November already and I am thrilled to see these images sent out today by Brian Steptoe FRPS co-organiser of this exhibition with Rod Fry ARPS. The Edgelands book was made specifically for this competition from my degree project series. It includes medium and large format images. An earlier publication I made for the Ipswich and London shows just had medium format.

I have learned a great deal from entering the competition, not least was the necessity for the use of other professionals to assist guide and possibly design the end product. These days the jobbing photographer has to be a master of all trades. It was ever thus even in analogue days. The whole process of control from start to finish is an interesting one.

Having a shot a good degree project based on a keen interest that I have nurtured for years proves to me that photographers should shoot what they are interested in and get on with it. All manner of layered detail was revealed by shooting this series and researching my findings. The shooting started first, the research emerged later but an  early read coincident with its genesis was Edgelands by Paul Farley and  Michael Symmons Roberts. There are no images in this book other than those that are described. My imagination ran riot and I had a great time shooting this phase of the project.

Please try and get down to Bath to see all 21 shortlisted books at RPS HQ during November.