Wow…… every couple of months turned into a couple of years!
With all the best intentions I didn’t quite build the habit of regular newsletters, but I have seen a little flurry of sign ups to this so I thought it was about time to sit down and do something about it.
The last newsletter was written at the beginning of the Covid and things have seemingly been getting crazier and crazier, especially here in the UK. That aside the benefit of a two year gap is that I actually have some things to talk about.
Family
If Covid highlighted one thing ot was the importance of family or those close to you. It’s definitly become a cliche of the times, but it was true for me as I assume it was for many. I have made a number of choices over the last couple of years that have put my family first. My main reality check during the forced down time was how much the hustle of photography was draining me. I have had this tunneled vision dream of a photographic career that has pre-occupied me for well over ten years. I hadn’t realised how much it had begun to define me until it was taken away and more important things replaced it. Taking stock of things I have embraced a slower life away from the hustle and the hastle to a certain degree. I made the decision to only work on my things as and when I want and have the opportunity. It has given me some life back and has sparked my enjoyment of photography.
Talking of family and time…..
My daughter was born right in the middle of the pandemic and the last 18 months have flown by. Before she was born I was adament that I was going to be one of these photographer fathers who creates this meaningful bodies of work about their child, but the reality is I have been too busy getting to know this little danger mouse. Thats not to say I haven’t been taking pictures, but I don’t think I will be making a book out of them.
Talking of books
After my last newsletter one of my latest projects “Down Middlewood Lane” was published by Art Deco Magpie. I was really pleased with the book and Phillip did a great job on the design. There are still a few copies left so check that out along with all the other publications from ADM.
“Down Middlewood Lane” explores the industrial history of Sheffield and how it has shaped the urban environment of today. More of the project can be seen over on my website.
New Work
Apart from “Down Middlewood Lane” I haven’t really worked on any projects over the last 18 months. I have just been enjoying photography. I have been playing around with a bit more film photography and enjoy that process. I have also recently invested in a Fujifilm GFX medium format camera which I have a couple of ideas to develop.
Thanks for reading. Hopefully it won’t be as long until the next one.
Darren