Goodbye my friend

Ok so I've been slack again. This photography course has really eaten up all my time as it was an intensive course. Next time I think twice a week is too much, it left me feeling frazzled. However I finished last night and really loved it. The teacher was fantastic and I met some really great people on the course. My only regret was that there wasn't enough time to make connections outside of the course. Everyone had different talents and strengths so all the pictures were interesting. I have to say that it took me a while to get the hang of the technical side. Yesterday was the first day that I felt I may have finally got it. What it did was really help with improving my photo taking skills. Because I knew I had to print these photos I really had to look harder to find my subjects. It made me more picky and taught me to self edit.

I ended up with a really eclectic mix of photos that I really think showed elements of New York life. I was heavily influenced by an exhibition I saw in Perth called "Picturing New York" - it was a collaboration with MoMA. And so I had an evaluation from my teacher, what was my verdict? I have a natural eye for composition and use of all sides of the frame. I also have a natural eye for street photography. Jim's advice was to explore this further by creating a photo series based on a single subject. So food carts or nightlife etc. Here are two more shots for your delight. I really wanted to put more up but I also thought that I quite like them being slightly private. For people to view when they visit or when we return. Although this one of Phil was just too much to resist.

Budding Photography

Ok so you all know that I was doing a photography course and hated it so decided to walk out? At which point he blamed me and we got into an argument. Well, I complained to the school who agreed to transfer me to their summer course. It was the best thing I did. This teacher is amazing. There are so many things that he tells me are 'bad photography practice' or not to do because they're just 'stupid' and I get excited as those are the same things the other photography teacher taught me. 

Anyway, this is a black and white darkroom course. I have to develop my own film and photos. And here are my first two ever prints. What do you think? I'm going for the whole street photography thing as I think it works particularly well with black and white film. My target is to find moments in New York life. These are my takes and interpretations of the city. 

Obsession

Ok so I told you I was obsessed right? So finally I have taken the time to sift through my favorites... to bring you this post. I'm not proud of it but I do have over 400 photos of the Empire State Building. Most of these are repeats to make sure that I got the shot I needed and I've just not taken the time to edit them. I don't know what it is. I think perhaps it reminds me of where I am. The streets of New York can at times feel like the streets of any metropolis such as London. It's the landmarks that make it different. When you look up, the architecture is different and helps to set the tone for the city. I guess the biggest mark of living in New York for me is the Empire State Building. Being only a couple of blocks from it means that I notice it all the time, and it's become my thing now. Like a special inside joke "what colour will it be today?". The need to walk Paco at night makes looking out for the changes possible. I usually grab a quick snap of them like these:

But I also really enjoy taking artistic photos of it. These are by far my favourite attempts so far. 

Those who can't... teach

Now there is a HUGE problem with the quote above. Mainly that if you can't do your job properly, that does not mean that you have a miraculous ability to impart knowledge. Teaching/educating is a skill. To bring a subject to life for a student is a talent. And to be able to inspire someone is a gift. If you just want extra money, go and work in a faceless profession. Where what you say will have absolutely no impact on the person unfortunate enough to be on the other side of your awful, no good, god forsaking, talentless ability. This I feel should have been the road travelled by my current photography teacher. So bad is this gentleman that I actually walked out of my class. Only to be met by She-MAN-nay!

Yes, I kid you not. My teacher switched on me. He told me I never asked for help, that I never approached him for clarification and that I needed to understand that he was not the issue, I was. For weeks now my classmates and I have sat helplessly waiting for clarification from said teacher, turning to the teaching assistants for help. When we have asked for help he has literally called us idiots (seriously). It's such a shame as learning can be a really amazing experience. The right teacher can completely change your views and open up your world. Instead I'm left feeling angry, offended and insulted. How did that happen?

Development

Did I mention that I started a photography darkroom course? Yesterday was my second week and we finally got to develop some film. It's quite nerve-racking pouring all these chemicals into your roll of film and wondering what's going to happen. Then, slowly you unroll your film and if you notice shapes then you know you're good. Hanging a roll of film up to dry feels very rewarding. Next week we develop some photos. I'll let you know how it goes.

