This is from Boot's website:
Also her website:
http://www.lifftslings.com/
will be updated tomorrow using the new images.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Lifft - update.
I recieved an email from Louise regarding the imagery shot for her product last year (link) and finally the photography that has been produced is in production.
This is from Boot's website:
Also her website:
http://www.lifftslings.com/
will be updated tomorrow using the new images.
This is from Boot's website:
Also her website:
http://www.lifftslings.com/
will be updated tomorrow using the new images.
Istanbul - Reflection of the 12 hour shoot.
I'm now back in the UK. I have been for a few days, but with other commitments I've only now just sat down to look at my work. Overall I'm pleased with the results. I had a sneak look on the flight home, but couldn't quite asses the sharpness of images.
I experienced some technical difficulties on my extended shoot. I have always used my camera set to 200 ISO. Aperture priority at f2.8 - I like the effect of dropping off the background focus, although this of course means the foreground goes as well... more so at a longer focal length. I was aware of this issue as I reviewed shots, and more so worried about my cameras focusing system.
I've included two images below. It's very frustrating as I had high expectations of these. The focus was either not right or more so at a later junction the shutter speed resulting in camera shake.
I was able to resolve my issues by then changing the camera to 'Auto' ISO and setting a range of no less than 1/100 of a second, and no higher than 3200 ISO. That was the camera would chose the lowest ISO and retain quality. I made this judgement based on experience using Adobes Lightroom 3 and it's impressive noise reduction. (previously experienced in editing ballet studio shoot - link)
Although I lost these two images I was able to get many more. I addressed my issues whilst shooting. I had to also consider technical factors relating to styles of shooting. These are apparent and will be evident in the final edit of 12 hours.
I had to change from A - Apt. priority to P - Program so that the Auto ISO would allow enough depth of field for candid from hip. I also had to change the lens back to wide for those images. Then reset the setting for A for my portraits.
Considerations for future:
I need to wake and get going earlier. I think I only had 10-15 mins at the start in the first hour (starting later than planned)
Fatigue - thankfully the weather was good, and I was able to stop and rest. At times I would sit for a good 5 mins. It was necessary as my photography was suffering. However when the thoughts of failing came to my mind, sure enough an amazing photo 'op came about.
I experienced some technical difficulties on my extended shoot. I have always used my camera set to 200 ISO. Aperture priority at f2.8 - I like the effect of dropping off the background focus, although this of course means the foreground goes as well... more so at a longer focal length. I was aware of this issue as I reviewed shots, and more so worried about my cameras focusing system.
I've included two images below. It's very frustrating as I had high expectations of these. The focus was either not right or more so at a later junction the shutter speed resulting in camera shake.
 |
| I might be able to still use this if reproduced at a smaller size - however I have sharpened over 100% |
 |
| I took a few of this guy and it's a real shame as I loved his pose |
I was able to resolve my issues by then changing the camera to 'Auto' ISO and setting a range of no less than 1/100 of a second, and no higher than 3200 ISO. That was the camera would chose the lowest ISO and retain quality. I made this judgement based on experience using Adobes Lightroom 3 and it's impressive noise reduction. (previously experienced in editing ballet studio shoot - link)
Although I lost these two images I was able to get many more. I addressed my issues whilst shooting. I had to also consider technical factors relating to styles of shooting. These are apparent and will be evident in the final edit of 12 hours.
I had to change from A - Apt. priority to P - Program so that the Auto ISO would allow enough depth of field for candid from hip. I also had to change the lens back to wide for those images. Then reset the setting for A for my portraits.
Considerations for future:
I need to wake and get going earlier. I think I only had 10-15 mins at the start in the first hour (starting later than planned)
Fatigue - thankfully the weather was good, and I was able to stop and rest. At times I would sit for a good 5 mins. It was necessary as my photography was suffering. However when the thoughts of failing came to my mind, sure enough an amazing photo 'op came about.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Istanbul - day four 12 hour shoot
It's now 00:21 (today) at 07:30 I'll get up and shower, eat some breakfast then start my days shooting. I have decided I need to build on my weeks practice. I need more images, and more attention to the days time. I've decided to shoot until 8PM and must at least have five good images each hour. I then want to edit these down to just one. Hopefully then for the 5th of April I'll have 12 images to reflect the days shoot. It seems like a lot of effort for just so few photographs, but I'll need to eat and get money changed - small things.
