As photographers I wonder how often we take time out to reflect upon our own creative needs? To absorb our surroundings, see people, places, objects architecture and events and not from behind a camera with the limited perspective of a viewfinder. To see situations that at first glance appear banal but offer up a wealth of creative opportunity to open our minds is a skill to be learned and developed. For me what better place than on the South Bank of the Seine. The spiritual home of artists and fellow creatives for centuries.

Relaxing one’s mind and moving away from the day-to-day needs of what we see as uninspiring or a mechanical process is the best tonic to induce creativity in imaging. It is said that one cannot teach an artist to create but they can be taught processes and techniques. Those essential core skills that constitute good technique do not in themselves make memorable images but they do underpin the saleable aspect of our craft. Take time out for yourself, be self-indulgent and learn to love your art rather than just tolerate your craft.