March newsletter: Dead flowers, experiments and podcasts
An image from my Dead Flowers In Vases series
What I’ve been up to this month
My exercise has been limited because I pulled a hamstring. So I have been concentrating on indoor photography and a new project which has a working title of “Dead Flowers In Vases”. I like to think about what I am really trying to say with my projects. This one is really about beauty in both age and decay. Even so, my wife would still prefer me to make images of her flower arrangements when they are fresh!
I am also in the process of researching some potential new techniques for my abstract ice-scapes. I am hoping to be able to make some multi-media prints in a way that I haven’t seen before. I’ll tell you more if they are successful!
I was honoured to be asked to be a guest on the Biblioscapes podcast. I really enjoyed being interviewed by Euan Ross about my background in photography, 1Point4 Miles and plans for the future. I also got to mention five of my photographic books and a wild card… Do listen to the podcast here.
Finally, I have booked on three photographic workshops. I like to focus on the why of photography when I learn. So I am looking forward to studying photography and writing with Adrian Beasley and Paul Sanders and learning more about sequencing with Rob Knight and David Noble. There are a couple of places left on the sequencing course with more information here. I am also looking forward to learning more handmade bookmaking skills with Tim Jones’ French Link Stitch Binding at Fotospeed. You can book on this course here.
What I learned this month
This month I learned more about the value of play. I have been enjoying making images for the fun of it. Sometimes I have restricted myself too much by trying to concentrate on my projects. It is fun to have the freedom to let go and see what happens!
I also learned the value of the photographic community. I have been enjoying several discussions on Twitter. It’s a great platform where like minds can meet. As with all things, the more you put in, the more you gain. If you are on Twitter, please connect with me here. I have also been having more Zoom calls with like-minded photographers. These have really helped me develop as an image-maker. Look out for a blog on this in May.
What are my plans for next month?
Next month I will (Covid permitting) be on holiday for a couple of weeks. I’m looking forward to making images that may be a bit different as I am inspired by the landscapes of Gran Canaria. I am not sure what they will be like yet. I am trying to approach this with an open mind.
I have also been thinking about photography and video-making. So I plan to use some time out to learn a few more video-editing skills and see what happens from this.
What I’ve been writing about this month
This month my subject was micro photography. This may be a new concept to some of you. I would urge you to have a read of the blog here. I’d love to hear what you think of this concept.
What books have caught my attention this month?
Yet again, I seem to have acquired too many photographic books to mention! However, a particularly lovely book that I added to my collection is The Beauty Of The Camino. It really encapsulates some of what I have experienced during my mountain walking in France and Spain.
What I have been eating this month
Many of you know that I love my chocolate. So I thought it only fair that I should give a shout-out to my friend Nick Shearn who creates some of the best chocolate that I know. You can find out more (and purchase some!) here.
What I have been listening to this month
I stayed in Scandinavia this month for my musical listening. I went to a local gig with Danish singer Ida Wenhøe and British singer Samantha Whates. Each supported the other for their set and I was blown away by their vocal harmonies. This is Scandi-Noir acoustic at its best!
Please let me know what you are up to
I’m really keen to know if any of you are working on projects at the moment. Also, please let me know what I should read and listen to.