first camera was a Leica or a Cannon, it was heavy and it used film. The photographs had to be created in the dark room. Photography is all about light, and dark. I had access to a dark room through a friend, called Malcolm, who created a room with trays of strong smelling potions, with slowly appearing images, and a string hanging from one wall to the other wall, pegged images dripping and curling. Somewhere there was a red light.

I have never liked being in a dark room, windowless, and strong smells can trigger my migraines so I avoid them.

I had access to a camera, not my own, when I was taking my A levels at the local comprehensive school. There were only a few of us in the class and so the two year groups were merged. We got to go out on field trips, to take photographs. I took them of people. I had been watching people for a long time, and I was ready.

Developing them was the biggest challenge, even now with the support of Lightroom I am still finding my way in the dark.