This photograph I took in Gay Pride, Cardiff. Not eligible for the competition as it was taken before the required date, yet it has all the components of “Democracy In Action”.
I love moments like this! The look of disdain or disbelief upon the officers face and the central characters look of, ”bless her, she really doesn’t get it”, and the person on the far right, oblivious!

Recently I ran as a candidate in a council election. Right through that campaign I was taking photographs. Married with apt text the images were an excellent way of highlighting or illustrating concisely the issues to be conveyed, more than just words. Then relayed through social media to communicate to targeted audiences, sometimes achieving immediate response or even interviews. If the images had not been there the resulting impact would not have been the same. (see: http://cantongreens.org.uk/)

“Democracy In Action” is a wide brief, as the story of democracy lies all around, it relates to most facets of life. Nothing has to be obvious, reward the viewer by allowing them to read between the lines. A title or brief merely proffers a starting point, a linch pin to a visual narrative.
I continually witness my surroundings as potential images or stories to be told. Be it inside or outside, come rain, grey or shine all of these conditions provide different contextual moods which will relate to, or accentuate your narrative. Carry your camera and the brief with you as much as you can, see how it relates to where ever you are. Look for a mood or ambience, try to match it with your subject, explore its composition and angles and let loose with what ever photographic device you have. More often than not, the best pictures will find you, if you are looking.

Nigel Pugh is a self employed digital artist / photographer based in Cardiff, who draws directly from the interaction and reflection upon the natural and unnatural environment. Often the social underlying narrative being essential to his work.

Follow on Twitter: @digitalartistNP.

Flickr:  digitalartistNP - Photographs and Digital Art.

Website: http://www.nigelpugh.co.uk/.