The harbour wall at Scarborough, North Yorkshire, UK

The fun has started. I’ve started looking into getting a new computer for later this year. My old Dell is still going strong but it needs to be replaced with a  more modern machine. At the moment, i’m looking at either getting a Mac or sticking with Dell who, regardless of what Mac fans say, do build decent PCs. A computer is a tool and as long as it does what it should, is reliable and the price is right, i have no problem with using either Mac or PC. I can use both. A computer snob i ain’t. My only issue with Apple is cost. Yes their computers are superb, but the prices significantly reflect that too.  It would also mean changing Photoshop, Nikon and Capture One software over to Mac. More cost. More to think about. Sometimes i just get really fed up with the seemingly constant upgrading process that’s part of this modern technological world.

 A February winter sky II

 Boat makes its way into Rockland Broad, Norfolk, UK 

Light. That wonderous substance that makes or breaks a photograph. It something that we tend to take for granted, and yet, there are moments when it truely amazes us with its beauty. That is, my friends, where we come in to hopefully capture some of that magic. What helps use develop our creative talent is experience and knowledge, learning from other photographers, film makers and painters. The first two have been influences of mine for years, and finally i’m about to add painting to that list.

The old masters knew a thing or two about light, and i’ve finally decided to tap into that knowledge. I’ve started studying painting, something that during my student years  i would have laughed at, such was my ignorance. I’m starting with an acknowledged master of light – Titian – whose work is surely the  ideal place for any photographer to start their art history learning. Another i’d recommend is Johannes Vermeer whose work also uses light magnificently. His painting ‘ The girl with pearl earrings (1665)’ definitely has a enchanting photographic quality to it.

Sunbather at Sheringham, Norfolk, UK

This week hasn’t been too bad. It started well when the post delivered a cheque. Yes, i finally got paid for a job completed in late August. Total time from delivery to payment was seventeen weeks. With clients like that who needs enemies! The sad things is, there is nothing i can do about it, AND it’s becoming far more common for clients to pay in that kind of time frame. In their own time sums it up nicely. My record of ALWAYS being paid still stands…. for now.

A number of changes have been made regarding the business presence online. Many of you have already changed over to the new Facebook page. Thank you if you have. It is a bit of a pain moving pages, but i’m actually starting to like using Facebook and i want to develop that page more over 2010. It’s useful for posting snapshots, links and experimental material. I’ve also managed to design a business card that i like which will replace my old, and rather out of date, cards. It needed doing, so it got done. My motto for 2010.

Field boundary in winter – North Yorkshire, UK

For the first time in years, i’m having to look at my broadband provider. After years of great service by my old ISP Tiscali, i’ve been forced into the hands of the UK’s second biggest internet service provider TalkTalk due to a takeover. So far it looks like i’ll keep the status quo and remain a ‘loyal’ customer, but what i find rather annoying is the lack of choice i have from my new supplier. Upgrade or go really sums up the attitude.

ISP’s are like banks – we rarely swap from one to another. It’s too much hassle and the choice is just bewildering, even after ten years of consolidation in the ISP industry. What’s more…. they KNOW this!!!  Why fight it? I’ll sign up to TalkTalk for 18 months and see how it is. My broadband is currently under their control and it’s been the most solid,  consistant speed  i’ve ever had. Important when you deliver images to clients via the internet nine times out of ten. After 18 months i’ll review it and go from there…

The yacht Ayesha departs Scarborough harbour

I’m going to keep my new year resolutions simple. More photography, keep running/jogging and develop more commercial ideas for selling work. There are a few other smaller resolutions but these fall into the catagory of self improvement. My only bit of advice for 2010 is enjoy your photography. It is a theraputic pastime and good for the soul. It doesn’t matter what you take your photographs on, whether a box brownie, a phone or a state of the art digital SLR. Just go forth and snap!

 I wish everyone a happy and prosperous  New Year 2010 !