The First Post of Many More I Hope..
My thoughts and deepest sympathy go to the families of those who lost their lives in the latest terrorist atrocity in Paris. As mature, liberal democracies in the West, we stand, for the most part, for freedom and tolerance. People may face discrimination but they do not live in fear because of what they believe, what they might say, or who they are. If we lose sight of this tolerance, the terrorists win. I don’t know the answers, I just try to focus on the beauty I find all around me and wonder why…
Happy Birthday Cornwall Photographic
I used a title very similar to the title of this blog 3 years ago today when I wrote my first ever blog post. I did so at the suggestion and encouragement of a good friend and fellow blogger Marina. As it’s turned out, my hopes expressed in that first post have been realised. I have now written 377 posts and counting. I never imagined for one moment when I started this blog that anyone would actually look at it, but on one day alone last year I had 1,481 views, over 105,000 views in total now.
I bought myself a DSLR camera for Christmas 2012, the blog came along in the new year as a place I could post the pictures I had started to take. Up until this point, I’d taken nothing but snaps at family gatherings and on annual holidays with a basic point and shoot. I’d been interested in photography in my early teens. My parents gave me a Zenit SLR. No auto settings of course and I learned the principles of exposure using a hand-held light meter. But, my initial interest in photography gave way to bikes and cars and the usual stuff. Determined to find something I could do despite my illness, I’d decided to take up photography again, reigniting that early interest. Both the photography and the blog have been a godsend.
I knew that I was embarking on a journey with my new DSLR hence the blog’s title. I didn’t realise at that time however, what an amazing journey it would be.
I’ve posted a lot of pictures in the last three years. Some I’m very proud of, more than a few not so much to say the least but good, bad or indifferent, they are all an important part of the story and the journey.
This last year has been incredible. From my first tentative steps with a DSLR three years ago, I’ve been shortlisted in a couple of major international photography competitions. I became a Licentiate and then an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society. I’ve been published in magazines, the latest being the February edition of Classic Boat, my images have been used in national and global advertising campaigns and one of my photographs has just been selected to join 99 others (chosen from more than 3.500 entries) to tour the country in a Royal Photographic Society Exhibition this year. I’m really not sure any of this would have happened without the support and encouragement of the WordPress blogging community. Having somewhere I could share what I was trying to do and to get such positive feedback, I have no doubt is what’s kept me moving forward.
I’ve made some very good friends here in the last three years and hope to make many more in the coming years. I would like to thank everyone who has looked at, followed and commented on my blog. This is, as I’ve said, a wonderful community of supportive, encouraging people. I’m now looking forward to many more posts as the journey continues..
These are a few of my favourite photographs from the past 3 years, some because I like the pictures, others for their associations. This is the beauty of photography, we capture a moment and we have it to hold for ever..
Click on any of the images for a sharper, clearer view. This will open a slide show :-)
Cornwall Photographic 
As you know Adrian, I think your work is very special and am not surprised in the least at your success and the accolades you’ve received. Congratulations and continued success to you!
January 11, 2015 at 4:00 pm
Thank you so much Tina. That means an awful lot! :-)
January 11, 2015 at 4:14 pm
Fabulous, and what a quick ascent!
January 11, 2015 at 4:05 pm
Thank you very much Mike! It’s been an incredible year. Writing this blog, the comments I’ve received, it’s all kept me motivated and it’s a very effective way to get work out there, get listed in Google images and get noticed it seems. The information superhighway moves things along a quite a pace, that’s for sure.
January 11, 2015 at 4:24 pm
A testament to what can be accomplished when one dedicates themselves to something they love.
Outstanding in every sense of the word. Congratulations.
January 11, 2015 at 4:22 pm
Thank you so much Emilio. Your support and encouragement is so much appreciated.
January 11, 2015 at 4:28 pm
Great work !
January 11, 2015 at 4:50 pm
Thank you very much Geert!
