Remember Helen Chapman and her ‘eyes behind the masks’ lockdown photography project? Here, the fundraiser for Marie Curie in Norfolk and Suffolk explains why she is setting her sights on landscape photography
Things have been great photography wise, with more of my photos and work being shared and even had my first opportunity for work in this field. I’ve now started to enter competitions and just trying to push myself forwards more. I’ve established a signature logo as well. I’m currently considering a new camera as there are some amazing photography that I keep seeing and most of the time the photographers are using the same make of camera! In terms of work and Marie Curie, things have still been hard during the pandemic as our best laid plans are still liable to be changed without much warning which makes things hard. I’m lucky to work in East Anglia as I have some amazing colleagues locally in terms of nursing staff and other fundraisers and everyone has been pulling together.
I am now looking after Suffolk for all things Marie Curie as well as Norfolk! We are working towards this year’s National Day of Reflection again, which will be on March 23, 2022. I’m looking for more businesses to sign up to show their support this year and looking for more buildings across Norfolk and Suffolk to light up yellow. We now have bereavement advice and support for businesses so if any HR professionals would like to know more, please contact me: helen.chapman@mariecurie.org.uk. March will also be our Great Daffodil Appeal and – with two geographically large counties – if any businesses, individuals or clubs and associations would like to support us by helping us collect at various venues across the area, please get in touch!
I’ve always loved landscape photography but when all the lockdowns happened, I found the time to focus more on all of it. Since I stopped documenting the pandemic, I’ve thrown myself fully into practising landscapes. My favourite part of landscape photography is long exposure shots, but I’ve still a long way to go with nailing these and understanding all the filters etc but it’s a great excuse for beach visits along our stunning coastline! I spent the last day of 2021 and the first day of 2022 at the beach watching the sunrise, there’s no better way to start the day although I think New Year’s Day had all photographers at Southwold somewhat frustrated as the mist and sea fog swirled in abs didn’t move until about 30 minutes later and even then it was just a glimpse. I’ve had some lovely feedback from people and have started up a Helen Chapman Landscape Photography Facebook page and @helencs_photography Instagram account.
I have so many favourite spots but to try and name a few: Holt for Christmas Lights; Weybourne for the North Norfolk Lights Express; Southwold for the Pier and groynes – especially at sunrise; Shingle Street; Benacre and Covehithe – due to the erosion and different objects; Happisburgh Lighthouse and beach and – of course – the Norfolk Broads as there’s so much to photograph.
The benefits are the fresh air, the views and I think it does my mental health the world of good as it’s like an escapism from day-to-day life. I can’t wait to get out and explore somewhere new and no two days will ever be the same so although you go back to the same place there will always be a different cloud formation, different colour in the sky or the sea can be very still, or the waves can be crashing in. You never know what you’ll see even with the best sunrise/sunset/weather/tide apps to help, it’s only when you arrive you know what to expect.
I hope if I keep practising and don’t give up that eventually it will lead somewhere whether it’s in a couple of years or in 20 years! Landscape photography is very competitive but the area I enjoy the most – I’m always open to other formats.
My hopes and dreams for 2022 are for family (here and in the US), friends, colleagues, and our volunteers to stay safe and well. I’d love to have set myself up more in terms of photography with a new camera and better editing and printing equipment all in place and as for anyone taking photos to be noticed is always the dream!
Visit @helencs_photography on Instagram and Helen Chapman Landscape Photography on Facebook. Any HR professionals interested in Marie Curie‘s bereavement advice and support for businesses can contact Helen on helen.chapman@mariecurie.org.uk
Leave a Reply