Review of the year by a sometimes working photographer
29th November 2011
Well, the beginning of December. Typically, for most photographers who aren’t involved in seasonal activities things begin to quieten down a bit until at least the beginning of the new year.
Looking back to how things have been in the past year, I have to say that it has been ‘ photography wise’ one of my busiest yet. I don’t mean by that I’ve made much more money (I haven’t) but that the kind of things I have been involved with have been much more varied. Thinking back and recalling what I’ve done this year, I am quite surprised to find that I have participated in more print fairs, art and craft shows, and networking activities than ever before. I have published three books which have been well received and continue to sell slowly. The books are of the ‘coffee table’ variety and as collectors editions are not printed in mass volumes which makes them a little bit special. Furthermore, each copy sold is actually signed by yours truly, wow!
I have photographed on location, Brian May, Esther Rantzen, John-Christoff Novelli, and lots of other people, both as an event photographer and as planned ‘chance’ encounters. Always carry a camera! I have covered corporate events, conferences, corporate headshots, architecture, and lots of ‘street’ photography. I have continued to produce fine art prints for sale, continued to submit work to photo libraries, continued to ‘tweak’ my website (as I have done continually for the last few years), and expanded my knowledge of social networking which I now use extensively to let others know that I am here and what I’m up to! I suppose my greatest accolade this year was to be shortlisted for Black & White Photographer of the year. Alas!, I didn’t win but there’s always next year!
Travel wise, I have visited Egypt (escorted by armed guards), Israel, Palestine (checked in and out by heavily armed soldiers), Turkey and Cyprus. All brief visits, but most certainly adding much to my knowledge of other cultures and the fragile nature of everything!.
Although it may sound like it, I haven’t been working every single day – far from it!, Like all photographers, intense activity for a few days, then nothing apart from office things, keeping my accounts in order, email responses, researching new markets or outlets (a constant activity), reading the photographic press to find out what’s going on generally. Sometimes I’m glad of the break and will take days off doing nothing in particular. I am fortunate in that I love what I do and never get bored – If I did want to get bored I would have to plan it into my schedule!
No doubt about it , things are tough for everybody at the moment. Seems like more bad news at every turn. Just make sure that your cup stays half full and carry on I say! Feel free to reply – I’d be interested to know what you think.
Time to sign off now for this particular blog as I’ve just been told my car is ready and that it has just passed its MOT.
Looking back to how things have been in the past year, I have to say that it has been ‘ photography wise’ one of my busiest yet. I don’t mean by that I’ve made much more money (I haven’t) but that the kind of things I have been involved with have been much more varied. Thinking back and recalling what I’ve done this year, I am quite surprised to find that I have participated in more print fairs, art and craft shows, and networking activities than ever before. I have published three books which have been well received and continue to sell slowly. The books are of the ‘coffee table’ variety and as collectors editions are not printed in mass volumes which makes them a little bit special. Furthermore, each copy sold is actually signed by yours truly, wow!
I have photographed on location, Brian May, Esther Rantzen, John-Christoff Novelli, and lots of other people, both as an event photographer and as planned ‘chance’ encounters. Always carry a camera! I have covered corporate events, conferences, corporate headshots, architecture, and lots of ‘street’ photography. I have continued to produce fine art prints for sale, continued to submit work to photo libraries, continued to ‘tweak’ my website (as I have done continually for the last few years), and expanded my knowledge of social networking which I now use extensively to let others know that I am here and what I’m up to! I suppose my greatest accolade this year was to be shortlisted for Black & White Photographer of the year. Alas!, I didn’t win but there’s always next year!
Travel wise, I have visited Egypt (escorted by armed guards), Israel, Palestine (checked in and out by heavily armed soldiers), Turkey and Cyprus. All brief visits, but most certainly adding much to my knowledge of other cultures and the fragile nature of everything!.
Although it may sound like it, I haven’t been working every single day – far from it!, Like all photographers, intense activity for a few days, then nothing apart from office things, keeping my accounts in order, email responses, researching new markets or outlets (a constant activity), reading the photographic press to find out what’s going on generally. Sometimes I’m glad of the break and will take days off doing nothing in particular. I am fortunate in that I love what I do and never get bored – If I did want to get bored I would have to plan it into my schedule!
No doubt about it , things are tough for everybody at the moment. Seems like more bad news at every turn. Just make sure that your cup stays half full and carry on I say! Feel free to reply – I’d be interested to know what you think.
Time to sign off now for this particular blog as I’ve just been told my car is ready and that it has just passed its MOT.
