What is the project?

I’m working on a photography project called “In the Hands of the Community” that aims to share real, unfiltered stories from people who make this help to shape the our local area. The project pairs close-up photographs of hands at work with short interviews that introduce the people in our local community, the ways in which community life is being lost or rebuilt, and to highlight both the erosion of third spaces and stories of local resistance and renewal.

This work matters because many of the places that once held communities together are under strain. Public land is becoming more restricted, familiar venues such as pubs, libraries and community centres are closing or changing use, and local events often face cuts or uncertain funding. These losses reduce the opportunities for people to meet naturally and form supportive networks. The project gives space to talk honestly about these pressures while celebrating those who keep community spirit alive through service, volunteering, mutual support, small gatherings and everyday acts of connection.

What taking part involves

1 - A quick photo of you and your hands at work

The spirit of the project is celebrate the hands that hold our community together, and I’d like to capture a close-up photograph of your hands doing or holding something related to what you do at your place of work or business, along with a portrait photo to credit you with in the final exhibition.

2 - A short and casual interview of around 20–30 minutes.

This can take place separately to the portraits above when you are not at work.
We can even arrange for this interview to take place online to make it as easy as possible and to work around your other commitments!
I’ll ask some questions about your relationship with the neighbourhood, how you engage with the community and any stories you have of people coming together.
If you’d like, I can send you the questions that may be asked in advance.

The interview will also be audio recorded primarily for accuracy but also with the hopes of creating an immersive sound element in the final exhibition which combines sound bites of the voices of Lancaster and Morecambe.

How the work will be used?

Initially I plan to share the photos and quotes from the interviews as part of a series on on my website and Instagram.

Once enough interviews and photos have taken place, I’d like to share the collective works in an exhibition taking place at Assembly Arts in The Assembly Rooms, King St, Lancaster.

Longer term, I may publish and sell the images and selected quotes as a collection of postcards, books and other artworks with a portion of any proceeds made being donated to help drive local community initiatives.

Consent, privacy and accessibility

Your participation is voluntary. If you do choose to take part I will ask you to sign a simple consent form that explains how the photographs and interview may be used. You can withdraw consent up to 14 days after the shoot. If you have accessibility needs or mobility limits, please let me know and I will happily do my best to accommodate.

As a small thank you, participants will receive a digital copy of their photograph, an invitation to the exhibition and if the postcards are successfully published, a copy featuring your image.

I’d love for you to be a part of this project and I look forward to hearing from you!

Best Regards,

Jamie Buttershaw

Altfocus Photography

Help me tell the real stories behind our neighbourhood of Lancaster and Morecambe by lending your hands and voice to a creative interview project about the local community.
It takes just 30 minutes.

If you’re interested, please either reach out to me using any of the links below or provide your contact details using the contact form and I’ll reach out to you to set it up!