As part of the Free Time, Our Stories community oral history project, digital;works organised a documentary photography workshop, that was led be the street photographer Peter Dench, at Dorset County museum. 14 local photographers took part and stretched themselves and their approaches to capturing the public at play.

Some of the workshop participants pose for a group portrait. Peter is on the right. Photograph by workshop participant Margaret Stevens.

This workshop formed a part of the Free Time, Our Stories, community project that is documenting our changing leisure time. Participants heard from Peter on his approach to photographing in public, before moving out onto the streets of Dorchester for hands on practice. They learnt ways to observe our subjects in the street and at play.

Participants all said how great the workshop had been, thanking digital:works for putting together the day and Peter for his insights. One workshop attendees added; “Thanks for a great day out, it was really good to get the chance to get out and about with the camera, and get involved in something new.”

Peter was very impressed with all the participants willingness to stretch themselves and push their comfort zone, adding; “At the end of the day I saw some lovely shots, all taken with joy and enthusiasm, which is clearly a response to their approach on the day. Well done to all!”

Joe Stevens, project leader, said; “Photography forms an important part of our archives. But too often the photographs in out public archives are ones of our dignitaries or historic buildings. This workshop enable the photographers to explore how they can document our everyday leisure activities.”

Photographs from the workshop will be added to the new archive that is to be housed at Dorset History Centre. Work produced may also be exhibited at Dorset County Museum as part of our final exhibition in March 2014.