Week 10: An Ode to Togetherness

Family is all around us

Week 10 and it's been a hell of a week. I'm growing into the notion that I can manifest good vibes. I just have to feel it within and find opportunities where I can experience joy, but I have to see the good in those experiences - even if it doesn't quite go to plan. I'm writing this blog on Mother's Day. If I'm honest, I don't really often entertain days that have been created by marketeers. Valentine's Day, World Food Day, Pancake Day etc. It's all fluff for companies to sell. Sometimes it's a good reminder, if you don't already, to appreciate what we have.

In any case, I love my mum. I love my family. I like to appreciate and celebrate those around me whenever I can and that means seeing them do well, being healthy and having success in life, however that may manifest. If I can be their cheerleader, assistant, wingman, homeboy ... then count me in. I have never used the word homeboy, it felt awkward. You'll forgive me for that.

In recent years, the family and I have really made more of the time together, today was no exception. Maybe I have felt this more because I am in a better place mentally, who knows. It's soo important to have family, which really feels like a family and in my mind, I am always looking for that family togetherness, everywhere in my life. How do we work and live best? In the company of those who we get on so well with. To support, cheer, prop up, champion and help us feel grounded when we're too high or too low.

Usually if we pop out to eat, we'll go feast in our favourite Dosa place in East London but today was the turn of Dim T (in their own words "the taste of asia"), in Charlotte Street. Some of my family had been before so they were keen to try it again. Plus there were plenty of Vegan options, which is vital as most of us are vegan. Dim T is just 5 minutes from Goodge Street Station. At the door, we were greeted by their lovely staff, who swiftly brought us over to a bright little spot in the back of the restaurant which had a skylight overlooking our table - we'll just brush over the weather of the day - which was rain, we didn't order that. We did order Veggie, Shiitake Mushroom, Spinach Dim Sum's, Spicy Edamame (mmmmmmm), Vegan thai red curry, Vegan black bean chicken, along with some steamed rice plus seconds of most of the Dim Sum's. A feast which certainly warmed our cosy little boots. I'd also like to add that the staff were very attentive and kind, whatever we asked for. Warm for the rest of the day but it did somewhat put us all in a little bit of a food coma.

And the end of the meal, a walk is much needed so I spent a couple of hours wandering around furniture shops deciding which piece of furniture I couldn't afford the most. The armchair above, from West Elm, stood out for me like Vincent Vega opening that glowing briefcase. It's called the Auburn Chair, and it's more beautiful in real life than on their website. There is nothing better than having a feast and then being able to go wander around beautiful show rooms of furniture and furnishings, in my opinion - plus you get to sit down on sofas to "try them out". Dropped in Heals too, incredibly beautiful furniture but wow, the prices, but I always like to pay a visit to that beautiful staircase. While I was there, I got talking to a random stranger (who was over from guernsey for the weekend) who was standing at the bottom of the staircase with his camera pointing upwards.

Another couple of highlights this week, I had the pleasure of visiting the world famous Abbey Road Studios. The studios made famous by The Beatles, and since their inception in 1931, it's been home to thousands of musicians honing their art and recording their magical tracks to us all to experience.

If ever there was an occasion where you'd be star struck by a building, this was that moment. I was absolutely in awe.

Why was I at Abbey Road Studios? I was there to attend a Music Photography networking event, with Q&A and portfolio review with 5 established music photographers in the industry. The event was called MPA Lates, where MPA stands for Music Photography Awards. It was magical. It was absolutely fantastic to hear the photographers talk about their art, the creative process, the hurdles and the ways that we can make it in the industry. I had my music photography (and more) reviewed by photographer Eljay Briss. Don't think anything at the moment can top this but what I am learning to do now is level the playing field. It was wonderful to be there but other moments in my week were on par, they have to be if I want to keep my mood continually manifesting joy. Otherwise, your week becomes a bit of a rollercoaster.

Ending the brilliant week with a photoshoot for Maria Bradford. The Sierra Leone born chef with an infectious personality which you cannot help but feel and love. I met the lovely Maria at Fortnum's where I photographed her supper club and book launch. I thoroughly enjoyed photographing them as I was given the freedom to capture those candid moments from a distance. This Saturday, Maria hosted a wonderful Mother's Day Afternoon Tea at her place and she asked me to come along to document her first Afternoon Tea event. On her list of requirements, photos of people, food, drinks, table set up, food prep and the ambience of the night. Noted. I had so much fun. Capturing events like these, can be, quite intense and fast paced (if you're not prepared), but I know what Maria likes, and she knows how I like to photograph, so it just works so well.

I feel like my experience in capturing food and drink, concerts and sports in the past has really helped me be ready for these moments. Sometimes I don't quite get the right shot or I miss the mark, but my aim is to get back on the carriage as quick as possible and keep an eye out for the next shot. I find myself in-the-zone and observing, which always draws me to the subject wherever it is, even if it is through a row of glasses or flowers. As long as I can get that person, food, drink, activity in focus, everything else is irrelevant. Of course, as with everything I do in photography, framing, exposure, light and shadow is my companions. It's such a great experience working with lovely humans who are so so passionate about their art.

Let me know what you think. Follow me on this journey.

If you'd like to work on a photo with me one week, feel free to drop me a message via Instagram @bimalt or via my contact form.