January 11, 2015 at 5:11 pm
I’ve often considered and been amazed by the trajectory of your growth and success in photography. It speaks to your vision, intelligence and diligence, of course, and also something greater when I reflect on your past. I’m confident that those children in London were blessed to have you and you’ve spoken so poignantly of your commitment to them. An overwhelming loss, no doubt, along with the matter of your health…but who could have foreseen that your removal from that environment would ultimately lead to this? Yours is an inspirational testament to overcoming adversity; it is we who are honored to take this journey with you. Many, many congratulations and may your dreams continue to be fulfilled…
January 11, 2015 at 4:53 pm
Thank you so much Vivian. You offered support and encouragement very early on in this journey and it was this support, from yourself and others, that gave me belief in what I was doing and the motivation to keep taking pictures and to keep blogging. Really, I wouldn’t still be going without that. Thank you. :-)
January 11, 2015 at 5:11 pm
Here’s to continuing the journey together… :-)
January 11, 2015 at 5:16 pm
:-)
January 11, 2015 at 5:20 pm
Happy blog birthday, Adrian!! I admire you a lot, and your pictures are amazing.. It’s a great pleasure to follow your blog :)
January 11, 2015 at 5:29 pm
Thank you very much Camilla, the feeling is mutual! :-)
January 11, 2015 at 5:32 pm
What an amazing collection you´ve built, truly impressive body of work, Adrian!
Hope to see so much more, good luck,
Ron
January 11, 2015 at 5:48 pm
Thank you Ron. Very much appreciated! :-)
January 11, 2015 at 6:38 pm
Such a testament to your hard work ,dedication, vision and artistic abilities is shown here in this superb gallery of images ChillB ! Many Congratulations all round . I too thoroughly believe that the Word Press community is by far the greatest support with encouragement and feedback , plus a welcoming environment in which to make connections and new friendships .
I’ve loved seeing many of my particular favourites of your beautiful Cornwall here along with recalling some VERY happy memories of shared photography sessions in which you so deftly taught me not be scared of M for Manual ;-)
Onwards and upwards , new adventures just round the corner and many more posts to share …. Marvejols :-) xx
January 11, 2015 at 5:56 pm
Thank you so much Poppy. A lovely comment as always. A couple of the pictures I included here with you in mind and those wonderful shared photo shoots we’ve had both here in Cornwall and in Malvern. A fabulous friendship born out our WordPress blogs. Marvejols indeed! :-) xxx
January 11, 2015 at 6:58 pm
:-)
January 11, 2015 at 8:09 pm
A meteoric three years! Congratulations on your achievements – and more to come :)
(Maybe it’s just me/our broadband but the slideshow didn’t work – thought you’d like to know in case it’s a set up thing …)
January 11, 2015 at 5:58 pm
Thank you so much Noeline. It’s been a real pleasure getting to know you and your work. Next time you’re in Cornwall we must have that coffee!
I’ve checked the gallery both online and on my tablet and it all seems to be working my end but perhaps I should have considered slower Internet connections and reduced the quality/size of the images further. I think you can save a lot of bandwith selecting 10 rather than 12 in Photoshop. Thank you for heads up! :-)
January 11, 2015 at 7:01 pm
Don’t know if it’s your end or mine but the slideshow is working properly now – it’s a lovely collection.
Will definitely be in touch next time we’re down in Cornwall!
January 12, 2015 at 2:14 pm
Smashing, I’ll look forward to it Noeline and Thank you! :)
January 12, 2015 at 3:56 pm
Amazing pictures! Like +++
January 11, 2015 at 6:05 pm
Thank you very much Arret! :)
January 11, 2015 at 7:01 pm
Well done, fantastic blog. I love your photos. Also very well said about tolerance Adrian
January 11, 2015 at 6:18 pm
Thank you Janice! Very much appreciated! :-)
January 11, 2015 at 7:02 pm
Congratulations, Adrian. You are an inspiration. I really mean that. I was surprised to read that you only bought your first DSLR camera three years ago. It just shows that innate talent and a passion like yours always shines through. Even better when it is recognised.
January 11, 2015 at 6:19 pm
Thank you for such a lovely comment Patsy! It means a great deal to me! :-)
January 11, 2015 at 7:05 pm
I loved the collage and seeing such a big variety of your work! Congratulations on your accomplishments!
