Bristol’s Simon Caplan is developing a reputation as one of the south west’s leading contemporary photographers. His bright abstract and ‘found’ still life images reveal a hidden beauty that usually lies undiscovered in the buildings, streets and everyday urban objects around Bristol and in other town and cities across the south west. Simon, who has been awarded a Licentiateship distinction by the Royal Photographic Society, staged his first one man show at the Bristol Youth Hostel on Narrow Quay in summer 2011, quickly followed by a small exhibition at the Rubicon Cafe in Redland. His work is now to be featured in the Bristol Creatives’ Pop Up Department Store in Quaker’s Friars from December 8th to 24th. Simon also has a new mini one man show of his work at Baristas Coffee Collective coffee shop on Victoria Street from January 3rd to 21st. Entrance to both shows is free. In addition to his abstract images, Simon takes portraits of craftspeople and artisans at work and is putting the finishing touches to a self published book on traditional crafts called ‘Reviving, Surviving, Thriving’. He is also working with Bristol coffee roasters Extract Coffee on a photo project about his favourite non-alcoholic drink entitled ‘An Extra Shot’, which should be unveiled publicly in the new year. Simon, aged 52, lives in Downend in North Bristol.