You no doubt noticed I’ve not posted for a while. The main reason being that I’ve been away on holiday relaxing and boosting the creative juices ready for the coming wedding season. But now I’m back, I’m ready and waiting!!
So what have I been doing since my last post? Just before going on holiday I was called to photograph the opening of a care home in Wolverhampton, by the former England and Liverpool footballer, John Barnes. He came with his wife and 2 children and they immediately put everyone at ease with their easy going, obliging and friendly manner. John was a pleasure to photograph as he mingled with the residents and staff for several hours.
Here he handed over a signed shirt to the manager of the care home.
As for my holiday, as part of my relaxation I spent some time photographing things and angles that I would not normally photograph, just as a mental diversion to allow me to think more “out of the box”. The danger I find is that, if we’re not careful, we as photographers can end up taking the same photographs, from the same angles with the same look, week-in and week-out thus sapping any creativity and sense of fulfilment in creating that unique image. But going on holiday with a camera I find that my mind is allowed to run free with no accountability to anyone, or someone pulling me back by saying: “You can’t take that!” or “What did you take that photograph for?” What a great feeling to let the photographic eye run free and to rediscover new photographic ideas and techniques!!
To force me see things differently, I limited the number lenses used. When covering a wedding I usually carry 7 lenses on 2 or 3 camera bodies. But on holiday, I limited myself to just 2 lenses, a standard zoom and a fish eye on 1 body, which made me look and study a scene more carefully to discover that new angle or perspective waiting to be recorded. To further help me I also took the opportunity to study fashion magazines to see and understand what are the latest trends and photographic ideas that are being used.
Before you ask, No! I’m not going to share any of my “out-of-the-box”/”new-idea” images here, as they were only taken for myself while thinking out of the box and so they’ll only have meaning to me. But I thought it useful to at least share my thought processes behind where I get inspiration for many of my images, especially as I intend to use these ideas in the coming season. So the challenge, should you wish to accept it, is to see if you can spot in my images a new angle, lighting, theme etc. over the coming year!
I will though, share some “standard” images to let you know where I went.
We stayed in Marazion, Cornwall, which is famous for St. Michael’s Mount. At various times in its history, the Mount has been a Benedictine priory, church, fortress and private house. The castle dates from the 12th century and was converted into a private house in the 17th century.
It is joined to the mainland by a causeway that can be crossed during low tide, as seen here. During high tide a regular ferry-boat services is operated by the local fishermen.
You’ll never believe what I found under the bed in our flat!!
I just had to photograph it as evidence!!! Now that’s what I call a spider!!
The colours of the floral was spectacular.
We couldn’t go the Cornwall and not visit Lands End, and while we were there 4 cyclists were just arriving from John O’Groats after spending 12 days in the saddle, while raising money for charity. Well done to all those who took part!!
But it’s thirsty work being on holiday…
If you’re ever visiting Cornwall and would like a good place to eat, I recommend that you visit The Lamb and Flag Inn. We went there several times during our stay and each time we were met with a warm welcome and great food.
…Oh, by the way. The spider was never under our bed. I photographed it during a display show from a very, very safe distance! C’mon, don’t tell me you thought I was being serious? A hairy spider that big? Under my bed? And me taking the photo up close without camera shake?? Nah, not me!!!