This is one of my favourite of the set, and I think it works the best as far as my concept is concerned. Skylark Fields.

All of these pictures are test shots as I research this subject more thoroughly. They are just a practice to see what I can achieve and how effectively I can get across the point im trying to make. Im trying to figure out the style of composition that I prefer, as well as my prefered format and whether I like colour or B/W best. I have a set of these photos also in colour which I may also post as a comparison.

The aim of my new project is to look at these villages that no longer exist. Ive begun researching the areas and overlaying maps. Looking at official documents and the sort. I'm going to go to these areas and photograph what I find. Whether it be a few buildings, ruins or even just an open field or hill (very often covered slag heaps). The fates of these villages is not well known and they shouldnt be forgotten so easily. It is my aim with this project to bring awareness to this, especially as to a certain extent it is still being practiced in certain areas of the country in now less obvious ways.

But not only has there been a complete lack of government investment in these areas, in fact there has been the complete opposite. In the 50's they set about categorising these villages for level of investment. The lowest of which was the Category D village, which was in other words to be left to die out and disappear. Buildings were torn down and the land returned eventually to its natural form. Literally these days, there are villages that are no longer seen on modern maps.

Start of a new project, building on an old project! I've truly been inspired by my home area of the country, where we have such a rich industrial history. The last few projects Ive produced have mainly been based around this mining culture. Previously focusing on the village of Easington (setting for film Billy Elliott) and how it was originally built for the purpose of housing the workers of the mine and their families. Now there is no longer a mine, nor an industry of that kind in the area and so the villages have been in constant decline ever since, due to the lack of regeneration.