So January 2014 was the wettest for 250 years. I can honestly say from a selfish perspective that is no bad thing in that I knuckled down to crafting and drafting my dissertation that is now hovering around an acceptable 9500 words. I don’t seem to mind researching and writing whilst the wind and rain batter my office window but I am itching in more ways than one to carry on shooting for my degree project.

Itching number on e was caused by a seed head from a Burdock on 17th November. I became aware after I had completed my shoot that morning using my large format camera of an itchy ankle and found the offending spur stuck in my sock. I thought nothing more of it after I picked out all the velcro-like hooked barbs but it went on to inflame and itch badly so much so I ended up seeing a doctor about it. The soreness has now subsided but every now and then I’mm looking for a fine toothed tenon saw to cut it off!

Itching number 2 is getting the right light with no wind at the end of the day. OK we have had those  days but I find myself stuck in a lecture theatre. The next month is not looking too promising so I may end up in the darkroom trying C-types of my inkjet contact sheet edits.

The highlight of January was a trip up to the V&A last week where Martin Barnes, senior photography curator gave us a fascinating insight into  a history of photography  and the V&A. In a word it was priceless and so beneficial to my dissertation subject.