Although much of my work is based around photographing landscapes and architecture, I also really enjoy shooting people (with a camera obviously) and documenting my loacal area. A recent example of this is the following sequence of photos, taken last autumn.
The Red Bus Cafe is situated in a lay by on York Road just outside Leeds. I have been driving past it for as long as I can remember, and although had never been in I always thought it had bags of character and would make a great documentary subject. One day last November, I called in and over a delicious bacon and egg sandwich, got talking to Vicky the owner. She kindly agreed to let me to take these photographs.
The cafe has been here in one form or another since the 1980’s (although the bus wasn’t always red) and Vicky has owned it for the past four years after buying it from a family friend.
It is a true family business and Vicky runs it with the help of her sister and brother Jay (pictured here)
The bus’s polished aluminium interior not only makes for easy cleaning, but from a photographic point of view makes a great light reflector and helps create the beautiful soft tones in the photographs.
As we chatted i realised that Vicky’s age, looks and easy going nature, belie a shrewd business savvy which has allowed her to make the cafe a thriving success.
Freshly cooked food and prime location makes for a busy time with both locals…
…and passing trade on the busy A64 Leeds-York road.
For me the 'Red Bus Cafe' is one of Leeds' great landmarks and I hope it will be around for many years to come.
The foods great too!
Thanks again to Vicky and Jay for letting me take these photos.
The Red Bus Cafe is on York Road, just outside Leeds. If you are not familiar with it, head towards York on the A64 from the Leeds ring road at Seacroft. You will find the cafe in a lay by on the left after about 3 miles.
If you enjoyed the photos and would like to see more of my work please visit my website at http://www.yorkshireartphotography.co.uk/
You can also follow me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yorkshire-Art-Photography/227526600646266 and on Twitter @yorksartphoto
