These images were shot as part of a project to document the countryside, such as it is, around Stanford-le-Hope, an overspill town in the south of Essex near the Thames estuary. It was started during the second lockdown at the beginning of 2021. With the restrictions that were in place, travelling anywhere far was a bit of a pain, so to compensate for that, I focused on what was around me, mostly within walking distance. As 2021 progressed, the restrictions were eased but, having started the project, I was determined to see it through. This was my last full year living in Stanford-le-Hope before moving across the country to Bristol in 2022. So in some ways, these images are a memory bank of what it was like where I used to live. Given the nature of the Thames estuary, these images have a 'tell it like it is' feel to them. That's because I value honesty with my photography.
Locations & date shot: 1 - Maple Park, Stanford-le-Hope - 06.01.21 | 2 - Mucking Creek, Mucking - 22.01.21 | 3 - Maple Park, Stanford-le-Hope - 25.01.21 | 4 - Mucking - 02.02.21 | 5 - Mucking Creek, Mucking - 22.03.21