Taking Stock
Loch Goil. Fujifilm X-T5 + XF16-55 f2.8 ii
December has been quite a quiet month photography-wise. It’s not just the relentless wind and rain, nor the still shockingly short Scottish days. It’s the combined effect of these, coupled with my own lazy carcass that limits productive photographic road trips. I have taken some decent photos locally though. Breaks in the weather can offer dramatic light and mist - excellent conditions, but I have to be ready to catch them.
Inveraray. Fujifilm X-T5 + XF16-55 f2.8 ii
A holiday abroad, somewhere brighter and warmer, might increase the photo count, but it won’t help with a Scottish photography portfolio. Besides, I have a needy cat who bites everyone else. I could do with the practice though; I’m keen to take more black and white photographs over the coming year, which is not as easy as it sounds. Black and white fine art photography isn’t simply a case of taking a ‘normal’ photo and draining the colour from it, rather it’s how the mix and intensity of the underlying colours contribute to the final tones and contrast. There are certainly some images in my back catalogue upon which I can practice. Something for the dark hours perhaps…
I have taken the opportunity afforded by extended desk hours to do a little stocktaking and financial housekeeping. It’s looking like another year where I won’t be causing too much excitement for the tax man, but things are ok. I’ve also decided to rationalise my online portfolio and shop, taking the number of items down to a more manageable portion size. There are only so many images that one can reasonably, mindfully consume. So my web site now displays about 50 ‘things’, made mostly of photos, a small collection of my branded merchandise, and the obligatory photographer’s calendar. I’ll attempt to stick to a ‘one in, one out’ approach in future as new favourites appear through my lens, but the archive will always be there should anyone want a print.
At least I know what my family will be getting in their Christmas stockings.
A garden visitor - stocking up. Fujifilm X-T5 + XF70-300
