You might excuse the participants on our Thaipusam Photo Workshop for feeling a little weary.

Yeah! Right!

The ever-smiling Sabina, the always-inspiring Melissa and the ever-delightful Alejandra

Don’t tell anyone I said this but the truth is that I sometimes feel that the enthusiasm of the participants on these workshops inspires me more than the other way around. I just hope that I can keep up.

Copyright Victoria Finlay (@inksploration)

However, first thing this morning when we set our students the challenge of photographing in full Manual Mode, Manual focussing, Monochrome JPEGs (No Raw) and, most challenging of all, with the review function on their camera’s LCD screen set to OFF and with only 36 exposures for the entire morning, they might have been forgiven for searching for the first flight leaving Penang airport. But they rose to the challenge with impressive dedication and this is just one of my favourites.

We’re embedding our students with various individuals and families in Penang and helping them document Thaipusam during the build-up and throughout the festival itself. So, as we’re starting at 5am tomorrow, I should probably get some rest before we head out onto the street again but I thought you might appreciate the simple beauty and uncomplicated, straightforward nature of this affectionate portrait.

More soon….

Cyndi at the Campbell House Hotel library, Penang, Malaysia
1/125 sec at f/1.2 and ISO100, 85mm Canon EF-L lens on a Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Gyula Halász, or Brassaï as he was better known, was born in 1899 and is best known for his photographs of Paris, taken in the 1930s. The images are wonderful and capture something of the essence of Paris in those pre-war years. However, it’s this quote from Steve Simon’s wonderful “Passionate Photographer” book (more of that later) which really fired up my interest and has inspired my admiration for the Hungarian photographer.

“Brassaï would wander the streets of Paris at night with his Voigtlander 6×9 plate camera and 105mm f/4.5 lens on a wooden tripod, capturing the beauty, mood and mystery of the city on glass-based negative plates. It was the 1930s, when the process was more cumbersome and difficult. He often needed long exposures, which he measured with lit cigarettes, using a cheap, fast-burning Gauloise for short exposures, and a thicker, slower-burning Boyard for longer exposures.“

How wonderfully bohemian. In this digital age, with Auto-everything, Active-D lighting (what IS that?) and goodness-knows what other technical crutches for us to lean on, perhaps there’s a growing argument for getting back to the basics.

Consequently, participants at our sold-out Thaipusam Photography Workshop in Penang next month will each be issued with a plate camera, wooden tripod, 3 glass negatives, a pack of Gauloise, a pack of Boyard, a box of matches, a trilby (or a fedora if you prefer) and a large coat with an upturned collar.

Probably.

Enjoy this series of Brassaï’s “Paris by Night” images whilst you light up a Gauloise.

The lovely people at Outdoor Photography magazine are featuring the Travel Photography genre in their February edition.

Experienced pro photographers Ann & Steve Toon introduce readers to the delights of African wildlife photography whilst Landscape photographer’s favourite David Noton teaches us how to take great landscape shots. My own contribution is a discussion on how to approach the search for engaging people and festival photographs and I hope that readers will enjoy this trio of articles.

The February edition also includes some wild images of climbers ascending the daunting Mount Asgard on Baffin Island from Alastair Lee and some inviting Location Guides.

You can pick up a copy of Outdoor Photography magazine at all good newsagents or you can order a copy online. If you’re a fan of digital downloads then the Outdoor Photography app is available for iPhone and iPad and comes with a free issue of your choice (although clearly you’ll want to February edition) for just £1.99.

Yes, I know what you’re thinking, these are all words and phrases that are frequently used by admirers to describe my choice of attire.

Coincidentally, these are also the words and phrases that sprung to mind when the very first print edition of the rather lovely Rear Curtain magazine dropped through my mailbox recently.

