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There are photographers who make images, and there are photographers who shape the way we think about photography itself. Pete Davis is undoubtedly one of the latter.
For more than sixty years Pete has photographed the landscapes, communities and everyday rituals of Wales with curiosity, generosity and quiet attentiveness. His photographs ask us not only to look, but to look again—to slow down, to spend time with an image and to discover something new each time we return to it.
In this episode of Almost in Focus, Tom Warland and Tobias Beach-Wyld sit down with Pete to discuss a lifetime in photography. From making photographs as an eleven-year-old in Cardiff to leading the renowned Documentary Photography course at Newport, Pete reflects on the people, places and experiences that have shaped his practice as both photographer and educator.
The conversation comes at a particularly fitting time, as Pete’s latest exhibition, Impressions of an Ancient Landscape, is currently on display at MOMA Cymru in Machynlleth. Together, Tom, Tobias and Pete explore documentary photography, teaching, large format cameras, platinum printing and the importance of remaining curious throughout a lifetime of making work.
Pete shares stories behind landmark projects including The Great Little Tin Sheds of Wales, discusses the role of place and personal history within his photographs, and explains why some images demand both patience and particular processes to truly become themselves.
More than anything, this is a conversation about photography as a lifelong practice. About making meaningful work, remaining authentic and understanding that our relationship with photographs can continue to evolve long after the shutter has been pressed.
- Documentary photography as a process of curiosity, observation and asking questions.
- Why photographs should reward repeated viewing and invite audiences to spend time looking.
- Pete’s remarkable journey from leaving school at fifteen to becoming an internationally exhibited photographer, researcher and educator.
- The influence of teaching and mentorship on generations of photographers.
- Large format photography as a deliberate, contemplative and patient practice.
- Platinum and palladium printing and the enduring relationship between process and subject matter.
- The lasting influence of The Great Little Tin Sheds of Wales and photographing the extraordinary within everyday life.
- Landscape, autobiography and understanding our connection to place.
- The importance of authenticity, humour and generosity within photographic practice.
- Technical mishaps, podcasting remotely and embracing the unexpected moments along the way.
Pete’s latest exhibition, Impressions of an Ancient Landscape, is a collaboration with painter Philip Huckin. Bringing together photography and painting, the exhibition explores the ancient Welsh landscape through two complementary visual practices, inviting viewers to consider place, memory and the passage of time from different perspectives.
Museum of Modern Art, Machynlleth (MOMA Cymru)13 June – 19 September 2026
Exhibition:
https://moma.cymru/en/e/philip-huckin-pete-davis-impressions-of-an-ancient-landscape/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/petedavisphoto/
Website
https://www.pete-davis-photography.com/
Books & Prints
https://petedavisphotography.bigcartel.com/
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