One of the challenges for photographers, especially those for whom it is not their full time profession, is in maintaining a level of output that enables one to keep practicing and honing your skills. My favourite way of keeping myself photographically active is to have a few long-term projects on the go at all times. These are not time-bound but ongoing series of images which I can return to whenever the need or indeed the opportunity arises.
Today, we are in one of my favourite haunts – Dean Clough in Halifax. I visit Dean Clough most days as my wife works in one of the offices there and of course Olivia has her studio there. My approach to this location could loosely be described as psycho-geographic as I rarely have a set agenda and therefore just turn up with my camera, wander and see where my feet or indeed my eyes take me.
I’ve been looking back through my 2014 diary and found this entry from the summer, when I was recovering from an illness and which I thought I’d share today. So, imagine that the sun is beating down outside, the pavements are uncomfortably hot and there is a refreshingly cool pint of lemonade on the table.
It’s far too hot for me to be out for long at the moment but I had a quick stroll through part of the Dean Clough complex this morning, a short detour back to the car and I was glad to get some exercise at least.
I’ve walked this snicket before (no, it’s not that snicket although it is 100 yards away) and today with a high sun the shadows and contrasts were compelling. I had a compact camera in my pocket so made a small series of images. Back home they were all processed virtually identically to maintain a consistent look and feel across the set and all have been digitally toned selenium.
The lack of progress on some of my other projects is frustrating but at least I was able to spend a little time today exploring a small area with the camera and producing a pleasing set of images. One thing that occurred to me whilst working on this series was the concept of consistent processing. My experience recently has shown that such an approach can bring a set of images together visually and avoid any jarring from differences in appearance.
As photographers it is important that we are continually learning and challenging ourselves. Working a few local spots regularly over a long period of time is one way that I try to keep myself challenged. Being relentlessly dissatisfied is another way although it can lead to frustration if not tempered.
Dean Clough is such a regular haunt for me that there is a gallery given over to the location on my website. Any of these images are available for sale of course but they were not made with a sale in mind but as part of my ongoing commitment to honing my skills and keeping my photographic eye fresh.
And “that snicket”? I shall reveal the story behind that comment tomorrow!
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