Does your work ever surprise you?

Mine does all the time. A year ago I had the winner of the BW section of the Focus Awards Competition spend a few days with me in the Blue Mountains. Was a lovely few days out photographing. We had spent an afternoon previously looking at his work and helping him to figure out where to go next.

I love that part of mentoring someone, when their eyes light up with possibilities and ideas. Positive direction can be so illuminating. It’s like pondering a map or being given a brighter torch for exploring at night.

Looking through these photographs from a year ago, I see this one and my jaw drops. Is it even my photograph? It’s so beautiful. I just want to be back there right now in soft damp light working those trees and ferns some more. My happy place. Can’t wait to return again.

The surprise really comes because I haven’t really looked at them since I took them. I just love to leave them mature. Like a fine Shiraz, it only gets better with years, not months. The longer I leave them the better the surprise. The better they are to my own critical judgement.

We have finally selected someone deserving for the two year membership of Len’s Club. Amanda Hitchens. Pt selected her out, telling me she was the Person who really justified why she needed the gift of the membership the most. Clair will contact you and sort out your membership.

We already have so many hours on there. I might add them up for some bragging rights. Am currently approaching interesting photographers and artists to interview.

I can’t wait to get out photographing with people again. The Tarkine calls me.

Grand Canyon, The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Photograph and text copyright © Len Metcalf 2020