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These images are part of an ongoing documentary series that explores the nature of the School Crossing Guide in our society. At one end the photographs unmask the uniformity and formality of the crossing guide, exposing the familiar human from our street corner. We see that which makes them more: the lollipop man or woman. Their ordinary uniqueness that earns the awe and friendship of a child. They hold the values of community, a role of tradition and a linchpin of society. Their practice is the basic dynamic of a functional, supportive community. To many children, the crossing guide is one of their earliest colleagues.

At the other end, the project explores the reality of these values. The funding and modernisation of traffic management is paving a progress that no longer requires a human occupation. Technology is both advanced and widespread in and out of urban areas. The administration and regulation of the guide is adapting to modern concerns and fears of child safety while the relationship between the child and guide is diminishing. The tightening of legislation on child protection conversely strains the values of community that they uphold. The nature of the work, its hours and pay, give the position a limited appeal to younger generations. The work attracts retired or part time staff whose eventual vacancies struggle to be filled.

Both views comprise the series of diptych images in this project. Ultimately while two perspectives are poised irresolutely, the photographs are guided by the presence of a person: be they uniformed or comfortable and informal. For all the safety research and technological security there remains nothing in which we would solely entrust the innocence of our children to but another human. It is this person who stands at the crossing of the two views this project explores. This same person stands at the crossing every day in every condition.

Thank you for viewing this project.










Friday, 15 April 2011

AOP student awards 2011 selection

I am delighted to announce that a series from Crossings was selected for the Association of Photographers Annual Student of the Year award. The 4 images entered were included at the gallery exhibition in London which i had the pleasure of attending last month. The images were also published in the Student of the year awards book.

There could be no better reward for the hard work that went in to the project.  I am very properly delighted. My images and the other entrants can be viewed here.
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