Fail To Plan, Plan To Fail !

Anyone who has ever written a business plan will be aware of the assumptions, optimism and uncertainty that is involved in what is quite often little more than crystal ball gazing based on as many facts and aspirations as hopes and dreams, however the importance of this plan should not be underestimated as it will or should identify where you are now and more importantly guide your thoughts towards a road map that will if followed lead to your goals.

The reason I write this piece today is that I am sitting here evaluating my performance as a photographer over the first six months of this year, a half year audit if you like and its not good reading.

The truth is that since the Another Day Off project ended I have reverted to my butterfly mentality which is great fun but not very effective as my momentum has been lost and a cloud of randomness has descended on my work.

I am very happy with many of the captures I have made in 2016 but as a body of work the images appear to lack coherence and lack any real direction when viewed collectively.

The take away message of this piece , if one exists is that we should all try to bring a higher level of planning to our work if we expect others to take it seriously, the one shot at a time mentality will no doubt throw up some interesting results and put a smile on our faces which for most of us is enough, but  identification of a thread that holds your visual agenda together might just help you climb your personal ladder of success, whatever that it is for you ?

I hope to make better use of the next six months than I did of the past half year. time is the ultimate finite resource and I could / should use it more effectively.

What can you do better before the end of 2016 ?

Keep it real !

This image has been selected for the Obscure Street Exhibition which is part of  Photography Festival Ireland,  the exhibition opens on the 8th July at the Inspire Gallerie, Dublin.

What A Week !

This time last week I was making my way to Broadstairs in Kent to fulfill my ambition to shoot the Dickens festival, this event had been shot by Tony Ray Jones back in the sixties and I was keen to view and photograph this event myself in the hope that It would increase my understanding of  TRJ 's iconic works.

The thoughts of shooting a Victorian themed event at a time when the UK was governed by a political party that embraced Victorian values was a opportunity I could not afford to miss. I also thought that a few days at the traditional English seaside would be no bad thing.

The inevitable rail delays caused by derailment at Paddington the night before I traveled meant that I  arrived in Broadstairs only minutes before the annual Dickens Festival Parade was due to kick off  !

Following a sharp intake of breath I started shooting the Dickensian event , as soon as I raised the camera to my eye I was struck by a strong sense of Deja-vu,    I felt a strong sense of familiarity with what my viewfinder was delivering to my eye and what Tony Ray Jones had seen almost fifty years earlier , despite the vibrant colours reminding me of the reality of this surreal experience.

I deliberately did not refer to the Ray-Jones coverage of this subject in the weeks leading up to my trip although I did retweet one of his efforts, I was hoping to shoot this subject in a different way, however the more I shot the more I seemed to fall into the trap of paying tribute to my great photographic hero rather than creating anything new..

The following day I decided to move away from the Dickensian’s for a few hours and shoot whatever came my way in a "Street" style and managed to pick up a couple of decent captures that contrasted greatly with the Victorian themed festival..

I have been surprised by the pictures I made last weekend especially once the colour has been removed, as I find the familiarity uncomfortable , I am now more convinced than ever before that it is time to become more forward looking with my personal photography.

Revisiting the locations and events of former iconic shoots by admired photographers is a very interesting academic exercise, however I am now of the opinion that as a photographer you should never look back !

Dickens Festival , 2016

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Vivian Maier 1926 -2009

I'm writing this post today in support of the #Mondaymasters initiative on Twitter, the incredible but sad story of the lady who has been dubbed the photographic Mary Poppins changed how I thought about my personal photography and was instrumental in the decision I made to share my work on-line,  the story of this secretive but prolific photographer helped me realise that to create a archive of photographs privately is verging on the perverse, as the nature of photography is that it should be shared at some stage with others.

Before I was aware of her story I was happy to keep my personal photography private, I still think of myself as the sole audience for my work, Vivian took this principle to a extreme level.

The fact that Vivian lost control of many of her  photographs when her storage locker contents were sold off is the final insult to this private woman who epitomised the Street Photography ethos but was unable to sustain her financial commitments as old age and ill health eventually caught up with her..

The final twist in this tale is that American law appears to support the view that ownership of a photographic print or negative does not transfer copyright rights at the time of sale, which has led to her estate now being the subject of legal actions.

The fact that a photographic collection of global importance was created on a day off basis should inspire us all, as most us work on a spare time basis. 

We all tend to think that our photography would be better if we had the latest bit of kit however this lady used a simple TLR film camera and took the world by storm in the digital era , its such a shame that her recognition was achieved posthumously

Old age and ill health will catch up with us all eventually and a time will arrive when we are unable to maintain and sustain our photographic interests, I urge all togs to value the photographic opportunities they have now, as life has a nasty habit of getting between you and the images you hope to create.

Big Balls are Better Balls !

Its been quite a hectic weekend and that's just the photography !

I  went out yesterday in the hope of finding a interesting moment and was rewarded for my efforts with 2 images, which is one more than I expect from a few hours out on the street. my current hit rate is now averaging a image per month for 2016.  I'm not complaining as I don't really mind how slowly these moments come to me, just as long as they do.

