Is captured on camera
of my favourite photographs I’d have to go with the portrait of Trevor Ward,” Elijah said.
“I thought he encapsulated the Valleys so much. Very happy-go-lucky.
“I’d got in touch with his great-granddaughter beforehand to ask some questions but essentially I just went out one Friday with my camera and tried my luck.
“I got to meet him and his good butty Mervin. We talked for some time, heard some funny anecdotes, and then I asked the all-encompassing question: ‘Would it be possible to take your photograph?’ And they obliged. Really lovely gentlemen.”
Capturing the sense of community and support that runs through the region, Elijah’s collection also features a series of intimate shots showing the passion of the local football team and its supporters.
“There are also two shots combined together of fans of the Prince of Wales football team Treorchy.
“This was the last game I got to see before the team disbanded. It was a cup game and they won.
“The boys who followed them were some of the most passionate and hilarious people I’ve ever met. Real characters. Full of Valleys humour. in
“I miss the team, but luckily I still bump into the boys on occasions.
“I’m currently working on a follow-up zine which documents the boys who followed the The Prince of Wales football team. I’ve had the shots a while but I’ve always wanted to make something of them.
“I’m also going to be photographing my favourite Valleys band Rainbow Maniac, in and out of the studio, this month ahead of their new release this year.”
Rhondda Valleys Zine is out now. You can see more of Elijah’s work on his website elijahthomas.format.com/ rhondda-valleys#0