Steve Blake Photography - Issue 2
Welcome to the second edition of my newsletter.
It continues to be a difficult time for many families and businesses as together, we struggle with the consequences of a global pandemic.
Although some of the restrictions on movement and visiting outdoor places have been removed, this continues to be a significant issue for the landscape photographer. Does one seize the lifting of complete lockdown as a license to wander freely once more or do we listen to the pleas from many local residents to ‘stay away’. Many arguing that the local infrastructure is still not ready to cope with the influx of visitors expected in certain areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Then there are those who would love to get out once again but are restricted because they are ‘shielding‘ a family member.
Although very much hoping to get out shortly, I have up to now, resisted the urge to venture out with my camera for two reasons. Firstly, I am one of those people who fall into the category of ‘shielding’ and secondly, because I happen to agree that some lockdown restrictions have been lifted too early and many local ‘beauty spot’ facilities (toilets, car parks, cafés and restaurants) are not yet ready to receive visitors. Safe provision for social distancing in ‘accumulation‘ areas such as car parks and toilets, still needs to be established.
Since writing my last newsletter, COVID-19 has had several direct impacts upon my planned photography activities. And the following events have been cancelled or postponed.
Planned individual workshops – postponed.
‘Taster‘ session workshops at Whinlatter Visitor Centre 18th April – cancelled.
Full day workshop at Whinlatter Visitor Centre 30th of May – cancelled.
Exhibition at Talkin Tarn 26th March – 9th April – cancelled.
Exhibition at Rydal Hall 4th May – 30th June – cancelled.
Moving forward
As things stand, the next planned events are as follows:
Workshops
‘Taster‘ sessions at Whinlatter Visitor Centre – 25th July - 10 am and 2 pm.
Full day workshop at Whinlatter Visitor Centre – 1st August.
Exhibitions
Talkin Tarn 7th – 13th August.
Talkin Tarn 20th November – 3rd December.
Rydal Hall – to be arranged.
Please note that all of these dates and events are subject to review and government guidance nearer the time.
New blog
Having established my new website, I have been turning my attention to other areas. With this in mind, I have written my first blog. Take a look here and do let me know what you think. Additionally, please let me have your ideas for any future blog subjects that you would like to see me cover.
New Video
In addition to the new blog, I have also produced a new video which has just gone ‘live‘ on YouTube. This address’s a question in which I am often asked about the type of equipment I use. Filmed under the restrictions of lockdown, I take the viewer through the contents of my photography bag and hopefully answer some of the questions raised. You can view the video here. Again, please do let me have your feedback and ideas for future subject you’d like me to cover in the videos.
Thank you
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and interest in my work. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before we’re all able to get back out and enjoy the photography we love.
Get a FREE Perpetual Calendar (worth £9.99) - If your idea for a Blog or Video is accepted, you’ll get a FREE Perpetual Calendar as a ‘Thank you’ for your idea!
Got a question? If you have any photography related questions please don’t hesitate to drop me an email and I’ll do my best to help.