Working in the south-east of the UK, based in Gravesend, Kent, near London.

I’m currently struggling with antidepressant withdrawal syndrome, which is dominating far more of my thoughts than I’d like and restricting what I can do. You can read how that’s going here: My Head Hurts. In the meantime, I’m doing my best to keep my other interests alive.

Now: what I’m up to at the moment

Learning

• I’ve been reading a lot about climate change and reducing consumption. The issue of the impending climate crisis seems much like a huge iceberg (maybe not the best analogy). We’re getting closer, it’s getting bigger; meanwhile, we have our collective fingers in our ears, pretending it’s not happening. By the way, it is!
• I started using Obsidian for my study notes, syncing plain text notes to my phone. Normally, I find this sort of thing a bit of a chore, but at the moment, I’m enjoying learning something new.
• Mainly, in the winter, I self-study the history of European conflict photography, with a particular focus on its representation in the media. I like to publish that here, at some point, but that might be a way off yet!

Reading

• Shadow State by Luke Harding.
• I tried reading Spy Story by Len Deighton using the library app on my phone. Although I enjoyed the book (as much as I read), I don’t enjoy reading on electronic devices, so I’m going to look for the paperback and start again.
• Spook Street by Mick Herron. Book four in the Slough House (Slow Horses) series, all of which I’ve enjoyed so far.

Making

I have recently started assembling some parts to build an Afghan-style box camera. I’m going to document my progress here: Box Camera Project

Other Stuff

• I used to ride my bike a lot, and because of ill health, I slowly got out of the habit. It’s a great way to keep fit and one I really enjoy. I have two bikes staring at me every time I go in the shed; I’m determined to get back on the bike as soon as possible.
• I’m gradually Moving Away From Big Tech. This site is one of the first steps in that process. If you have any recommendations, I’d love to hear from you.

Training & Workshops Attended

2024: Mountain Workshop (Photojournalism)
Williamsburg, Kentucky. Western Kentucky University, Visual Journalism & Photography program.

2019: Visual storytelling workshop
Lewis Bush (course leader, MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, London College of Communication)

2019: Investigative Techniques workshop
Lewis Bush (as above)

2018: Speedlights, Flashguns and the Strobist Photographer
London College of Communication, UAL.

2018: Missouri Photo Workshop – Missouri School of Journalism, University of Missouri

2017: Shooting Documentary Video
University College (Anthropology), University of London.

2016: Documentary Photography workshop
The School of Punktum

2015: Making Documentary Radio
University College (Anthropology), University of London

2014: Portrait Photography
Central St Martins, UAL.

2013: Seeing the World – Documentary Photography Course
London College of Communication, UAL