Photographed a different Becky recently…
So, if anyone is interested in modelling, give me a shout, I don’t bite…(well, not too hard…)
Had some great shoots with Becky recently…
Can’t wait to do some more…
She’s very easy to photograph and doesn’t need much direction…
I keep a list of Maxims that motivate or guide me…
Maintain the highest standards of self discipline in all aspects of daily life
Preparation is the key to success !
P.R.I.D.E.
Perserverence, Responsibility, Integrity, Determination, Excitement.
Engage in the never ending pursuit of excellence
What is it today that tomorrow I will wish I had done yesterday ?
As a man thinketh, then so shall he be
The road to Nirvana is not big and safe, but narrow and steep, but if you walk only on sunny days, you’ll never reach your destination
A balanced life takes discipline
Make the best of what you’ve got, where you are, now
Good timber does not grow with ease, the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees
The meeting of preparation with opportunity produces the offspring we call luck
For every disciplined effort there is multiple reward
Whether you believe you can do something, or believe you can’t … you’re right !
Use it or lose it
Failure is not defeat, just a little more experience
It is a foolish man who professess to be wise
Train hard … fight easy
The only people without problems are those in graves.
Discover a journey, travel it … for this is all that there is
Action dispels fear…
If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got. If what you are doing is not working, do something else.
If you don’t have problems, you will never be the person who overcame them.
“The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.”
“The strangest secret in the world is that you become what you think about.”
“Success is a matter of a few simple disciplines, practiced every day. Failure is a few errors in judgment, repeated every day.”
“To change one’s life:
Start immediately.
Do it flamboyantly.
No exception.”
-William James
“For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin – real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way. Something to be got through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.”
-Fr. Alfred D’Souza
“If you are going to doubt something, doubt your limits.” Don Ward
“You are not stuck where you are unless you decide to be.” – Wayne Dyer
“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” – Leo Tolstoy
“Everything we experience—no matter how unpleasant—comes into our lives to teach us something.” — Iyanla Vanzant
“Action is a great restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result, but the cause, of fear.” – Norman Vincent Peale
“When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: you haven’t.” Thomas Edison
Calm, confident, never hesitate
It was only last July that I vowed to never ever visit Skye again…see here why…
I knew my lovers tiff wouldn’t last long…and on the 5th May 2017 I made my way back!
My alarm was set for 0500 hrs. however, on account of the excitement I awoke at 0448 hrs. I showered, packed the car, picked up some provisions from my local Asda, picked up my companion for the trip and set off.
The first stop, as is usual for me on these trips, was Inveruglas…a Red Bull, pie and packet of crisps later I was ready for the next stage to The Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge.
After a brief walk around it was back in the car to the next stop…the car park at Dornie…
Next stop, the campsite at Glenbrittle! We pitched our tents, had a brew (or a cider 😉 ) then had a walk on the beach…
After a couple (ahem) of ciders it was bed time.
On the Saturday we walked up to the Loch an Fhir-bhallaich near The Coire Lagan…details of the walk are here…
It was a wonderful sunny day and the views were glorious.
After we descended we just chilled around the campsite, reading or simply taking in the atmosphere…
On the Sunday we broke camp, drove to The Sligachan Campsite and set up camp there.
We rested a while, then I met a good friend of mine in Seumus’ Bar
We have a pint (ahem) of Guinness then it was time to say our goodbyes…for now.
Sunday evening was quite windy…however, when the wind died down I popped out to take a couple of hand held shots of the sunset…
The next morning, we got up early and left for home by 0710 hrs.
I’ll be back Skye!
Skye images here…
When going for a ramble or a more serious walk I tend to carry the same things in my rucksack.
I’ve always used ‘mental systems’ so that I remember things. For the great outdoors it’s:
Let me break that down for you.
Food
Pasties, sandwiches, fruit, nuts, chocolate.
Water
Plain water to make a brew with the Jetboil and some diluted squash. Occasionally a bottle of beer for summit celebrations!
Shelter
Thermal smock, waterproof, hat (baseball and woollen cap), gloves.
Communication
iPhone. Very occasionally Motorola Radios if there’s more than just me.
Navigation
Map, compass, GPS (Satmap Active 10 and mapping app on iPhone). Route card. Occasionally guide book.