In a digital world, we are increasingly used to seeing photographs displayed on our computer screens, on our iPhones and iPads. Those backlit pixels can make a photo look great and yet there’s something much more beautiful about seeing images printed with rich tones on glossy, art-stock paper. Perhaps it’s the ability to turn the page without waiting for our internet connection to decide when it’s ready to show us the next image. Perhaps it’s simply that we can hold the images in our hands, adjusting our view, moving the pages ourselves. Perhaps it’s just more satisfying.

Whatever it is, the Rear Curtain magazine is gorgeous, sumptuous and beautifully produced. I’m honoured to be a part of the very first edition.

Because I can’t do justice to the content in words, here’s a very swift flick-through so that you can see for yourself.

However, more than that, Rear Curtain epitomises something that’s precious to all artists. I’m searching for a word that does it justice. I suppose it’s a mixture of integrity, generosity and passion. I’ll try not to make this a lengthy reflection but I hope you’ll forgive me if this ends up being a rambling monologue. I was having a conversation with a rather charming young lady recently where we discussed how much of a photographer’s personality comes through in their photographs. I maintain that it’s actually rather a lot. She agreed. So it was a brief conversation and we went for a beer to celebrate our unanimity.

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Don McCullin

For example, I think Henri Cartier-Bresson had quite a cheeky sense of humour and that’s evident in many of his images. Don McCullin, however, is known as being a rather dark and sombre character, words that could easily describe his photographs. I can spot a Matt Brandon image from a mile away, not because of the production techniques he uses but because his images have a certain thoughtful yet playfully childlike innocence to them. He will hate me for saying this but it’s true of the man himself.

Matt Brandon

Equally, it doesn’t matter how hard I try – and I don’t ever feel a need to try very hard – but I’m unable to make images that disguise my personality, or at least whatever was the main intention in my mind when I took the photographs.

Why am I bothering you with this rather unstructured insight? Because intention matters. Intention is the milk and honey of our art. I have no idea what “milk and honey of our art” means but the sentence came out and I like it. Intention is what guides our actions, intention is what motivates our efforts, our true intention is what will dictate the results we manage to achieve and our intentions are what will determine whether we create something credible, sustainable and of genuine interest to others.

So, back to the point, if there ever was one. The reason I mention this is that it’s something that I’m increasingly aware of and something that I’ve become conscious of seeking out in my collaborations and associations. More and more, I am digging to discover what intentions lie at the root of people’s actions – and of my own. Perhaps this is my New Year resolution, to spend more time and energy on those people and organisations who I can discern have honourable and altruistic intentions and to spend rather less with those who appear not to.

All of which has diverted me – and you – from the reason for this post. When you look at the Rear Curtain magazine, it’s quickly apparent that the people behind it must have embarked upon the project with integrity, generosity and passion. In short, there’s no doubt as to their real intention.

This is only the first edition but Rear Curtain is clearly a publication that exists to celebrate the visual image, to give photographers a much-needed venue for their work and which does so without fuss, without being self-congratulatory and in such a way that the images are left to speak clearly.

The inaugural edition features a charming series by Matthew Connors, which reflects on how our children live in an increasingly disconnected world and asks how that might impact their childhood.

There’s a really insightful black and white series documenting a day in the life of singer Catherine deCuir, from photographer Dorothy Brown.

Young Brian Hirschy discusses the ways in which we understand different cultures and there are some of my own photographs of The Calligrapher in China as well as photographer interviews and more.

Best of all though; and if you’re tempted to buy a copy of Rear Curtain let this help you make the decision; there’s a tremendously moving series of images by Stephen Urhaney. Entitled “A Story of Love“, the photo essay shows the “Unconditional love between a husband and wife” and follows the elderly Sandor Papp as he visits his wife Anne Marie in hospital. I’ll let you read the full story when you buy the magazine but if you are interested in the power of photography to tell a story, this is an example that you will find hard to beat. The images are understated yet immediate and take us to a bedside view off Anne Marie’s life in hospital and shows us some tremendously gentle, intimate and tender moments, genuine examples of what love can really mean.

