To me at least, it feels a little insensitive for me to write anything personal or about photography  this week. My mind is struggling to find the right words. It is equally heartbreaking and infuriating to see so many recent racist events. Now more than ever it is important we stand together and show support. To use Ijeoma Oluo words " The beauty of anti-racism is that you don't have to pretend to be free of racism to be an anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including yourself. And that's the only way forward."

There are a few things you can do to show your support. First of you can donate to the memorial fund here or help fund the movement here. Secondly, you can add your name to the petition here. Now more than ever so much information is available online to help you do your research. Social media has list of books, films and personal accounts to follow (@goodgoodgoodco is a good place to start). Enough is enough. "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter." Martin Luther King

This week has felt a little more difficult than others  and I have felt a little less creative and positive. We all have good and bad days and sometime you just to take some time out and focus on things that make you happy. Anyway, as the week disappeared I wondered what I would write about and I to mix it up I thought I would share a petition and ask you all to please add your name to help extend the self-employed support. I am lucky to be eligible, I have heard horror stories, and while I am trying to keep working (did I mention that I can edit your videos/photos as well as offer an outdoor socially distance shoot?*) my work load is very minimal. I am grateful to have this time to learn new skills, stay safe and watch classic films but I am concerned about the future and how I can afford to live. I'd really appreciate it if you could take five minutes to follow the link below and help us self employed people out. You can click here.

*I am currently accepting 'local' shoots which can be done outside and will be keeping a two meter distance at all times. For more information use the Contact Me section found on the left hand side.

It goes without saying the last few weeks have been a interesting ride. I am eager to to get back to work but only when it is safe. Anyway, I was thinking about how it this has been super tough on our on students. I remember my last year of university and it was a struggle to finish my course let alone deal with Covid 19. Thats why I want to offer all graduates 20 % off (with a valid student ID) off my headshot/portrait package. This offers means prices start from £80,  with outdoor shoots in open space which can be done with two meter social distancing guidelines. Check out my portrait page for more example and use the contact me section if you would like more information.

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I had an idea for a shot that I keep coming back to.  I wanted to shoot people with invisible illnesses and do a series to remind people that disability can't always be seen. It's a very intimate and personal thing, so I've been hesitating. 

Well... Today marks the last day of Deaf Awareness Week (4-10th of May) so I've run out of reasons to put this idea off. And with social distancing happening, I only had one subject left to photograph... So here are some self portraits with focus on my 'bad' ear. I noticed that at about 6:30 pm the sun hits the door in my living room, giving beautiful dappled light. Perfect lighting conditions for what I had in mind. Dynamic shadows and texture, exactly what I need for a self conscious and vulnerable portrait. No help, no makeup, just me and that ear.

"I'm a little bit deaf"... That's a phrase I say occasionally. People forget this easily or are unaware because there are no visual reminders. I can not tell you the amount of times I have turned to be greeted by a frustrated face when I haven't heard that person call my name. I am however, lucky to have one healthy ear! (I have lost about 75 percent of my hearing on my left side.) My deafness is caused by a vestibular illness,  so wearing a hearing aid isn't alway possible, my hearing fluctuates. I still can't work out the riddle of when a good and bad day will happen.  

The only tell tale sign that I might be hard of hearing is when I am wearing my hearing aid. To me it feels like a huge sign but in reality people usually don't even notice. You might catch me lip reading too, but few people do. As a little signpost for my naughty ear, I got my helix pierced in January. I thought my bad ear needed a little extra bling (and a perhaps be a helpful reminder to friends that unfortunately they have my bad side).

The UK Council on Deafness (www.deafcouncil.org.uk) have some great tips on what you can do when you meet a deaf or hard of hearing person. With eleven million people suffering with hearing loss across the UK, you are bound to mingle with someone. Head the the website for more information, where you can also show your support by making a donation. If you have any questions my inbox is always open.


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