Istanbul - day three (reflection)
I can't view my blog - so I'm not sure what it looks like or check my words:
(file needs to be added later : note to self)
I can't even see this image? I think it says something to the effect, this blog is not allowed to be viewed?
What are my thoughts and reflections? I have become more confident in my photography. I am pushing out my boundaries. I don't speak the language in the country that I am in. It's problematic to say the least, however I don't feel as alone as I have in the past. Some years ago I visited Berlin (again no command of the local language) it was very cold and bleak, and heavy snow made my mood melancholy. This time is different, although the rain has posed some issues.
I don't think I have enough personal motivation to take photographs at times. I'll find a reason not to, but then I'll fire into action and almost create a zone. I suppose I need to learn some coping strategies, have back up plans and work more efficiently. Looking back to the start of the week, I should have taken a taxi to the Bazzar. It would have been inside and I could have make good use of the cover. Also having my camera out of it's bag helps, it feels more part of me. I have a tool in my hand to help visualize my vocabulary that is inside my head.
I tried working on some papers tonight, but it didn't work too tired and needed to sleep. I spend my time thinking about what I'll do next. I only have one full day tomorrow. I need to make the most of it. I've gone through and looked at what I have already. One image staying in my mind. I found an old lady sat in a doorway. She had a bright pink headscarf, blue jacket and a brown dress. She sat chewing bread, or nuts as she spat something out (a nut shell I'm sure). Again like so many other people I'm seeing, leather-ed skin deep mahogany, but this time smooth almost oiled. I asked if I could take her photo, she agreed. I shot twice different composision, the closer framing I like more. As I depart and thank her, she waves goodbye. It was a perfect moment, poetry in motion everything flowed.... those are the moments, they take time and happen once or twice.
I have a respect for my subject. Hopefully my subject respects me.
(file needs to be added later : note to self)
I can't even see this image? I think it says something to the effect, this blog is not allowed to be viewed?
What are my thoughts and reflections? I have become more confident in my photography. I am pushing out my boundaries. I don't speak the language in the country that I am in. It's problematic to say the least, however I don't feel as alone as I have in the past. Some years ago I visited Berlin (again no command of the local language) it was very cold and bleak, and heavy snow made my mood melancholy. This time is different, although the rain has posed some issues.
I don't think I have enough personal motivation to take photographs at times. I'll find a reason not to, but then I'll fire into action and almost create a zone. I suppose I need to learn some coping strategies, have back up plans and work more efficiently. Looking back to the start of the week, I should have taken a taxi to the Bazzar. It would have been inside and I could have make good use of the cover. Also having my camera out of it's bag helps, it feels more part of me. I have a tool in my hand to help visualize my vocabulary that is inside my head.
I tried working on some papers tonight, but it didn't work too tired and needed to sleep. I spend my time thinking about what I'll do next. I only have one full day tomorrow. I need to make the most of it. I've gone through and looked at what I have already. One image staying in my mind. I found an old lady sat in a doorway. She had a bright pink headscarf, blue jacket and a brown dress. She sat chewing bread, or nuts as she spat something out (a nut shell I'm sure). Again like so many other people I'm seeing, leather-ed skin deep mahogany, but this time smooth almost oiled. I asked if I could take her photo, she agreed. I shot twice different composision, the closer framing I like more. As I depart and thank her, she waves goodbye. It was a perfect moment, poetry in motion everything flowed.... those are the moments, they take time and happen once or twice.
I have a respect for my subject. Hopefully my subject respects me.
Istanbul - day three
I'm laying across my bed in a different hotel room, it's 23:40 and despite being very tired I can't get to sleep. I guess then it's a really good time to get some ideas and thoughts down.
I know for a start without even reading my original script, those days of shooting different subject are right out of the window. Why? well I've had a hard time trying to keep focused, and more so strict to follow my own preconceptions of what I should be doing. It's been a very different trip than I had expected. I'm finding my feet more and becoming more and more confident each day.
This morning we got home around 3AM (again) and after nearly an hour walking, I was inside a coffee shop making use of a bathroom. My stomach wasn't too good and it really slowed me down. I got some great shots of people on the street. I'm starting to have a modus operandi and have begun to employ methodology. I am drifting along my pace is incredibly slow, I almost feel as if I am walking backwards. It is working to great effect, I can see so much more and I have now begun to feel the street.
