Highlights 2023
Wow, what a year that has been. Just going through the images over Christmas and realising that I'd covered quite a lot of locations. Many new, some returns, and even two that were going to be the last time. I shot quite a bit of film this year as well, 34 rolls (Double from 2022) which is quite a lot and also quite expensive to process, something I'm looking into doing in 2024 is to process my films, as I already scan and print.
Dungiven - On one of our Photo walks
From the New Series ‘ Watching the world go by’
On days out with Martin we also did a few street walks around some villages/towns where I used the '36 frames....' project on. I also returned to an old mill that I'd shot many years ago and spent a couple of weekends just shooting the film there. And then shot quite a few rolls on my micro camper trips. I have been shooting mostly with the Hasselblad this year, and loving the pace of looking and thinking about the image before pressing the button. Tho one of the backs broke down near the end of the year and now needs to be repaired. Hassie (The Dog) has been out nearly most day trips with Martin and I, she also got off the lead for her first urbex, she loved the freedom and also going between Martin and myself. When we did the trip to Donegal the run on the beach was her highlight. Hassie also turned 2 and is now finally a sheepdog of one sheep.
Hassie Out for her First off lead explore
The start of the year was spent returning to a few old haunts as the days were short and also the ground is very boggy for trampling through fields to get to some of the cottages. One of them was to an old morgue that I'd shot many times over the years but I didn't think it was going to be my last as some vandal later on in the year smashed it up.
This was the last time I got to see this morgue table complete
Another one which was the last time to see it. The infamous ‘Iron Lung’
As the days started to get longer and slightly warmer, trips started to get further, I met up with a few from across the pond on a day out and it was brilliant, this would blossom into two, four-day trips over the year. I visited a few larger locations which was on the maps for quite a few years and it was good to finally get to see and also capture them but as always there were also many which were demolished/converted /trashed/or burnt out that can put a damper on the excitement build-up. March became a very busy month of travel as the guys returned and we did the first of the four-day trips taking in many locations mostly old schools as I recall, but there was one location that was at the top of their list and that was the old iron lung at the former Belvoir Park Hospital.
One of many schools with old desks I saw this year
One that I first photographed back in 2008 and also another one which I'd wanted to see for the last time as the building where it is, is being converted into luxury apartments at a great speed. I continued adding to my many series as the year moved along, always looking for another image to add to the sets. They also returned in September and we did another four-day trip and wild camped our way tho I had a bit of luxury to hand. We managed to get into a mansion that I'd been visiting on and off since starting Urbex and it didn't disappoint. We visited a few asylums and more schools.
I've noticed when I'm out not only to look up but also down as I've seen some lovely floor tiles on my journeys. I've also been looking at walls not just any walls but the ones covered in wallpaper. A new series coming soon called 'Wonder Wallpaper' they're just taken using my phone a snapshot of what was in fashion I guess and I'm sure some of you will remember a few on your walls growing up.
Some of the vehicles that I've found this year were just unbelievable that they could be going to waste in a barn or two but then some too far gone tho still nice to have seen them before they're rusty dust.
‘Hold On Till I Warm Up My Jaaaaaag’ - XK150 Jaguar, built 1957-1961
The Markets this year were better with better weather, and sales-wise (Thank you for the continued support on this) I took on a second table at some markets which I could then display more framed pieces. I noticed that customers bought and could then hang them straight away or give them as gifts. I also trialled at other markets, especially around Belfast to see if there was interest in my work there. (I guess you'll see me more there in 2024, keep an eye on my socials for updates).
This has been the largest setup so far and this was at Lammas Fair Ballycastle.
The Van, Yes I've got it, most, to nearly finished which I used for one of the four-day trips with the 'Dusty Potato Crew', It was brilliant, the first night was near a caravan park where I'd stayed in many years ago when a friend had his touring caravan. Steak, potatoes, and fried in butter mushrooms. Second was a wild park-up on a forestry path and it was omelette night, and the third night near a lake was fried rice with leftovers in the fridge. I was surprised at the comfort that I had built as all three nights after dinner I was able to stream a movie. Tho If I go for longer I'd need to buy extra data. (As Three caps it at 12GB). But all in all the micro camper is good. I did upgrade my sleeping bag already as it was cold a few times. But still very pleased with the build. Comfortable with some mod-cons. No big purchases this year, tho I did change my phone and just more film when the price was right, I did spend a bit getting the van fitted out but saved money by building it myself so bought some extra bits for camping.
I have a few upgrades that I want to do in 2024 but for now, I'm happy with what I've got. Plans for 2024, Now the van is completed more trips away, I'd also like to get back to hill walking, something I started before the wee world break but never returned to it. Also, learned how to process films, I've done B&W many times but want to process colour and maybe slide films as I have a few rolls of those to use up. Work on my projects, some still need to be started and others finished. Also and always would like to try and post more so you guys get to see the places I'm visiting. But my time management needs a lot of work every year. As I do try to keep up with it all.
But for now and as always I appreciate and thank all of you who follow, comment, like, share, and support me through purchases of my work in 2023. I'd also like to thank you all for the 17 years following me on my journey of capturing the lives we've left behind before they disappear.
