Topic: Hello.....again

[Late Developer]

Hi guys.

It's felt like quite a while since I've been around.  I've been photographing (a bit) but mostly d*g*t*l as I've just not had the time to do neg scanning, etc.  Also, since being made redundant and having to set up my own small consultancy business, my mind, etc has been elsewhere - big time.

Hope you're all well and I'm sure I'll have some catching up to do - especially with members who've joined since I posted last.

I can't believe we're already at the end of January but, I suppose, that means it'll soon be Spring and days will have a bit more light to them.  It's taken me almost 58 years to realise that I suffer from that seasonal daylight disorder thing - or maybe it's just getting old 

Anyway, I'm off to have a look around the site and see what I've been missing.

Best wishes.

[Francois]

Hey LD!
Good to see you back.
I must admit that starting a new business is definitely nerve racking. I don't think I'd have the nerves to do it.
As far as light deficiency goes, the big problem is that you tend not to know that you suffer from it.
I've been using a lamp during the winter months for the last few years and I think it helps.... But it's not the same as warm sunshine...

[Late Developer]

Cheers Francois.
I'm really not enjoying being self-employed after 37 years of being an employee. Still, I got a contract immediately after being made redundant - but that comes to an end 31/03 and then who knows....! I'd like to retire but still 8 years to official retirement age and not sure if I've enough in the pension pot to be able to do so "early".  This Brexit crap is another worrying distraction.
I've toyed with getting one of those lamps but I didn't know anyone who'd used one or if they make any difference.
Anyway, great to hear from you.

[Francois]

Well... my mom says the lamp does help. I guess it gives me a better temper...

[Bryan]

Welcome back LD!  I’ve done the sole proprietor thing in the past but only because I had worked lined up.  My neighbor had to do it late in life but it worked out pretty well for him despite having Parkinson’s.

My wife suffers from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). We live near Seattle, the summers are great but the winter is very gloomy.  It seem to be earlier and earlier every year that she says “why the f*#k do we live here”.  She’ll stop once spring rolls around.  It doesn’t bother me, as a snowboarder when I see rain I think snow in the mountains!

[Late Developer]

Hi Bryan,
I'll see if I can find some recommendations on one of those lamps but I do sympathise with your missus. I lived in Scotland for 5 years (1994-99) and it never seemed to bother me.  However, now I'm getting older, I've really started to notice it.
Snow-boarding? I had a go on a visit to Braemar with a friend and damn-near broke my neck! Good luck with that - I'm happy just plodding around in the snow.

[Francois]

One of the things I don't like about most lamps is that they're big and ugly.
The one I use is a DayLight by a company called Uplift technologies.
It's got a bunch of color correct fluorescent tubes and two levels of power.
This one is not too ugly..
It's recommended to start using it in October. I usually put mine away in April.

[Late Developer]

Cheers Francois.
I do big and ugly by the bucket full....!!
I'll keep a look out for something similar to what you mentioned.
Paul.

[Francois]

And on the plus side the DayLight one can double as a nice light table

[zapsnaps]

Welcome back!
Just thought I'd add my few wishes, although a little late as I've been away.
Good to have you back on FW and best of luck with the consultancy. I went self-employed at 40 and the wife followed 2 years later - now that is scary when neither of you has a monthly salary!
Cheers
David

[charles binns]

Glad to see you back.  Hope the consultancy works out.  Even if it is tougher at least you're your own boss.

[Late Developer]

Glad to see you back.  Hope the consultancy works out.  Even if it is tougher at least you're your own boss.

Hi Charles.

Cheers! The contract ends on 31/03 and then.....? My days are split between Chelmsford and Reading.  Not exactly the most lucrative work I've done but at least the bills are being paid, for now.  I'd like to get back into the City for a few more years and then off north of Manchester.

How 'bout your situation?

If you're up for a wander around the flatlands of East Anglia one weekend, let me know as it'd be good to meet up and give the camera a good outing.

[charles binns]

Glad to see you back.  Hope the consultancy works out.  Even if it is tougher at least you're your own boss.

Hi Charles.

Cheers! The contract ends on 31/03 and then.....? My days are split between Chelmsford and Reading.  Not exactly the most lucrative work I've done but at least the bills are being paid, for now.  I'd like to get back into the City for a few more years and then off north of Manchester.

How 'bout your situation?

If you're up for a wander around the flatlands of East Anglia one weekend, let me know as it'd be good to meet up and give the camera a good outing.

All change here Paul!!

I told my former employers to "do one" and am now studying a Masters Degree at Central St Martins.  Contemporary Photography, Philosophies and Practises is the course title and it is as mind bending as it sounds.  Still, it's a great school and I'm loving it even though it's off it's rocker most of the time.

Always up for a wander!  Might have to do something abit more conceptual than photography though (too representational)  Interpretive dance perhaps?

[Francois]

Could organize a happening...

[Late Developer]

Glad to see you back.  Hope the consultancy works out.  Even if it is tougher at least you're your own boss.

Hi Charles.

Cheers! The contract ends on 31/03 and then.....? My days are split between Chelmsford and Reading.  Not exactly the most lucrative work I've done but at least the bills are being paid, for now.  I'd like to get back into the City for a few more years and then off north of Manchester.

How 'bout your situation?

If you're up for a wander around the flatlands of East Anglia one weekend, let me know as it'd be good to meet up and give the camera a good outing.

All change here Paul!!

I told my former employers to "do one" and am now studying a Masters Degree at Central St Martins.  Contemporary Photography, Philosophies and Practises is the course title and it is as mind bending as it sounds.  Still, it's a great school and I'm loving it even though it's off it's rocker most of the time.

Always up for a wander!  Might have to do something a bit more conceptual than photography though (too representational)  Interpretive dance perhaps?

Good for you, Charles!

The course title is a bit of a brain bender. Entry requirements don't involve eating lentils and sporting a "man-bun", I trust....? 

Drop me a text and let me know when you are available in March. The w/end of 16/17 isn't a goer for me as we're attending The Photography Show.

Interpretive dance? I'll get back to you on that one....

[charles binns]

No lentils or man buns but plenty of philosophy!

March isn't good for me as I'm off to Athens the first week end and Uzbekistan the second half of March during the easter break.  One of the best things about university life is the fact I get 5 months holiday during the academic year!  April?

[Late Developer]

No lentils or man buns but plenty of philosophy!

March isn't good for me as I'm off to Athens the first week end and Uzbekistan the second half of March during the easter break.  One of the best things about university life is the fact I get 5 months holiday during the academic year!  April?

Sounds good.  April is good as things stand. If you have any preferred weekends, let's see if we can get a date in the calendar...

[charles binns]

April it is!  I'll get back to you with some dates in a bit.