Characters of Caernarfon captured by Iolo

Delighted to be staging professional photographer, Iolo Penri’s show – “Characters of Caernarfon” – in our arts bar Y Segontiwm. The show launches this Saturday 10^th February and runs through to Easter weekend.

About the Artist …

Ever since he won his first camera on a tombola at a village fête in Llanbedrog, Iolo Penri has been obsessed with photography.

Growing up in Llandbedrog, Iolo had access to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. The majestic mountains of Eryri to the coastline of the Llŷn Peninsula all featured in his early photography. But moving to Caernarfon and joining the film scene was the start of his professional photography career. In the 1980s and ‘90s Caernarfon was a thriving centre for TV production companies, and the town still has an active film and TV community.

Professional Career …

Not only was Iolo acting, he worked for Barcud and ‘Uned Pump’ as a press photographer being sent to Fashion Week, Silverstone and major events where he encountered international celebrities including Cameron Diaz, Alex Jones, Keith Lemon and more. Over the years, Iolo has travelled around the globe to work regularly visiting New York, South Africa and Cuba. Iolo describes the freedom he was given to capture moments with people and to document those who would not normally feature on the radar.

Going Solo …

In 2006, Iolo decided to pursue a freelance career and regularly works for BBC, S4C, National Lottery, National Trust, Bangor University and many glossy magazine.

Capturing Caernarfon characters …

Over the years, Iolo has been capturing in his spare time the wonderful characters of Caernarfon. He feels that being local makes it easier for him to engage with people and take a moment in film. In photographic terms, Iolo looks for stories in the faces and actions of the people he sees. He has a gift for bringing those individual histories to the fore. And there are people of all ages here – from teenagers post tussle in the park to pensioners cuddling a pet, Iolo documents them all.

In his own words …

In Iolo’s words: “I want people to look at the images and feel the moods portrayed. Most of all, it gives me pleasure that the friends and family of the people portrayed see them captured in a moment forever.”

We’re delighted to stage Iolo’s “Caernarfon Characters” photography exhibition in our arts bar Y Segontiwm from Saturday 10^th February through to Easter. Framed prints available to buy off the wall and on order.