A person, inspiration and a book

There are hundreds of very talented photographers out there, past and present, that I've never heard of.  Terry Cryer was one of them.  I caught up with him a bit late, admittedly, since I only discovered who he was at the weekend when a friend on FADU posted a link to his obituary in the Guardian.  I'm a sucker for a good story and it's a good read:  https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2017/jan/20/terry-cryer-obituary  Some of his work can be seen here: http://www.terrycryer.com/photographs.html

I liked the reference to John Lennon, where he was reported as telling Mr Cryer: "If you're ever any good, you're always good.  It's always there.  You've just got to find it". Perhaps this is what we all need to hear when inspiration is thin on the ground.  Inspiration is one of those things we all struggle with from time to time - my friend Roy over there in Norway seems to have a good angle on it.  From what I can see, he goes back to basics - lines, patterns, shadows etc.  I have to say I think that's a great approach and I will be unashamedly copying it.  Of course Roy does it pretty well, as expected.

Just a shadow that caught my eye the other day.  After about a week of very dull weather the sun actually put in an appearance - the cold, winter light was lovely. 5x7 print.

I was thinking that inspiration is one of those things that can't be found.  I mean, it can't be found when you are looking for it...it kind of has to come to you, to reveal itself.   Perhaps it just creeps up on you when you have lost yourself in doing whatever it is that you enjoy doing.

For a minute there it may have sounded like I know what I'm talking about.  I don't, of course - but it's OK 'cos I know of a man who does: Andrew Sanderson.  I've just picked up one of his books which I am mightily enjoying: Home Photography.  The subtitle is 'Inspiration on your doorstep'.  This is a wonderful book and it has probably come just at the right time for me on my particular journey.  Mr Sanderson has a very straightforward and honest way of writing and his work, as you may know, is pretty special.  You can see some of it here: http://www.andrewsanderson.com/