We’re always proud of the range of different projects we help facilitate at the studios. This project is one we’re extremely honored to have been involved in. Last month, we welcomed stunning photographers, Richard High and Moose Azim, to the Copperdollar Studios to work on a very interesting and current venture. Without further ado, let’s hear from Richard about what exactly they were getting up to!
Can you tell us a little bit about what you’ve worked on recently at the Copperdollar Studios?
I was photographing clothes for a project about refugees. The clothes were mine and I had intended to take them to a local charity shop in Kemptown, however, after meeting members of the Lewes Actions for Refugees, I decided to donate them to the group. The idea is to visit Calais, where LAfR operates, meet some of the refugees, hear and record their stories and, hopefully, photograph some of them wearing my clothes. Find the group (Lewes Actions for Refugees) here.
How did you hear about the studios? I had heard of the studio before, and even visited it to see my friend Moose Azim’s Photography Workshop.
What do you like most about the Copperdollar Studios and what would you say makes it different from other studios you’ve used?
How did you start working in this field and what advice would you give to people wanting to go down the same path as you?
I’ve been a journalist for the last 20-odd years, so photography is something of an add-on to what I normally do. I’d like to make it a greater part of what I do, hence this personal project. I think following your true path can be hard, daunting even, but if you don’t, you’ll always be wondering, “What if…” I’ve tried lots of different things – teaching, lifeguard, bicycle courier, clothes shop manager, painter and decorator, DJ, charity worker and journalist to name just a few – and enjoyed them all, which is lucky, but I need change. I’d say, just go for it! Feel the fear and do it anyway, apparently!
What would you say we can do in our local communities or by ourselves to help refugees?
Giving money to a relevant charity is probably the easiest thing to do, but you could join, or find a local action group and get involved. Lewes Actions for Refugees holds a monthly clothes collection (they want clothes for male children and men mostly, especially warm clothes right now), so you could start there.