Stephen Uhraney

Truly, I urge you to get a copy and see for yourself. Going back to my earlier comments about intention, it’s clear that Stephen’s intention when he shot this series were defined by respect and admiration for this loving husband and his ailing wife.

Rear Curtain Magazine - Edition 1

So, I hope I’ve given you enough reasons to purchase a copy of Rear Curtain. It is available as a digital download, which is perfectly fine but if you buy the print version, the digital version comes free anyway so you might as well get both. Better still, buy one for you and one for your best friend. Perhaps you can give it as a rather special “Thanks for being my best friend” gift, which will ensure that they continue to like you.

If you’re interested to learn more about the story behind the creation of Rear Curtain magazine, check out the Rear Curtain web site.

Like me, you might have experienced the trials and tribulations, frustrations and disappointments that must form a part of every year. These are unavoidable, inescapable and no year can pass without bringing us its challenges and potential obstacles.

However, the greater the challenges, the greater the potential rewards – so I’m told. This is the yin and the yang, the sense of balance, of fairness, of symmetry and equilibrium that the universe will conspire to offer us. The trick, I guess, is knowing how to face the challenges without letting them paralyse us whilst being able to see past them to the opportunities that also exist.

Looking back through my photographs for 2011, I have been reminded of so many wonderful opportunities and memorable experiences that I thought you might like to share a few. Perhaps it’s no surprise to see that it is the people I have spent time with who provided the most uplifting and inspiring moments.

This year has found me photographing on assignment for the United Nations in China, for NGOs in Thailand, India, Cambodia, Nepal, Bali and Ethiopia, working for magazines across South-East Asia, India and Nepal and enjoying the challenges of capturing the energetic celebrations at the colourful Holi festival in India and Rajasthan’s annual Camel Fair in Pushkar.

Frequently, my photographic work has required me to spend time with people who are, in many senses, a great deal less fortunate than me. I met a man in China who had lost both arms in an industrial accident but who has raised a family and manages to run a successful business. In a small, unlit tent in Africa, I watched another man’s life fall apart as he learned that his HIV test was positive. I have witnessed just a few of the life-changing events that happen a million times across the globe every day but which never make the news headlines.

I have spent time with children who exhibit boundless energy despite suffering the results of poverty, disability or crippling illness – sometimes all three. I have seen the miracle of cataract sufferers having their sight restored in the confines of a cramped, mobile surgery in Indonesia. There have been too many experiences to list here, all of them memorable in their own right.

I took over 30,000 photographs this year in 12 different countries and, more importantly, I had the good fortune to meet some of the most charming, generous and hospitable people in my travels. Indeed, it is this that brings me the greatest satisfaction as the year draws to a close.

When I began travelling and taking photographs on my travels, I was enchanted by the discovery of the common humanity which people share. No matter where we live, what our creed or belief, no matter what our cultural hinterland, there is a strong link which binds us all. I’ve always seen my job description as trying to capture some evidence of that common humanity, doing my best to convey the reassuring sense of fellowship that exists throughout the world. It’s a job description that precludes cynicism and distrust, which leaves no room for negativity or pessimism.

So, here are just a few of the images taken at moments that made me smile in the last twelve months. Some photographs are of the dozens of workshop participants that I’ve been able to share my time and knowledge with. Some images show students during classes at the Bangkok Photo School, a constant source of entertainment and enjoyment for me. Other photographs show just a small selection of the people I have met on my travels this year.

The common theme? Laughter. The one thing that we all love to do, the one thing that can break barriers and build trust, the one thing that, perhaps above all others, reminds us that we are all in this strange and challenging world together.

Everybody laughs the same in every language because laughter is a universal connection.
– Yakov Smirnoff

The music comes from Haile Roots, an Ethiopian reggae artist, which brings back recent memories of driving around Addis Ababa on the way to various NGO projects.