I was reflecting on one of my captures this weekend and started to think about the random nature of what we do as Street Photographers, I based one of my pix on a market sellers display of footballs that I built a shot around. The footballs were displayed on a string suspended between two stalls which gave me the opportunity to get behind them and frame my shot. Basically the display decisions that the market trader made, while I was still under my duvet determined the ultimate outcome of my photographic session on the street !                                                               It makes you realise how fragile the difference is between photo opportunity's coming your way or not ! (The balls featured are much larger than standard footballs which allowed me to maintain the DOF and perspective for this shot, hence the title for this post .)

The other shot I  managed feels as if it just happened to me as the subject gate crashed my frame while I was considering the potential of a colorful background.

Finally I wrapped up my weekend with a conceptual Pinhole photograph that I hope features a bit of blur and movement due to the long exposure, I love the simple approach required for lens-less shots and anticipate the return of my outdated 120 film from the lab with great optimism. 

Hope your weekend went to plan, keep it real !

Have A Word With Yourself

Today's ramblings were inspired by a Tweet from the f50 Collective, the post involved the famous list entitled "Approach" written by the late great Tony Ray Jones, obviously the list is great advice for any tog as it stands but this list sends a revealing message and lesson to those of us who are prepared to look beyond its written content.

I'm unsure of when this "note to self" was created but it reveals a level of insecurity and dissatisfaction with the work Ray Jones was creating at this time and this for me demonstrates great strength, the ability to continuously question how personal photography can be improved and made more interesting should be part of any ambitious togs thought process , regardless of  your experience.  

How critical are you of your own work and approach ? What can you do differently the next time your out shooting ? Are your pictures boring ? To see evidence of Tony Ray Jones going through the process of self improvement should inspire us all to do likewise, 

Its interesting to note that many of the best togs are never really happy with the work they produce, the pursuit of improvement is continuous for top togs, in fact quite often this is the motivating factor as they seek to improve on what many of us already envy !

I have already admitted that less than 5% of my pix meet my own personal expectations, and this is the key point, learn from your failures rather than celebrate your successes as the failures can teach you most and help you improve your pictures.

What would your approach list look like, be careful what you write as someone might publish it in fifty years time and read more into it than you ever intended ?

Have a word with yourself and keep it real !

The Pictures Are The Prize !

My Twitter followers will be aware that I've been beating the drum lately for the Renaissance Photography Prize, why ? The main reason is that this photographic event donates all profits to The Lavender Trust a breast cancer charity that helps young women through a difficult illness and promotes modern contemporary photography which is another cause close to my heart.

Do I enter because I have been seduced by the glittering array of prizes ? No , I do not even know what the prizes are, there are good reasons why I have not clicked the  "The Prizes" header on the website, the first being that I do not expect to be troubling the Judges or those who present the prizes, secondly and more importantly winning is not the motivation for my photography as I feel that when I capture a special moment I have already won the personal battle to create on my terms and I am confident enough not to rely on the endorsement of others to feel that my work has value !

Sunday the 24th of April is World Pinhole Photography day, I have a great affection for both pinhole photography and this global project especially as this event is none competitive, no winners no losers, just participants and its free to enter. I can not speak highly enough of this opportunity as it takes photographers out of their cozy comfort zones and makes them think in a different way, at least for one day. This method of capture underlines the simplicity of the photographic process and promotes a very creative and serendipitous way of making images.   Do not underestimate the effect that pinhole photography will bring to your photographic happiness and creative well being.

Remember your pictures are your legacy and the prizes are more often than not just tokens .

Keep it real !

Hook a duck, a prize every time .

Artificial Photo Recognition Itelligence Lens

First published on 01.04.2016

Internet rumors are rife that a Japanese camera manufacturer has developed a optic that possess a form of artificial intelligence ,that enables it to recognize classic photographic compositions. The story I read says that thousands of Great photographs were scanned into software which enables the lens to recognize when composition and lighting match the work of famous togs like Bresson, Adams and Terry Richardson. A spokesman is quoted as saying that "this new technology will enable ordinary photographers to replicate the classic works of past & present masters".

This controversial piece of kit is already dividing photographic opinion on internet forums, with newbies embracing the advancement and old school togs arguing that compisitional and lighting recognition assistance is a step too far, saying they "don't need technological assistance to make personalised copies of photographic classic works as they have been doing it manually for years".

In my opinion this is just another mode like facial or smile recognition, this is probably going to be of great benefit to many togs who currently spend a great deal of cash and time attending Photo workshops trying to recreate images that already exist. Successful iconic images without the work, that's what everyone appears to want these days isn't it ?

The Manufacturer has not been named in the original piece but is referred to in the article as having the X factor. 

Thanks to the Fiji Optical Organisation Limited for breaking this story .

Luck, Coincidence, Talent & Graft ! (with large portions of failure )

How has 2016 started for you ?

As we approach the fourth month I have to confess that this year has started a little slow for me, I'm happy with a couple of my captures but 2 pix in three months is not prolific although I think its a fare reflection of the effort and time I have invested.

