Bristol-based award-winning photographer, Jim Johnston has been so impressed by the creators and innovators of the South West that he’s dedicating his next self-funded photography project to them.
Seeking tech companies, startups and entrepreneurs in the West with big ideas, Jim plans to take portraits of his subjects (and their hardware) to feature in a documentary style book, showcasing the people and ideas behind the tech startups in Bristol and the South West.
“I want to reveal the great things happening with tech startups in Bristol to a wider audience”
We caught up with Jim to find out more about why he chose to take on this project in the city of Bristol and how people can get involved. Jim tells us: “I grew up [in Bristol] and the city has a proud history of engineering, entrepreneurs and creativity. The startup scene is another positive example of Bristol leading the way in creativity and technology.
“I am inspired by technology and people. Being my home city, I want to reveal the great things that are happening with tech startups in Bristol to a wider audience.”
Get snapped up
So if you’re looking to showcase your tech or startup with a professional photo or just want to take part in this unique project, it’s worth getting in touch.
“It is the people and ideas I am interested in”
Jim adds: “I would consider anyone based in the South West who is interested in getting involved and having their picture taken whether it be independent people working from home or larger companies with dozens of employees. If there is no hardware to shoot, that’s okay, it is the people and ideas I am interested in.
“All participants will receive a print and a license to use images for their own marketing purposes. If the project is successful a crowd-funded book and small traveling exhibition within Bristol would be the next step.”
The story so far
So far Jim has captured the success of Open Bionic’s Joel Gibbard and his 3D-printed bionic hand (pictured left). Jim says: “Joel was such an enthusiastic and inspiring young person to have met and photograph and is definitely going places.”
Aside from his personal projects, Jim has also been involved in documenting the archive at UWE’s Bristol Robotics Lab and has recently been commissioned by Agility Global to photograph their Saietta motorcycle at his studio in Bristol.
You can check out Jim’s work via his website: www.jimjohnston.co.uk. If you want to be photographed as part of his project, you can contact him via email at jim@jimjohnston.co.uk, or find him on Twitter: @jjohnstonphoto.
As it’s a self-funded project, Jim can’t photograph everyone but do get in touch if you’re interested and he’ll drop you a line if he’s keen for you to get involved.
