Water of Leith, Edinburgh
March 2025 - Life, death and photography
Most of my photography last month was cancelled due to a family bereavement resulting in four trips up and down the M6 in as many weeks. I guess this is one of those moments in time when life falls into perspective and photography - for all the right reasons - temporarily descends down the list of priorities. Life and death are inextricably aligned. By virtue of being born, one will die; I would rather experience life and accept death than never be born at all. I see life and death in nature too and I see humans as simply a more sophisticated extension of that existence. As for photography? It will still be there once normality starts to return to life.
The winter flowers have begun to bloom and I had found a lovely patch of aconites growing in a wood. Sadly I was unable to return to the location for several weeks and when I did, the flowers were past their best. Nevertheless, it seems to be a good year for snowdrops and, as I write this, they are still out in abundance. I managed to squeeze in a couple of short sessions photographing them with satisfying results. I photograph flowers at ground level which means much kneeling on the ground. One person passing by caught a glimpse of me from behind on the woodland floor and, fearing a seizure or collapse, came over to enquire as to my welfare. Happily I was able to reassure him that I was merely photographing snowdrops but it made me think how kind and caring people can still be in this day and age. I duly thanked him for his concern and consideration as many would fear to approach a person potentially in need of urgent assistance.
Photographs on the Home and News pages of this website are both taken during the preceding month. Thinking I had few images to show beyond snowdrops, I dropped in on the Water of Leith for a quick half-hour photographic session on the final day of February. Having photographed this river for many years now, I was quickly able to find a composition and snap a few images to accompany this column. It felt good to be back on ‘home soil’ again and taking photographs at a location that means so much to me.
I had a very kind welcome from the members at Hub Singer Camera Club in Glasgow last month when I gave them a presentation on some of my work. It seemed to go down well and it is always fun to chat about photography with those in attendance. My apologies to Bearsden and Milngavie Camera Club for having to postpone a similar talk due to the family bereavement. I look forward to visiting them next season and meeting their members.
If the month wasn’t busy enough, I was also fully engaged in judging the first round of the Scottish Nature Photography Awards. It was a privilege to view so many wonderful and varied images. I’m now looking forward to the next stage of the process later this month.
March 2025 - Life, death and photography
Most of my photography last month was cancelled due to a family bereavement resulting in four trips up and down the M6 in as many weeks. I guess this is one of those moments in time when life falls into perspective and photography - for all the right reasons - temporarily descends down the list of priorities. Life and death are inextricably aligned. By virtue of being born, one will die; I would rather experience life and accept death than never be born at all. I see life and death in nature too and I see humans as simply a more sophisticated extension of that existence. As for photography? It will still be there once normality starts to return to life.
The winter flowers have begun to bloom and I had found a lovely patch of aconites growing in a wood. Sadly I was unable to return to the location for several weeks and when I did, the flowers were past their best. Nevertheless, it seems to be a good year for snowdrops and, as I write this, they are still out in abundance. I managed to squeeze in a couple of short sessions photographing them with satisfying results. I photograph flowers at ground level which means much kneeling on the ground. One person passing by caught a glimpse of me from behind on the woodland floor and, fearing a seizure or collapse, came over to enquire as to my welfare. Happily I was able to reassure him that I was merely photographing snowdrops but it made me think how kind and caring people can still be in this day and age. I duly thanked him for his concern and consideration as many would fear to approach a person potentially in need of urgent assistance.
Photographs on the Home and News pages of this website are both taken during the preceding month. Thinking I had few images to show beyond snowdrops, I dropped in on the Water of Leith for a quick half-hour photographic session on the final day of February. Having photographed this river for many years now, I was quickly able to find a composition and snap a few images to accompany this column. It felt good to be back on ‘home soil’ again and taking photographs at a location that means so much to me.
I had a very kind welcome from the members at Hub Singer Camera Club in Glasgow last month when I gave them a presentation on some of my work. It seemed to go down well and it is always fun to chat about photography with those in attendance. My apologies to Bearsden and Milngavie Camera Club for having to postpone a similar talk due to the family bereavement. I look forward to visiting them next season and meeting their members.
If the month wasn’t busy enough, I was also fully engaged in judging the first round of the Scottish Nature Photography Awards. It was a privilege to view so many wonderful and varied images. I’m now looking forward to the next stage of the process later this month.
