I’ve been a bit tied up getting a new studio space up and running (which has been both exciting and slightly chaotic 😄) But I popped in today and saw a couple of new faces joining us — so a very warm welcome if that’s you. This space has always been about learning photography in a practical, real-world way — noticing light, trying things out, and building confidence with your camera. I’ll be easing back into posting again, but in the meantime… What have you been photographing lately? Anything at all — even if it’s just experimenting.

People tend to walk in one direction and photograph what’s in front of them. But every now and then I’ll turn around and look behind me… …and quite often, the better photo is actually the one you didn’t initially see. Photography isn’t always about moving forward — sometimes it’s just about turning around.

We had just finished a practical session and it had been raining earlier. As we walked along the road, everyone stepped around a large puddle. I called them back. Right in the middle of that puddle was a perfect reflection of a nearby windmill. It’s one of those things photographers learn over time — sometimes the most interesting photograph is right under your feet. Most people walk past puddles. Photographers stop and look into them. What have you noticed lately that most people wouldn't see?

Lately I’ve been photographing my food quite a bit for my other group, 'Useful Little Curiosities' (which is mostly about cooking experiments and life's oddities). It’s reminded me how surprisingly tricky food photography can be. You suddenly start noticing things like: • Where the light is coming from • Whether the plate looks cluttered • Steam disappearing before you’re ready • And how quickly dinner gets cold while you fiddle with the camera 😄 But it’s also a really good reminder that you don’t need a grand subject to practice photography. A bowl of soup on the kitchen table can teach you just as much about light and composition as a landscape. So here’s a little challenge if you feel like it: Next time you make a meal, take one photo of it. No special setup — just notice the light and the angle.

I’ve been a bit quiet in here lately while I’ve been busy building some new bits for the Practical Photography course behind the scenes. But I’ve noticed a few new people popping in, so a warm welcome if you’re new! I’d love to know — what have you been photographing lately? Or what would you like to be photographing if the weather, time, or life would cooperate? Feel free to share a photo if you have one.