I've not shaved now for nearly a week, and have somewhat of a beard. I am wearing dark brown walking boots, dark jeans, a black coat, and a pale red hoodie. My camera is held to my side, and it's strap wrapped around my hand. As I walk along so slowly I hear who is coming from behind, even though I keep looking forward; now and then I change direction, stop, pause and move on. I try and keep my pace and movements unpredictable. I can't afford to loose my camera, images already captured - the time and energy wasted. I stand back, I try and blend in, no make any contact with people until I want to photograph them. I stand back observe and try and make a judgment. It works, and it fails. I have started to form my own set of rules.
I don't want sneak photographs. I walk towards the person(s) and ask, 'foto, foto' - point my hand between them and my camera. 'sure' or a nod is a good sign, other times no hands wave. 'Thank you' is always my parting comment regardless. I'll get down low, always eye level never from above or looking up. I wait for them to stand as they'd wish. I don't want to direct or pose them, that is for the studio - this is the street!
Today I saw an old man, dark skinned weather by sun and wind. His face unshaved, rounded and happy. In his hand a sketch book, not many pages left but small in size. He was sat on a low wall that skirted steps. I walked over - 'that's good' it was a basic rough drawing of some bushes and trees. I asked him, 'foto'?? he looks at me and replies in Turkish. I raise my camera, 'No, No' - I didn't understand. He holds up his drawing then looks back down. I thank him and walk on.... This was a missed photograph. I have many more, but without his permission I didn't want to take it.
I know for a start without even reading my original script, those days of shooting different subject are right out of the window. Why? well I've had a hard time trying to keep focused, and more so strict to follow my own preconceptions of what I should be doing. It's been a very different trip than I had expected. I'm finding my feet more and becoming more and more confident each day.
This morning we got home around 3AM (again) and after nearly an hour walking, I was inside a coffee shop making use of a bathroom. My stomach wasn't too good and it really slowed me down. I got some great shots of people on the street. I'm starting to have a modus operandi and have begun to employ methodology. I am drifting along my pace is incredibly slow, I almost feel as if I am walking backwards. It is working to great effect, I can see so much more and I have now begun to feel the street.
I've not shaved now for nearly a week, and have somewhat of a beard. I am wearing dark brown walking boots, dark jeans, a black coat, and a pale red hoodie. My camera is held to my side, and it's strap wrapped around my hand. As I walk along so slowly I hear who is coming from behind, even though I keep looking forward; now and then I change direction, stop, pause and move on. I try and keep my pace and movements unpredictable. I can't afford to loose my camera, images already captured - the time and energy wasted. I stand back, I try and blend in, no make any contact with people until I want to photograph them. I stand back observe and try and make a judgment. It works, and it fails. I have started to form my own set of rules.
I don't want sneak photographs. I walk towards the person(s) and ask, 'foto, foto' - point my hand between them and my camera. 'sure' or a nod is a good sign, other times no hands wave. 'Thank you' is always my parting comment regardless. I'll get down low, always eye level never from above or looking up. I wait for them to stand as they'd wish. I don't want to direct or pose them, that is for the studio - this is the street!
Today I saw an old man, dark skinned weather by sun and wind. His face unshaved, rounded and happy. In his hand a sketch book, not many pages left but small in size. He was sat on a low wall that skirted steps. I walked over - 'that's good' it was a basic rough drawing of some bushes and trees. I asked him, 'foto'?? he looks at me and replies in Turkish. I raise my camera, 'No, No' - I didn't understand. He holds up his drawing then looks back down. I thank him and walk on.... This was a missed photograph. I have many more, but without his permission I didn't want to take it.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Istanbul - day two
A bright day has started!
After a night cruise and good food last night, today was set to start off better. I hoped. I had already started the day with my funk still looming over my head. I was getting depressed that I couldn't take any pictures yesterday, once my mind had spiraled down it was impossible to raise it up.
I sat down to breakfast with Mary, she was trying her best to inspire me. "Take photos that reflect your mood".. "even if it's one or two (try this etc.)" I was terrible. I wouldn't listen, just became grumpy and insisted that I will have another poor day. It's not easy to become creative and find your feet. So before she had to start work, we went for a walk I didn't want to photography anything. However of course my camera was with me.
A Helicopter was also flying very low, which made us think something might be happening? It didn't take too long to come to a central point. I remembered the location from before as many protests have started from it. I already had this in my previous blog post as an idea, or perhaps I called it a bonus? anyhow it was indeed a bonus.
