As mentioned in the previous blog, very little had actually been booked at the start of the year but it has been a busy one.
Just before the end of 2021, I decided that I needed some sort of an incentive to ensure I ventured out with the camera for more local photography - I decided to undertake a project that required me to get at least one image every week (Project 52) and, so far, I have stuck to the plan.
You would think that it would be easy to do but the week disappears before you know it - plus there have been a couple of instances where I haven't got an image that I liked (or thought good enough to post). Through doing this project, I have had to be a lot more creative (you don't get big vistas in Buckinghamshire) plus learn to accept that you won't always get a 'wow' image, which has meant that some of the self inflicted pressure has been lifted.
February saw a visit to Grasmere in the Lake District as a replacement for the postponed Cairngorms trip and, wow, what a trip it was! In addition to the photography, another Wainwright was conquered (Black Fell), and an image from around Tarn Hows went straight in my 'portfolio'.
February also saw the first of the Art Shows - Longwick - which, due to the environment we were having to endure, saw people reluctant to visit.
On to March, and two more Art Shows - Wendover MS and Art on the Hill, Brill - both new ones for me and both proved successful in getting my images out there.
During March we also managed a long weekend in the Peak District - the photography took a bit of a back seat this time as I used it as more of a scouting mission for future visits and I've now got a better idea of the area.
April - the next visit came out of the blue - a friend has been doing the Lands End to John O'Groats walk over the last few years and I decided to make the trip to Dundee with him to act as taxi and emergency back up. It was a bit of an adventure, as the car had a few hiccups on the way there, but a thoroughly enjoyable 4 days. Once again, photography wasn't the priority but I did manage to grab a couple of decent shots.
Into May and it was Beaconsfield Art Show first on the list - for some reason, the number of visitors was well down on the previous event and, I think, proved difficult for everyone who was exhibiting.
At the end of May I was able to put on a mini exhibition in The Crew Cafe in Princes Risborough - the proprietors (Kim and Steve) were kind enough to allow me some space for 3 days as a prelude to exhibiting during Bucks Art Weeks.
Most of June revolved around the 'Bucks Art Weeks' - ten days of preparation, followed by two weeks of exhibiting (and for which I had to be on site for eight days of it). The exhibition exceeded my expectations, with a number of sales plus a commission and a possible feature in a local magazine - great news!
What remains for the rest of the year? Well, there are already two more Art Shows booked, a Craft Fair and two more trips to the Lake District (the first of which is happening very soon). Add a couple of wild camping trips, which are pencilled in and it's a very busy year.
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