Documentary Photography: At Home

Have I written about this before? Yes. Why am I writing more about it? Because its still relevant to my life and could be in yours too.

Importance of documenting your life

I’m now 12 years deep in documenting my family, and had planned to put a stop to it. That didn’t go so well and I’ve continued to do so, although not as much as I once did.
I realized that this isn’t a typical project, and I say that in the sense that its really only for me and my family to see, sure I share the work but when I make books from the work, they are for me and my family. So I’ve carried on shooting and our lives haven’t stopped, so what should the project.

I happened to watch ‘Kodachrome’ again this afternoon, no real reason but its a good film. The ending really struck a chord in my heart. It highlighted how powerful pictures can be. They provoke emotions, memories.

“but my pictures aren’t good”

Yes I’ve had that response during a conversation. And do you know what, it doesn’t matter, if you’re not planning to have a show or publicly sell a book, it really doesn’t matter. These pictures are a record of your home/family/life, to be looked back at in years to come. If you want to try something new with your photography, its a great way to do just that.
The most important thing to do, is PRINT YOUR PICTURES!

The take away from this is. Document your life, for the future to one day, see, ask question and wonder how life was. The same way you might see a picture from 60 years ago.

Here is a few frames from the last week or so at home.

Thanks for reading and have a great week!

Cheers!

First "Actual" Blog post of 2024

Hey everyone who is kind enough to grace this fine blog… Or whatever it actually is.

Some may have noticed that my website has had a little overhaul… And I've got to be honest, i’m not entirely sold on it just yet. I think its an improvement, but still has room to be played with; to fine tune.

Its Been a Minute!

So where have I been? What have I been doing?
Well the short answer is… I’ve been right here, still doing the same thing, still working on projects. I just haven’t been all too active online. But I need to get myself back in to the habit of writing new posts for my blog. Maybe perhaps start a newsletter? If that is something people would like to receive, let me know!

I have a small dream to create my own little ecosystem rather that rely on the likes of Instagram. I’ve blogged my thoughts on Instagram before and my opinion is still the same and now dislike it even more so! I need to give that a think on how to do this but I’ll make it happen.

I thought I’d share some images taken over the last few weeks and some from a small family walk around RSPB Otmoor. Admittedly I think spring or summer there would have been better, but it was still a lovely place for a walk and to see species of birds that you don’t usually see around towns!

Nothing special but I’m sharing them anyway!

That’s all folks!

Wittenham Clumps, Acient Hill Fort

Where I live in South Oxfordshire, we have the Wittenham Clumps. These are two chalk hills with a history dating back to the Bronze Age (3000BC - 1200BC). One of these has an Iron Age Hill Fort on top too.

From what I have read online, the clumps refer to the wooded areas on top of each hill. The correct name is the Sinodun Hills.

They are a natural landmark that can be seen from miles around. In fact, we refer to them, to our kids as the “Nearly Home Clumps”. No Matter which direction we come home from, you can be sure to see them.
They make for a great walk with stunning views around South Ofordshire and beyond.

Ever since we moved to the area, I’ve been drawn to photographing them… They really suit landscape, of which I’m no expert in but I do try to document them. Its hard to photograph its history from the ground but I think it could be a small project to do so.

Here are some recent images of the Wittenham Clumps