I Want to Break Free by Paul James AWPF, CPAGB, EPSA, I.APS/B
Photographic Society of America Gold Medal – Agile Photographic Society, Bangladesh.
Photography for me has often been about collaboration, and some of my best work has come from joining forces with others. During the COVID lockdowns, I began working closely with three fellow members of Bridgend Camera Club – Glenys, Sue, and Megan. What started as a few Zoom sessions where I shared editing techniques gradually evolved into creative portrait photoshoots.
At first, we worked within restrictions, shooting on my patio with Sue’s family as models. Later, Sue invested in her own studio lighting, and we were able to set up shoots at her home. One of these sessions produced ‘I Want to Break Free’. Our model, Ffion – the granddaughter of a friend of Megan – kindly agreed to take part. The creative spark for this image came from Sue, who suggested the idea of Ffion breaking through a paper wall. With a bit of experimentation, we captured this striking shot, along with several others that day.
Back at home, as I edited the image, I was immediately taken with its impact. Still, you can never predict how a picture will fare in competition. To my delight, the very first salon I entered it into – in Bangladesh – awarded it the Photographic Society of America Gold Medal. It has since gained further recognition, including success as a monochrome version, but that PSA Gold remains the highlight so far.
As I write this, the mono version is also competing in our first open competition of the season at Bridgend and District Camera Club – a reminder that the journey of an image continues long after the shutter clicks.
For me, ‘I Want to Break Free’ is more than a successful photograph. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, to sharing knowledge, and to finding inspiration together. What began as me offering guidance has grown into creative partnerships that I truly value – and I look forward to many more photographic adventures with others in the future.
Paul James AWPF, CPAGB, EPSA, I.APS/B