This project explores the community of upland (hill) farmers in the Dyfi Valley area of Wales, examining tradition, identity and family whilst documenting the modern forces which threaten their way of life. It follows the Pughe family including Dafydd whose daughter plans to have her own farm. For both farmer and livestock, their lives on the land are generational and farming is a significant part of their identity.
Photo copyright: © David Show
David J Shaw is a photographer and journalist based in the UK, working both at home and internationally. Shaw works on a range of assignments and long-term projects that explore community, identity and representation.
Alongside this, he conducts investigations and produces reportage on human rights and social issues. Shaw’s work is regularly recognised through awards, publications in leading outlets, grants and exhibitions. He is currently studying for an MA in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography at London College of Communication, for which he was awarded a scholarship.
Shaw represented the London College of Communication at the 2012 London Olympics as an official torch bearer. He sold the torch on eBay and used the money to fund investigations in Gaza, Lebanon and India.
His first book, ‘Oh When The Blues’, was published in 2016 after a successful Kickstarter campaign. In 2018, he published his book ‘England Fans In Russia’ with an accompanying touring exhibition.After a career pivot working in the emergency services, Shaw returns to photography with new skills and motivations. He is focusing on work documenting the lives of those living in Jaywick, alongside a long-term project about traditional upland farmers in Wales, a portrait project about LGBTQ+ football fans and an exhibition about those living on indeterminate prison sentences in the UK.
Lodi