I did the "Where The Wall" street art tour with John Nation today in Central Bristol. Thanks to John for a very interesting and informative tour, something I’ve been looking to do for ages. John is a mine of information on the Bristol Street Art scene, a subject he speaks very passionately about. I’ve known John since the 80’s, drinking in local pubs, and his support of the red side of Bristol football.

Street art is a controversial subject; art to some people, and vandalism to others. I love the street art, Banksy pieces and tributes to famous local people, like DJ Derek. What I don’t like is the tagging

Bristol, the birth place of Banksy, with it’s colourful street art and graffiti. Also home to Brunel’s world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Britain, the world’s first iron hulled ocean-going steam ship. Bristol has 2 world renowned Universities, and is rich in it’s cultural heritage, and the iconic Concorde was built here. But look a little further down the back streets, and you will see the usual run down inner city areas with derelict buildings, run down housings and urban neglect. I am a Bristol born and bred photographer, born in Easton, and I like to use those kind of local locations for my Urban Headshots around my home city of Bristol, many of which I know from having a good local knowledge. I like to use off camera flash to create some moody lighting, and back street locations with colourful graffiti. I am always on the lookout for interesting characters to use for these portraits, and one day hope to produce a book of my work.