February 2023 update
Yes, I know, it’s been quite a while. I hope you are all still okay and enjoying your photography. I thought it was time I would update you all a little what’s been going on.
So here I am sat writing on a Sunday morning during February 2023, where has the time gone? It’s been almost a year since I stopped podcasting, which became a big change. So let’s break this down in to a couple of sections, since you all know why I stopped.
Photography
You might be wondering what I’ve been shooting, well it’s quite shocking but practically nothing. I did the final few trips to a few cities for my architecture project which I really enjoyed (especially after all this distancing with covid).
Due to the lack of colour film and its extortionate pricing, i’m a little stuck to be honest. As many of you know I really got in to colour film for both my main projects. We all know its been a supply chain issue and film prices will continue to jump up. I was also gutted to hear Lomig had to stop the production of Washi “s” film (previously wrote about this film here). But this is where we are now, after Covid and conflict in Ukraine.
I have found it strange myself that I like colour, especially since I’m a lover of the darkroom! You’ve probably seen various videos and screenshots on social media of me showing my latest work.
Do watch out for a few articles though, as I’ve started working on a few ideas.
PODCASTING
Do I miss it, hell yes, I loved chatting and interviewing, I also believe I was good at it. Meeting new friends is always amazing and discussing something you both love – well it was a match made in heaven. The downside was always the time and energy on my part, it was tearing in to me. I think the combination of COVID and my hobby had just put too much pressure on my feeble brain.
Will I ever start back up? It remains to be seen, some days, especially those at the weekend I feel like I could fit it in. But then in the week, I’m mentally exhausted most of the time and life has changed a little.
Remember we have a puppy now (1 year old) and with me being the chief dog walker, this has taken another chunk of my time. Though I should point out, I enjoy being out in the fresh air so it’s a good compromise.
I actually feel like the next podcast may be related to my novel writing, but that remains to be seen (read on). Ideas always float around my head and of course I have one in mind, but again I don’t want the pressure at the minute.
In actual fact, I’ve come up with an comedy idea that’s related to my book that I’m thinking about. Whether this gets implemented remains to be seen…
THE LANGUAGE
As you know and I said in the final podcast (hope you listened to it?), one of the main reasons for stopping the show was to focus on my learning. Well you will be glad to know I have NOT stopped, I have put practise in learning french every single day.
This is a massive achievement for me, you don’t know how hard it is putting in 30-60 mins per day. Even when I was knocked out through having COVID and 14 hour work days, I prevailed!
Let’s not get carried away, it’s absolute beginner learning but it all counts and I am learning a lot. I hope one day I can sit an exam and prove I’m better than that 16 year old who didn’t listen at school.
If you are interested in learning a language, check out Duolingo (its free) and fun way to learn. You can follow me here.
WRITING
So yes I finished book, pretty much that was done in Feb/Mar 2022 to be honest. The hardest part is realising I suck at grammar, which is another downside to learning a new language! This means I am having to learn how to layout my work after writing it. That might sound stupid, but it was important for me to write the story first. I have to get ideas and things down before I forget them, it’s so annoying but hey that’s my brain.
There is no vision, I’m just proud of what I’m achieving so will self publish for now. I only ever wanted to write something funny to prove I could do it. It’s been an ambition of mine to prove it’s possible, so keep watching this space. For now I have included the sample cover below, which i’m happy with just need to polish the design (remember it’s a science fiction comedy).
I have started on book 2 as well, the ideas of stupid humour (like monsters eating wifi) keep flowing, but I’m trying to work on how the story fits together. There is a start and end, but the middle I’m unsure of.
One thing I am not doing is taking advise on how to write, which might sound stupid. But after reading all my life including different genres I don’t feel there is a formula. Lots of people think its just about strong characters, which sounds correct most of the time. But there are writers like Kurt Vonnegut who tell you the story quickly and don’t concentrate on characters – it’s just different styles.
All I want to be is funny, I really don’t care if its over the top, too short or not thought provoking. There is a place for people who just want to read and have fun.
READING
Yes it’s been non stop and so much fun. I have come across so many new authors like Joseph Fink that led me to podcasts like “Welcome to a night vale“. If you like comedy sci fi you should like this podcast.
It’s been great to read some classic’s from the likes of George Orwell, H G Wells to name a few. Reading this work from so many decades ago is really interesting (nice and short too).
In case you are interested I’m a big fan of Jack Reacher and Clive Cussler type novels, they are fun and easy to read. Recently I started reading a lot of sci fiction too, I prefer humorous but love different styles too. I know when I go to a book shop and see its a minimum of 500-600 pages, I’m pretty put off nowadays (just shows how I have changed).
Anyway, if you want to keep up with what I’m reading I use “goodreads”, helps me rate and remember everything!
THE FUTURE
Who knows, photography is definately part of me. When I’m walking my dog I look for light and opportunities. When I’m driving to work I see views and wish I had time to stop (no it’s not possible at all). So opportunities became rare, but then I’ve definately changed to a project based person.
As I said above with the cost of film increasing all the time, who knows how long I will keep going. I love film and don’t want to shoot anything but my Bronica. At this present moment in time, I actually fear the future because of fuel prices. I just put it to the back of my mind for now and carry on shooting what film I have. Hopefully one day I will have more negatives so I can just play in the darkroom.
There are projects I want to undertake, but if I’m honest I don’t feel any momentum to start, pretty much like all my photography. It genuinely feels likes I am taking a hiatus from photography, I just didn’t plan this or realise it!
Just keep shooting and smiling.
Your friend