A Typical day for me is.....

I usually wake up between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. I start my day with some stretches and light exercises to help my body get moving. Once I’ve done this, I may take the dog for a short walk outside. I then eat breakfast and usually get stuck into some reading or another activity on the computer in my office.

I then attend to my caring responsibilities, preparing breakfast and looking after the person I care for.

Around mid-morning, I usually get around to doing some photography, writing, admin or planning, and this can take me well into the early afternoon. I have a few more caring responsibilities around lunchtime, usually preparing lunch between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m.

The rest of my day then tends to dip a little, as my energy often goes down around 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. I may have a short sleep for 30 to 45 minutes to regain some energy before getting back to whatever I’m working on, whether that’s photography, writing, general admin or even some housework. Then it’s time for the evening meal, and my evenings are usually completely relaxed, with me watching TV or reading a book.

Tasks that I repeat every week are mainly around my caring responsibilities. This involves preparing breakfasts and lunches, sorting out medication, and keeping on top of general house and garden jobs.

I might also do some writing. I’m working on my website and blog, and I’m keeping a journal. I’m not currently planning many shoots, but I do have lots of ideas for shoots that I’ll want to do when my time and mobility open up more.

I also help Adele with the driving school. This is mainly around admin tasks, but I can also be called upon to check oil levels, prepare the car, and clean it enough for tests and other appointments.

Week by week, I have medical appointments that I need to attend as a carer, as well as my own medical appointments and physio. I keep an eye on social media posts, although I try to limit this. I find social media is a drain on my time, and that is better used to do something creative. I also do the household admin and paperwork, and keep on top of my emails as much as possible.

Most weeks, for leisure and to keep me involved in photography, I attend at least two or three photography-related meetings, but these are always online. I have joined 2 or 3 online camera/photo clubs now and find them much easier to attend than in-person clubs, as I can attend live or after the event if I need to, to catch up on screen recordings. I’ve attended some really good talks. For example, there was one by Kevin Pickney from Cambridge, where he talked about his top 30 images across lots of genres. He sells prints at fairs and markets, and tends to do A3 prints for this.

He has an interesting way of shooting wildlife. Brown rabbits appear to be his favourite thing, but he also shoots all sorts of things, including dogs and pets, usually in outdoor environments rather than in the studio. He offered some great tips on shooting wildlife, using different lighting conditions, and handling them.

Talks like this are very inspiring and help keep my interest in trying to keep shooting, even though at times I’m finding that very hard when I’m not able to get out. I also love being part of the Photographers Circle group online and the photography community run by Glyn Dewis. I have a list of the things I regularly access and watch, including various online meetings, webinars and training courses from top instructors. These are on premium sites, rather than the advert-filled content you often get on YouTube.

Alongside the photography, I’m also developing my AI skills through online AI masterclass sessions. I’m planning to record some tutorials for photographers, so I’m filling some of my time designing and creating those. I’m also setting up a Tips and Tricks with AI mailing list and group, so there are lots of plans to keep me busy online. But more of that in another post.

a nutty boy moment while walking the lakeside with Ali

Ali, good company and conversation by the lake with our cameras.

A couple of weeks ago, a good photography friend, Ali, offered to meet up for a coffee and then go for a walk with cameras.

We went to Manvers Lake, which is a place I had only ever been to once before. We had a leisurely stroll around the lake, and I did take a few photos.

Mostly, however, it was just nice to chat with another photographer in a relaxed and inspiring place. We plan to meet up again for another photo walk when I feel up to it.

I have a few planned photo shoot locations to attend in the coming months and hope that i can make these and get some enjoyment out of them again.

That's pretty much how my typical days/weeks go at the moment.

While I don't get out much, I do enjoy these creative pursuits of photography and writing, and my latest interest of learning AI.