Emergency
Petzl head torch, Leatherman, whistle, lighter (Zippo).
Photographic
CCS camera bag or Lowe Pro depending if more than one lens is taken. Camera, spare batteries and CF Cards. Cleaning cloth and blower brush. Remote release. Tripod (Benbo Trekker or Manfrotto).
I’ve just ordered a new rucksack…a black version of the Berghaus Ridgeway…I’ll keep you informed…
http://www.berghaus.com/ridgeway-65%2B10-rucksack/421583.html
I fell a little out of love with Skye in the summer of 2016 on account of the amount of visitors / tourists who simply didn’t know how to drive / park – especially around the beauty spots (honey pots) of:
The Fairy Pools
Neist Point
Talisker Bay
And Elgol
Anyway, I’ve gotten over my little hissy fit and have decided to go back to Skye in May…so I’m currently planning my camping trip….
It makes me laugh now the number of photographers offering ‘photography courses’. They make far more money with these courses than actually selling photographs. They’ll take you to photography ‘honey pots’ where, unless your camera is dead you’re guaranteed a good photo. Photography isn’t that difficult. There are plenty of books and resources on the web to help you. Why be spoon fed? Learn for yourselves guys or just ask these ‘experts’ to send you a print?
Was doing the Social Media rounds a while back. Still relevant.
Advice from an 80 year old man…………
1. Have a firm handshake.
2. Look people in the eye.
3. Sing in the shower.
4. Own a great stereo system.
5. If in a fight, hit first and hit hard.
6. Keep secrets.
7. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen everyday.
8. Always accept an outstretched hand.
9. Be brave. Even if you’re not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
10. Whistle.
11. Avoid sarcastic remarks.
12. Choose your life’s mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90 per cent of all your happiness or misery.
13. Make it a habit to do nice things for people who will never find out.
14. Lend only those books you never care to see again.
15. Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all that they have.
16. When playing games with children, let them win.
17. Give people a second chance, but not a third.
18. Be romantic.
19. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
20. Loosen up. Relax. Except for rare life-and-death matters, nothing is as important as it first seems.
21. Don’t allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It’s there for our convenience, not the caller’s.
22. Be a good loser.
23. Be a good winner.
24. Think twice before burdening a friend with a secret.
25. When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.
26. Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.
27. Keep it simple.
28. Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.
29. Don’t burn bridges. You’ll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.
30. Live your life so that your epitaph could read, No Regrets
31. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.
32. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
33. Remember no one makes it alone. Have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who helped you.
34. Take charge of your attitude. Don’t let someone else choose it for you.
35. Visit friends and relatives when they are in hospital; you need only stay a few minutes.
36. Begin each day with some of your favourite music.
37. Once in a while, take the scenic route.
38. Send a lot of Valentine cards. Sign them, ‘Someone who thinks you’re terrific.’
39. Answer the phone with enthusiasm and energy in your voice.
40. Keep a note pad and pencil on your bed-side table. Million-dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3 a.m.
41. Show respect for everyone who works for a living, regardless of how trivial their job.
42. Send your loved ones flowers. Think of a reason later.
43. Make someone’s day by paying the toll for the person in the car behind you.
44. Become someone’s hero.
45. Marry only for love.
46. Count your blessings.
47. Compliment the meal when you’re a guest in someone’s home.
48. Wave at the children on a school bus.
49. Remember that 80 per cent of the success in any job is based on your ability to deal with people.
50. Don’t expect life to be fair
I’ve been in the photography / walking / camping doldrums for a few years now. Must be an age thing.
I used to be a very keen fell walker and have done it since about 1983.
Anyway, I’ve snapped out of that now. I’ve just prepped my new Berghaus Crusader rucksack for this years adventures.
And I’ve bought a new OEX Lynx tent for some camping adventures!
And I’ve sorted out the camping kit.
Let the adventures begin!
I remember one school report from my Chemistry teacher that said:”Craig is a lazy boy, easily satisfied with poor results”
The fact is he was a lazy, uninspiring teacher. Only interested in talking to those who could afford to go on skiing trips with him.
Inspiring, empathetic teachers create enthusiastic pupils.
Your fault Mr. Henderson.
