Dazzled by the sun, a bright blue sky behind, these glamorous girls are living the American Dream.

But while it may look like an authentic 1950s snapshot, the picture was in fact taken on a Norfolk beach in 2000 by British photographer Richard Heeps.

Playful and ambiguous, Heeps’ large cinematic and technicolour images of diners, motels, gold rush towns, airstreams, hot cars and rockabilly enthusiasts wilfully lack any clear pointers to time and space.

He has been photographing Americana for more than 10 years, and his images capture the vibrancy of contemporary scenes inspired by the 1940s and 1950s. His work is not a passive nostalgia; situations within his photographs are real, found and not pre-arranged, subjects are celebrated and not styled.

Heeps is also a traditional craftsman, using film and hand-printing his own pictures full-frame.

A rare opportunity to see his work is now on offer at Rochester Art Gallery. Heeps’ latest exhibition, Man’s Ruin, opens on Friday, March 1 and runs until Saturday, May 4.

Admission is free to the gallery, which is open every day. Call 01634 338319.

Photography Workshop

Saturday, April 13

Professional photographer Rikard Osterlund is leading a Heeps-inspired workshops for adults. Take along your camera for a walk around Rochester and be given creative and practical advice back at the gallery. Runs from 10am to 4pm. Costs £30.

Free Artist Talk

Saturday, April 27

Join Richard Heeps for an informal gallery talk and exhibition tour. Find out more about how he creates his images, his inspiration, techniques and locations. It starts at 1pm and admission is free. Call 01634 338319.