Home to a collection of artworks and photography by David Billingsley
The Faces of Swansea 2018: Documentary
Although I’m currently working part time in the hospitality industry, I’m also looking to start a career in the creative sector, making full use of my degree in animation and my creative talents.
To help me in this quest, Swansea Council marketing officer Andy Pearson offered me the opportunity to gain some experience of working on a live creative project.
The mission was to create a portfolio of photographs that captured the spirit of Swansea, the local authority and its staff. In subsequent months the images may be used on council marketing materials.
A key element of the collection would be images of council officers hard at work on behalf of people across the city. We wanted to illustrate, with only a small number of images, how industrious and professional council staff must be, how - in a wide variety of ways - they care for their community and how diverse the council’s work is. We’d call this suite of staff photos Faces of Swansea Council 2018.
Andy arranged two days with Swansea freelance photographer Raul Rucarean. On those days, I documented the process in photographic form and helped as Andy continually explained what types of image he needed to Raul who expertly took the main photos. It was amazing to see how professionally Andy took control, directing everybody involved. Raul had strong people skills, something easy to overlook when considering how photographers work.
The whole experience gave me an insight into the passion the authorities’ employees have for the local community. Whether a teacher or even a bin man, everyone showed personality and dedication to their specific roles. Their openness allowed Andy, Raul and I to greatly enjoy the journey.
Here’s my diary of how the two-day photography process went. I hope it gives you an insight into how an imaginative project of this nature is pulled together, how much I benefited from it – and how council staff help local residents in so many ways!
Swansea Council
Raul's Photography Website
"The Faces of Swansea and The Local Authority" Photography portfolio can be found on The Swansea Councils main website linked below...
Raul, The Proffesional Photographer who accompanied our journeys main website is linked down below, hosting a variety of photographs...
Day Two
9am – Clydach: The Highways Maintenance Officers
It’s very cold indeed as we arrive at the council’s highways depot on the Players Industrial Estate, Clydach.
We meet with our photo subjects - Andrew Titcombe and Paul Vanstone – as they pull up in their council-branded flatbed truck. They’re highways maintenance officers and are among those who help the council look after the area’s roads.
As we’re a little pushed for time, Andy asks them to mock up a piece of work. We position them on a quiet area of council land and they set up a Pothole Repair Team sign. They add some road cones and carry heavy-duty machines to the back of the truck so that Raul can take his pictures.
Well-acted, fellas!
My image shows Raul checking through his photos of Andrew and Paul.
10am – The Quadrant: The Bus Station Ranger
At the busy bus station we’re met by station manager Richard Stafford. There are hundreds of bus users milling around – heading into town or away to a wide variety of destinations - so it’s easy to see why it’s so important that the council keeps the site clean, tidy and fully functioning.
Richard calls over two colleagues to pose for Raul – they are bus station ranger Craig Beaven and bus station cleaner Marc Roberts.
They happily act out some of their duties, including litter picking and floor cleaning.
My image shows Raul checking his photograph of Craig.
11am – West Cross: The School Cook and Kitchen Assistant
We park close to Grange Primary School, are cheerily buzzed in at the main entrance and sign in as visitors in the admin office. The walls in the super-clean corridors offer a bright and colourful display of children’s artwork.
We’re ushered through to the school kitchen where, already hard at work preparing the day’s lunchtime meals, are school cook Shelly Herbert and school kitchen assistant Jo Jones. They are resplendent in red and white aprons, shirts and caps – and are eager to talk about their five-star food hygiene rating.
The head teacher pops her head in to say “hello”… just to check we have what we need. It’s a helpful touch.
Photos taken, Raul, Andy and I are treated to sponge pudding with custard – it’s delicious! It reminds me of my carefree youthful days of having school dinners at Newton Primary School - that was 16 years ago but the memories remain strong.
My image shows Shelly, right, and Jo in their kitchen with Raul.
Noon – Civic Centre: The Contracting and Procurement Implementation Manager
In the foyer, we meet Kelly Gillings, from the Western Bay Health and Social Care Programme. This is a regional initiative that sees the council collaborate with a number of other major local bodies.
Much of Kelly’s work takes place in an office environment so Raul’s photo shows her at a third floor desk in part of the council’s new-look agile working area. In order to cut the costs of looking after large amounts of building space, the trend is towards a decreasing number of staff having their own desks; instead staff now have technology that allows them to work from anywhere.
My image shows Kelly at work as Raul prepares to photograph her.
1pm –The Strand: The Emergency Management Officer
At Swansea Central Fire Station, we arrive during lunch. The council’s Ben Cromie, has arranged for us to meet him there with associates such as firefighter Scott Edwards, fire service crew manager Steve Antoniazzi and PC Richard Thomas.
As emergency management officer, Ben works with key partners such as the police and fire service to plan for and respond to emergency incidents.
His team can respond to emergencies 24/7 and it’s their role to coordinate the council response to major emergencies. They can help the public in many ways, for example, by providing emergency shelter, accommodation and practical support such as food, personal supplies and crisis support.
Raul ushers his four subjects to the yard at the back of the station where a police Land Rover and a fire appliance are positioned nose-to-nose for the photography. Ben, Scott, Steve and Richard pose for Raul, complete with a typical incident map. Ben is asked to do a few shots alone.
My image shows Ben, left, being photographed with associates from the fire and police services.
2pm – Bonymaen: The Local Area Coordinator
We drive to Caernarvon Way, Bonymean, and meet the authority’s Dan Morris in the Communities First office. He’s the local area coordinator for Bonymaen, St Thomas and the SA1 Waterfront area. His job is to support people who may be isolated, excluded or who face challenges due to age, disability or mental health condition.
Andy explains to Dan that we want to picture him in an area which best describes his work. We go outside so that Raul can use Communities First signage as the backdrop.
We also move him across the road so the background is the incredible view over the Lower Swansea Valley towards Morriston and beyond.
My photograph shows Dan, left, and Raul
3pm – Townhill: The Electrician
The light is closing in. We’re due to meet Tiaan Davies in Gendros, close to Cwmbwrla Park. However, when we arrive we’re met by a small fleet of council flatbed trucks; staff have been busy cleaning out a substantial mess left by the most recent tenant of the flat where we were due to meet.
It’s decided that we see Tiaan instead in another recently vacated council property, a two-bedroom semi-detached council house in Gwylfa Road, Townhill. Tiaan will show us how his skills as an electrician help tenants live comfortably.
He explains how he began at the council as an apprentice and is now qualified to perform a range of functions in his job.
Inside, we found ourselves in a messy environment – the tenant has left the property with unruly stacks of clothes and other personal possessions on all surfaces.
My image shows Andy, right, talking to Tiaan and a colleague about our photography needs.
4pm – The Guildhall: The Electoral Services Officer
Finally, we meet Caroline Griffiths, part of the council team that helps the area’s elections run smoothly. There have been more than usual in the past few years!
As there are no polls due soon, we improvise for the photography by taking some typical signage to a quiet room where Caroline poses with them.
My image shows Caroline preparing to pose for Raul.
Day 2 Ends
