Fondle It Often
A lesson for all creatives
Hello, and once again welcome back to my regular Sunday post. Hopefully I’ve started to find a bit of rhythm to these, and that those who read them are getting something out of my ramblings. This week, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, which in a way reflects the past seven days in the real world. (you can read more about those fun and games in my weekly journal, linked below)
Today, we are giving our kit a dam good fondling, sending a call out to other creatives, sharing some bits that have been inspiring me this week, and finally going to a rock concert (almost) on the Isle of Bute, in Scotland.
I hope you enjoy, and as always thanks for following along.
Fondle It Often
I've just been reading an excellent article by Eric Bennett in On Landscape issue 286 - A bridge, not a barrier - by the way the magazine remains my favourite photographic reading material, and I highly recommend you give it a try. They have quite a few articles that have appeared in the magazine, now free to read on the website, to give you a taste of what to expect.
In the article he make a number of very valid points, as well as sharing some of his wonderful imagery. One particular comment is in regards to ensuring we continue to get comfortable with our pixel boxes, so that when the decisive moment (or whatever you want to call it) happens, our kit is not getting in the way.
If you are not able to go out and make photographs often, it’s a good idea to take your camera out every once in a while and play around with it in order to stay familiar. Just like a musician and their instrument, it should really feel like an extension of your body. The less brain power and focus it requires for you to operate it, the more attention you can give to the content of your images.
It took me back to the time I opened my talk at a camera club meeting with the words;
Remember folks …. Fondle it often. …
The expressions on the faces of the older members in the front row ranged from shock to bewilderment—like they’d accidentally invited a radical new-age speaker to their usually reserved Wednesday night gathering. I hate to say it, but a few custard creams were sacrificed in the chaos. Their collective relief was almost tangible when I clarified that I was, in fact, talking about their beloved cameras.
During my time leading workshops, in addition to offering hands-on advice behind the camera, I made it a point to observe how the surrounding conditions were changing. It's easy to become fixated on the screen or viewfinder, overlooking potential opportunities unfolding behind us. Particularly, in dynamic environments like the coast, conditions can shift rapidly, requiring quick thinking, not only in terms of composition, but also from a technical perspective with our kit.
Time and again I found myself witnessing clients struggling with various bits, from navigating camera settings to locating their filters and not forgetting, understanding the intricacies of their tripods. At one point, the situation became so recurring, not to mention frustrating, that I even contemplated organising an 'Intro to Your Tripod' course to address the issue. I think that would have been a best seller.
Whenever we allow technical hurdles to obstruct our vision in the field, we diminish our capacity to fully connect with the scene before us. Mastering the technical aspects of your camera not only enhances your confidence, but also liberates your mind to concentrate entirely on the creative process. It is here, we may even be lucky enough to enter a creative flow state, where time almost becomes meaningless, we are one with the landscape, and our kit really is an extension of ourselves.
I urge you, no matter how mundane it may seem, or indeed how experienced you believe yourself to be, to establish a regimen of repetitive exercises to practice at home. Familiarise yourself with every menu on your camera system, even those buried several levels deep that you may have previously overlooked. Learn the functions of each button instinctively, and be able to adjust settings with your eyes closed.
Develop a systematic approach for organizing accessories such as filters, batteries, and, of course, the tripod. Through relentless practice you'll thank yourself when you're in the field, able to fully immerse yourself in your creative vision, without fretting over technicalities.
So, yes, as soon as you finish reading this, grab your camera and give it a dam good fondling.
Trust me, it feels great.
What’s Been
A few bits posted to notes over the past seven days.
The Setup | The Shot; Dunseverick Sunset
Locations; The Causeway Coast
The Causeway Coast Unseen
My weekly creative journal
Calling All Creatives
As well as posting on here, I also look to publish a monthly, sometimes monthly, perhaps quarterly going forward, digital magazine, and I’d love to hear from other creatives, and perhaps share their own journey in the magazine.
As an example of what to expect you can take a look at two issues below.
the links will download the pdf magazine
If you would like to feature in one of these, then please do get in touch.
The Sunday Share
As I work toward finding a happy balance between staying productive and reducing doom scrolling, I still enjoy catching up with, and drawing inspiration from, other creatives. With that in mind, I want to share some of the things that have been inspiring me over the past week.
Ted Forbes is publishing a book (years of inspiration)
Joe Cornish and Colin Prior went to Okney (part 2 and 3 also avialable)
Get inspired with Aspect2i and their Journal magazines (free)
Austin has updated his Gratitude Zines page (go make your own)
One of my favourite photographers, David Ward, has just updated his latest images gallery (for me, a master in composition)
Episode 458 of the Photowalk Podcast is all about Imposter Syndrome, with special guest, Sean Tucker. (love this podcast series)
Latest Vlog
Join me as I explore the tiny Isle of Bute in Scotland. It’s a bit of a hidden gem with some incredible geology on offer.
And that’s a wrap
Once again thanks for giving up some of your precious time to read this newsletter. If you enjoyed the content then I would appreciate if you could share it with your friends and followers.
Until next time, take care, and of course,
Happy Pixels …
Nigel
Really impressed with your "Bimbles" magazine Nigel! 👏 A huge amount of work.
What keeps you going? Where do you find the energy to be so productive? How do you sustain yourself month over month? That would be an interesting thing to write about, as we all struggle to keep the batteries topped off in our careers/lives.
Guilty as charged! I’m using all the same techniques too often but not experimenting with the unfamiliar settings and opportunities hidden in the menus of my Nikon & Olympus. Time to fondle more. Cheers, Ray.