The problem I find is that the more I shoot the harder it becomes to find the illusive "Buzz" that for me is the driving force behind my picture making. Let me explain what the "Buzz" is for those who have not read my rantings before,   every now and then I capture a scenario that genuinely surprises me and defies the law of averages. The last one was my "Time Traveler" effort as this shot was actually nothing more than an idea as I framed up the vintage street photo background with no one in sight, as I was considering how the perspective of the photo compared to the lens I was using, my frame was broken by a jogger running through my viewfinder, I could not of wished for a more suitable foreground subject !

Sometimes these pictures arrive like gifts !

I recorded about 15 other views that day but none of them made the cut which is okay as I believe successful street pix are minor miracles that are formed by a combination of luck, coincidence, talent and the all important hard graft !  (I can't over state the importance of the hard graft).

The acceptance of failure within the photographic process is important and one of the hardest lessons to learn, I am not ashamed of my less than 5% success rate, I know that most captures will end up on the editing floor but at the time of capture I am unaware of which ones are which ?  I should make it clear these failures are based on content, aesthetics or miss timing, thankfully I rarely drop shots for technical reasons nowadays .

Today's take-away point is that weeding out your weaker shots will make the others stronger, with experience you will start to edit at the capture stage although I would be cautious about advising others to shoot less, preferring to advise togs to become more selective of subject and lighting scenarios.

Failure is part of the preparation for success ?

Keep it real !

5 Reasons To Abandon Street Photography (& Take Up Golf !)

I'm sure the reasons people shoot street are as diverse as the the folk who take up the challenge of Street Photography, . I write this tongue in cheek piece today in the hope that togs will examine their personal motivations and expectations of Street Photography .

1. Street Photography should not be pursued in the hope that it will produce a significant income, not only will this corrupt your creative integrity and approach, it will lead to a supply to demand mentality which leads to a create for others mentality, your authenticity is your greatest asset don't sell it . Should your goal be cash , take up Golf ! (or commercial photography).

2.  Street Photography as a means of meeting new people and making friends is probably not the best idea if your serious about your picture making. Street Photography involves the investment of many isolated hours on the street in the hope of working unnoticed . although you are often surrounded by people your interactions are photographic, exchanging only smiles, nods and a thank you with your passing targets. Street Photography in many ways is verging on the anti-social. Should you wish to expand your social horizons take up Golf !

3. Undertaking Street Photography in the hope of emulating the shots of others featured in on-line SP groups is aiming a little low, try to make your SP personal to you, when others Zig take it as a sign to Zag !. Street Photography is not about fitting in, its about breaking out, so if you lack the conviction to explore your uniqueness ,take up Golf !

4. Street Photography is about engaging with your surroundings on a mental and creative level, it is more than a walk with a camera. Should you lack the mental appetite to try and look beyond what others see and search for significance in the every day you should take up Golf !

5. Street Photography is not a Olympic event, it is not competitive and is certainly not about being the best ! Street Photography is a personal exploration of your life and times. The best images you make will be the ones that have deep meaning to you and are relevant to the life you live. Serious Street Photographers all aspire to be the best they can be but not at the expense of others. Should you be hyper competitive with a win at all costs attitude, Golf is the game for you as the integrity and empathy required for Street Photography is probably not part of who you are.

That's it , hope these reasons help you explore your motivations and inspire you to become a better street tog, you don't really want to take up Golf, do you ?

Keep it real !

Wheres The Anger ?

"May you live in interesting times" is said to be be a Chinese curse although this attribution is at best dubious, never the less it is true of the times we live in now. 

What has this to do with the price of fish ? 

My point is that I see very little evidence of togs really connecting with the changes within our country and society, I say this as a member of the "Baby Boomers" generation who must take at least some responsibility for the environmental economic and social problems that exist now, the surprise to me is that i see little evidence of the problems that young people face now being tackled as a photographic subject. I see many togs trying to recreate the classic images of the past but rarely view images with the honesty to reflect life in the UK during the 21st century.

When I meet young photographers on the street they are not slow in telling me that "this place is shit" but will not be persuaded that "the shit" as they see it might be a viable photographic subject preferring to recreate the reality of the lives of those they have not met rather than capturing the one subject they know better than anyone, the life they live now, warts and all !

The levels of apathy displayed by many young folk is worrying, on a personal level I am concerned that I will rely on this generation to make the world a better place as I look on in my dotage. Successive Governments have failed the interests of the young but they seem to take the theft of rights enjoyed by my generation on the chin. The right to be working class has become aspirational in the 21st century and further educational opportunities are being denied to kids from poorer families due to cost.

I would ask young people to engage with the issues they feel trapped by now on a practical and/or photographic level, don't allow yourself to be anaesthetised by the latest i-phone, Nike trainers, X camera or designer coffee served in a paper cup !  

You might not feel as if you can change things but you can at least draw attention to the problems of your generation through YOUR photography.

Street Art seems to engage with the issues in a very direct way .