Yesterday I had noticed that a large marquee had been erected. I didn't really understand what was happening, but today it had become apparent. Around the square stood about fifty to a hundred men wearing caps and tracksuits. They all were holding a large red banner of some kind, they didn't hold it vertically but horizontally, and as we walked closer it seemed that they had it curved around forming part of a circle. A band had also started to form, and all of course in some form of uniform... it had become apparent now that they were the Police. In fact the men in tracksuits were Police, and that banner was Red with White Stars, Crescents emblazoned upon it. That Helicopter was transmitting live images to a large screen located behind the marquee. I didn't noticed it until later, but the Police holding the banner were in fact forming the star and crescent of the Turkish flag.
I started to take photographs of all of this happening. It was a slow start and I felt concious as I photographed the Police. A few of them would smile, others turned away and some even hid their faces. I didn't really feel that I was getting what I really wanted. All the images didn't flow, they wouldn't work as a series. We carried on walking down the main high street. Soon noticing Photographers and TV crews heading the opposite way that we walked. This could never be a good sign, but still we carried on. I wanted Coffee and another reflection of yesterday. Mary indeed described what would make good photographs, and they would have but I wasn't really ready for that. It's very hard to describe, but the feeling of not feeling confident in oneself does show in your work.
We pressed on and sure enough something was heading towards us, it didn't take too long for the energy in the street to chance. Almost like a wind what was heading towards blew along a crowd of supporters. The Tram was decorated with Red and White, on it stood Police handing out Red and White carnations. It was very surreal, like a post apocalyptic trip from the sixties; returning G.I. were showered with flowers, but in reverse the Police handed flowers out rather than Hippies. All smiles and excited to be walking along holding a giant banner.... it was the same as before, but now it seemed to be miles long.
I walked along taking photos at random intervals, I looked for people watching. Standing up higher and holding the camera above me I captured the symbols on the flag. It went on for miles, however it stopped and stalled at times, bunching up and interrupting the flow. The men carrying the flag were indeed Police, and what seemed unique from my understanding; this procession/demonstration had very little Police to 'Police it' - not surprise really. However we carried on and took a chance to go under the flag at an unexpected halt.
Now looking for a cafe with an over look would be great. Mary lead the way knowing of such a place, and sure enough it paid off. Now I looked over and captured images of everyone in the square. I lent over and photographed from above. I drank some Coffee and looked again, now some balloons got released and a cannon fired red, white and blue. I left Mary on the terrace as I went looking for some action.
The band had started to play, and a little boy dressed in a Police uniform waved a flag. I got down low and photographed him. Then the band, and inside Mary joined me. We walked through and looked at all the various displays. Then all of a sudden lots of security, it seemed that an important man was visiting. I had no idea who it was, so I tired to get some photographs; but the press had surrounded him; they formed a cordon which I couldn't reach; security blocked my path. Still I didn't know who he was so I moved on.
Mary left for her work, so I was all alone but now with that shutter finger ready for action! I decided to take a derive (a drift) off the main street. It didn't take long to discover another world. All the massive adverts and money seemed to be far away, as the roads and side streets seemed to erode to neglect.
I started to take candid photos, but the aesthetic for me didn't work. I didn't feel right just taking photo's with any interaction. So I stopped and looked for subjects, I'd find something that captured my mind. I went up to the people, and held my camera up 'foto' 'foto' and gestured my finger as to imply can I? it seemed to work well, the people didn't mind at all. Some in fact looked quizzical as I photographed the scene. A man with his cart of slippers, another repairing a door way; men recycling goods from rubbish - they in fact refused, but I captured an image without them knowing. A man in a secuirty box, his eyes peaking out as he rested his head. Another man in a store reading a paper, surround by fruit and amazing coloured posted and prints.... I carried on, a peasant woman sitting eating from a paper bag - she waved goodbye....
I'd well and truly shock that funk away, I was in my own zone... I carried on taking more and more... now thinking of a final output. I stopped and reviewed my images, it was hard to see on the camera; but all looked pretty good. One image looks a little soft, the rest great. I then decided that I'd return to the hotel to type this, and my journal for an assignment.
I start to walk back, it makes me think. I did well, I asked people and they allowed me. This is much better than the feeling of 'stealing' that a candid image contains, it isn't the same feel or look - but I'm happier. I didn't speak any Turkish, although a few thankyou's were attempted.
