June newsletter: experimenting and playing and taking thing easier

It has been a quieter month

And I was definitely ready for it. After all the excitement and creativity of May, my brain was ready to take things a little more easily.

What I’ve been up to this month

This month I have mainly been playing and experimenting. It has been good to practice creativity without any pressures of an upcoming project. I have been really pleased with some of the images I have produced. But, naturally, some of my experiments have failed! And that’s OK: it has been good to have the time to try new things and to discover what works for me and what does not.

I also had a day out to Weymouth where I enjoyed photography on Chesil Beach. I could spend days with all the stones and other objects that I found there. And, of course, I enjoyed playing with some rust patches that I discovered!

What I learned this month

I have been writing much more this month. I am understanding that it is a good way to inspire new projects. Equally, I have written some longer pieces that stand on their own but would benefit from being illustrated. I am ready to try some projects that feature more words.

I have also found that I am good at procrastinating – I haven’t always used my creative time as well as I might have…

What are my plans for next month?

July will be largely taken up with holidays. But this will give me some creative time as well. I am looking forward to connecting with the Devon coast and the Welsh mountains.

I do not expect to come up with another project (although you never know!). Rather, I regard this time as a chance for creative nourishment and being open to new inspiration. And, of course, an opportunity some time to spend with my family!

What I’ve been writing about this month

My latest blog is all about the importance of connecting with what we are making images of and different ways that we can do this. I sometimes think that we do not spend enough time with a subject before going behind our cameras. You can read How Making The Right Creative Connection Leads To Better Images here. Please do share your thoughts on this article with me.

What I visited this month

I had a day out to London and enjoyed visiting Tate Britain. It was nice to see some more Henry Moore after the exhibition in Bath last month. And I was really inspired by Turner’s more abstract work that was on display. There was also an artist that was new to me: Zaineb Saleh.

I also visited the Saatchi Gallery. I enjoyed seeing the The RHS Botanical Art & Photography Show. The photographic element of it really encouraged people to tell stories in different ways. I was impressed by the sheer variety of work there. I also saw an exhibition on Metamorphosis: Innovation in Eco-Photography and Film. Those interested in alternative processes should definitely visit!

What have I listened to this month

Readers of this column know that I am a fan of Beth Porter. She is also one half of the Bookshop Band. I was delighted to be able to listen to them live at their new album launch. All their songs are based on books they have read. Sometimes they bring out little elements of a book and celebrate them. Sometimes they capture the essence of a novel. The Bookshop Band are on tour in bookshops all around the country at the moment. Catch them if you can!

What I have been reading this month

I have taken nearly a month to read Rules Of Civility by Amor Towles. One reason it took me so long was that I was enjoying it so much that I did not want to reach the end! The book is set in New York in 1938. One really receive a sense of how much of a melting pot of different people it was. And the prose is beautiful.

Upcoming workshops and events

If you want to find out more about any of my workshops to decide if they are right for you or have any questions, please hit reply to this email.

Exhibitions and events: I will be exhibiting at the Bath Contemporary Arts Fair on Sunday 14th July, 11thAugust and 8th September Do come and say hello. I will have a range of prints, both framed and unframed, as well as a couple of zines and a range of greetings cards.

NEW! Editing and advanced editing with your smartphone online – we meet on Zoom for a half day of learning how to edit with your smartphone. I sometimes take images from my traditional camera and choose to edit them on my smartphone. Find out why. What makes these sessions different is that I cover editing vision as well as how to edit. You also receive two art prints of your edits. See here for introductory editing and here for advanced editing.

NEW! Individual creative mentoring online – I help you develop your creative vision. I have trained in brain friendly training and these sessions are designed to help you develop a way forward and a practical action plan. Each session is completely unique and tailored to your needs. See here for details.

Smartphone photography walks and workshops – come and meet me in beautiful Bradford-upon-Avon and learn how to take impressive pictures with your smartphone. The full day workshop concentrates on getting the most out of your smartphone, visiting some interesting locations and receiving personal feedback as well as editing tuition and cake! You also receive art prints of your work. These run throughout the summer. See here for more information and booking.

Commercialise your book online workshop – I am running this in conjunction with Adrian Beasley. We meet for a four hour session on 19th July and learn how to turn Blurb books into commercially printed projects. You also learn print specification and the dos and don’ts on launching your own zine/book. More information and booking here.

The Vision: A five-week online workshop – Dates to be confirmed. I am running this with Rob Knight and it is aimed at those who wish to expand their creative vision and be inspired to try new ideas. I am really excited at how this is shaping up. See here for more information and booking.

Make sure you keep in touch

You can follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Mastodon as well as Bluesky. Please also e-mail directly: I really appreciate receiving personal e-mails from you. Please share images and projects send me recommendations for reading, listening, exhibitions, blog articles and more!

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