Trust in his vision is exactly what he used over the summer to capture the authenticity of festivalgoers. Entitled ‘Festival Families’, the collaboration saw Bailey attend three different festivals across the country including Parklife, Wireless Birmingham, and All Points East. With each festival catering to a different audience, it is easy to imagine that Bailey experienced a plethora of different vibes when photographing visitors of each festival.

“There was definitely a different vibe between the festivals. I guess it really just boiled down to the type of music played,” Bailey explained to us. “I’d say Manchester’s Parklife was a wild one. Loads of mosh pits and deep base. Where London’s All Points East was quite chilled. However, when Gorillaz came out, everyone lost their minds.”

In true festival nature, considering the chaos of the environment, anything can happen. “When I started working on the project, I hoped that by the end, I would have found a better understanding of the role festivals play and how important they are for people.” The outcome sees a collection of images capturing the beauty of festival culture and the communities around it. Shot on Bailey’s 35mm Pentax 67ii, which was used based on its great exposure quality, the images perfectly depict the long-awaited reunions between people and their and their happy places.

Below we got to know Nathaniel and spoke about his collaboration with BUILDHOLLYWOOD, his experience at the festivals, as well as his inspirations and future aspirations.

Could you tell us a bit about your background? What was growing up in London like for you?

I come from a Jamaican background on both sides of my family, but I’m born and bred in London. Growing up in and around Ealing west London has honestly been great! I’ve always loved it for how quiet it is. There’s lots of green space too. Where I live, has always felt like a little village but I’m still in London, so I feel I get the best of both worlds.

When did you start considering a career as a photographer?

It was around the middle of year 10 of secondary school when I found myself starting to take my GCSE photography homework more seriously! Photography definitely just started off as a hobby. It was a lot of fun, but at that time, I’d say my mind was set on taking the more academic route. I actually had some aspirations to be a Zoologist.

Do you remember the first picture you took that made you feel like you could become a photographer? If so, could you tell us about it?

Funny enough I actually do remember the first picture I took that made me feel that I could actually do this. It was late 2016 in an off-licence in Brixton. At the time I was doing a lot street photography as I was working on my composition and eye. I had a random encounter with a Rasta man. We spoke for about 5 minutes and at the end of it I took his portrait. It really did amaze me that the camera could spark conversations with people I didn’t know, and that my photography would bring about such connections. It also made me realise how much I enjoyed conversing with strangers.

Where do you draw inspiration from when it comes to your work?

There are many things that inspire my work from music to old films. Documentaries to a specific era and/or time period. However, I’d say I draw most of my inspiration from my own culture and memories.

Are their any photographers in particular you admire? If so, what is it about their work you enjoy?

One of the biggest inspirations has to be, the photographer, Charlie Phillips. I have always been drawn to his work for its rawness and the true depiction I feel his images provide. He was able to capture such a special era so beautifully. I’ve met him quite a few times now, but I still find myself slightly speechless. I remember researching him back in school. I was so amazed to see someone who was from a similar background to me. Charlie Phillips’ work gave me some belief.

Could you talk us through how your collaboration with Photoworks and BUILDHOLLYWOOD came about?

My collaboration between Photoworks and BUILDHOLLYWOOD has seen me produce a series of portraits of festival goers presented in the form of posters at various festival events and as street posters. This collaboration came about when I was recommended by the Deputy Director at Photoworks Nadine Persaud who I’ve worked with for a few years, photographing music artists that she has represented. She’s seen my work and style develop and thought the aesthetic of my work would complement the project.

Before attending the festivals did you have a clear vision on how you wanted the images to turn out or did you let it happen more organically?

Yeah, I definitely had an idea of how I wanted the images to come out. I wanted each portrait to not only encapsulate people, but also the surroundings, hence why I used quite a wide-angle lens. I wanted to show the hustle and bustle of festival life in the background but have the subjects standing out. Each image would be unique though, as the subjects would draw organic inspiration from themselves for each portrait.

Were people open to being photographed?

People were definitely open to having their picture taken, especially when I explained the project to them. Everyone loves a photo!

Do you go to festivals yourself? What was the environment like?

Going into this project was quite mad for me because I had never actually been to a festival before, so I didn’t know what to expect. Parklife in Manchester being the first was crazy. It was a little overwhelming in the first hour as it was huge with all the stages. It was just massive. Then I began to see the beauty of it all. Everyone in their groups, spending this time having fun with their loved ones.

Could you tell us about your ongoing project Parish Walls?

Parish Walls is an ongoing project that sees the documentation of Parishes on the Caribbean Island of Jamaica. I’ve travelled through Saint Mary, Saint Thomas, Saint Ann, Portland and Kingston, photographing locals, in their natural habitat. The Project is intended to show an insight into the many different aspects of Jamaican culture and landscape.

A lot of your work feels almost documentary style as it really captures the authenticity of moments. How would you describe your photography style?

I would describe my work as honest. I always set the intention to capture a real moment. I want an audience to feel a sense of the world I’ve photographed. I do love documentaries, so I do take inspiration from how they make me feel when I watch them and try to bring that same sense to my work.

What do you hope people feel when seeing your images in the streets?

My hopes are that people see these images and that they are reminded of the ones most dear to them, and memories that bring joy. I would hope this project inspires people to go out and make more memories.

What is a project you’d like to work on next? Any upcoming projects?

I’d really like to work on projects that would take me travelling. I’m very open to learning about and documenting people and place out there in the world that I’ve not yet been to. At the moment I’m working on a project with black musical family dynasties. I still want to get back to Jamaica to add to Parish Walls, and fingers crossed early next year I’ll have my first solo Exhibition. Watch this space.