Sarah has been photographing the Deptford Market area over 10yrs. She has also collected quotes from the people she chats to, on the subject of the changing face of Deptford. She printed up some of her favourite images as Lith Prints (an archaic darkroom process using special chemicals and paper that is becoming very rare, it enables peachy tones within the black & white). The ever-growing series was exhibited at Bond House Gallery in New Cross in 2017, and in 2018 Sarah was delighted to exhibit the work in Deptford High Street itself at the Deptford Does Art Gallery for Deptford X Festival. (click on photos for text)
Sarah Garrod 
I headed to Deptford Market yesterday intending to take another step on my tyro street photography journey. Since my last visit things have become so tough, the people appear to be so impoverished, that my discomfort over effectively using people as props meant I couldn’t take the camera from my bag. Even the Pie and Mash shop was closed…
What would you do in this situation?
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Hi Jamie. That’s a tricky question. I’ve known Deptford for 30+yrs, and its always in a state of flux, with new waves of residents moving in and out. I find it sad to see the “old Deptford” being engulfed by new flats, and families being priced out. But, people tell me this is “change” , and we must as photographers reflect change. I find street photography is very ‘awkward’ at the best of times. I like to get chatting to my subjects, so market stall holders are an easy choice. I suggest you hit Deptford High St on a sunny Wednesday or Saturday – the atmosphere changes. More often than not my camera doesn’t leave my bag – it’s usually some magic light that inspires me to take it out.
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Thx Sarah, so encouraged that you responded in this way…I’m clearly not alone in feeling this way in similar situations. I shall reflect on this and move forward!
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