James Wrigley, the social documentary photographer with honest flair

James Wrigley is a recent photography graduate from the Arts University Bournemouth. The photographer’s portfolio is a collection of documentary style imagery with honest flair. James’ representative style of community has developed at a time where the artistic and suburban culture of the UK shifts under consistent political restructuring. As a result, his work is timely with aspects that are very heartwarming.

Through projects such as Homeward Bound a series based in the small town of Widnes, the photographer displays an ability to focus “on the social documentary, exploring local industries and the representation of small towns in the UK”. His work is very personable, with an eye for character and detailed focus that finds charm. James pays attention towards elements that others would take for granted, creating imagery that is “synonymous to the very nature of the small town, a continuous reference to the back and forth of new growth and constrained sameness”. As a result Homeward Bound is a portrayal of the “stubborn independence” of these towns, “defying the inevitable swallowing up by the North West big city megapolis”.

James additionally runs his own magazine, JRNL that aims, “in short to record artistic occurrences, experiences and reflections, to be innovative”. Every element of the magazine has been developed by James. “I act as photo editor, interviewer, writer and overall creator.” The result is a fantastic insight into contemporary photography, displaying the inventive understanding of this photographer.