CALEDONIA!

March 24 2010

I've mentioned this project on the blog before and things are finally rolling forward. I've had a passion (some may call it an obsession) with native forest for as long as I can remember, so it's very gratifying to be commissioned to produce a book on the subject.
I've asked colleague Niall Benvie to assist with the text - he's far more literate than me for one thing, and restrictions on time mean the book is unlikely to happen any time soon without Niall's input.
We're not quite at the stage of advance orders just yet but of course, I'll let you know as and when!!

The most precious of assets

February 11 2010

For the last few days, a young and aspiring nature photographer joined our Winter Wildlife photo-tour to 'see how it was done.' I'm not sure he achieved that, but many of the group remarked on his ability to effectively interact and engage with people.

Once guests had left this morning, I high-tailed down to Pitlochry, met with colleague Niall Benvie and we jointly met with the CEO of the John Muir Trust to discuss how we might enliven their strategic vision in the form of a full colour brochure.

Both experiences underline the importance of relationships. It is solidly-based relationships that nurture personal trust and at a business level, integrity. These relationships - with photo-tour guests, with colleagues and with individuals within the scientific and conservation sectors - are my most precious of assets. They take years to form and develop and there are no shortcuts.

Imagine then my sensitivity to these relationships being threatened. A few years ago, one such relationship (with a forester) lead me to a wonderful site where I have photographed a 'rogue' capercaillie - some of the images have been posted on this blog. In recent weeks, I've been made aware of certain photographers trying to establish where this site is - none of them have approached me directly, but have contacted friends and colleagues behind my back. I'm precious about this site - not only because of the sensitivity of the bird, but because of the erosion of the trust placed in me by my forester friend.

So a plea: respect my relationship with and within my local and professional community. If you want to know where the site is, ask me - don't embarrass others. If I trust you, I might help you.

Benvie bashing...in the nicest possible sense of course!

December 1 2009

I've been ANOTHER two days in meetings and I need a rant. What's more, I've found a target:friend and colleague Niall Benvie. See...

http://niallbenvie.churchilljohnson.co.uk/blog/

I agree wholeheartedly that the nature photography community lacks imagination; I agree that it's all too willing to follow the crowds to the easy-pickings of honeypot sites. But Niall, what do you expect? Images are created (by you, me and lots of others) that then inspire once they are published (one of our primary aims of course). It's entirely predictable that photographers will want 'one for themselves.'

Images of grey seals, kites, sea eagles, bears - they rarely break new boundaries, they perpetuate the creative straight jacket, they even, in some cases, erode the well-being of the subject, but we've all contributed to that to varying degrees. So come on Niall, give some charity to those trying to do what you've been lucky enough to do yourself.

My tongue might be leaning slightly towards my cheek but I'll only take it out, if you'll climb down from your high horse - deal?