RAY Price spent his working career in the rail industry in London, retiring ten years ago to York at the age of 49 to pursue his life-long interest in photography. He has since travelled extensively, camera in hand, with local people forming the centre of his portfolio, as they are in his YO1 & Beyond exhibition at the Spring Espresso artisan coffee house in Fossgate, York. CHARLES HUTCHINSON puts the man himself in the frame.

How long have you lived in York, Ray?

“For four years, but my work brought me to the city on a regular basis for at least 20 years.”

Do you always take your camera with you?

“No. I have days when I go to look for photo opportunities and that is all I focus on.”

What camera do you use and why?

“It depends on what I’m doing. Locally in York I use a small rangefinder camera that I can keep with me in a bag and which isn’t too conspicuous.

If I’m travelling specifically for photography then I usually carry two DSLR, which allows me to use a number of lenses, dependent on what I’m looking for in a particular place and time.”

Why do you favour black and white?

“For me, it helps me focus on the subject and not be distracted by colour; I’ve learned over the years to see in black and white. I also like the way subtle shades can be achieved with black and white and the way natural lighting can enhance this. Black and white suits my style of work and has more impact than colour.”

What marks out York as a city for a photographer’s eye?

“There’s so much going on in York; the city is alive with street life: buskers, tourists, residents and all in a very small area with some great historic backdrops. I also feel that York lets me take photographs: people are accustomed to seeing people with cameras so there’s not the paranoia that you get in some cities.

“Our police are very measured in their attitudes to photographers.

“You hear no end of horror stories where the authorities make life difficult for photographers, usually on the pretence of security or a terrorist reason. We don’t get that in York; our police are very pragmatic, as are our residents.”

You say you like to look for “the humour, the bizarre and even the disturbing in and around York city centre”. How do you define each of those categories? In particular, what amuses or disturbs you?

“The humour I look for is in the way people do things or mix things without realising that they have actually created something that I find funny and usually because of an innuendo or double meaning. They usually haven’t seen this.

“The shop Love Forever has a closing down sign in the window, so love isn’t forever. Men lean on a truck which has ancient monuments painted on it - they don’t see themselves as that but the two together make a picture.

“The bizarre, for me, is when something appears that you actually wouldn’t believe has been done. I find many disturbing sights in York.

Anyone who watches the race goers returning home somewhat worse for wear and carrying their shoes, for example, or how elderly people are left apparently abandoned while their colleagues shop.”

How has York changed over the years as a photographic subject?

“The streets have become vibrant and active.

There’s always something going on, whereas years ago it was very much just another city centre where you did your shopping. Now there are a lot more young people on the streets bringing their fashions, entertainment and activity. Everyone mixes well.”

How do people react to you photographing on the streets?

“In the main I photograph unknowingly. However, on some occasions in order to get a picture, I do have to approach people and I nearly always find people extremely accommodating and encouraging.

When a person says ‘No’ to being photographed then I accept that and walk away.

“I also steer clear of children as unfortunately photographing them, even in public places, has become a sensitive issue. It’s a shame because they often do funny things.”

Which street photographers do you admire most?

“My favourite photographer is Don McCullin, and although he is perhaps more famous as a war photographer, his street photography inspires me. He has the ability to get into situations and places that reveal considerable depth about people and their surroundings.”

Lastly, Ray, what is your favourite subject to photograph in York?

“Without a doubt, street life, but for me this takes time. My style relies on things happening or appearing. I cannot invent the humour etc; I have to seek out what may or may not be there.

This takes time and I’m sure I’ve walked miles in the process, albeit that more often than not I go round and round in circles.”

Ray Price’s YO1 & Beyond exhibition runs at Spring Espresso, Fossgate, York, until March 30.