So, do I have a New Year resolution? Actually, yes, this year I do. Looking back at the images from 2011 and remembering the opportunities that have come my way, I’ve resolved to make every effort to not allow unproductive distractions to deflect my energy this year. We probably all do it. We’re all tempted by the superfluous nonsense on Facebook and Twitter, for example. We’re probably all guilty of allowing the superficial and inconsequential to cloud our judgement and to dilute our true intentions to varying degrees. Hence my resolution to make the most of every opportunity without allowing the unproductive elements in my life to deflect me from the things that really matter.

And, for you, dear reader, I wish you the energy to pursue those things that are important to you without being distracted. I wish you the clear-sight to identify opportunities and distractions and the ability to see the difference between them.

Whatever you aspire to in the year ahead, I wish you the tenacity and resolve, the downright stubbornness and clarity of perspective to pursue your goals with vigour and optimism whilst maintaining a childlike sense of wonder.

Happy New Year!

On this occasion, at the wonderful Fresh and Green Academy in Addis Ababa, these three girls were sitting in a dark corner of a classroom, lit by the early-evening light falling through a solitary, small window.

For those of you who like the techy details, at ISO 800, even with an f/1.2 lens wide open, I was still shooting at 1/20th of a second. But, as somebody remarked to me only this evening, there are times when you just have to get the shot. So I did.

And it seemed to be just as interesting to them as it was to me.

1. The company of friends
2. Great light

Yesterday’s visit to the Worldwide Orphans Academy in Addis Ababa yielded both – in spades. I met up again with the spirited kids at the WWO, they make friends faster than you can say “My name is…”.

At around 5:30pm the sun lit up the yellow wall of the Academy playground with a golden, dappled light that would give any photographer goose-bumps.

So, I spent a couple of glorious, frenzied, noisy hours with the Academy children after classes finished for the day and managed to get Bethy and her friend to sit still long enough to catch these images.

I admire this young man’s cheekiness but if you sit next to Bethy and pull a silly face when she’s holding a glass of water… well, let’s just say that you’re simply inviting trouble

This two images capture just 1/1000th and 1/800th of a second spent in the company of these spirited kids. Now imagine how much fun and laughter there is over a couple of hours!

I’m moving on to other assignment work in Addis over the weekend but have two more days with the children at the schools and orphanages supported by a child’s right next week. I can’t wait.

We spent time at schools and orphanages and, for a while, it was easy to overlook how, in many senses, these kids are really disadvantaged. To be honest, I’m still processing a lot of what I encountered and perhaps it’s impossible to make any real sense of the situation that many children face here. Better men and women than I have tried and are still struggling to bring some comprehension and perspective to what can be found in Ethiopia, and many places like it.

A rough estimate of the number of children that I’d happily adopt numbers 376 at the last count. Approximately.

One of our favourites today was young Tsaga, a three year-old orphan who has her home at the Safe Haven for Children.

Tsaga, an orphan at Safe Haven for Children

The children at the Abebach Gobena Primary School were enchanting and entertaining in equal measure.

Schoolchildren at Abebach Gobena Yehetsanat Primary School

Schoolchildren at Abebach Gobena Yehetsanat Primary School

Children at Safe Haven for Children

Children at "A Hope for Children"

These boys at one of Addis Ababa’s two “A Hope for Children” orphanages couldn’t have been more enthusiastic and were willing models when the camera appeared. However, a peculiar thing happened shortly after I took this photo. I’d been playing with the kids, sharing jokes, making up special handshakes and generally enjoying my role as lumbering buffoon, much to their amusement, when, without warning, they disappeared inside the nearby building.

I asked where they’d gone.

“To get their medication” was the answer.

Having been overwhelmed by the kids’ energy and playfulness, I’d forgotten exactly where I was and then it dawned on me. The kids were getting their HIV meds.

“How many of them are HIV positive?” I asked.

“All of them”.

