Covert photography can often create some of the most striking images that are engrained on our consciousness, perhaps because they are more true to the life we see than most staged images or perhaps because by looking at them we are part of something secret and controversial. 

The inconspicuous nature of the camera phone has enabled me to photograph subjects in London’s underground network who are unaware of my presence as a photographer. The photographs in this body of work are on the boundaries of both processes, digital and analogue, and cannot really be considered one or the other. The images are captured digitally on a mobile phone, projected and then developed using the traditional chemical process.

I’m currently continuing this practice, taking photographs on the London Underground with my mobile phone and printing them in this way. Along side other photographic projects.

Various photographers have explored ideas of voyerism and this form of recording life has a long history, often making use of new or innovative technology such as faster shutter speeds and portability. Ralph's series continues this tradition, taken on a camera phone he captures poignant moments of human experience, some are tender others highlight a tangible loneliness, all share a sense of mystery and lead the viewer to start creating their own back story. The more you look at this series the more you there is to consider, this series was chosen as the favourite work by Chelsea Alumna and Tatty Devine co-found Rosie Wolfenden.

www.ralphjward.co.uk

Read more about Ralph and other artists www.madeinartslondon.com