In the middle of August this year, I helped organise a photo walk around Blackpool. It started at the HiveArts gallery with a short presentation about film photography by myself. I talked about basic camera maintenance, types of film, and filters. I also had a selection of cameras on display to initiate conversations, which they did. After, there was a presentation about Polaroid cameras and their aesthetic by mandyleft. Finally, there was the walk. Every attendee received a film and goodie bag from Ilford which could be used on the walk. Ilford are great a engaging with the film community and I was so pleased they deemed us worthy enough to sponsor.

The event was part of an exhibition based around beach life. I had a few photos in the exhibition which you can see below.

The weather on the day started awfully, lots of rain and clouds. Typically for the UK, by the end of the walk, it brightened up which was perfect as it was timed to coincide with a visit by the Red Arrows. I didn’t organise that 😉 it was part of the Blackpool Airshow.

I was a little nervous for my first film talk, but I think, being a teacher helped. I am used to talking in front of people, though they are usually much smaller and younger, with a lot more crying involved. There was definitely a lot of engagement from the local community, it was just such a pity about the weather. You can’t plan for the weather though, only adapt.

I decided to take one of my favourite cameras, the Olympus OM4. I hadn’t used it in a while and wanted to ensure it was still working as it should. I had a little trouble with the metering system as I had forgotten the spot button needed to be pressed before trying the highlight or shadow ones. I coped on the day and later went back to reread, Mike Eckman’s great post about the camera. This happens when you have too many cameras. It pushes me towards reducing my collection and being more familiar with just a few…but which few?

Anyway, I loaded my Ilford gifted HP5 and got to shooting. Here are some of my results for the day.

I was pleased with the results, especially the portraits. Recently, I have become more confident in asking people if I can take their photograph. I find it easier if I am in a small group, rather than when I am on my own.

The whole day felt very successful, but to be honest I was a bit overwhelmed by it. Many people think I am outgoing, but really I am not. The more attention I get, the more I withdraw into myself. It is the same with affection from friends. The more I get the more I pull away. It is like a seesaw. I have another presentation happening very soon or maybe it has happened depending on when I publish this. I expect myself to be on a downward social spiral after that. It is nothing personal against other people, my social bucket just needs time to refill. I will push myself forward though, onward and outward…like my belly 🙂

Anyway, I want to say thank you to all involved and maybe there will be a repeat of this event in the future, watch this space.