As an event photographer, I find real energy in covering local community events. They let me capture the mood and enthusiasm of a crowd, and the Rendlesham Show, held each year in Rendlesham, Suffolk, is one of my favourites.
I have photographed it for the past seven years, apart from 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic. It is always a highlight of my year, a chance to connect with the community close to my studio.
click here to see this year’s photos plus the previous years.
The 2023 show ran with the theme “A Rural Adventure,” which suited the country setting well. There were tractors, displays of local clothing and products, and animals, all part of a proper rural day out.
The show spanned two days. The first opened with a fun fair, food, live music and a lively bar, with the energy carrying on into the evening. The second day brought stalls from local businesses and community traders, more food and fun fair, a dog show, and activities for the whole family. My favourite part, as a photographer, is capturing the emotions, the interactions and the plain enjoyment of the people there. The bustle and the smiles make ideal material for reportage photography.
Documenting that range of emotion and activity is what I enjoy most about events like this. Candid moments, the excitement and the community feel are what I look for.
One thing that always stands out is the volunteers. The effort they put in, from planning to the day itself, is what makes the show work.
It was a brilliant show on a hot summer day, and I was glad to be part of it. If you have not been to the Rendlesham Show, it is well worth marking in your calendar for next year.