By Nathalie Banaigs
A year in the life of Faversham, the popular community photo project, has returned for its fifth edition in the town. All keen photographers – amateur or pro, living in the town or visiting – can take part. Since 1st January, more than 50 people have sent in their photographs, capturing moments in the life of the town.
One picture will be selected for each day of the year and an exhibition and a book will be produced in 2022 displaying the 365 final photographs of the year (subject to funding and sponsorship).
The project gets people together around shared interest in the town and photography. After the Covid-19 pandemic, we may not get back to the world we knew. This project is all the more important as a collective memory and a record of our old life.
Karen Flatteau: Faversham’s heritage is right up there at the top of my list of priorities.
Karen Flatteau, 65, is a self-employed social worker. She lives on the outskirts of Faversham near the creek and the marshes. “When we moved here, I realised I had found my forever home.“
“There are so many things about Faversham that are important but its heritage has to be right up there at the top of my list of priorities. The maritime and nautical past of the town is very special, and I want to do everything I can to support those who are working tirelessly to maintain this aspect of Faversham.
The people of Faversham are also important to me. I love getting to know folks who have lived here all their lives, and whose families are part of the fabric of the town. I love how there is passion for so many things in the town.
I use my Canon EOS SLR camera. However, I also always have my trusty iPhone in my pocket – it’s so useful for getting those unexpected shots.
I enjoy recording interesting things around me and often spot fascinating happenings, scenes and people when I am out and about. The chance to be able to photograph these as part of a bigger project was too good an opportunity to miss. My plan is to document the town coming out of winter into spring; out of lockdown into something more hopeful.
I am looking forward to learning about the hidden corners and gems that are waiting for me to find them.”
More about Karen: https://kentcreative.org/karen-flatteau-365-faversham-2021/
Karen Flatteau – The Creek
15th February 2021 - One of my favourite parts of Faversham is the creek. Walking either side is magical, but the view of the boatyard from the west of the creek is particularly special.
Andy Capon: I find everything of interest when it comes to photography.
Andy Capon, 55, is a writer and editor of The Spire, a local satirical news blog. He lives in Faversham, on Market Place, “which is a priceless location for a photography enthusiast”.
Andy was raised in Faversham, lived away and came back five years ago.
24th January 2021 - The butcher of Brogdale - quite simply, I wanted to take a picture of Brogdale butcher doorway as it reminded me of the iconic shot from The Searchers, in which John Wayne is framed by the door. At that point, a butcher stepped into view and brought the picture to life, making a little menacing in the process.
“It was the best move I ever made - I was astounded by how much the town had changed for the better. There is a huge sense of community in Faversham, quite unlike any other town I've lived in, and a thriving art scene also. It's just a shame that the current situation is stifling that.
“Apart from writing The Spire, I love photography and the thrill of capturing a moment that will never happen again. I find everything of interest when it comes to photography.
“I'm a people watcher and there are many interesting characters to focus on in Faversham. I tend not to plan photographs, as the results often disappoint. I have my phone with me at all times and find that spontaneous pictures have more soul than something that was planned, however well executed.”
More about Andy: https://kentcreative.org/andy-capon-365-faversham-2021/
Andy Capon: 6th January 2021 - Guildhall 4am - was taken from my living room window. It had been raining for two days solidly, and the ground was glistening in the light. It looked spectacular. I framed the window, being sure to get as much of the guildhall in shot as possible and shot it. I made it a black and white shot, tweaked it slightly and was very pleased with the result, which has been my personal best seller.
Alexandra Campbell: Taking pictures is like telling a story.
Alexandra Campbell writes The Middlesized Garden blog, which has extended into a YouTube channel. Alexandra used to be a journalist and novelist, but had never been involved with creating pictures, so she has learned about photographing and filming for her blogging and vlogging. She lives in Faversham with her husband David.
“We left London and moved to Faversham in 2003, and immediately loved it, particularly the sense of history and the community. It's also been wonderful to see the growth of the arts in the town, and to feel that there's a huge amount of creativity here.
“Taking pictures is like telling a story and I think this project is an important record of the town, especially now, in lockdown. Even though conservation is important, some things won't last or will get swept away, and this will leave a record of how they looked in 2021.”
More about Alexandra: https://kentcreative.org/alexandra-campbell-365-faversham-2021/
Faversham station at sunrise in winter - there had been a weather forecast of snow, but Faversham got this astonishing sunrise instead.
25th February 2021 - David getting the Pfizer Covid vaccine at Bank Street - GP surgery in the Faversham Cottage Hospital, Bank St entrance. We were delighted to be getting our vaccine. The GP surgery in Faversham Cottage Hospital is functioning as a vaccination centre, and it was all very carefully spaced out and safe. No after-effects.
Share your photographs of Faversham
This project is a means of expression, opening up ideas for discussion and communication, so everyone is encouraged to take part. Andy says: “Look around you and keep the camera/phone to hand. It could be a fleeting event, like a starling murmuration or a car that's caught fire.”
Karen adds: “Don’t worry if you don’t think your photos are good enough. We all have something to contribute and you don’t need fancy equipment or a magical ‘photographer’s eye’ to find something special. It is all about what Faversham means to each of us, and variety is what will make the project really special.
Alexandra agrees: “Just do it. Don't worry about 'it's not good enough' because even if a photo isn't technically good it can tell a story.”
To start sharing your photos of Faversham, register with A year in the life of Faversham from www.kentcreative.org.
If you know someone who might enjoy it, send them our way!
Nicholas Beal
26th January 2021 - lockdown market day - This image portrays the current pandemic situation, hardly any stalls at the market.
Robin Bowyer
4th January 2021 - Top Hat and Tier 4 Tales - Top Hat and Tales, West Street - Passing by I saw Rachel and thought.... a photo opportunity to lift the spirits on a cold, wet and dull day
Jeanette Goodall
5th January 2021 - Market place - Market Place Faversham - The photograph was taken just before sunrise after a rainy night.
Graham Lennox
10th January 2021 - St Mary of Charity Church in the Mist - Ham Marshes on the road to Oare Creek looking towards Faversham
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