Corona Virus Update: April 2020

It’s amazing how much all of our lives have changed in such a small space of time. I want to start by saying that this is a truly scary time and I’m pretty certain that everyone’s lives will be affected somehow, and I am incredibly sorry for that. At a time like this, everything gets put into perspective and what is truly important to us, the health of those around us becomes the absolute pinnacle of our concerns.

With all of this in mind, I’m sure everyone has more important things on their mind but I thought I would provide a quick update of where I am with things, just in case there are any enquiries…

Are you available for work?

All of my work dried up overnight and as much as I wish I was still out there doing what I do best, I am following the government Guidelines for Social Distancing very closely. With that in mind, I have to classify my work as ‘non-essential’ and therefore limiting my contact with others. However, the moment this changes, I will, of course, be available for work.

Can I still buy prints?

I take a lot of pride in my prints and therefore choose to outsource the printing process to professionals. The company I use are currently closed and therefore, I am unable to get new work printed. However, I do hold a small selection of prints so please feel free to contact me to see if I can be of assistance.

How are you filling your time?

I have taken a little time to myself and tried to wrap my head around what is happening and the potential fall out it will have for the rest of this year. I think it will be incredibly difficult to predict what happens next so I have spent a bit of time making some much-needed changes to my website, cleaned my gear and organised a few projects that had been on the back-burner. Most of all, I am just sticking to the ‘stay home’ instruction and annoying my girlfriend, which is surprisingly easy to do apparently!

How do you keep yourself motivated?

This is a real challenge and after speaking to several friends, I know a lot of other people are struggling. However, I have taken some time to teach myself a few new skills, including home developing and a few new editing techniques. I have also thrown myself into a few good books and I am enjoying the time to find new inspiration.

Are you going out and getting ‘empty street shots’ of Birmingham?

This is a real touchy subject. I love the idea and I believe times like this should be documented. However, I personally think the risk of passing on infection and putting unwanted strain on the NHS is still too much of a risk to warrant going out just for photography purposes. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t take my camera with me on my allowed ‘exercise’ time, but I won’t be producing any new projects on the back of what is a very difficult situation for so many people.

What’s next for you?

Like so many others, I am just waiting for the opportunity to return to some kind of normality. At this point, that seems a way off. I will also be producing some new work for my YouTube channel so please consider taking a look at that.

Finally, I would just like to say please take care of yourselves. This is such a strange and challenging time for so many people that our priorities must shift. Hopefully, we all come through this stronger and with compassion for those who have had their lives severely impacted by these terrible times. Stay Safe.