August, 2009
~ Keeping it real ~
I have to leave the house in 20 minutes to meet Meg in Starcrack as we are off to hear Sharon Olds read from her new book of poetry – this is the scintillating life i lead, folks, and i mention this because i have to address a comment i received on my last post. I can't let it slide.
"S" said: 'i dont know why but your blog is becoming really boring lately…it used to be amazing, and now the posts are just getting dull and boring! you need to bring back the appeal it once had!!!'
The thing about blogging is that, for the vast majority, it is unpaid and undertaken by regular people who want to share a few words and pictures on the internet. After a while some people find your blog, and if they can relate to you point of view, they might leave a comment. Connections are made. I've been blogging for nearly four years now, and just as my life has changed over this time so has this space here. I don't earn any money from this blog. I do earn my living via the internet in other ways, and i am so happy (and feel so privileged) to be doing that work, but the blog? It's just something i do. It's great to be able to connect with other people, and share the stuff that catches my eye. I do it because i really like it. I guess i'm a born communicator – which is why i was drawn to photography and journalism in the first place. I'm not, however, a) a performing monkey or b) the head of an editorial team with a big budget.
I got a lovely email from a blog-friend just now who made a very good point. She said: 'I would never come into someone's home and tell them that they were becoming boring – and commenting on a blog is the equivalent, it's someone's personal space.' My thoughts exactly. I mean, god, we've all read blogs that we've lost interest in, or didn't feel as connected to, but i would never dream of telling them to sort out the quality of their content! In all honesty that feels a bit rude to me.
Anyway, i just wanted to say thank you to "S" because it's always good to get a poke in the ribs once in a while, to help you keep an eye on what you're doing and make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. I'm happy in my little online space – if you like joining me here then that is brilliant and i'm thrilled to have you. But if i'm not to your taste then there are so many other wonderful blogs you could be reading – please go check them out.
Right.. off to go rock out to some poetry…
August, 2009
~ Slow down ~
I stood before the window, admiring the artwork, camera in hand, sun behind my back. As i began to focus the shot i could see a man walk by me and then linger to my right. 'Is that a Polaroid camera?' he asked, and i sighed a little sigh inside my head and turned to face him.
'Yes it is,' I said, and we launched into a bit of small talk about the age of my camera and how difficult it was to find film for it.
'I'm a photographer,' he said, and as if to prove his words he reached into his bag, pulling out a hefty Nikon DSLR with a huge zoom lens attached.
'Gosh, that's a big one,' i said with a smile.
'Yes,' he said, the innuendo flying over his head and off along the Bath skyline. 'You're going to get your reflection in the shot.'
'That's the plan,' I said, returning to my focussing.
'I don't think i could avoid it even with this camera,' he continued, pointing his vast lens towards the window. I could hear the autofocus beeping. He took six or seven shots in quick succession and then peered into the screen on the back of his camera. 'Nope, it doesn't work.'
I pressed the shutter button once and turned to give him the international sign for please leave me alone now: a polite smile and raised eyebrows. As i stood with my Polaroid developing in my hands, he took the hint and carried on his way, big camera in hand.
I looked down at my photograph and saw exactly what i'd seen through the lens: not the best picture i'd ever taken, but the reflection was just as I'd wanted it. Sometimes you just have to slow down and look with fresh eyes.
Link: The Impossible Project on the BBC website (the video clip explains how Polaroid film works)
