2016: A Year of 'Firsts'
2016 marks another year that has gone by in the blink of an eye! It's a year that will be memorable to me for several first-time experiences, putting myself outside of my comfort-zone in situations to learn from and (hopefully) build upon in the future.
Early in the year I spoke in front of a group of students at Liverpool Hope University about my photography and how I approach photographing artwork, followed by putting this into practice in a workshop session. I always dreaded standing in front of an audience in my school days so it was something I felt I needed to do for myself.
Throughout the year up to August I gradually worked towards my first solo exhibition, 'Visual Notes of Curiosity'. It was an enjoyable challenge, a lot of work (in a good way!) and completely worth the effort.
August - 'Visual Notes of Curiosity' poster for my first solo exhibition.
In the summer I assisted in the filming of De la Soul at the Parklife Festival and in December I photographed The Drifting Classroom performing at The Zanzibar Club. Photographing live music has been something I've wanted to try for a while so both occasions were fun and exciting for me.
June - De La Soul backstage after performing at the Parklife Festival in Manchester.
December - 'The Drifting Classroom' at The Zanzibar Club, my first attempt at photographing a live gig.
Throughout 2016 I've continued to take my camera with me wherever I could, producing some of my favourite photos so far that appear in the rest of this blog (check out 2014 and 2015).
Lastly thanks to my followers for your continued support - comments of support, interest and encouragement help to spur me on. I wish you all a good 2017!
January - 'Weeping Window' by Paul Cummins and Tom Piper at St.George's Hall, Liverpool.
January - a visit to Formby beach with family.
March - The Photography Show at the Birmingham NEC Arena.
Lara Jade guest speaking on the Super Stage.
Meeting Kai Wong of the highly succesful DigitalRev Youtube channel (now doing his own videos).
March - a little photowalk on a quiet bank holiday.
April - a photoshoot of my sister's puppy Beau.
Grown up a bit more at this point - I took this one later in the year (November).
May - a Death's-head Hawk moth. Having a go at macro photography.
June - visiting Cowes in the Isle of Wight...
...for my friend's wedding...
...including a trip to The Needles battery.
July - all the prints for my exhibition...
August - ...hanging for 'Visual Notes of Curiosity'.
August - headshot of Hannah for Facelab.
August - my first visit to The Festival Gardens along Otterspool Promenade...
...with a walk back along the Mersey.
August - a summer visit to Formby beach.
August - a daytrip to Brimingham's Sea Life Centre.
The awning exterior of Birmingham New Street station.
October - Mark Leckey's big inflatable Felix the Cat at the Walker Gallery. On this day I visited various Biennial locations with an old college friend.
October - Digital Splash photo show at the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool.
Taking part in Matt Hart's street photography workshop...
...taking candid photos of people.
Attended both of Jonathon Critchley's brilliant talks and got one of his signed books.
November - a family holiday to the Lakes.
...Little Langdale's Cathedral Quarry - a surprise discovery on a walk.
Sunset over Lake Windermere.
December - a weekend trip to London, rounded off with a sunset view over London from the Sky Garden at the top of 20 Fenchurch Street building.
December - Marc Sunderland from The Drifting Classroom.
As well as taking photos of the band members...
...I tried to capture photos of details.
December - a long exposure (13 seconds) looking out across the Mersey from Otterspool promenade.
December - the Jet d'Eau in Geneva, taken du a pre-Christmas trip.
Looking towards Mont Blanc in Chamonix, before heading up to the Aiguille du Midi peak.
A photo of me and Hannah for a change! Wishing you all a good 2017!