Photography has introduced Mervyn Mitchell ARPS to many new people, points of view and passions since he first picked up a camera seriously in 2006.
The London-born, Nottingham-based 67-year-old here talks about his inspirations, photography’s ability to connect communities and widen perspectives, and how he feels about receiving the President’s Medal in the RPS Awards 2024 for his work on the Society’s Equalities and Diversity Committee.
Where is your interest in photography rooted?
I took a photography course at my local college in 2006. My teacher was interested in the expressive side of photography and encouraged the use of Photoshop to help realise our creative vision.
Given my lifelong interest in art – particularly the work of the Impressionists – and being unable to draw or paint with the skill I wanted, I realised I could use photography and Photoshop to convey my artistic vision.
This really helped bring out my creative side and quickly developed my technical knowledge of operating a camera. The experience got me hooked on photography.
What do you like exploring through your photography?
I’m inspired by Eugène Atget and Saul Leiter. I like how these photographers documented the architecture and life on the streets where they lived – Atget in Paris and Leiter in New York – to create fantastic bodies of work. Their vision made me realise you don’t need to go to exotic places to create interesting work if you have a strong vision.
Over the past six months my photography has focused on the transformation of Nottingham’s high street – a project fuelled by research that found hairdressers and beautician business have increased 110% on today’s high street since 2010.
My images focus on the actions and activities going on within these shops. I’ve processed the shots to give them an Impressionist, painterly movement and to evoke what you’d see as you quickly glimpse inside these shops’ windows while walking by.
This project is still in its early days but I’m interested in creating a book exploring how the high street has shifted over the years.
Tell us about your photographic career so far.
After finishing college in 2008 I left the corporate world behind to start my photography career.
I’ve since worked as a photography tutor for a charity called Inspire, which delivers cultural and learning services across Nottinghamshire. I’m continuing to work with groups of Over 60s interested in developing their photography skills.
I co-founded my business, the Nottingham Photographers’ Hub, in 2011.
What was the focus of Nottingham Photographers’ Hub?
Running until I retired last year, this social enterprise saw me work with adults with mental ill-health and young people with limited or no access to education, employment or training to show them the career opportunities that photography could offer.
Nottingham used to have many coal mines but this industry has all but disappeared. My colleagues and I went into communities, where trades like these have been lost, to instruct the participants in photography.
Workshops were designed to build people's self-esteem by showing them the skills they were capable of through capturing photographs. Participants were given a camera, and to help widen their worlds we often took them to different locations to photograph. We ran exhibitions showcasing everyone’s work at the end of teaching blocks. Just like us, participants were so proud of their achievements.
Running the Nottingham Photographers’ Hub opened my mind to the lived realities of people of so many different backgrounds and abilities. It taught me valuable lessons in understanding mental health and the barriers facing young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
If it wasn’t for photography I wouldn’t have had my eyes opened to these aspects of society. And I’m all the better for it.
When did you join the RPS?
I signed up in 2016 after graduating with an MA in photography from DeMontfort University. My degree automatically made me eligible for an Associate Distinction which I knew would benefit my career.
Since signing up I’ve enjoyed photoshoots with the East Midlands region, become a member of the Creative Eye Special Interest Group, and chaired the Society’s Equality and Diversity Committee.
Tell us about being the Chair of the Society’s Equalities and Diversity Committee.
I was in this role between 2021 until this year. I learned a lot during these three years and it’s an experience I’m grateful for.
I worked closely with the senior management team to develop the Society’s inclusion guidelines and policies. This involved setting up unconscious bias training for staff and Board members, and expanding the Society’s inclusive employment practices to open more opportunities for individuals from marginalised communities.
I was also instrumental in facilitating the Disabled Photographers’ Society to put on their first ever exhibition at the Society headquarters in Bristol. This was fantastic to help with, and some members have since joined the RPS.
How does it feel to have received the President’s Medal in the RPS Awards 2024?
I’m incredibly honoured. I feel like it’s a real recognition of the work and achievements I and other members of the Society’s Equalities and Diversity Committee have achieved these past three years.
‘Photography for Everyone’ is the strategic plan that underpins all the Society’s aims. Thanks to our work the RPS Board and senior management are now more equipped than ever to achieve and move their inclusion aims forward.
Hopefully the legacy and impact of our work on the Equalities and Diversity Committee will be felt for many years to come and support even more people’s photographic journeys.
Why is creating a more diverse RPS membership so important?
We need voices and perspectives from as many backgrounds, races, classes, genders and sexualities to get involved to reflect the society the RPS exists in today.
As an RPS member it’ll be nice to see more people who look like me getting involved and for membership to become more diverse in general. Achieving this can only be incredibly beneficial for everyone.
I’m looking forward to continuing working with the RPS to help make this happen.
All images from the series Urban Moments by Mervyn Mitchell ARPS
Meet more of the 2024 RPS Awards recipients in the January-March 2025 issue of the RPS Journal.
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