Nik Roche’s As Far As They’re Concerned We Are A Normal Family is an extraordinary piece of work, deeply human, utterly compelling, and the kind of photobook that stays with you long after you’ve closed its pages. Having finally read Ray’s a Laugh in preparation for diving into this book, a glaring gap in my own journey through photography, I was already primed for something raw and deeply personal, but Roche’s work still managed to surprise me. It’s not just a book about survival or marginal existence; it’s about the beauty, resilience, and humour woven into the fabric of an unconventional life.

At the heart of the book is Tony, a presence that feels almost mythic at times. His life, as portrayed by Roche, sits on the edges of what society might consider “normal,” but there’s something deeply compelling about the world he inhabits. One image that particularly stood out for me is of Tony in his garden, shrouded by smoke, his silhouette barely visible. The fire itself is out of sight, but its presence dominates the frame. Learning that Tony kept a fire burning non-stop for nearly a month when he had no gas, or electricity transforms the image into something elemental. Fire becomes more than heat; it’s survival, defiance, and connection to life itself. You can almost feel the weight of that moment, smoke wrapping around him, its necessity grounding him in a way that words can’t quite describe.

Another standout shot captures Tony inside an Arctic bell tent with a companion, hoods drawn tight to fend off the biting cold. It’s an image that borders on the absurd, what drives someone to endure such conditions in the woods when the house, cold as it may be, is surely warmer? And yet, that’s precisely the point: it was Tony’s choice. There’s a quiet defiance in that act, an insistence on living life on his own terms. The photograph draws you in, almost forcing you to imagine the damp chill of the canvas walls, the breath misting in the air, and the quiet moments shared between two people creating their own form of shelter against the world.

Perhaps the most haunting image in the book is of a single bed left exposed in the woods. Stripped bare, it sits there as if waiting, incongruous yet strangely natural in its surroundings. The scene raises immediate questions, did Tony actually sleep there? What does it mean to create a home in such a transient, precarious way? The image lingers in my mind as a poignant symbol of impermanence and resilience, reminding me of Aberdeen’s hidden corners, the tucked-away patches of woodland that can feel like a refuge to some and a fleeting escape to others. It’s the kind of photograph that feels deceptively simple but carries a world of meaning beneath the surface.

What makes As Far As They’re Concerned We Are A Normal Family so powerful is the relationship between Roche and Tony. It’s evident on every page that this is no detached documentation. Roche’s photographs are steeped in intimacy and friendship. There’s a deep mutual respect that allows him to capture these moments without crossing the line into voyeurism. That’s what makes this book so special, it’s not just about Tony’s life on the fringes but about the bonds we form, the family we create beyond blood ties. You can feel it in the way Roche frames Tony, in the humour, the tension, and the quiet dignity woven into the work.

The book’s title itself is worth reflecting on. “Normal” is such a loaded word, isn’t it? Roche invites us to question what normal even means. Tony’s life, though unconventional and challenging, is still rich with connection, creativity, and moments of beauty. The photographs don’t try to romanticise or explain away the hardship, but they also don’t dwell on it. Instead, they allow Tony’s story to unfold naturally, giving space to the contradictions, the struggles, and the small joys that make a life.

It’s rare to come across a photobook that so successfully balances intimacy and universality. As Far As They’re Concerned We Are A Normal Family isn’t just a portrait of one man’s life; it’s a reflection on what it means to belong, to create a home, and to navigate a world that doesn’t always make space for you. It’s a story about resilience, yes, but also about love, the love between friends, the love of a chosen life, however imperfect it may be.

For me, this book has been a reminder of why I fell in love with photography in the first place. It’s about more than just documenting moments; it’s about seeing the world through someone else’s eyes, finding the threads of connection that link us all. Nik Roche’s work is a masterclass in doing just that, and As Far As They’re Concerned We Are A Normal Family is a book I know I’ll be returning to again and again.

Regards

Alex