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I was looking for my images of Leicestershire and spotted this, for some reason I had not processed it at the time and it had lain unloved in my files for two years! Had I not got a good system of filing and key-wording I suspect it may never have seen the light of day.

When Skippy died the house felt empty so despite our previous resolve we decided to provide a home for a rescue dog. Friends had had a Greyhound and we felt the breed suited and the terrible fate that befalls many ex-racers meant it was very worthwhile to provide a loving home for one.

I was shooting a few images for stock in Downham Market when a burly builder working on a site accosted me....

Today was the end of the line for poor Skippy, he has made several trips to the vet and back over the last year; today it was a one way trip. His lungs filling with fluid, kidney problems and a growth inside him......

We had snow overnight and, since I could not get my Vito off the drive I went out on foot to get a few pictures.

I've just had a few days in Norfolk. January has been exceptionally busy and a short break was needed to recharge the batteries. We traveled down to Titchwell in sunshine and enjoyed a few drinks in front of a roaring fire before going into the restaurant for an excellent meal.

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Yesterday Georgina and I went to Worcester. The weather was not what I had hoped for and picture opportunities were few but whilst having lunch I had the opportunity to take a few pictures of Georgina.

A new version of Lightroom is being Beta trialled. There are some impressive improvements to this already excellent software. See whats new at Adobe TV

"The similarities between the Leica X1 and the classics of the M system go deeper than merely their stylish exteriors. In terms of image quality in particular, the X1 fears no comparison with its larger cousin. Remarkably compact and easy to use, the X1 gives photographers the flexibility to capture moments and impressions exactly as they are - authentic and unrehearsed. That's what makes the Leica X1 the perfect everyday companion for demanding photographers."



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2011 has ended and I am not sorry to see it go in some ways; it has been a difficult year in many ways but has had its up sides too.

Photographically I have used my camera more than in any previous year and made more high quality images and yet I feel I could have done so much more. A couple of trips away were hit with poor weather which has had an impact and other work has stopped me getting away as much as I would like. Print sales have been poor but income from other sources is definitely on the up. Also on the plus side the camper conversion was completed and it is now ready for a full years photography.

Perhaps the lesson to take from this is to be more positive in outlook, judging the years from the dull dark depths of January is never likely to be helpful for someone with SAD.

My younger daughter dragged me off to a tack shop today but as compensation bought me a pub lunch afterwards. I'll spare you the former, and share this, the Waterfront bar.

As usual we had our Christmas dinner on Christmas eve. Christmas day we packed a picnic, including the obligatory turkey and cranberry cobs and headed for the coast. What a great day we had, warm for the time of year, some sun although lots of wind.



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Merry Christmas and happy New Year to all our friends. No cards for you again this year; we have sent your January recycling to St. Dunstan's and help for Heroes. Thank you for helping us support them.

After years of making do with cheap notebooks I have decided to treat myself to a proper working record book to use in 2012. It might even tempt me to make more comprehensive notes as well!

Oh dear, too little too late.

Why oh why did they not start the infrastructure build as soon as they came into office, this would be a real boost to the country but to allow us to stagnate all this while was a fearful gaffe.

And then they decide to raise the pension age by one year in fifteen years! Do these people not understand numbers at all! Life expectancy in this country has risen by something like 15 years since the state pension was introduced. In the fifteen years until the age of entitlement increases to 67 from 66 life expectancy will almost certainly have risen by more than the one year delay being proposed. Much more aggressive action is required, who has the courage to act? Obviously not the Conservatives nor Labour.

Newly available from this site are Photoshop actions you can use to convert your own pictures to monochromes using two different methods I regularly use myself.

Further details of these actions can be seen by clicking here.

The last major job in the conversion of my Vito to campervan is to make the inside look more homely by carpeting the ply lining. The “Snap Wagon” has a tailgate and the carpet weight had to be light or the gas struts would be overwhelmed. If your van has twin rear doors you can opt for something heavier if you wish but I went for a light, felt backed corded carpet.

I could not look on Death, which being known,
Men led me to him, blindfold and alone.

Rudyard Kipling

It is my belief that whether or not photography is an art depends first upon the person making the photograph and then on the person seeing the photograph. Here it is important to reflect on the difference between simply taking a photograph and making a photograph and to consider the reason for which the image was recorded.

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Next job in my DIY camper conversion was to build the furniture. As this is not a large van the fitted furniture had to be kept minimal and comprises only a bed and small kitchen cupboard. The van sides are only 4 feet long behind the side loading doors so an extendable bed had to be arranged.

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