Hope, Kindness and Hello 2021

31st December, 2020

Photography is a great distraction in difficult times. Looking back over a rollercoaster year in 2020 and January at Rockaway Beach Music festival, it’s strange remembering a crowded fun weekend. March was all change with Lockdown and a deserted Whitstable High Street. April saw people cheering and clapping for carers and NHS workers with ‘Rainbows’ appearing everywhere. Inspired by artist Liz Atkin, I started focussing on Slow Walk Textures. In May people were out again and shops & restaurants re-opened. In June a Mindful Photography course run by Ruth Davey gave me another project to work on. Documenting 150 people turning out on Whitstable beach in solidarity with the BLACK LIVES MATTER Campaign was published in Photojournalism Hub’s ‘Injustices and Inequalities; Covid-19′ online journal.

In August I played around with Film Noir effects and we had a successful group photography exhibition in Whitstable Museum Gallery. Countryside walks with friends were a tonic and escaping to Penzance in October was a welcome break. Working on Whitstable iphone postcards occupied November as travelling was limited once again.

2020 was a tough year for many people including the University students I mentor. I appreciate the support from my family and friends worldwide. My resolve is to continue in a spirit of Hope and Kindness and wish us all a Happy New Year for 2021.