I had my last day at Dixons City Academy today, an amazing school full of great people. Thanks to everyone there, you all taught me so much, staff and students. Going to miss it! Going to be some big names come out of that Art Department!

I’ve been shooting a bunch of film recently and to be honest I have left my digital SLR charger at work, barely even noticing it missing from my camera collection. Theres something about working with digital photography on a day to day basis that detracts from the beauty of it for me. Recently I saw this lovely blog and it inspired me to charge my battery and take a few photos of Harehills before I leave. What a place, I’m going to miss it so much.

Anyway, here’s 3 snaps from today, hopefully I will get out and shoot some more really soon.

This HP5 400 could be any age, I found it in a box in a cupboard in a store room in a school. I processed it with Ilfosol 3, 1:14. Its super grainy and the camera, the Yashica E35 I’ve been using has a few light leak issues. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this roll, but thats the beauty of film. 

Yashica e35, Ilford FP4 125 pushed to 400. Ilfosol 3 1:14 20 degrees for an extra 2.5 mins. 

Couple of shots from the Merrion Market here, shot with the Yashica 35e.

Shot on Ilford HP5 400 ISO bulk, processed with Ilfosol 3 1:14 at 20 degrees.

Been working in Bradford a lot recently, so I have been out shooting some photos on an old Yashica E35 that the technician lent me. I’ve always wanted a rangefinder, but never had the chance to shoot with one. Its an awesome camera, and a great way to shoot. More scans when I have time, and I’ll be in the darkroom next week. Think this will look a lot better hand printed…

A few new shots from the Merrion Market. I used to spend a lot of time in the centre when I worked at the Third Estate. Its a mad place, the market is even madder. Hand painted signage, closed down shops, seemingly failed art spaces, a real snippet of Leeds history that won’t be there long. Neville’s DIY was one of those places that are really important to a lot of people, its a real shame its gone. 

At one point I thought the Eritrean and Ethiopian community were doing really well. The little Café there was amazing, a really cool little place, just wish more people knew about it. 

The juxtaposition of flat strip lights and bold colours, the lack of human presence, save for the passionate couple seeking refuge from the crowds. They knew I was taking photographs, but didn’t seem to care. The hand rendered type is one of a kind and this place won’t last long.

It’s weird, I’m not sure exactly why I, or anyone else, should feel that this is a shame. Cities evolve and change. I think its the fact that since moving to Leeds in 2006, the only kind of change that has happened in the city has been a change that benefits higher income visitors. The gentrification of the Corn Exchange, the new shopping centres and on the other hand we have the markets under threat, the Merrion Centre on its last legs. Leeds isn’t a wealthy place, it only takes one ride through areas like LS8 to see that. Lower income families are expected to shop at the three large supermarkets a bus ride in the other direction. The market is one of the last places for lower income families, lets not let it get to the point that the Merrion Market is at now. Thats a shame.

A City shouldn’t be an exclusive place, but one walk through Leeds and its clear it is.