The last day of dismal gloomy February!
I can’t believe how bad February has been ?! It seems that there has not been any sun for weeks? Waking up in the morning and looking out the window to see grey sky and rain! Just horrible!
Today was the first day that i have been able to take are dog over the woods where we live. He doesn’t like mud and i don’t like cleaning him off ! The rain has made it a bog !Today i just had to go somewhere different! It feels springlike ! The mud wasn’t as bad after a night frost!
To make it all worse. I am struggling with a knee problem. All indications are that i will need a replacement! I have had a number of surgeries on both knees. I am not sure how much more can be done ? It seems that a replacement is the way forward ? For an active person like me this will be a hard thing to do. With a 3 month plus recovery, no driving and limited walking ! However after surgery i will be able to get back out into the forest and walk and cycle to keep my photography going? I also hope to be able to windsurf later this year ! Depending on surgery waiting time ?
I have a wedding to photograph this year and potentially a second. I am happy doing small weddings and looking for ways to improve my skills in this portrait type genre. I am not sure that i would like to do it more often ? The couple that i have photographed i really enjoyed. I could not believe how exhausting it is! I really admire those that do this as a living! I also have a couple of portrait shoots booked in. If you are keen for this then please contact me.I am a lot cheaper than the real professionals! I am told i do a good job!
This last month I was commissioned to do a photoshoot of a location in the Purbecks. It was a special location for the couple. I headed out early one morning for a recce. It worked out that i was able to take all the shots that i could. The couple have now chosen 2 images that they want to print out and have in their home. They also have a New Forest image that has recently been framed and features in their home. It is so satisfying that my art is good enough to have in homes and work places.
I have had some of my images featured on BBC weather pages and in the Bournemouth Daily Echo.
Sunrise now is getting tougher! The early mornings are getting earlier! It does take some effort to get up early in the cold and with a bad knee. Also to find the inspiration of new locations. I think this is where i struggle a little. A lot of local photographers tend to use a lot of the same locations. However! Each day the conditions can change and a new composition appears ! This morning for example. A group of ladies on horses appeared and they made up a lovely photo opportunity. I clicked away and was asked if i could add them to a local riding stables as they love to seee images of their rides ! You never know, it may bring some opportunity to develop myself.
Jigsaws ! To make or not to make ? I have been asked if i do jigsaws? I don’t ! But i have made some enquiries and it is possible to have an image made into a jigsaw ! I have to decide to make the leap or not ? I have looked at the prices and to make a jigsaw the really i feel is too high ? I am undecided as to what to do! I need at least 10 orders to make it worth while ! Any advice will be greatly received !
I have a drone! I am starting to us it a little more and plan to set up a gallery to give a different perspective of this type of photography. I have a lot to learn yet ! Drone were one of those things that i thought was annoying ! Like jet skis ! I have discoverer that they are good fun and also offer something different to my portfolio! I will see how it goes !
Andy
