A reflection on the past year in twelve photographs taken in 2024, one for each month. These images capture various moments, from celebrating abandoned Christmas trees to exploring London’s landscapes and participating in a friend’s wedding. This retrospective inspires further exploration and photography in the coming year.
Tag Archives: Places
From Festive to Forgotten: The Afterlife of Christmas Trees
Twelfth Night on January 5th signifies the end of Christmas celebrations, leading to the abandonment of Christmas trees. I re-decorate discarded trees in my area, photographing the results. These images have been transformed into Christmas cards, available for purchase.
Capturing Time: Photography in Hertfordshire
A reflection on capturing time through photography, in the Hertfordshire countryside. I visit an ancient church tower, symbolizing decay and history, and the Greenwich Meridian line, which represents the human construction of time. The photographs taken aim to encapsulate this interplay of time and landscape as I journey through history.
How to fall back in love with photography – take a chance
Exploring photography through chance can reignite creative passion. Inspired by psychogeography, this approach allows for unexpected discoveries. Methods include using a map of another city or randomly choosing directions at junctions. Here’s my experience in Bristol leading to unique photography opportunities off the beaten path. Chance invites new perspectives.
Working the shot
Capturing the perfect photograph often requires time and exploration rather than one quick shot. Here’s my experience of working the shot, photographing a tree on Hampstead Heath. This approach can lead to compelling images that tell a deeper story.
Slow
How I experienced slow photography on a trip to Coldfall Wood, a remnant of ancient forest in north London. Immersed in nature, I focused on a fallen tree, capturing its intricate details and surroundings. This mindful practice fostered a deeper connection to the environment, encouraging me to embrace a slower pace.
Seaside
I grew up in Weymouth, England, and learnt to swim there in the long hot summer of 1976. Ever since I have been fascinated with seaside resorts wanted to capture the positive aspects of these often overlooked destinations through photography. A limited edition calendar featuring my work is available for purchase.
Cycling on a summer’s day
I am passionate about cycling and photography, combining the two activities to explore the countryside. I have revisited the “Riding to the end of the road” project, capturing the changing landscapes with a GoPro. The video clip captures the beauty of the sky and the joy of cycling. Full video: https://youtu.be/SiIiW-yeuXM.
Aeolus
A windy day can impact cycling and photography. It can aid or hinder cyclists as I know from my own experience. It can also play a part in landscape photography, emphasizing the drama and dynamism of the scene. If you are looking to take dramatic landscape photographs, head out when the wind is up.
Out of the light
The process of creating photographs fascinates me. Every morning, before starting work, I go for a walk to separate my personal and professional lives. I observe my surroundings, seeking beauty in everyday scenes. It amazes me how I can create something new out of nothing but light, imagination, and observation.