Clapham with Matthew

Clapham Common - 21st March 2025

Catching up with old school friends is not an everyday activity, and something that needs planning. Matthew and I had traded text messages and I was excited about the two of us meeting-up. It’s a little difficult to get hold of Matthew these days as he has intentionally limited his exposure to social media platforms. 

We arranged to meet in a gastro pub near Clapham Common. It was a pleasant space, quite big with lots of natural light flooding through the big pub windows to the front. It was really quiet however, so I felt a little conspicuous being the first to arrive. The light could be really nice for a couple of photo sketch portraits I thought... but in the end I decided against it. Better to relax and discuss the possibility of taking some portraits later, and where to do them. 

I have known Matthew since 1978. We met at secondary school in Fulham. And now, here we were catching up again,.. like it had only been a few days ago. 

I’ve always found it very easy speaking to Matthew. He has a real openness about him. To me, he seems to really wear his heart on his sleeve. And what an incredibly strong and inspiring sleeve and heart combo that is! 

We had a tasty lunch, chatted some more, and then decided to head over to Clapham Common, as the light was still good and I wanted to get just a few head shots at the very least. He wanted to purchase a birthday card on the way, so we ambled and chatted as we took the detour. 

We walked until a park bench presented itself. The light was a little soft by now, with some drifting fluffy clouds and the light kept changing and this potentially might make the photos more interesting. I had to change my angle and height a few times, and moved around him. Matthew was completely at ease with me and we chatted idly, giving him time to reflect on my questions and allow those feelings to be in his eyes and expression. 

Looking at the photographs now, I can see the conversation in his face, the cheeky smile in one shot, the subtle tilt of his head and the expressiveness of his eyes in another. I was pleased with the photo’s I was taking, and after about 20 minutes we wrapped it up and headed to the station. 

We agreed not to leave it so long until the next time, and with a hug and a deep breath of lifelong friendship we went our separate ways.

(More photos from this session can be found on the portfolio pages)

Max McGonigal (c)2025