Shrewsbury photographer snaps a town photo every day

A photographer from Shrewsbury has embarked on a year-long project to take a picture each day of his home town.

Richard Hammerton's work has gone on display in an exhibition at The Silverton, in Frankwell, and has already proved a hit.

Click on the image to the right to see more photos

Mr Hammerton, 33, who works in education and training, said he had been inspired by similar projects in different parts of the country.

He said: "I'd seen other people doing similar work and thought it was a great idea.

"When you are constantly trying to take new photographs, you have to push yourself to look at the town in different ways. You notice many of the everyday things that we take for granted and often ignore. It's been a fascinating way to see Shrewsbury."

Mr Hammerton, who started the project at the beginning of the year, said he liked to photograph things that people might not normally take pictures of; like footprints in frost, workmen, architecture and similar subjects.

He said: "It's been much more demanding than I thought because I'm looking to keep the subjects very different. I don't want to return to the same places over and over again, I'm deliberately trying to find new subjects and new locations to photograph.

"I've been surprised at how much happens in the town.

"I've been out at all times of day and night and it's fascinating to see a snapshot of real life."

Mr Hammerton, who lives on The Mount, said there had been an exceptional reaction to his exhibition at The Silverton.

He said: "A number of photographs have already sold and it's been a great success. The reaction to it has been brilliant."

He added: "Originally, we'd been looking to stage the exhibition to the end of April but now it looks as though it will go to the end of July."

Doug Blackmore, who owns The Silverton, said the exhibition had been warmly welcomed by customers at his restaurant.

He said: "We are big supporters of local artists and photographers and we've been delighted to host Mr Hammerton's first solo exhibition.

"The photography is very striking and our customers have responded very positively."

Mr Hammerton's Daily Photo 2012 project is also available online at www.blipfoto.com/richardh or www.hammertonphotography.co.uk