Purple Rain presents In the line of duty

A photography exhibition by Rebecca J McConnell

What have a farmer, a Wimbledon line judge, a golf caddie, a bridesmaid and a GB captain all got in common? They all feature in my first photography exhibition In the line of duty that is taking place next month on Saturday 17th February.

In celebration of Purple Rain’s seventh birthday, I am running the exhibition, for one day only, in Rathfriland Young Farmers’ Club Hall (4 Downpatrick Street, BT34 5DG for those needing the full address).

In the line of duty was the theme I chose for one of my assignments back in 2012 when I studied a part-time photography course at Belfast Metropolitan College. My portfolios helped me to gain a distinction in Level 2 Photo Imaging as well as increase my confidence using a DSLR. Since then, I have taken other pictures that have fit the theme. Rather than them gather dust on my laptop, I have decided to bring some to life and show them in public.

The collection of photographs showcase people doing ordinary and extraordinary duties. As a keen tennis fan, there are pictures from my visits over the years to the All England Lawn Tennis Club that demonstrate some of the Wimbledon members of staff in action. Some of my client work will be on display – pictures from Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend and people I met writing articles for the Presbyterian Herald. A few snaps from my recent IFAJ trip to Switzerland help to celebrate differences in the farming cultures from the farm I grew up in outside Rathfriland, which is also featured.

Supporting the Simon Community

Entry to the exhibition is free and there is ample free car parking beside the hall. After checking out the pictures, you can relax with a nice cup of tea or Illy coffee and some special treats. Any donations will go to the Simon Community NI who work in Belfast and major provincial towns across NI. According to the Homelessness Strategy report, there has been a 13% rise in the number of those who are officially accepted as being homeless in the last five years in Northern Ireland (from 9,000 to 11,200). The charity provides 369 beds in 22 accommodation projects and also works to prevent homelessness and manage substance misuse, promoting positive attitudes to health. For more information on the work of Simon Community and the growing issue of homelessness, check out this recent report.

I do hope you can make it along – we will be open from 10am until 5pm – so put the date in your diaries now and I’ll see you there!