A Design for Life –
Every so often something comes along regarding my work to make me smile. For example I might get a little mention or someone might ask to use my work somewhere, or I may even get referenced in someone else’s work. I began to note some of these instances (which I call) ‘Little Wins’. One of my first little wins was a mention by Bromsgrove School, they had taken inspiration from some of my Instagram bubble images used my ideas in class. However today, I’m now pleased to mention another. A couple of weeks ago a load acquaintance contacted me with some exciting news!
For 3 years running I was the official photographer for the May Bank Holiday Pirates’ Festival, held in Brixham each year, right up until sadly it was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid. Below are links to some of my highlights from each year.
The Brixham Pirates’ Festival 2017
The Brixham Pirates’ Festival 2018
The Brixham Pirates’ Festival 2019
NB: if the 2019 link does not work you can see a mash up of all of the images in a video short that I made this week.
2019 Link not working? Try this video instead
During my time as official photographer I got to meet many people and one person in particular was someone called Mike Blyth. Mike came down to Brixham for the festival each year and he always wore the most amazing hand made pirate costumes. The attention to detail on each of his costumes was superb. He scoured a number of charity shops and dressmaking shops to find exactly the right materials for his outfits. Naturally he was always the perfect candidate for any pirate portrait shots.
One year Mike saw a photo that he particularly liked of himself. I said he could feel free to use it as he saw fit. However, I also liked the same photograph and I decided to experiment with it digitally. Below you can see the original photograph alongside the digital version. I was actually quite pleased with the results so I decided to send him a copy as I knew how much he liked the original.
Original photog vs Digital Image
Fast forward a few years and I was absolutely delighted to hear that he had decided to turn my image into a tattoo on his right arm.
Below are some of the photographs that Mike sent me and some that he posted on Facebook – I asked his permission to use the photos for my blog and he said yes. I was really thrilled that someone liked my work enough to immortalise it in their life. It was a very proud moment for me and another little win. Big wins would be great, in fact amazing, but sometimes it’s those little moments that are actually the most special. Knowing that your work has touched someone in some way and made them very happy – to me this is priceless.
The Finished Results
