May 2019 Newsletter

[Dallas]

[reposted for those who don't get the emails]

 

It's been a while since I wrote to you all and I really must apologise for treating you so poorly! Know however that Fotozones is always on my mind, even when a million other things are demanding my time and attention. 

 

Somebody once told me that life gets busier the older you get and I guess for me I am finding this out first hand. I am photographing dozens of houses every week these days, plus I also still get the occasional assignment that pulls me away from a computer for at least a day. So yes indeed, for me times are busy, busy, busy! I believe for the first time ever in my career as a photographer I am actually truly enjoying what I am doing (if you didn't already know this I am kind of a slow study). 

 

The trouble with being a professional photographer is that you can easily get burnout and the net result of this is that the thing you were once passionate about becomes a chore in your mind, which in turn leads to lethargy when it comes to enjoying photography for yourself again. I've been in this situation loads of times and honestly it gets me worried because I need to be passionate about things. This is why I have steered Fotozones into the less paced, albeit more rewarding area of being a community specifically for recreational photographers, that is you guys and gals who get out there and enjoy actually playing with the gear we all (mostly) obsess over. I love coming to my computer first thing in the morning and seeing the photos that our members share from all over the world. It reminds me that there are still very good reasons to get off my butt and go and make some photos for myself.

 

Well, speaking of that in just over a month's time I'm going on safari again! I can't tell you all just how excited I am about this one. It's the first safari I have organised entirely on my own and I am champing at the bit to get into the Sabi Sands game reserve to go and enjoy the wonderful nature we have access to here in South Africa (along with old and new friends I have made on Fotozones). I may also be going there with an Olympus E-M1X to try out. I have been in touch with our local agents and they have said they will supply me with a loan unit, so I am going to be able to see for myself (and of course report back to you all) just how far things have come in the Micro Four Thirds world since I got my original E-M1 in 2014. Can't wait! Of course I will be writing more about the safari and reliving my past safaris on Fotozones for you all to enjoy. I've written most of part 4 of the 10 Years Of Safaris series, but need to polish it up and select some new, never published before photos from that epic trip we did in 2013. Stay tuned. 

 

Right, Saturday morning beckons, so I must leave again, but before I do, please remember that if you haven't logged into your Fotozones account in the past three years you need to do so before the end of June otherwise you will lose the account. This is the second round of dormant account culling that I will be doing. Hate to lose members, but I need to keep Fotozones focussed and compliant with all these new laws. 

Til next time, take care!