Nancy
January 11, 2015 at 6:31 pm
Thank you very much Nancy. I really appreciate that! :)
January 11, 2015 at 7:05 pm
A gallery of images to be immensely proud of, Adrian. You have come so far in such a short space of time too, which in itself is an extraordinary achievement. Congratulations on your various successes – they are all richly deserved. I am delighted to have met you in the Blogosphere and a week would not be the same without a new inspiring image to admire. Hopefully, one day we might have a chance to meet. All the best for 2015. Andy
January 11, 2015 at 6:32 pm
Thank you very much Andy, the feeling is very much mutual on all counts. As a fellow of the Royal Society, your comments and encouragement particularly have meant a great deal. It would indeed be nice to meet in person. With so many RPS events through the year, photography exhibitions and shows, I would like to think we will get the chance to meet up at some point this year. :)
January 11, 2015 at 7:13 pm
Thanks very much Adrian. I doubt I will have an opportunity to travel down your way this year as we are in the process of de-cluttering with a view to a move down to Surrey at some point during 2015. But please do let me know if you are heading up towards London any time.
January 11, 2015 at 10:19 pm
I will indeed Andy! :)
January 11, 2015 at 10:30 pm
What a glorious visual feast! Congratulations. Amazing to find that you have been shooting for only three years.
January 11, 2015 at 6:47 pm
Treasured shots – congrats on the blogs’ 3rd birthday.
January 11, 2015 at 6:49 pm
Thank you very much Mary! :)
January 11, 2015 at 7:23 pm
congratulations on all that you have achieved, these images are wonderful.
January 11, 2015 at 6:56 pm
Thank you very much Karen. Your comment is really appreciated! :)
January 11, 2015 at 7:24 pm
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Congratulation Adrian on your continued success. You have given so many of us your knowledge and support over the 3 years you have been blogging. I met you on here 2 years ago and you continually inspire and push me further. Meeting you last year was wonderful and again you got me to improve myself.
Your photographs are amazing and deserve every award, they are stunning. Here’s to the next year and many more. :) xx
January 11, 2015 at 7:11 pm
It really was wonderful to meet you and David last year Angi. You were a pleasure to teach and we had a lot of fun on those photo shoots despite the dismal weather. I’m very much looking forward to seeing a great deal more of your photography this year and to meeting up again in the summer. Thank you for your lovely comment! :)xx
January 11, 2015 at 7:29 pm
Stunning imagery!
January 11, 2015 at 8:21 pm
Thank you very much Katrina! :-)
January 11, 2015 at 9:16 pm
I’m just an ooher and awer who discovered you through Vivian’s blog, but I’ve so enjoyed the view from here (west coast of United States). And I love voting in your occasional contests, and being transported to places like Iceland. Thanks for the journey (has it really been three years?) – and the sweet spirit you bring to everything. Blessings on at least three more!
January 11, 2015 at 8:50 pm
Really lovely comment! Thank you MJ! :-)
January 11, 2015 at 9:16 pm
Congratulations on your achievements! I look forward to seeing more of your wonderful photographs.
January 11, 2015 at 9:29 pm
Thank you very much Nina! :-)
January 11, 2015 at 10:01 pm
Well done, Adrian. You have tremendous artistic talent, intelligence and sheer darn determination! I think it’s truly fantastic what you have achieved in 3 years! Looking forward to plenty more stunning images, and perhaps I’ll get down to Cornwall this year…
January 11, 2015 at 10:04 pm
Thank you Sue! If you do get down to Cornwall, be sure to let me know! :)
January 11, 2015 at 10:31 pm
Oh, I most certainly will!
January 12, 2015 at 7:36 am
:-)
January 12, 2015 at 8:53 am
Happy Birthday to Cornwall Photographic. Adrian your work is deserving of comment and praise anyway, but the fact that you give so much support and encouragement to others on WordPress just makes it all the more important to view your images, read your blog and respond with a well deserved like/comment. Here’s to many more posts to come…..😊
January 11, 2015 at 11:02 pm
Thats very kind Mark, thank you. I certainly plan to keep the photos and the blog posts coming! :)
January 12, 2015 at 9:01 am
These photos are absolutely stunning! Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2015 at 12:17 am
You’re very welcome, thank you for visiting! :)
January 12, 2015 at 9:00 am
as a Brit in self-imposed exile abroad, I relish seeing the gorgeous photos of the UK you and Poppy provide us with on a regular basis. I hope there will be many more shots.
January 12, 2015 at 1:34 am
That’s lovely to hear! I’m certainly planning on keeping the pictures coming! :-)
January 12, 2015 at 8:59 am
Keep the photos coming!
