October 2019
With autumn beginning to take it’s hold and the leaves starting their transformation from green to myriad shades of red, gold and russet, October is a wonderful month for photography, especially in the UK where damp, misty mornings add an air of mystery.
Sadly this year I spent very little time at home to enjoy it but as a consolation I did get to visit and shoot some equally wonderful places in rather more pleasant temperatures… every cloud and all that.
Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Suffolk
The month began on familiar territory with a 3 day workshop along the Suffolk coast, a wonderful area with an interesting mix of man made and natural beauty which is nice and quiet at this time of year. Actually the month began with a few days to recharge the batteries and catch up on the dreaded paperwork. It never ceases to amaze me how much more time I spend on tedious office work - bookkeeping, admin, emails etc than I actually spend behind the camera… still, it’s better than working for a living!
Anyway following a very enjoyable few days with a great group of photographers, there was just time to unpack and wash my clothes before it was time to pack the case again.
Cats are the unofficial symbol of the historic medieval town of Kotor
Montenegro
Montenegro is something of a hidden gem and with UNESCO protected walled cities, pretty Venetian villages, rugged mountains and pristine waterways, there is plenty of interest, both natural and man made, packed into this small country for photographers.
I was here leading a private workshop and although the weather was a little too ‘good’ with far too many clear blue skies for my liking, the landscapes were amazing. Coming as I do from the flat (but beautiful) East Anglia, it is always a treat for me to have a high position from which to photograph the landscape stretching out below and in Montenegro’s national parks the views were endless layers of mountains contrasting with calm silvery lakes and rivers.
Dusk at Lovćen National Park
St George’s Island
Dawn at Karuc, Montenegro
Dubrovnik
For the second leg of the workshop we moved north into Croatia for a few days in the historic town of Dubrovnik. Jutting out into the azure waters of the Adriatic and protected by it’s ancient city walls Dubrovnik’s beautiful old town is an impressive sight that I’m sure needs no introduction.
For photographers there is something for everyone here from big wide views from every direction, including up, to the architecture reflected in the limestone streets and the smallest of details, which is often the best way to avoid the endless crowds. The narrow streets and alleys of the Old Town are bustling with tourists but there was some peace to be found in the cool light of dawn and dusk and the walls and towers look particularly good when lit by the first warm rays of sunlight.
Dubrovnik
Blue hour over Dubrovnik
Finally
I spent the last week of the month working with a very talented group of photographers on an exciting project in a very interesting part of the world. Unfortunately I’m currently unable to post any of the photos or even go into any details about the who, what, where, when and why, but as soon as I can, all will be revealed… watch this space.
As I write this I’m about to set off on another trip, so I’m going to have plenty to report in my November catch up. I’m incredibly fortunate to be so busy and even more so being busy doing something I enjoy. It can be tiring with all the travelling and long days shooting both sunrise and sunset and the change of climates and fatigue isn’t great for the health. I’m not complaining though, I fully intend to pack as much in as I can and make the most of it and enjoy it while it lasts… who knows what will be around he next corner.