Museum Cafe

With some friends all you need to do is keep it simple. Meeting up with friends as often as I have been has really begun to put a strain on the bank balance, however there aren't many cafes that stay open past 6:00pm when most of us are finishing work! The wonderfully laid back Hurwundeki was in this case the answer to our problems. A cafe by day, at night it serves up Korean food until 10pm as well as its normal coffee shop goods. The perfect setting to meet up with my MA girls. The best thing about friends who work in the same industry is the way we can talk about personal and professional topics moving seamlessly between the two without lowering the tone. It was such a warm night, with good vibes and silky conversations. Bliss x

Partying away my sorrow

It's very hard having the time to say goodbye to everyone in your life. One great way to fit everyone in is to throw a massive house party. Aptly named 'America Fuck Yeah!' this was the party to end all parties. Lot's of people pulled out, but in the end, those who were there really made the night. Lot's of drink (thanks Nat), 'Hoochie' dancing (according to Liz) and a mammoth hangover later (with only myself to blame) it started to dawn on me how sad it all really is. I'm going to miss my friends so much. I could continue to write this post but in fact I think these pictures speak for themselves. I love you guys!

Concrete Jungle

So the big reveal, (unless you've been spending a lot of time with me, then it's not really a reveal) we're going to New York! Hispter Dufus has secured himself a job working for the UN, and this is really the success story. How many people get their dream job, no matter what city it's based in. New York just also happens to be a dream location especially for me and my line of work.

And so three years ago, almost to the day I traveled there for the first time. We went as a present to me celebrating my current job at the BME. How amazing to be going back and this time getting to stay. I had so much fun and remember not wanting to leave. I got my wish finally.

Counter Culture

I'm not really sure how I feel about the Olympics. Especially when it appears that it will impact heavily on my life, being advised to expect up to one hour wait to get to work doesn't really install much British pride in me. One of the things I do like about it is the regeneration of the land around the stadium and the little gems that are starting to crop up all over. Directly across the canal in Hackney is The Counter Cafe a beautifully rustic looking place that's a little bit rough round the edges. It's all exposed brick work, reclaimed furniture (one of the seating options is a row of cinema seats) and the divider between the kitchen and the counter is simply a hole that's has been smashed in the wall.

This in no way extends to the food or the service, the staff being extremely friendly and the food absolutely delicious. This little cafe happens to be housed in the same building as a gallery which means you can pick up a bit of culture before or after your feast too. It also benefits from fantastic views of the Olympics stadium. And so it was on the cinema seats that I sat to have blueberry and banana pancakes topped with maple syrup and flaked almonds, pondering my opinions of the whole ceremony. What a great way to start the day. 

Running on full power

One of my favourite things to do on a weekend is to wake up early enough to catch brunch at The Wapping Project. Now considering that it's served until 12:00pm I'm quite ashamed to admit that I've missed it a few times... This beautiful building is a historic hydraulic power station that hasn't been gutted out to make way for a shiny new restaurant, but rather the restaurant has moulded itself around the contours of the building seamlessly evolving into a chic and modern establishment.

Now normally this would equal a stuffy, overpriced, uppity kind of place, but here lies the beauty of The Wapping Project. The first thing you notice is the relaxed feeling, jeans, trainers, kids, all are welcome and a familiar part of a visit (although yes for dinner a little effort is usually required and duly made, it's quite smart). As well as a feast for your mouth your experience will provide you with a feast for the eyes, the building is beautiful and you often see people snapping away trying to capture it. If that's not enough they also regularly host amazing exhibitions including the recent Yohji Yamamoto exhibition and a cinema during the hot summer months. This is my favourite place in London without a doubt.

Brrr, Gelato

Hot days are long gone now. I know, it's painful to admit. However on those few days when the sun does come out (making it unbelievably chilly), I pluck up the courage to venture to my favourite ice-cream parlour. Gelupo is an Italian deli with an advantage, it happens to be the sister company of the amazing Bocca Di Lupo (more on that one soon).  

The short walk from Charing Cross station reminds me why this is probably a bad idea, given that I can't feel any part of my body, however turning into Archer street, a warm tingly feeling comes all over me. Stepping inside Gelupo feels like you've been transported to one of those wonderful european holidays we've all been on. 

 Everything about the place screams 'Home-made', 'Authentic', 'Delicious!'. Whether or not it's too cold is not even a question worth asking, the only question is which combination of flavours to go for. My favourite, pistachio and almonds? Or something more experimental such as the lemon and sage? Hmmm...