After months of struggling with my photography – feeling a bit directionless, and even suffering from the photographer’s version of writer’s block – it was nice to have something to focus on.
It’s a charity I have worked with over the years, and I feel fortunate to be involved with them. Not only are they supporting the most vulnerable in society, it has recently helped me to reconnect with my photography.
The fundraising event was in Southwark Cathedral, a building I enjoy photographing. In the few still moments, I noticed the leaves that were blown into the Cathedral. The leaves captivated me. There was a lightness to the leaves – of allowing the winds to take them wherever and not having an agenda; a sense of being free and unstuck.
I have felt very stuck with my photography, and it’s very frustrating At the fundraising event, the leaves reminded me to let things go and not force things. When I was touching up the photos from the event, I realised that this year hasn’t been entirely unproductive. I have had some commissions; been able to take some beautiful landscape photos of Yorkshire; and I have started scanning some of my historical photos I haven’t looked at in years.
What occurred to me is to find new places to photograph as well as appreciate and revisit the photographs I have already taken. I am looking to put together some books based on my photographs so far, which excites me.
So, perhaps I am finding ways to be a little less stuck.