With a coming New Year I like to consider ‘where I’m at’ with photography and alter course where necessary. It’s something I’m often grappling with (how well that verb describes my struggles). Always looking for a new direction or inspiration and guidance from ‘the greats’ and those in the know, with that overwhelming question on my lips – “what is my photography for?” I thought it enough to just record what I like to see but now that feels a little too solipsistic.

Instead I’ve decided to take photography more literally – the image we see (though invariably digital) is effectively a positive print. Hence I’m aiming in 2024 to be more positive – that means both definite, certain as well as beneficial, helpful. In short, to aim for something definite (more sharpness to images) and to counter negativity within (self-doubt, over critical) as well as without. After all, the world can be a very dark place and it’s easy to get caught up in negativity – whether it’s just winter gloom, personal struggles, or the wider world of politics we are subject to.

On that note, monochrome would seem to be contraindicated since colour brings vibrancy, warmth, joy (and I am drawn to the likes of Leiter, Haas, Meyerowitz, Herzog) but black and white photography can often bring harmony to an image as well as focus.

Being more positive I will seek out beauty, yes, but also the small details that are taken for granted, the quirky that can bring a smile.

Slow photography is a counter to our everyday hectic pace of life and can only be positive. It brings a stronger sense of calm to an image whilst reflections naturally give pause for thought – literally too when less obvious, whether in water, glass or shadows

And finally I wish my readers and followers all good things for 2024 with thanks for your support and encouragement. See you when I’m back to blogging after 10th January,