I’d always been interested in photography, in a holiday snaps, family portraits sort of way, but life, work, raising a family and all those sorts of things took precedence. The shift began when I started a blog about my home town of Kirkbymoorside and creating short videos profiling local businesses using a Flip camera (remember those?)
For photographs of town events I bought a Canon 1100D, my first DSLR, with a 18-55mm kit lens and started slowly to get my head all those menus and dials. I remember this being a revelation with the quality of the photo (if not the composition) being so much better than I’d previously managed. Later, on a family holiday in a remote part of Scotland I really caught the photography bug and would be out at all hours having read about the magic of the ‘Golden Hour’.
I was in my ‘more kit the better’ phase and without really having a good reason upgraded my Canon to a 750D and extended my lens collection to a 24mm, 50mm and an 85mm. I bought a tripod, various filters and a snazzy bag to hold it all – I was on my way!!
Sean Tucker talks about this period most eloquently in a recent video which I’d urge you to watch. He describes the creative process as having two parts – the first when you’re feeling your way – trying different avenues, experimenting (too many cameras/ lenses), hitting dead ends, feeling frustrated and lost at times. All necessary but tough. The following part is more reflective, there’s less ego involved and you focus down on what is right for you. He describes it far better than me and it rings true. I don’t think I’m any where near the second stage yet, I’m a late starter with so much yet to learn but I’m certainly leaving the gear phase behind. Does Sean’s thinking resonate with you?
What really gave impetus to my photography was an offer that came out of the blue.
I’d heard that an old derelict hall (below) on the outskirts of town had finally been sold and was going to be demolished and replaced with a major new country house on a much grander scale. There was a public consultation held in the town where the architect and his team presented the plans, along with a model of the new building. The client’s name wasn’t disclosed but to me it presented a great opportunity to create a new blog and document the construction over the next two to three years. I found that the domain name was available and launched the Ravenswick Hall blog a few days later.
I could only report on what I saw from the road which ran close to the hall but I took the opportunity to chat to any workers who were around to get information which might be useful. Soon word got out, I became known as ‘the blogger’ but over time I noticed there was a growing unease, especially once the demolition of the old hall had been completed. The construction company McAlpine weren’t that keen on seeing me hanging around with my camera! I later learned this was a completely understandable reaction but it was frustrating as those who had previously chatted happily to me were now less keen.
On the blog, where the owner of the new hall remained anonymous, I highlighted my wish, should the client need anyone to document the build, that I’d be delighted to do so. I really didn’t expect my offer to come to anything but one day I received a call and after a couple of meetings I became the official documentor of the build. I was given a hard hard, safety boots, gloves and goggles, plus a health and safety induction and was then allowed on site to photograph the entire build. McAlpine’s earlier concerns about my presence were very much centered on health and safety, building sites are after all potentially very dangerous places, so I was always accompanied on my weekly visits by the clerk of works.
The entire experience was truly incredible and I feel extremely fortunate to have been given the opportunity to see this amazing house being built over the last 2-3 years. McAlpine and all the site contractors could not have been more helpful. I visited several of the constructors at their factories where doors, mouldings, panelling, stone work and furniture were manufactured – it was fascinating.
The resulting book is for the client only and will not be publicly available. It is due to go to print shortly and I can’t wait to finally see it.
So the thousands of photographs I took will remain private but the impetus it has given me to develop my photography is strong. I’m excited at exploring the creative opportunities that photography offers and look forward to documenting my journey on this website. Now 60, and with my family virtually grown up and independent, I have more time. Though I still need to work I’ll be looking to use the travel that is involved as a freelance trainer to walk unfamiliar streets and capture some candid moments.
I’d also like to use this blog to post about photography related topics that interest me, hopefully other people that may stumble across this site, particularly those who may be at the early stages of their lives as photographers, will find them stimulating too.
Meanwhile I wish you well.