About
For over 40 years my passion for photography has offered me a way to narrate my life under my terms. Giving a sense of purpose as well as a whole lot of joy.
Beginnings
Richard Davis is a British Social documentary and portrait photographer based in the North West of England. Originally from Birmingham, Davis first picked up an interest in Photography just after leaving school in 1982, a result of a Night School class he attended on the art of photography and darkroom printing.
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In 1988 he left Birmingham to study Photography at Manchester Polytechnic and has been based in the North West of England ever since.
Evolution
Whilst living in Manchester, Davis quickly started documenting life in the run down inner-city area of Hulme, it's huge brutalist inspired concrete crescents, as well as its many characters that inhabited the flats, many of which were squatters.
In the mid-90's all of what Davis had captured with his camera took on extra significance when Hulme underwent a huge transformation as the bulldozers moved in and refurbishment changed the aesthetic of the whole area.
Future
Over the past 20 years, digital technology has transformed photography, and Davis's work remains as relevant as ever. He welcomes change, skillfully blending traditional and modern techniques - combining film and digital processes. Davis is now occasionally referred to as a historian, which is something he finds amusing.
Today he derives equal pleasure from discussing and lecturing about his work and experiences as he does from capturing decisive moments with his camera.
The older I get the more I realise the importance of documentation, as we know life never stands still.
