For me, as a blogger, today is a big day. Something of a sad day to be honest, but also a cause for celebration.
After five and a half years, my blogging friend Darren Coleshill is closing down the #MySundayPhoto linky he runs on his Photalife blog. It’s a linky I have participated in almost since day one, so I am feeling slightly bereft.
Non-bloggers reading this will no doubt be scratching their heads saying: “What’s a linky (also known as a link party)?” It’s a fair question, so here’s a description on the Mostly Blogging website.
Over the years, I have really enjoyed seeing the imagery produced by other bloggers. In addition to reflecting the messiness of family life, the linky has featured superb landscape, portrait, nature, travel and experimental photography. I’ve found it really inspiring to be a part of this online community of photographers.
#MySundayPhoto has also had a huge impact on me for one other reason. It re-ignited an interest in photography, a hobby I had long given up.
Many years ago, I studied press photography as part of my journalism training course, something I did long before having a family. Digital cameras were only just becoming popular and so, believe it or not, I was trained using 35mm film and processed pictures using chemicals in a dark room.
The slightly blurred image at the top of this page is one I took during my time as a student. That’s Monica Lewinksy, the woman outed for having a relationship with US President Bill Clinton. She was visiting Sheffield to promote Monica’s Story, the book she wrote with Andrew Morton.
It was taken on a Soviet-era Zenit SLR camera I bought from a pawnbroker in Oxford. Believe it or not, I managed to sell that image to a newspaper. Yes, that picture, despite it’s slightly dubious quality, has appeared in print!
On leaving my studies, I gave up on photography. I got a bit busy as a twenty-something, having a career, moving to London, spending too much time socialising. I simply couldn’t be bothered with it.
Soon after launching Dadbloguk in 2012, I discovered #MySundayPhoto. Inspired by Darren and all the other bloggers, I invested in decent cameras and other equipment. I also learned the basics of Photoshop.
I still have much to learn, but, even if I say so myself, the imagery I produce today is far superior than it was five years ago. That, in a large part, is down to participating in #MySundayPhoto.
Photography has become an integral part of my blog. I will continue to showcase my photography on Dadbloguk from time to time, but in future I shall produce tutorial-style posts, so my readers can experiment and try various techniques for themselves.
Once again, thank you Darren. It was great to take part in #MySundayPhoto. It introduced me to some wonderful bloggers and got me back into photography in a big way and for this I am very grateful.
16 thoughts on “From Monica Lewinsky to the end of #MySundayPhoto”
Lovely to hear more about your photography journey, John. My Sunday Photo has been an inspiration to me too.
Yes Tara, #MySundayPhoto has been a major inspiration for me. I will continue to visit everybody’s blogs even though the linky has gone as you’re all such a talented bunch.
Wow, I never would have guessed that you had only got back into photography fairly recently! You always seem so knowledgeable and produce such amazing photos. My Sunday Photo will definitely be missed! It also served as a reminder to me every week to catch up on some favourite blogs.
Yes indeed, my need to improve my photography grew with my blog. It was, nonetheless, #MySundayPhoto that provided much of the inspiration. It may be a reasonably recent thing (….five years!) but I do spend a lot of time perfecting my images.
I’ve only been partaking for a few months and I know I’ll miss this linky. Love that ML shot, there definitely a certain quality to it and reminds me of the days all newspapers were in black and wh ite. #mysundayphoto
I hadn’t really thought of that Mr Pearson, but the image is a real throwback to when newspapers looked like that isn’t it??
It is a sad day. I am going to miss the linky.
What an interesting story you have. x
It is a sad day, but oddly, I’m looking forward to producing photographic tutorial posts. I will be back to visit your blog though Kim. #mysundayphoto has introduced me to some great blogs, yours being one of them.
The words John are everything, thank you so much. I’m so pleased that i’ve helped your photography in some way.
Have a Happy New Year.
Thank you for linking up and supporting #MySundayPhoto. x
It’s true Darren! #MySUndayphoto has been a massive inspiration. While I am sad it has gone, it’s a new year and new beginnings and I’m revamping the blog anyway. I can see why you thought it was time to move on Darren. best of luck with Photalife in the future and I’ll be sure to visit lots.
I would love to learn how to do the water shot. Great photo!
Follow the link Angela! All the instructions are there. If you try it, do show me the results.
Interesting set of photos. Impressive getting the first one in print! I’ve loved the 5 years of My sunday Photo too. Such a nice way to find other blogs too and get round to actually reading and commenting on people’s blogs.
It sure has been a great way of discovering new blogs. I’ll be sure to come back to your one Emma.
I was never a photographer, and still am not, but thanks to a blog called The Boy and Me I started joining with with Project 365 8 yrs ago and linked up daily for the first two years and now a weekly blog hop still. Love some of the pictures I have taken all thanks to blog and linky’s that would never have existed without the incentive.
Great splash captured. #mysundayphoto
Well that just shows the impact a linky can have Elaine. I have looked at 365 but I fear I can’t commit to that level of effort! ANyway, I shall continue to call on your blog and I hope you will continue to enjoy my photography.