Despite the fact that 2019 has been a year I dedicated more to work than to personal projects, it has been surprisingly a successful one - and here I am, looking back, and trying to choose not necessarily the BEST photos in photographic terms but the ones that mean something to me, beyond the technicalities, framing, or the subject matter. I appreciate that people still pay me to take photos - and that fact in itself kept me away from getting a job in an office, as I intended to at one point. That’s right: my clients are more often than not the catalyst of my work, and the more difficult their projects are, the biggest my satisfaction at finally managing to help them obtain what they want. Here are the photos I loved seeing while looking back through my folders and what they meant to me:
I am happy when I am outdoors - And even got some new boots - which are exactly the same Timberland boots like the overused old ones, and I love that they keep me safe and warm no matter if I am on top of Snowdon or on the coast, on a muddy path in Wales or up the hills in Lake District. Boots are an important investment for every lover of the outdoors and I was happy to review this photo I took in Wales while visiting Bodnan gardens.
2. No year without PUFFINS - This is now a golden rule! This year they were difficult to capture, despite me being in two different places to photograph them. Finally, I managed to get them at a sunset fiesta at Bempton cliffs, probably hours before they left the UK. I love looking back at this photo and all that it tells me.
3. The Turnpike Gallery - If you are in Leigh, visit The Turnpike Gallery. There is always an incredible exhibition on! This year I had the chance to witness incredible performances and artists at work, fabulous opening nights and inspiring workshops. I am grateful for being part of the team and also for bringing me more work opportunities, like collaborating with creative directors Al and Al on their Fire Within exhibitions in Wigan.
4. My friends are still my anchor - Florian (TalksToTrees) in Germany on a lovely day with dramatic skies and many photo opportunities.
5. Starting working for Hey Saturday (dating photography) - confirmed once again I love taking portraits of people. Not without challenges, this is probably one of my most favourite projects at the moment. Here is Suborno, my first client, in Northern Quarter, this autumn, right before our photoshoot started.
6. This autumn has been amazingly colourful - And I didn’t mind having to travel to Wales to capture it in all its beauty.
7. I love my new Ricoh GRIII camera. Geared mainly towards street photography, my Ricoh is amazingly inspiring, and I still learn about it every time I use it. It allowed me to get closer to my subjects and to take photos everywhere. This one is taken at Tate Liverpool in August.
8. I cannot get enough of stormy waves! Haven’t witnessed too many stormy giants waves this year but will definitely try to photograph more of these in 2020. There is something compelling and truly mesmerising about all that force developing in front of me, which humbles and strengthens me at the same time.
9. I loved Marseille! And Marseille loved me. Took loads of photos in Cassis and Les Calanques but still enjoy this shot with an overview of the old part of the city.
10. This guy is still my hero! After 13 years, Dominic is still my lighthouse, my inspiration, and my most passionate supporter; he still writes and reads with the same seriousness with which he does his daily job, he swims and wins all the badminton matches, he kicks anxiety in the face, helps me with my business, and takes me to places where I wouldn’t always want to be alone. Thank you, Dumpling, you’re the best!