I then see a man selling bright blue and silver beads. I think should I? no I'll carry on, but then I think, 'No - I'll return" I head back along, and crouch to ask him - I use my method of pointing and 'foto, foto' - he smiles and agrees, but holds the beads; he now points at me. We agree this exchange, so I take his photo - then buy a beaded something from him. He Blesses my kind nature as I hand over 5TL (approx £2.50) I have an image, he makes a sale we both have got something. I don't know how I feel about this, paying for the photo? all the others I didn't. I guess at least with this man, he sold something to me; so our interaction was sound.
The photographs that expand these words will follow in a weeks time. Now? time to get on with more Uni work, then tomorrow the same again (hopefully no rain) and more importantly the inspiration keeps flowing!
After a night cruise and good food last night, today was set to start off better. I hoped. I had already started the day with my funk still looming over my head. I was getting depressed that I couldn't take any pictures yesterday, once my mind had spiraled down it was impossible to raise it up.
I sat down to breakfast with Mary, she was trying her best to inspire me. "Take photos that reflect your mood".. "even if it's one or two (try this etc.)" I was terrible. I wouldn't listen, just became grumpy and insisted that I will have another poor day. It's not easy to become creative and find your feet. So before she had to start work, we went for a walk I didn't want to photography anything. However of course my camera was with me.
A Helicopter was also flying very low, which made us think something might be happening? It didn't take too long to come to a central point. I remembered the location from before as many protests have started from it. I already had this in my previous blog post as an idea, or perhaps I called it a bonus? anyhow it was indeed a bonus.
Yesterday I had noticed that a large marquee had been erected. I didn't really understand what was happening, but today it had become apparent. Around the square stood about fifty to a hundred men wearing caps and tracksuits. They all were holding a large red banner of some kind, they didn't hold it vertically but horizontally, and as we walked closer it seemed that they had it curved around forming part of a circle. A band had also started to form, and all of course in some form of uniform... it had become apparent now that they were the Police. In fact the men in tracksuits were Police, and that banner was Red with White Stars, Crescents emblazoned upon it. That Helicopter was transmitting live images to a large screen located behind the marquee. I didn't noticed it until later, but the Police holding the banner were in fact forming the star and crescent of the Turkish flag.
I started to take photographs of all of this happening. It was a slow start and I felt concious as I photographed the Police. A few of them would smile, others turned away and some even hid their faces. I didn't really feel that I was getting what I really wanted. All the images didn't flow, they wouldn't work as a series. We carried on walking down the main high street. Soon noticing Photographers and TV crews heading the opposite way that we walked. This could never be a good sign, but still we carried on. I wanted Coffee and another reflection of yesterday. Mary indeed described what would make good photographs, and they would have but I wasn't really ready for that. It's very hard to describe, but the feeling of not feeling confident in oneself does show in your work.
We pressed on and sure enough something was heading towards us, it didn't take too long for the energy in the street to chance. Almost like a wind what was heading towards blew along a crowd of supporters. The Tram was decorated with Red and White, on it stood Police handing out Red and White carnations. It was very surreal, like a post apocalyptic trip from the sixties; returning G.I. were showered with flowers, but in reverse the Police handed flowers out rather than Hippies. All smiles and excited to be walking along holding a giant banner.... it was the same as before, but now it seemed to be miles long.
I walked along taking photos at random intervals, I looked for people watching. Standing up higher and holding the camera above me I captured the symbols on the flag. It went on for miles, however it stopped and stalled at times, bunching up and interrupting the flow. The men carrying the flag were indeed Police, and what seemed unique from my understanding; this procession/demonstration had very little Police to 'Police it' - not surprise really. However we carried on and took a chance to go under the flag at an unexpected halt.
Now looking for a cafe with an over look would be great. Mary lead the way knowing of such a place, and sure enough it paid off. Now I looked over and captured images of everyone in the square. I lent over and photographed from above. I drank some Coffee and looked again, now some balloons got released and a cannon fired red, white and blue. I left Mary on the terrace as I went looking for some action.
The band had started to play, and a little boy dressed in a Police uniform waved a flag. I got down low and photographed him. Then the band, and inside Mary joined me. We walked through and looked at all the various displays. Then all of a sudden lots of security, it seemed that an important man was visiting. I had no idea who it was, so I tired to get some photographs; but the press had surrounded him; they formed a cordon which I couldn't reach; security blocked my path. Still I didn't know who he was so I moved on.
