Where did that year go to? Just as I was getting started on some projects the year is already up. Still no big long trips, mostly down to leaving one job and picking up two, which took up most of my summer and then the other right up to Christmas. But I'm not complaining.

But photography-wise, I still only managed short trips, a lot of cottages and farmhouses, and a few landscapes in between. I did manage to get away to Donegal for a steak night with my Sunday Shooter – Martin. Stopping at locations up to his caravan and then down the next day. Hassie was also along for the trip. She is getting better with us stopping and starting at places. (I'm not confident yet with her going to some of these locations, still young and needs work) But as long as Martin buys the breakfast sausage for her, she'll happily give up her seat for martin to sit up front.

Most of the images this year are 'What's For Tea Mammy' – Stoves and 'Nobody's Home The Fires Dead Out' – Fireplaces series, and also continuing on with 'The Place I Once Called Home' as these three series' continues to grow.

We also spent a day doing a walkabout in Bangor where I only used a film camera and one roll of film (36 frames) another wee project I've named '36 frames of ….....' and then what the Town/Village we go. It is quite hard to contain the trigger finger and think of what to take, but I also found near the end of the walk I was having to find images to finish the roll. This is something we are going to continue within the new year.

We came across some abandoned gems that both of us will return in 2023. I also find if a place is good, once is never usually enough, so a second or even a third can help improve my shots.

The van still needs some work, something I never got around to this year, but is now on my to-do list. This will also help with those solo trips which I have planned in 2023. I know plenty of my exploring friends are wanting to meet up in 2023 so now that I have a plan of what I want this year I hope to achieve it better. I think it also helps that my mental health is in a far better place than it was for the past 4/5 years. Finally off the happy pills and going at it with a better frame of mind. The change in part-time jobs has helped too.

Epson P900 printing ‘Lost For Words’ A2 size

I replaced my A3 Printer with the larger A2 Printer as the ink was just non-economical and harder to source as the printer had been discontinued for a number of years. And wow prints from this on the A2 paper make it worth all the effort, especially as people have mistaken them to be paintings.

I didn't get to shoot a lot of films this year 17 rolls which isn't much compared to 2021 but it felt like I was out less, and nothing from the drone this year but that was mainly due to winds/wet weather. And I didn't want to lose/crash it.

Also for the past couple of years of not getting out enough, or even keeping up with the socials, I'm determined to change all that in 2023.

As always I appreciate and thank all of you who follow, comment, like, and support me through purchases of my work in this another difficult year. I'd also like to thank you all for the 16 years following me on my journey of capturing the lives we've left behind before they disappear.

Highlights 2022

Carrowcroey Cottages

Ardavon House