p.2023
In the summer of 2023, Ellis Bairstow undertook an ambitious project, traveling across Asia for six weeks with the goal of documenting his journey entirely on 35mm film. He visited Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Hong Kong, capturing his experiences through 18 rolls of film. Committed to a comprehensive documentation process, Ellis carried his camera with him every time he left his hostel, walking for hours each day in an effort to capture the essence of every place he visited and ensuring he didn’t miss a single moment.
A key aspect of this project was the challenge of working continuously without the ability to review or revisit earlier work. This lack of immediate feedback pushed Ellis to trust his instincts and believe that he was producing a cohesive and successful body of work.
Ethics and morals played a crucial role in Ellis' approach to this project. Before departing, he conducted thorough research on the ethics of documentary photography, examining guidelines set by photojournalists and reflecting on his own personal boundaries. This preparation informed his practice throughout the trip, allowing him to take a careful and considerate approach to capturing the people, cultures, and environments he encountered. The resulting series reflects this sensitivity, showing both the beauty of the places visited and the respect with which they were photographed.
The culmination of this journey resulted in a collaborative book project with graphic designer Moa Hjärre Nettleton. The book presents the series in a carefully curated format and is currently available at Good Press in Glasgow and through Set the Zine, making it accessible to a wider audience and further solidifying Ellis' thoughtful approach to documentary photography.