Time flies. In its ruthless and unpredictable passing however it gives me opportunities to go back to work from the past and discover things not noticed before. It also gives time to practise both shooting and editing. This time I’m not reaching far back but to the trip to Holland in December, however from a different point of view. I’ve always loved street and documentary photography simply because it is quick, unprecedented, unpredictable and so new every time! Just like weddings. It is also a great way to ‘keep the saw sharp’ and practice that ‘spacial awareness’ so important in both genres. Here’s a set from the streets of Rotterdam and Delft.
It’s that special time of the year again when I cannot but help to think it’s been a good one! The friendships started through photography, both weddings and other photo shoots, this year or before, enrich us once more leaving that feeling of fulfilment and fuel our passion further. There’s really not much more to say than that I feel extremely grateful to the almighty for all the connections made, all the laughs we have had, the places we’ve been and memories we keep forever. All of us. And of course, we’re hungry for more! :)
To all of you, without exception, past, present and future - have a joyful and happy Christmas with plenty of laughter, delicious food (eat responsibly:) and superb family time! And of course, inevitably, see you all next year!
There is a lot one can say and indeed some think about the orange country. This is what I found people think and say:
1. The Dutch are stoned all the time
2. All Dutch are tall, have blond hair and blue eyes
3. At least half the population is gay
4. The Dutch are greedy
5. The Dutch wear wooden shoes
6. All Dutch speak English
7. Every Dutch shed keeps at least a dozen bicycles
Some say it’s liberal, some say clean! Strangely my friends here confirmed 4 of the 7 stereotypes above about the Dutch. Oh, no I’m not telling you which ones:)
And then there’s winter and its very own magic, bitter cold walks and thoughts warmed up successfully by hot coffee and conversations, laughter and observations. Holland brings its own magic during winter time with people’s smiles, the canals lit with an orchestra of lights, festive shopping of course (although SO much less of it here in comparison to the UK…), hot waffles, Christmas markets and cheese, naturally to be found in at least a million varieties.
I’m so grateful to my friends who made my stay as pleasant as it could be. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
It’s coming to NEC yet again! I had the opportunity to visit the show twice during the past years and cannot shout how valuable experience it was. Yes, it does have plenty of exhibitors trying to sell products. Yes, it does have speeches from very knowledgable professionals - I loved the sessions lead by Glyn Dewis, a Photoshop editor and guru. And yes, it does have some of those self centred cliche youngsters who ‘made it’ and boast - one of those even took a selfie of the crowd in the background, it was really quite sad… But funny at the same time. Photography these days is passion, it’s people, it’s the gear and it’s pure energy. And that is why the Photography Show is one of my favourites in the yearly calendar. Right after Christmas of course;)
I am short of words to describe yesterday’s shoot of Amelia and her super parents, Joanna and Paul. I’ve worked with Joanna and we know each other from the days when we worked at Kettering Science Academy but the context of recording memories of her, her daughter Amelia and her partner Paul in an atmosphere of laughter, relaxed shots of Amelia playing with her parents and her parents infusing immense amounts of love into every touch really brought a new beginning to our photography. Paired with irreplaceable Glen McKenna from McKenna Images for that priceless extra pair of eyes and props management and set up, we come back blessed and happier than ever. Thank You all so much for a great experience!
