This month has seen a sudden burst in my creativity

Sometimes it just takes one trip, one new idea and one image that one likes to inspire a . I feel that this has been the case during my recent trip to Dartmoor. I’m not quite sure what happened, but waving my camera around, feeling free and experimenting with some new editing techniques all seemed to have combined to put me in a good place creatively.

What I’ve been up to this month

The highlight of my month was my trip to Dartmoor. I ended up writing a whole blog about it – see below for details.

I also ran a very successful smartphone photography workshop in Bath. I had some really positive feedback and, again, it was very gratifying to see how everyone’s vision developed over the day.

Finally, I have been putting together my programme of workshops for the next few months. You can read about them below.

What I learned this month

This month I spent a good bit of time learning more of the ins and outs of the Nik Analog FX software. This is a key part of how I am developing my images from Dartmoor.

I also learned the value of trying out multiple edits of the same image and spending time with each edit to learn from it. My view on an edit can really change after a few days. Sometimes an edit that I really liked is consigned to the bin. At other times, I see potential in an edit that I thought wasn’t going to be good enough. And often I see glaring errors that need correcting that I really should have noticed in the first place.

What are my plans for next month?

My next trip to Dartmoor is booked! I am really excited! The work from my first trip has given me a good foundation, but it is time to create new iterations of what I am working on. So of the new techniques that I have been trying out need more work. And I have some new ideas and techniques that I want to experiment with. I am planning walking routes at the moment to make sure that I make images that involve more human elements, as well as giving me a chance to explore some more of the fantastic rock formations.

I also plan to return to making some more drawings. I find this analogue way of expressing my vision very mindful. It is a great way to look at subjects closer. And it helps the photographic eye greatly as well as improving my composition abilities.

What I’ve been writing about this month

This month, I wrote about the project that is evolving after my visit to Dartmoor. I hope to share how it develops with you all and give regular updates so that you can see how I approach and develop projects. I hope it may give you some inspiration. Read it here: The birth of a new project  - Legends from the Wilderness

What I watched this month

I recently went to see The Outrun – an absolutely fantastic piece of cinema. It is very moving. The soundtrack really stood out, being an integral part of what was being expressed rather than the nice backdrop that sound is often relegated to in many films.

I also watched the Netflix series Capital. It is an unusual story and follows several very different threads. The ending might be a little contrived but it was quite thought provoking.

What have I read this month

I have just finished The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig. It has beautiful prose. The gently developing plot has a sudden twist at the end! I thoroughly recommend it and will be reading more by this author.

Upcoming workshops and events

I have just finished developing my programme for the next few months, which includes a couple of new offerings. 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 am artist of the month at Made In Bradford on Avon during October. I have some brand new work on display (and there are some other excellent artists to view as well). I will be exhibiting at the Bath Contemporary Arts Fair on 10th November and 8th December. 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.

Photography walks and workshops

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 practical path forward and an action plan. Each session is completely unique and tailored to your needs. See here for details.

Georgian Bath and craft beer photo walk, November 16th – all types of camera welcome! I’ll show you the best of traditional Bath and then we will have a tutored craft beer tasting (wine or soft drinks also available) and there is feedback on images for those who want it. See here for more information and booking.

NEW Create your own handmade notebooks, 30th November and 1st February - In this half-day class, you learn how to make a simple thread sewn notebook and also learn the art of Japanese stab binding. You end our session with an A6 notebook and an A5 stab bound booklet to take home: something for you to enjoy using yourself or a perfect gift!

All tools and materials are provided. Full details and booking here.

NEW Create great still lives with your smartphone, 25th January - Create beautiful images of treasured possessions, make stand-out product images and be inspired to enjoy creative photography inside. There will be plenty to learn here, even if you normally use a different type of camera. We cover composition, (very) simple lighting and easy editing. Full details and booking here.

Smartphone photography walks and workshops Bradford-upon-Avon and Industrial Bath with a smartphone day – come and meet me in Bradford-on-Avon on 23rd November or 8th February or in Bath on 1st March and learn how to take impressive pictures with your smartphone. This full day workshop concentrates on getting the most out of your smartphone, visiting some interesting locations and receiving personal feedback. We cover editing and lunch and great cake is included! You also receive two art prints of your work. See here for more information and booking.

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.

The Vision: A five-week online workshop – 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. Starts 16th February. 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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