January 12, 2015 at 1:59 am
Thank you Katrina, I will do my best! :)
January 12, 2015 at 8:58 am
Congratulations on your success, Adrian. Your photos are really outstanding, and it’s not at all surprising that you have such a following. I particularly love the Cornwall pics, as they remind me of our short stay there in 2013. :)
January 12, 2015 at 3:07 am
Thank you Sylvia, was it really that long ago that you were here? It was a pleasure to meet you then, perhpas you’ll visit again one day. :)
January 12, 2015 at 8:57 am
I do hope so. :)
January 12, 2015 at 2:34 pm
Me too Sylvia! :)
January 12, 2015 at 4:02 pm
Congratulations on your artfully beautiful blog graced with your stellar work. I look forward to each exciting image and will continue to do so.
January 12, 2015 at 3:41 am
Thank you so much Elena. Can’t quite believe it’s been three years already! Thank you for being there. :)
January 12, 2015 at 8:54 am
congratulations :)
January 12, 2015 at 7:34 am
Thank you Joshi! :)
January 12, 2015 at 8:54 am
What a gorgeous library of treasures Adrian. It’s hard to pic a favourite. Looking forward to the next chapter of you painting with light :-)
January 12, 2015 at 8:59 am
Thank you very much! I’m looking forward to the next chapter too! :-)
January 12, 2015 at 9:11 am
Your pictures are fantastic
January 12, 2015 at 11:10 am
Thank you very much Rajiv! Your visits are much appreciated. :)
January 12, 2015 at 11:14 am
Well done Adrian! You have come a long way in 3 years. I always enjoy your photos :-)
January 12, 2015 at 1:08 pm
Thank you very much Rhys! I appreciate your visits and I did manage to get an entry off for the Solihull Open Exhibition today! I’m looking forward to seeing the exhibition photographs! Will they be posted on the website?
January 12, 2015 at 4:02 pm
Glad to hear you entered. You will receive a booklet containing all the “accepted” images which have been selected for the exhibition. I havent yet decided how many we can place in the website; possibly just the award winners.
January 12, 2015 at 4:23 pm
Thank you Rhys!
January 13, 2015 at 10:43 am
Did you enter prints, DPIs, or both?
January 13, 2015 at 10:49 am
Just DPS’s, I didn’t order the DVD but now feel in retrospect perhaps I should have done.
January 13, 2015 at 10:51 am
Remind me early March about the DVD. I may be able to help :-)
January 13, 2015 at 10:55 am
I will do, thank you!
January 13, 2015 at 11:09 am
What an amazing collage of some of your finest work, Adrian…much of it was very familiar, all of it was inspiring. Congratulations on your three years of blogging with us. It has been a pleasure to watch you grow and hone your skills…and meet with such success along the way. I’m excited to see what you will have for us over the next three years. Best wishes….
January 12, 2015 at 1:34 pm
Thank you very much Scott. It’s been so nice to have you along these last three years and such a pleasure to follow your blog. Here’s to the next three years! :)
January 12, 2015 at 3:58 pm
These are absolutely stunning photos! I’m looking forward to seeing more of your work!
January 12, 2015 at 5:58 pm
Thank you very much Valerie!
January 13, 2015 at 10:44 am
Wonderful post Adrian. Beautiful thoughts and images. Happy Anniversary.
January 12, 2015 at 6:40 pm
Thank you Edith! Very much appreciated! :)
January 13, 2015 at 10:44 am
Congratulations. It looks like its been quite a journey. And the pictures are superb. Here’s to your next 377 posts and counting…
January 12, 2015 at 11:30 pm
Thank you very much Phil and thanks for your visit!
January 13, 2015 at 10:45 am
Congratulations, Adrian, I love and admire your works. Thanks you very much.
January 12, 2015 at 11:52 pm
Thank you so mcuh Isabel, I appreciate your visits and your comments very much! :)
January 13, 2015 at 10:45 am
Congratulations! Glorious photos!
