There was once a photo-a-day photographer called Ian. He did his year from December 2003 to December 2004 and although you occasionally see his name pop up now, it’s quite rare. He was good (I assume he still is). In fact, he was one of the most inspirational photographers on pbase. I’d say that out of everyone on pbase, I’d more like to shoot pics like his than almost anyone else.

Once he shot an absolutely amazing shot of a pussy willow bud emerging and although I rarely remember what I comment on folks photos, I can remember saying that there was no need for any photographer to ever shoot another pussy willow because he’s shot the best shot it would ever be possible to get. The lighting was fabulous, the subject perfectly framed and the focus excellent.

So, here am I, dipstick that I am, shooting a pussy willow bud. No, it’s not as good as his and no I doubt I’ll ever attain the lofty heights of a shot like Ian’s but it is, nonetheless, quite nice for a number of reasons.

Firstly, because after months of having a mini-studio set up in the dining room (because DM couldn’t face the wind-tunnel that separates our home from our real studio in the depths of winter), I’ve put my foot down with a firm hand and insisted on reinstating the studio in its rightful place. This is shot there for the first time since this….taken on 18th December. So, if nothing else, it’s a symbol of spring in more than one way.

Secondly because it’s spring and that’s what you do in spring……shoot stuff that’s bursting out of its jacket!

It’s also a pretty good shot, even though I say so myself.

Mainly though, because I wanted to shoot something symbolic of how I’m feeling today because I’m still trying my best and just failing at everything I do. I’ve not managed to find my niche yet, in my new world.

I’m sure I’m a budding something, I just haven’t quite worked out what yet! I’m sure it’ll only take a bit of warmth and a bit of sunshine for whatever is my thing to come popping out of the cloak that’s been covering it up

Last year, I was smelling nice stuff.....this year, Rosie has been rolling in that cow shit I was using yesterday to dress my new rose garden!