On my first visit to Gods Own Junkyark, a beautiful industrial unit that is brimming with an astonishing collection of vintage neon signs, situated on the far side of London. I was blown away away by the energy of this incredible space However, the experience was somewhat marred by the strict policy that prohibits the use of 'professional' photography equipment inside the venue. This restriction left me feeling a bit lost and frustrated, as I had envisioned capturing the vibrant colors and intricate details of the signs with my camera, allowing me to immortalize the beauty of this artistic haven.
Despite the disappointment, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I would eventually return to this magical place. The allure of the neon lights and the overall atmosphere of the Junkyard beckoned me to come back. I knew that somehow, I would find a way to capture the essence of what I had experienced, whether through the lens of a simpler camera or by finding creative means to mitigate the laws of their land to create images that would do justice to the vibrant spirit of Gods Own Junkyard.
On the very last day of 2023 , a day that rightfully felt both like an ending and a beginning, I managed to convince Irida_The_Shapeshifter to join me. With an idea of what I wanted to create along with the challenges set by the rules of the land, I headed to my collection of camera toys. Kodak portra 35mm from my top shelf of film, loaded into one of the cameras from the very bottom shelf.. My bulletproof Ricoh FF-3D super AF point and squirt, a compact gem of a camera that has seem countless adventures with me. with a compact and lightweight design and straightforward functionality made it the perfect choice for a spontaneous undercover shoot. I figured that using this camera was about as non-professional as I could go without resorting to the convenience of my iPhone, which, while efficient, lacked the character and charm of analog photography.. The rules of engagement set by GOJY, Challenge accepted..