January 13, 2015 at 12:13 am
Thank you very much Sheila! :)
January 13, 2015 at 10:46 am
The happiest of birthdays to your blog Adrian. And, I’ll never forget how we connected. To many more years of success :)
January 13, 2015 at 2:46 am
Thank you very much Marina! Who’d have known how our journeys would unfold. I’ve got a lot to thank you and WordPress for! :)
January 13, 2015 at 10:48 am
When I visit Cornwall, I’d like some photo lessons thanks ;)
January 13, 2015 at 8:36 pm
It would be a real pleasure Marina! :-)
January 14, 2015 at 8:19 am
Fab! It’s top of mind Adrian! Thank you!!!
January 14, 2015 at 6:24 pm
:-)
January 14, 2015 at 7:31 pm
Happy Birthday to Cornwall Photographic and Congratulations Adrian!!! Great to hear your story. It has been an amazing journey and I am so happy to have followed most of it. It has been a great inspiration, and I am looking forward for the next part!
January 13, 2015 at 6:48 pm
Thank you so much Bente! It’s been such a pleasure following your blog and sharing this journey..! :-)
January 14, 2015 at 8:21 am
Wonderful selection of images, Adrian. Look forward to seeing many more.
January 16, 2015 at 3:55 pm
Thank you very much Simon. I appreciate your visit and your thoughts.
January 16, 2015 at 5:42 pm
Awesome serie! Congratulations to you and your blog!
January 16, 2015 at 9:53 pm
Thank very much Hans! :-)
January 16, 2015 at 10:12 pm
Congratulations, Adrian. What a beautiful, diverse set of images. The church on the water’s edge among other fantastic landscapes and your architectural shots really caught my eye. Happy shooting in 2015.
January 17, 2015 at 7:25 pm
Thank you very much Jane! I wish the same for you! :-)
January 17, 2015 at 9:29 pm
From your comments about Paris, through your thoughts about the blogging community, to your final note that some of the photos you like more for themselves, and some more for the associations, there is much wisdom here. Happy Birthday! Yes, what an amazing journey. I’m glad I found you (and I have so appreciated your comments to me) and now, let me look!!
January 17, 2015 at 11:54 pm
It’s a real pleasure having you along on the journey Lynn. I’m so glad you found my blog too. I’m going to be exploring film this year, processed my first medium format negatives today, and concentrating more on the contemporary, project led type photography as I mentioned. That’s not to say that I’ll be ignoring this woderful landscape and will continue to photograph Cornwall, and other places along the way. I’m back in Iceland in a few weeks which I’m really looking forward to.
January 18, 2015 at 6:08 pm
Congratulations, Adrian! From the bottom of our hearts. Happy Birthday to your blog and thank you so much for your heartwarming words and sympathy. Each and every photo is a gem and so very “you”, well done. A true Role Model for us all. Wishing you all the best for 2015 with exciting shooting and happy blogging.
Dina, Klausbernd, Siri & Selma xo <3
January 18, 2015 at 10:02 am
Thank you so mcuh, all of you! I so very much appreciate your support and best wishes. I hope you all have a wonderful 2015 and am very much looking forward to following your adventures! :-) Thank you.
January 18, 2015 at 6:10 pm
Your view of the world is a glorious one, Adrian. Heartfelt congratulations for what you have accomplished with your artistry!
An absolutely gorgeous 3 years of work.
January 19, 2015 at 2:49 am
Thank you ever so much Karen. It’s been a lot of fun! :-)
January 19, 2015 at 9:30 am
Very nice collection Adrian. I’m especially taken by your seascapes.
January 20, 2015 at 5:12 pm
Thank you very much Jim. I love the sea so I guess that is bound to come through in my photographs.
January 20, 2015 at 7:29 pm
You are a naturally great photographer Adrian. I have always admired your work, and wished that I could equal it. Sadly, I can’t, but Dee and I are off to Cornwall for a few days very soon. Perhaps I’ll be inspired? I’ll try! This collection really shows your talent.
January 21, 2015 at 9:53 pm
That’s very kind of you to say Dave. Thank you! I hope you and Dee enjoy your visit to Cornwall! :)
January 21, 2015 at 10:00 pm
Such a wonderful gallery!
January 24, 2015 at 10:11 pm
Thank you so much! :-)
January 24, 2015 at 10:48 pm
What a brilliant display and many congratulations to you for your outstanding work and well-deserved rewards!
February 1, 2015 at 12:19 am
Thank you so much Patti! I apprecite your comment very much! :)
February 1, 2015 at 7:36 pm