If you want to put my photographic journey into context, you can read more About me here.
Looking back to my photography journey, I recognise some specific moments along the way.
The first is the age I grew up in (yes I’m a late Boomer!) where I was reminded of joining my father in his homemade darkroom in the attic. Filled with chemicals, trays, rolls of negative film and an enlarger. And a dim red light!
One of the reasons for my black and white leanings - as well as split-tone.
Mountains have occupied a large part of my life, particularly when guiding and leading groups in high mountain environments was my job. Even though this is now in the past, just being in, and breathing, mountain air still brings out the positive in me!
When I left working in conflict settings in the humanitarian world full-time, I felt mentally spent. On top of that, the global pandemic restricted the ability to get out into wilderness areas. When eventually we were allowed out and about again, one of the most significant healers for me, and a way of reconnecting, was through photography.
For me, photography is primarily about being in the moment. Allowing myself to see things from a different perspective and ultimately taking the time to just “be”.
Regardless of what the subject matter is - landscape, street, nature or abstract - looking through a viewfinder narrows my views and allows, over time, the distractions, busyness and noise of the world to fade away.
It’s in this vein that I’ve developed (no pun intended!) some retreats with a photographic emphasis. Take a look.
January 2024