Cone, by Alison Jagger
YORK street photographer Alison Jagger is the second artist selected by RARE Collective to exhibit at WET Bar & Plates, in Micklegate, York.
“Yorkshire born and bred, Alison has always had a deep connection with all forms of art,” says exhibition curator and York artist Sharon McDonagh. “However her main passion lies in street photography.”
As a solo traveller and self-confessed free spirit, Jagger draws inspiration from the urban landscape, whose vibrancy she loves to capture with her camera.
High Five, by Alison Jagger
“There is nothing better than waking up in an unfamiliar city and recording its character, colour and vibrancy through my curious lens,” says Alison, whose eye for detail and distinctive style has been featured in many online exhibitions.
The RARE Collective’s ongoing programme of solo exhibition at James Wall and Ella Williams’ indie wine bar and restaurant is run in aid of SASH (Safe and Sound Homes), the York youth homelessness charity.
First up was Leeds abstract surrealist Nicholas Dixon’s RARE v WET show; now After The Crowds will run until June 3.
York street photographer Alison Jagger
Here Alison Jagger discusses street photography, mobile phone cameras, Brutalist architecture and solo travels with CharlesHutchPress.
How did the exhibition at WET come to fruition, Alison?
“I was fortunate enough to be approached by Sharon McDonagh from @rarecollective. She asked me if I wanted to be involved in the exhibition, being a local street photographer. It was an absolute pleasure to work with such a professional and creative curator.”
What camera do you use and why?
“I use my mobile phone for most of my photography. I enjoy the immediacy and discretion it offers, especially for street photography, as it helps me capture authentic moments and atmosphere in a very natural way.”
Full Set, by Alison Jagger
What makes a good photograph?
“A good photograph is a combination of things, colour, tone, atmosphere and composition, but for me it also needs to tell a story or suggest a moment. I like images that make people pause for a second and feel something beyond what’s simply in the frame.”
Why have you called the WET exhibition After The Crowds?
“Because the photographs focus on the seaside in winter, what’s left when the tourists have gone home. I’m drawn to the quieter atmosphere, the empty spaces and the mood that appears once the busy summer season has disappeared and everything has essentially closed for business.”
Why do you enjoy travelling solo: what are the advantages?
“I’m very independent, and travelling solo allows me to explore places at my own pace. For photography especially, I find it easier to stay open to unexpected moments and simply follow my instincts. The whole concept of free spirit is how I love to live.”
Hang Cone, by Alison Jagger
How would you define street photography?
“Street photography is about capturing a moment where everything comes together- the light, mood, atmosphere and human presence. For me, it’s also about finding the extraordinary in ordinary everyday scenes and encouraging people to look at familiar things in a different way.”
Where would you like to photograph that you are yet to do so?
“A recent trip to Bratislava sparked my interest in Brutalist architecture and stark urban environments. I’d now love to photograph some of the well-known Brutalist locations in London.”
Where else will you be exhibiting in 2026?
“Moving forward in 2026, I will be involved in several more exhibitions curated by RARE Collective. Namely City Screen Picturehouse, York, along with artists Sharon McDonagh (spAm) and DJ Sola. Also I’ll be exhibiting at Acomb Fest in July.”
