Steve Blake Photography - Issue 4
Winter 2021.
The Alex Boathouse, Talkin Tarn, Brampton, Cumbria.
Welcome to the winter 2021 edition.
No you’re not imagining things, it really has been almost a whole year since I last issued my newsletter. So first and foremost, apologies for my slackness with this.
For me, it’s been a strange year. The pandemic has continued to impact upon many activities and it’s been necessary to cancel several exhibitions and/or workshops throughout the year. That said, I have managed to run some individual workshops and one group workshop this year - more on workshops later.
I’ve also had some health issues. Last month I was in hospital in Newcastle having some work carried out on my heart and there’s more planned for this week. Whilst the NHS have been brilliant, this has been really frustrating because it’s resulted in a further restriction on my photography at a time when the autumn colours have been at their best. I confess to having been ‘like a bear with a sore head’. With a temporary medical restriction on my driving, my wife has been patiently acting as my chauffeur (don’t tell her I said that!). Still, there is hope that I’ll be able to get back to winter photography soon, as I’m medically allowed to drive again from 26th November. I’m really looking forward to being independent again!
Winter is often a time for looking forward. Many of us look forward to Christmas and we all look forward to the warmer weather and to the days getting longer. That said, I would encourage you to make the most of winter. As a photographer, the low sun gives us the opportunity to enjoy ‘the golden hour’ for much longer - sometimes all day. This gives us a longer opportunity to work in great light and capture stunning images. So I would encourage you not to be too hasty in wishing away the cold winter days - there’s plenty of photography to be done out there, just remember to wrap up warm!
Workshops
‘Taster’ Sessions - My next planned workshop will be at Whinlatter Forest on Saturday 4th December at 10.00 or 14.00. These two hour taster sessions are ideal for ‘dipping your toe’ into landscape photography and Whinlatter is the perfect location. Suitable for all the family, you don’t need to have expensive equipment or any previous experience. Whatever your photographic background, there’s something to learn for everyone and at just £20.00 pp, they are great value.
Bespoke workshops - These full day workshops are designed around your particular learning needs. Suitable for individuals or small groups, you identify what you need to learn and I’ll come up with the programme! Contact me for more information.
Did you know - you can also buy workshop vouchers for the budding photographer in your life? - a perfect gift for Christmas. You can discover more about my workshops here.
Calendars
Christmas is also a time when our thoughts turn to calendars. If you’re still looking for a calendar for yourself or as a gift - I have two options for you. My Perpetual Calendars are the perfect gift for recording birthdays, anniversaries and special events. The good news is that when you get to the end - you simply start again! Showing the date in the month and not the day, allows you to keep these beautiful A3 calendars year after year.
Eden Valley Hospice calendars - Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more traditional annual calendar, you might like to know, that for the fourth year running, I’m delighted to support Eden Valley Hospice through the use of my images for their annual calendar. All of the images within the calendar were taken by me and 100% of the proceeds goes to the work of the Hospice. You can see the calendars here.
Christmas cards
If you’re looking for Christmas cards please consider looking at my range of blank greetings cards. Many of the winter scenes make perfect cards for this time of year.
New Video
I have really enjoyed working on a new video ‘Understanding the rule of thirds’ - a Talkin Tarn educational resource commissioned by the Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme, led by the North Pennines AONB Partnership. The video is aimed at supporting and encouraging young people to create art in the landscape and getting to grips with the ‘rule of thirds’ is a great way to improve composition - whether you’re an artist or a photographer. Please check out the new video here - and don’t forget to leave your feedback on my YouTube channel.
Again, please do let me have your feedback and ideas for future subjects you’d like me to cover in the videos.
Earlier in my newsletter I mentioned the importance of looking forward whilst not forgetting the opportunities for photography that winter brings. Christmas is also a time for looking forward and in looking towards Christmas, I am reminded of the hope the shepherds had when the angels announced their good news on the hillside above Bethlehem, or when the three kings visited the baby Jesus in the stable - they too were filled with hope. Hope of new beginnings and of something better to come.
However you celebrate this Christmas, I wish you a very peaceful season and a happy and blessed New Year.
Steve
Thank you
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support and interest in my work, especially during what has been a difficult time.
Get a FREE Perpetual Calendar (worth £9.99 plus p&p) - If your idea for a Blog or Video is accepted - as a ‘Thank you’ from me!
Got a question? If you have any photography related questions please don’t hesitate to drop me an email and I’ll do my best to help.
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