How much is a return to Wipers? – intro
As most people know, my main interest in photography is fine art (seascapes, landscapes etc.) and documentary. I’ve been pushing myself to learn to take photos of humans which is pushing me out of my comfort zone, but I’m enjoying it. So for about 6 months I’ve been thinking I need a documentary project that combines some fine art shots, some human candid photography and has a purpose. Last year, I had hoped to take a documentary photography course, it fell through due to them messing around with dates. This year I’ve decided I’ll take the course.
Next year is a unique opportunity to spend some time documenting the remembrance events that will be taking place to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1st World War. So, today I decided to book a room at Booking.com for a hotel near Ypres. I’ve booked in at a B&B called La Passarelle-Hooghe Crater just to the east of the Town. It is within 15 mins of the Menin gate, Ypres, Tyne Cot, Essex Farm, Hill 62 etc. I’d be particularly interested to see the areas where the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers fought. I find the number of men they sent into the field remarkable – prior to the war they had 3 full time battalions, by the end of the war they had 52 with 29 overseas.
I’ve chosen to go at the end of February as it will be cold, there should be morning frost and mist, there should be mud. I’m hoping to take some scenic photos, some photos which are almost recreations of some old photos and some images of the people who keep the memories of the Western Front Tommies alive. I’m hoping to write to the Pompiers who play the Last Post at the Menin Gate and see if we can organise a photo shoot.
I’ve also purchased a book called “Major and Mrs.Holt’s Battlefield Guide to Ypres Salient” which will be delivered to the Amazon Locker on Saturday.
Next – transport and a tour guide.
I’ll use this blog to update plans, ideas etc. over the coming weeks.
Photographer Obscura 