Discombobulated

This was originally published in my Prime Lenses Newsletter. You can sign-up for a weekly update to your inbox here.

The sun is shining in Nethy Bridge and life is returning to the garden after winter. I’m just back from three weeks away for work and family. It’s common for me to be away for a week, occasionally two, but three was a slog and I found the whole thing very discombobulating - a word I had to confirm was real before including it here :)

I’ve been consuming a lot of writing and conversation about creativity lately. I think practice and routine were what I was missing while I was on the move, so I wanted to share some brain food I’ve been enjoying as a reminder that when you have a lot going on it’s a good idea to have things you can hold onto to sooth your frazzled mind.

In my case I needed a walk with a camera. Alice had to practically push me out the door after work one day last week, but it worked and I made some images I really liked. I have long had a project in mind around colour photos of skies and clouds but on that day I sought out the opposite. Black and white pictures of flowers and plants occupied my stroll.

That could actually be an interesting pairing! Ohh, I should make a book … While I go and ponder that, here are some things I watched and listened to this week.

No Bad Cameras - but you can’t buy this one

Alison Johnson of The Verge attempts to unravel the mystery behind the Canon Powershot G7X, a 5 year old camera that has the internet obsessed right now! I get it. You don’t want to have to post process your photos, you’re looking for a vibe and this camera produces it for you but the prices being paid for old cameras are out of control.

Print your photos

If you need reminding that you should print your pictures, look no further than this short video featuring Paul McCartney. His reaction to seeing his images blown up is a sight to behold and one of pure joy. I went to the recent exhibition in London last year and am pleased to say I also thought the picture of the girl looking through the window was cool, so cool I have it framed in my office.

His photos fascinate me and clearly him too as it’s been decades since he saw some of them.

I’ll leave you with a quote from Lucas Pope, game designer, that I saw this week.

"Make something personal, make it small, release on [Itch.io]*. Try to find the people who like the same things you do and then make the things you enjoy."

*Itch.io is a website where game developers can self publish games.