by Sophie Routledge
Our photography prefect Anna Cunningham has been featured in this months 'Big Issue' Magazine which is a magazine sold by homeless and long-term unemployed people. How it works is simple: vendors buy copies for £1.25, and sell them for £2.50. Over 2000 people from across the UK sell the magazine, and over 100,000 copies are sold each week.
In this interview, Anna describes a bit of background to this amazing feature:
What inspired your photography?
I was inspired to start this project because I wanted to help break down the assumptions and labels people put on others, based on their appearance alone. I also wanted to document the huge variety of people living in London.
Do you find it strange or scary photographing random members of the public?
To begin with, I was nervous about going up to strangers on the street because I didn’t know what reaction I would get; it’s a strange thing to do! However, after I’d asked a few people I found it rather addictive. I didn’t know how people would respond to me going up to them with a camera, a white board and a pen but out of the fifty people I photographed only two turned me down. While doing this project I simultaneously disproved the stereotype that Londoners are unfriendly.
How did you get featured in The Big Issue?
I contacted the editor of the Big Issue with the photograph featured explaining the purpose behind the project. I found out within a week that I had been featured. Before I could buy the magazine I saw the following comment on my Instagram, ‘Read about you in The Big Issue, great Instagram concept’.
Plans for future photographic projects?
At the moment, I’m working on breaking down the stereotypes of places in London. I am creating satirical postcards based on the everyday London compared to the stereotypical tourist London found on postcards. I’m currently going out every weekend to photograph different areas of London. I’m searching for the side of London that is often hidden from tourists; the London that we all experience every day. I’m applying to study photography at university next year.
Any tricks of the trade?
Not really, but if I’m feeling nervous I like to give myself a count down from three to one. When I get to one I make myself approach the subject.
So three cheers for Anna!! We can't wait to see more of your photos - keep them coming!
In this interview, Anna describes a bit of background to this amazing feature:
What inspired your photography?
I was inspired to start this project because I wanted to help break down the assumptions and labels people put on others, based on their appearance alone. I also wanted to document the huge variety of people living in London.
Do you find it strange or scary photographing random members of the public?
To begin with, I was nervous about going up to strangers on the street because I didn’t know what reaction I would get; it’s a strange thing to do! However, after I’d asked a few people I found it rather addictive. I didn’t know how people would respond to me going up to them with a camera, a white board and a pen but out of the fifty people I photographed only two turned me down. While doing this project I simultaneously disproved the stereotype that Londoners are unfriendly.
How did you get featured in The Big Issue?
I contacted the editor of the Big Issue with the photograph featured explaining the purpose behind the project. I found out within a week that I had been featured. Before I could buy the magazine I saw the following comment on my Instagram, ‘Read about you in The Big Issue, great Instagram concept’.
Plans for future photographic projects?
At the moment, I’m working on breaking down the stereotypes of places in London. I am creating satirical postcards based on the everyday London compared to the stereotypical tourist London found on postcards. I’m currently going out every weekend to photograph different areas of London. I’m searching for the side of London that is often hidden from tourists; the London that we all experience every day. I’m applying to study photography at university next year.
Any tricks of the trade?
Not really, but if I’m feeling nervous I like to give myself a count down from three to one. When I get to one I make myself approach the subject.
So three cheers for Anna!! We can't wait to see more of your photos - keep them coming!
More of Anna's photography