Dear Michela, so much of what you write here resonates; in terms of photography, even down to the "I confess that, as anything other than an early adopter, I couldn't really see that digital would make my photography improve. I learned I was wrong when...". When you speak of your dislike for your voice, I applaud you heartily for overcoming that fear, I am not there yet - I'm not sure I ever will be even but I love so much when you say "There seems, too, to be a symmetry to it: that after taking inspiration from place, I take the words back and share them there." I am inspired to try again... outside, telling my stories back to nature!
And, I used to live in Derbyshire - Hayfield was the village. I didn't think I would ever recover from moving away from the Peak District but I did, I miss it still but here I have found a home on my hill I never imagined would pull my spirit so strongly and with so much aching love. I was lucky... I am lucky ! xx
Dear Susie, it’s so good to know that. Yes, somehow outdoors feels better.
At one point, I couldn’t have imagined leaving either (we lived a short distance from Buxton). And yet, my experience is similar to yours. We are both fortunate!
That was lovely to hear today, I closed my eyes and listened, allowed my mind to wander with you on your walk. As I’m confined indoors, you took me to your outside, and it was a perfect tonic- thank you:)
Hi Sarah! That’s so good to hear. I’m glad you’re back home after your surgery. I realise that I don’t know just how long it will take to recover, and hope you have some diversions to take your mind off the wait.
I really enjoyed this Michela. It felt like walking alongside you! The birdsong, the sound of water, your footsteps, the sound of the camera. Your insights into your photography. Thank you. Beautiful images as always.
Thanks Linda. I wondered when I was editing the audio yesterday, adding the punctuations of birdsong, if together with my ponderous thoughts the whole thing was becoming too drawn out. But I guess it reflects the nature of the walk! I’m glad you enjoyed coming along.
I really like this. I've been thinking about photographing the green where I live, and just haven't done it yet. And I think your solution for the star-scape was perfect. Well done, and thanks for sharing!
Thanks Donn. I hope you do get to do that. Yes, in the end I’m happy with the representation; they were beginning to feel as elusive as the stars in the sky.
Loved reading this Michela -- I'm nto a photographer, but the insight into process made the images even more alive and beautiful and I resonated so much with this: "I haven't yet really worked out why there is this need to feel attached to place. A sense of home, a grounding, I think. A place that I can always come out to and find something, however small, that shifts the needle on the day." Sometimes in the midst of overwhelm from the world or work, all I have to do is open a window and hear the river, see the apple trees and the day shifts -- this sense of being 'in place' is so vital and everyone should have access to it. Thank you.
That’s lovely to hear Jan. The sound of water works every time; I always used to stop to listen every time I crossed a stream, long before I thought of photographing their detail. And while I refer to sights it is equally sound, scent, or touch. Thank you for reminding me of this.
Just wonderful Michela, walking with you through the woods and your words 🙏 Beautiful bnw picture love the stars 😍
Hello Rannsy, it’s good to hear from you. I’m glad you enjoyed the walk and the stars; thank you.
Dear Michela, so much of what you write here resonates; in terms of photography, even down to the "I confess that, as anything other than an early adopter, I couldn't really see that digital would make my photography improve. I learned I was wrong when...". When you speak of your dislike for your voice, I applaud you heartily for overcoming that fear, I am not there yet - I'm not sure I ever will be even but I love so much when you say "There seems, too, to be a symmetry to it: that after taking inspiration from place, I take the words back and share them there." I am inspired to try again... outside, telling my stories back to nature!
And, I used to live in Derbyshire - Hayfield was the village. I didn't think I would ever recover from moving away from the Peak District but I did, I miss it still but here I have found a home on my hill I never imagined would pull my spirit so strongly and with so much aching love. I was lucky... I am lucky ! xx
Dear Susie, it’s so good to know that. Yes, somehow outdoors feels better.
At one point, I couldn’t have imagined leaving either (we lived a short distance from Buxton). And yet, my experience is similar to yours. We are both fortunate!
Gorgeous. Shame about the midges.
Thanks Debbie. They’re nowhere near as bad here as further west.
That was lovely to hear today, I closed my eyes and listened, allowed my mind to wander with you on your walk. As I’m confined indoors, you took me to your outside, and it was a perfect tonic- thank you:)
Hi Sarah! That’s so good to hear. I’m glad you’re back home after your surgery. I realise that I don’t know just how long it will take to recover, and hope you have some diversions to take your mind off the wait.
love the voice-overs and the fact they are done in nature, they really add an extra dimension to the text
Thanks Sophie, that’s exactly what I hope for!
Love this look at place and how it changes, while also maintaining some sense of familiarity.
Thanks Mary. The line between window and mirror may be a little blurred, as we are never the same either.
They do look like stars so lovely! Beautiful post as always and great images Michela.
Thanks Shital, I’m happy that you enjoyed this. Yes, in the end, I caught my stars—I should probably make a wish!
You should :)
Michela, it is so good to read your words again. Life has pulled me in many directions lately, but I love your writing.
Thank you Paul, it’s always a pleasure to hear from you.
I really enjoyed this Michela. It felt like walking alongside you! The birdsong, the sound of water, your footsteps, the sound of the camera. Your insights into your photography. Thank you. Beautiful images as always.
Thanks Linda. I wondered when I was editing the audio yesterday, adding the punctuations of birdsong, if together with my ponderous thoughts the whole thing was becoming too drawn out. But I guess it reflects the nature of the walk! I’m glad you enjoyed coming along.
I like your ponderous thoughts!
Thank you 😊
Beautiful greens (and love that “sky” full of stars at the end).
Thank you. It almost feels like the green is shouting this year. Perhaps it is the contrast with the dry conditions that the wood seems cocooned from.
I really like this. I've been thinking about photographing the green where I live, and just haven't done it yet. And I think your solution for the star-scape was perfect. Well done, and thanks for sharing!
Thanks Donn. I hope you do get to do that. Yes, in the end I’m happy with the representation; they were beginning to feel as elusive as the stars in the sky.
Loved reading this Michela -- I'm nto a photographer, but the insight into process made the images even more alive and beautiful and I resonated so much with this: "I haven't yet really worked out why there is this need to feel attached to place. A sense of home, a grounding, I think. A place that I can always come out to and find something, however small, that shifts the needle on the day." Sometimes in the midst of overwhelm from the world or work, all I have to do is open a window and hear the river, see the apple trees and the day shifts -- this sense of being 'in place' is so vital and everyone should have access to it. Thank you.
That’s lovely to hear Jan. The sound of water works every time; I always used to stop to listen every time I crossed a stream, long before I thought of photographing their detail. And while I refer to sights it is equally sound, scent, or touch. Thank you for reminding me of this.