The photographer Cassian Grey pays tribute to the standard postal employee
When London was placed in the third tier restrictions after the first national lockdown, Kingston University photographer and student Cassian Gray decided to shed light on unrepresented key figures in society. "There was extensive coverage for NHS staff … and I thought of the Royal Mail postal workers," explains Gray. “I was really impressed by your iconography; her bold red uniform with the recognizable Royal Mail logo on the breast pockets of her shirts and fleeces. Ironically, they are relatively invisible workers and often go unnoticed. "
Gray was drawn to the everyday imagination of these workers and felt that the fact that we all have one would resonate with the viewer. “Strangely enough, I noticed posties everywhere during the project! You have such a presence that is so recognizable when you look carefully, and I hope this project can articulate this recognition from others. "
Above: ready for delivery. Above: detail. All images: The Posties, Cassian Gray
Given the restrictions in place, Gray was keen to keep the project local and luckily he found a Royal Mail sorting depot around the corner from his university building. “One morning I set out to portray the posties I met on the street and then spend some time in the depot,” he says. “At first I was afraid that the postal workers would be busy on their shifts and not want to be bothered by a young photography student, but although many I met were busy and rushed to get their deliveries off, everyone was friendly and interested and helpful . "
After spending time at the depot, Gray was also able to trap the workers towards the end of their shift, which allowed for a more relaxed environment and more time to take the portraits. “Shooting with a large Mamiya RZ67 medium format film camera was also a great topic to talk about and an instant curiosity,” he says. "I found that the more time I spent at the depot, the more approachable I was, as the posties got used to my presence and the same faces often asked how the project was going."
Muhammad
To the depot
According to Gray, the first portraits were an obvious reference to her profession, as her red uniforms and equally red vans and the Royal Mail logo took center stage and almost overwhelmed the image. "As the project developed, I focused more on the individuals and removed them from the obviousness of their profession to expose them as human beings," explains Gray. “The resulting portraits are much more subtle and feel a little intimate. The project is mainly about the people behind the logo, the hands behind the letters and packages. By removing the logo, a focus is placed on the workers as people, regardless of their occupation. "
To ensure her work wasn't completely erased, Gray made sure to include detailed footage of the posties as well as wider footage of them walking down the street to provide context for the viewer. "This creates the duality within the range of the individual and the detail; Drag the viewer into the frame, then let them breathe. "
detail
Naomi
Gray photographs are bathed in golden light, adding to the warmth of the red and clear blue skies of the Royal Mail. His work is a mixture of documentary photography and an artistic approach to portraiture, which he believes came from his mother as a portrait painter.
"I grew up surrounded by oil paints and the smell of white spirit, canvases and art books on the shelves. Many of the photos I've taken over the years are reminiscent of her painting style, so I would say that subconsciously she is definitely one of my greatest sources of inspiration, ”says Gray. "I hope this series clearly shows the honest commitment between the subjects and me: a comfortable, healthy environment portrayed through an intimate approach to documentary photography."
Leave the depot
Michelle
The photographer's practice revolves around the connection between himself, his camera and other people. Often times, it offers Gray a chance to stop and talk to people and share a moment that felt all the more powerful during the pandemic. “What I liked most about this project is that it allowed me to socialize, talk to strangers, hear their stories, and take portraits of each person as a tribute to their ministry,” says Gray.
“At the same time, one of the posties, Claudia, who is pictured with the cap in the close-up portrait, became a great friend and helped me round up many of the posties that were in the depot to take her portrait. She was intrigued by the Mamiya RZ67 and we often talked about film cameras. I recommended a 35mm SLR that she bought and that now takes beautiful photos of its own. "
Claudia
Tree outside the depot
Talking to the postal workers, Gray learned how important their job really is in sorting, organizing and delivering letters and packages, and that this role has existed for over 500 years.
"T.They facilitate connection, convey emotions, heartbreak and joy, are sentimental and are the tactile connection mechanism between people across the country, ”says Gray. "The posties are critical to sustaining the quality of life we are all so accustomed to, and I hope this project can in some way provide a spotlight on that much-needed appreciation."
Barry
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