Mary left for her work, so I was all alone but now with that shutter finger ready for action! I decided to take a derive (a drift) off the main street. It didn't take long to discover another world. All the massive adverts and money seemed to be far away, as the roads and side streets seemed to erode to neglect.
I started to take candid photos, but the aesthetic for me didn't work. I didn't feel right just taking photo's with any interaction. So I stopped and looked for subjects, I'd find something that captured my mind. I went up to the people, and held my camera up 'foto' 'foto' and gestured my finger as to imply can I? it seemed to work well, the people didn't mind at all. Some in fact looked quizzical as I photographed the scene. A man with his cart of slippers, another repairing a door way; men recycling goods from rubbish - they in fact refused, but I captured an image without them knowing. A man in a secuirty box, his eyes peaking out as he rested his head. Another man in a store reading a paper, surround by fruit and amazing coloured posted and prints.... I carried on, a peasant woman sitting eating from a paper bag - she waved goodbye....
I'd well and truly shock that funk away, I was in my own zone... I carried on taking more and more... now thinking of a final output. I stopped and reviewed my images, it was hard to see on the camera; but all looked pretty good. One image looks a little soft, the rest great. I then decided that I'd return to the hotel to type this, and my journal for an assignment.
I start to walk back, it makes me think. I did well, I asked people and they allowed me. This is much better than the feeling of 'stealing' that a candid image contains, it isn't the same feel or look - but I'm happier. I didn't speak any Turkish, although a few thankyou's were attempted.
I then see a man selling bright blue and silver beads. I think should I? no I'll carry on, but then I think, 'No - I'll return" I head back along, and crouch to ask him - I use my method of pointing and 'foto, foto' - he smiles and agrees, but holds the beads; he now points at me. We agree this exchange, so I take his photo - then buy a beaded something from him. He Blesses my kind nature as I hand over 5TL (approx £2.50) I have an image, he makes a sale we both have got something. I don't know how I feel about this, paying for the photo? all the others I didn't. I guess at least with this man, he sold something to me; so our interaction was sound.
The photographs that expand these words will follow in a weeks time. Now? time to get on with more Uni work, then tomorrow the same again (hopefully no rain) and more importantly the inspiration keeps flowing!
Istanbul - day one
This wasn't a great start at all. We arrived last night (Friday) last at around 11PM then went out to meet friends. The club we went to was pretty expensive, but some (famous local) band was playing. We met up with Mary's friends, had a couple of 10TL beers and moved on. It started to rain but thankfully we sat under a canopy with heaters. I love the service in Turkey, beer after beer was brought to the table. At around 3 AM we headed home.
The following day (real day one) I walked Mary towards the conference, and carried some of the display materials. I had my camera in my Billingham satchels so it looked pretty discrete. I'd only worn a T-shirt under my coat it was pretty cold. It had also started to rain again, not so heavy this time.
I decided that I needed to buy a hoodie, and try and blend in (as much as I ever could) It would also stop my head getting so wet and cold. I'd not shaved before leaving and my beard is starting to get quite thick. This is also a bonus as I feel less aware of myself, and feel that I can start to blend in. It took an age to find something, and as I walked back and forth getting wetter and wetter; my spirits started to sink. I was getting into a funk, and finding it hard become inspired. I didn't want to take any photographs, I knew that my camera would need some kind of cover. I even knew I could wrap a plastic bag over it. I kept walking around without firing a single frame. The rain grew heavier and with it inspiration had completely left me. Dejected and down I returned to the hotel room, at least I could be dry and start on some writing for my journal.
The following day (real day one) I walked Mary towards the conference, and carried some of the display materials. I had my camera in my Billingham satchels so it looked pretty discrete. I'd only worn a T-shirt under my coat it was pretty cold. It had also started to rain again, not so heavy this time.
I decided that I needed to buy a hoodie, and try and blend in (as much as I ever could) It would also stop my head getting so wet and cold. I'd not shaved before leaving and my beard is starting to get quite thick. This is also a bonus as I feel less aware of myself, and feel that I can start to blend in. It took an age to find something, and as I walked back and forth getting wetter and wetter; my spirits started to sink. I was getting into a funk, and finding it hard become inspired. I didn't want to take any photographs, I knew that my camera would need some kind of cover. I even knew I could wrap a plastic bag over it. I kept walking around without firing a single frame. The rain grew heavier and with it inspiration had completely left me. Dejected and down I returned to the hotel room, at least I could be dry and start on some writing for my journal.