Well I thought it was time for yet another blog from me. Its been a very different year in that I have got back into my photography which many people have commented was very nice to see. Its also been interesting to see how photographic styles and trends have changed over the years so taking a peek at my old backups I found a number of interesting images.
Sorry for those who like visual images this blog will not have any so you can all wait till the next one for that, this is more about thinking about where we are and where more importantly I am going in the future. 2012 was a year for reflections, about life the universe and everything (Thanks to Douglas Adams for that set of words). Ex-Wife, Ex-Daughter, Ex-Business and Ex-Business Partner. Sometimes you have to consider the past to learn lessons for the future, it brings you many new opportunities and what does not kill you makes you stronger in the coming years. 2013 was a great start to my year, new opportunities, tidying up old problems, making plans, new job and lots more besides. My restart on photography was always on the cards just when was going to be the question, later or sooner, for me it was sooner and I have found my way again with the help of a few really supportive friends.
I'm not going to mention those who helped, the backstabbers are also protected and are filed under those whom never to trust but those real friends that I have will be there for years to come and I thank them for their support. Working in the photographic industry for me is still a challenge with new equipment and materials coming by me each day for me to play with and learn about. I also write up reports on the new pieces of kit that I have access to so that people can find out what to buy and what to avoid in the future.
Taking pictures is a lifelong commitment and I shall continue to take images in various styles so that my skill is displayed for those who appreciate good photography and are happy to take note, learn, copy and create their own pieces of visual art. Those whom I have taught over the years know this to be true and the lessons that I passed on to them have not just been that of a tutor or instructor but of a person with a passion for the photographic medium to inspire them on to greatness which sadly a lot of teachers/tutors do not do as they are just in it for the money.
I have enjoyed the recent work on the Black Tape Project and am now working on a number of new ideas for the 2014 season and am busy making plans for those now. The final shoots of the year will be with some old model friends that I have worked with before and no doubt will give me even more images that I will enjoy to look back on in later years. A very big new project is also planned for the end of next year and will involve me going out of the confines of the UK to get some truly breathtaking images on mainland Europe.
Ok, ok I said that I would not name names but I feel that a few people need a quick mention to give a quick thank you for some extra special thanks for their support. Firstly Carl Hugger of Hugger Studios, a great person and lots of fun to work with, he makes each shoot such an enjoyable experience for my models and supplies the usual banter with tea/coffee and soft drinks as any good studio host does. Secondly and in a similar vein I should mention Andy Harris of Justforyou Studios again Andy is a superb guy and really makes you feel welcome every time you attend the studios for a shoot. Thirdly a big thanks to Chris Petersen (Uncle Lens-cap) as we used to call him at the old studios, his support, wit and humor makes life bearable and I know that he has not had things easy but he has always been there for me. Finally a quick mention to Gemma Lawrence (Makeup Artist) who I have know for a number of years, it was so nice to see and work with her again recently and I look forward to seeing her smiling face again soon, she has talent coming out of every pore of her body and it shows with the superb makeup results that she supplies.
Thats all for now folks, time to close the blog till next time when I will be writing about a shoot that I am doing with a good friend of mine soon and some pictures to show how she has progressed as a model over the years that we have worked together.
Paul.
