A walk about town with my camera, (less cold today): spoke with a stranger called Alice: asked for her photograph: discovered she was from Russia!: went for my usual* coffee: had my hair trimmed – all part of my day.

Early next week I’m off to a meeting of all the photographers attending FS2012. I’m excited just at the prospect of heading to a fashion show briefing :)  I’ll probably discover that I’m the one serving canapes and champagne on the night

*Usual coffee: medium cinnamon latte extra-hot, in a cup, never in a glass.

This is the 20th anniversary of the show which has developed from very humble beginnings, into a very grown-up affair.

I can look forward to an entire evening of photography with both enthusiasm and trepidation, meeting other photographers, and being at the heart of something very special.  I feel very honoured indeed.

[To the show]

I saw beyond all her spinning around, flailing arms and swishing skirt, to picture her before me still and composed.  The street fell silent for a while until the shoot was over – Thank you, Bekah!

Here I am at the beginning of a New Year, knowing, not knowing at the same time; all I know is the present and what has gone before.  I lost myself in my photography this past year.

People, strangers, were my subject because I felt like reaching-out to them.  I wanted them to know that I had seen them in a different light, away from the hustle of the street, and placed in a photograph of mine.

I seem to be able to shut-out everything that’s going on around me, isolate a single face in a crowd and visualize them in a portrait.  Unlike other more practical types I cannot mend a roof, stop a leaking pipe, or repair a car, but I do have my camera and I’ve learned how to use it.

I have my favorite shots from last year and you have, too, and some of you have nominated me for awards which I cannot accept, for it is enough that you tell me what you think of my work.

I’m loving what I’m doing here.  I love how you wonder how I approach my tasks.  I love how you trust me with taking your photo.  And I love how, from feeling that nothing’s going to happen on a given day, that in a split second I could be holding something resembling a work of art in my hands.

Happy New Year!

Thanks to all who have participated in, and supported Portrait Café in 2011.

The song clip below is ‘Move On’, by Abba.  It’s about life, people, being positive, moving-on.

I cannot take the credit for these beautiful homely-looking photos, nor do I have any info about the photographer or source, for it was so long ago.  Does this make me a bad person for posting them?  Getting myself locked-up for adoring Audrey Tautou does seem a little harsh, so perhaps mitigate any sentence to community service?  Hmm…still sounds harsh.  How about making me her photographer (unpaid) for a year instead m’lord, huh? Longer if you can.

Chanel No5 Commercial