Alternatives - First Solo Exhibition

Hi, I'm a Hampshire (UK) based photographer, who tends to focus on street, candid and social documentary photography, I do also do portraits, but I'm fascinated by the way people behave and interact with others and myself when I have my camera. I particularly enjoy chatting with my subject while I photograph them, attempting to show them for who they are, rather than a perfect, stylised version that we often see on social media.

This project came from that enjoyment, as well as discussions with my kids as they grew up around what it meant to be an "alt" kid, how alternatives were determined and defined and how we defined ourselves. Over time this led to the development of this project, Alternatives, looking at those who identified specifically as alternative in the 90s and early 2000s, but also those who embodied that before it was a term we used as a label and how that has evolved. The project itself evolved beyond that idea, and is now looking at these aspects but also how many diverse communities exist now, celebrating all our wonderful differences and what makes us unique.

I had a commission only exhibition arranged, it was exciting and I was keen to get this project out there, unfortunately the gallery has closed, and I have been forced to find an alternative venue. Commission only galleries are getting less common as many are not able to risk exhibiting someones work if they aren't well known and won't sell, so many are now charging, and charging a lot of money. Quotes I've recieved in the endeavour to rehome this exhibition saw offers of £900 (for one 3x3m wall) up to £6000 for 4 weeks, however I do not have the money for such large price tags. Thankfully a wonderful community space and gallery that charges a much smaller fee, called the Nutshell in Winchester, has agreed to take on the exhibition for 1 week in April 2025. This is a much more managable amount, however it is still £660 and I could use a little assistance covering those costs, marketing costs, framing and printing costs, so I'm reaching out and asking for financial assistance from anyone willing to help.

I have set the amount at £1000 as this would cover the venue, marketing and printing, leaving me to source frames and mounts. Please consider donating a small amount towards this, to help me make this a reality.