An HIV+ child receives his daily medication at "A Hope for Children"

I have no words. Except to say that I don’t think my mood has ever shifted so dramatically from unadulterated joyfulness to profound sadness in a split-second before. It is beyond sad, it just seems so dreadfully unfair.

A Hope for Children

The last photo I shot today was taken as the children at a second orphanage for HIV+ kids took a break from watching a movie to have their dinner. I remember the painting on the wall from my childhood. It’s taken on a very different meaning for me today.

And yet, not wanting to conclude this post on a downbeat, the children have taught me that there are always reasons to be optimistic, always reasons to share a smile and that every day is a good day if you have the opportunity to share it with friends. I didn’t hear even one child utter a word of complaint today. If that’s not a lesson worth learning then I don’t know what is.

Here’s a small selection of images of some new friends.

Firstly, the delightful Bethy, who has captured our hearts and inspired us in ways that I cannot even begin to describe. My friends at a child’s right are unanimous that she will make a captivating subject for a short video documentary. Today I had the privilege of accompanying her home on the school bus, where she introduced me to her parents, who welcomed me into their home. I just hope that I can do her story justice. It’s a story that deserves to be told and I consider myself enormously fortunate to be in a position to be able to tell it.

Bethlehem, the girl who will be the subject of a short video essay

Secondly, every photographer needs a reliable and trustworthy assistant and the street children of Addis Ababa might not be the first place you’d be tempted to go recruiting but young Brooke proved to be the most enthusiastic of students. He joined with other homeless boys for breakfast of a bread roll, banana and cup of hot milk, after which he helped me photograph and took a few impressive shots himself.

Brooke, my new assistant, chimping his most recent images

The street boys are the very definition of “rough and ready” and clearly life on the street is as tough as you might imagine. Yet, even here, despite the intensity of the boys’ existence, there is humour.

Street kids pose for their portrait in an alleyway after breakfast

One of the boys' T-shirts read "Hustle, Loyalty, Respect". The motto of the rough and tumble street boys?

Yes, today has been an eye-opener in many respects. I’ve enjoyed spending time with the local children and have been overwhelmed in every sense by the kids; emotionally, spiritually and literally. I’ve never before been unable to stand due to the sheer weight of children hanging from my arms, legs, rucksack and camera straps.

I’m looking forward to bringing you more images from the streets, schools and orphanages of Ethiopia’s capital city over the next two weeks.

Today wasn’t a real work day but even after the long journey to Addis Ababa from Bangkok via Delhi, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to join Aaron and Bill, representatives from “a child’s right” on their visit to just a few of their local water improvement installations.

Our first visit was to the CURE Children’s Hospital, where I met Sahai, who was, as you can see, entirely captivating, even on crutches. If you can still smile like that after major surgery on your legs then I think you’re a pretty impressive character. And don’t you just love that hair?

Sahai at Cure Hospital for Children, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Sahai at Cure Hospital for Children, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Next, we were entertained at the wildly inspiring Fresh and Green Academy by the school’s founder, Muday Mitiku. Ethiopian coffee, prepared in the traditional way, was served along with the perfect traditional accompaniment, salted popcorn. The Academy is… well, I can’t think of a better word than “inspiring” and I’m looking forward to returning during the week to photograph the school and its students in earnest.

Fresh and Green Academy, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Aaron surveys necklaces made by the mothers of children attending the Fresh and Green Academy

Aaron Walling and Muday Mitiku at the Fresh and Green Academy, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Meanwhile, Bill, never one to knowingly miss an opportunity to entertain the local kids, takes his turn at pushing the roundabout.

Bill at the Fresh and Green Academy, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Glenn Bullock from Antunes with "a child's right" water filtration system

I’ve had a strong suspicion that places like Addis Ababa and Africa in general will form a significant part of my future and my first impressions of Ethiopia today have served to reinforce that notion. I’m really looking forward to the week ahead.