A little bit about drawing

Working as a photographer focusing on architecture requires intense periods of screen time and fairly heavy use of technology - whether using photoshop, flying a drone, calibrating screen colours, or updating websites and image archive not to mention an array of administrative tasks in running a business, internet research etc. There can be steep learning curves with all this technology but I love the challenge of discovering and embracing new creative processes, despite?recognising the need to be out and on site as much as possible.

I wanted to say here a little bit about the value of drawing in my practice. A tactile and simple act that requires no batteries or powerpoints; something I frequently return to and find invaluable for many reasons. Perhaps firstly it is right up there for maintaining a sense of creativity - we all know every day life can sometimes feel like a routine, or a never ending 'to do list', whereas taking some time to 'look closely' and take a blank piece of paper and pencil to explore or illustrate an idea, whether it works or not, is rewarding and I usually learn something in the process either about my drawing skills or the subject matter. Often it inspires me to see something differently or return with a camera or find something related to capture in a new location.

This process is therapeutic and in a similar way to a walk, or taking part in a sport is satisfying and nearly always clears my head and is invigorating, so I am becoming more aware of a sense this should be done more regularly. Like anything, practice, and more practice is required to see the improvements. However, the simplicity and practical technique of drawing is a refreshing change from screen and lens time!

Equally important for me is the way drawing helps train the eye, let alone as we get older our eyes risk getting weaker, so the need as a photographer to keep them healthy is important. Drawing, I am convinced helps my photography with understanding composition, how light and tone works and figuring out perspectives.

So I will continue to take a sketch book around - and try to bring it into play more often… here are a few excerpts over the last year or so. If you find yourself surrounded by too much noise - take yourself out somewhere for an hour and give it a try!