Making a living from PHOTOGRAPHY | The HEART stopping moment that changed my life
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- Every so often you should ask yourself are you doing the thing you would love to do most in the world? If the answer is no then stop what you are doing and make a change. When in Yosemite National Park my heart stopped and I had an accident that changed my life forever. I became a professional photographer and now make a successful living from it. In this video I talk about my story and how I make money from Landscape Photography.
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MY PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR
NIKON GEAR
Current landscape camera - Nikon D810 - geni.us/nikd810
Awesome telephoto lens - Nikon 70-200m f/2.8 - geni.us/nikon70200
Fav lens - Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 - geni.us/nikon2470
Best for Landscapes - Nikon 16-35mm f/4 -geni.us/MCglWI
FUJI GEAR
2nd landscape camera - Fujifilm X-T2 - geni.us/0VayB
Awesome Bokeh - Fuji XF35mm F2 - geni.us/fuji35f2
Killer wide angle lens - Fuji 10-24mm F4 - geni.us/fuji1024
GorillaPod - azon.ly/BXvQ (as seen in previous videos)
OTHER PHOTO GEAR
The AWESOME printer I use - geni.us/cIIc
Great bag for hiking - Tenba 24L - geni.us/orPwh
Super light Benro Travel Tripod UK - geni.us/FTA28CV1
A must have for tripod amzn.to/2zJ6oTa
Lightweight tripod - Benro Mach3 Carbon Fiber Tripod - azon.ly/Eals
Filters I use - Formatt Hitech Firecrest www.formatt-hi... - use NIGEL10 to get 10% off
VLOGGING GEAR
Studio microphone - geni.us/rodentg4
Fujifilm X-T2 - geni.us/0VayB
For steady shots - Zhiyun Crane 2 - geni.us/M24vjc
Drone I recommend - geni.us/zPs0p
Mic I use for walk and talk - geni.us/smartlavp
Recorder for walk and talk - amzn.to/2BE0hAM
Brilliant Tripod Jaws Clamp - amzn.to/2BBMLO2
Squirrels for Lav mic - amzn.to/2kgZtOa
Huge congratulations on your first year as a pro! Very interesting and frank video. We appreciate the time and effort you put into your channel. Keep it up Nigel!
Many thanks Kim 👍👍👍
I just finished watching this video again, by accident really, and was reminded why I took you on as a mentor to begin with. I had forgotten exactly the story in California and it was good to get that re-attached to my memory. Anyway, very inspirational and I'm happy to see that nothing has changed in that category. You're quite the enjoyment for many on your Sunday morning shows (I now call them shows, they are-- really) and it's been awesome to watch your audience grow. I too have some back and neck issues so that part of your talk on this show was particularly inspirational to me. Anyway, best wishes and stay healthy and before you know it this pandemic will be behind us all. Cheers from Rod in Florida.
Now retired, but coming from a commercial banking background, I readily endorse your ethos of hard work, engagement with your audience and path of slow evolvement through self analysis and learning. Diversity and leveraging those areas which are directly beneficial to you whilst growing your customer base and looking after your existing customers are key. Honesty and openness which you have in spades are essential qualities. So well done and continued happiness to you and your family.
Many thanks Nick
Great video Nigel, I'm glad you are able to realise your dreams after such a bad accident.
For me photography has been a blessing in helping me overcome depression, going out there into the world and being at one with nature is a great way of taking your mind off of things or putting life into perspective.
Sheard Photography It helps a lot. Even I tried when I was in depression for more than 1 year.
Same here, dude! Thomas Heaton made a landscape photographer (unfortunately only as a hobbyist). 9 years of depression and finally I feel such relief when I'm outdoors. Harmony with nature and I feel harmony with my soul
Congratulations on your first year!! You are so inspiring and now I know there is hope for an old software developer! :) My story is the opposite of yours I started out as an art student at university and then I transitioned to writing code after I started a family. Now I'm at a point in my life where I am ready to make art again and the landscape photography bug has captured me.
Thanks for taking us on your journey and thanks for the inspiration!
Nigel, you’re one of my landscape photography heroes (along with Mads and Jeroen and Andy M). I also had a sudden cardiac arrest and realized how quickly it can pass. Although I probably don’t have time to become professional, both your story and your work are inspiring. I also have an ICD/pacemaker, and made it through a winter workshop in Iceland. Keep going.
Nigel I’ve been enjoying your Chanel. I’m a doctor and passionate landscape photographer. I had a cardiac arrest in Med school and have a pace maker. I’m grappling with the impact this has had on my capacity to head outside and photograph however the experience has made me adapt my art style to the life circumstances thrown at me. Keep up the good work and hello from Australia.
Thanks for sharing your story! I was lucky as it wasn’t a ‘heart problem’ as such. So didn’t impact exercises at all. But my back has a big impact... still manage to do amazing things though 👍
I have been following you for about 7 or 8 months, but this is the first time this video came up. Usually I watch your videos as soon as they are a available to subscribers early Sunday morning in CA. I have been impressed by your work and this video provides context. Your images and videos are well crafted and interesting. You have experienced success; may you continue to enjoy your work. And may your health permit you to pursue your dreams!
Love your work Nigel congratulations making a life you love
Well done! Several points I picked up on, caring the most about the people who view your finished work, WORK HARD and love what you do, improve your skills intentionally on a regular basis, make the most of your life everyday, and use a variety of ways to promote your work and earn an income. Love to see you come to Maine and get together for a photo adventure, perhaps be the scouting trip for a US workshop in the future.
Great summary 👍👍👍 thanks Robert
"Doesn't get any better than this!" (-:
Was working in the sector of Information Technology for years and never felt satisfied for years. Without an accident i had the feeling: You need to change this. Now.
So i tried to apply to a university and - lucky me - there was the new chance in life. Now with sociology, media/art and philosophy i'm happy. Very happy.
Greetings from Germany once again and thanks for sharing Nigel.
~~Oh, Nigel a person looking through a screen has no idea of what your going through. I am amazed that you just keep going. Thank you for telling us about you it helps to understand stand better. 3 yrs later but still relevant today
You're the FIRST person ever that I subscribed to... I admire your determination, passion and I can relate to a few things you shared. Time is indeed our most valuable asset...take care, X
Great hearing your story Nigel! So many of us have journeys that are so different but led to photography! amazing! Keep it up :)
You come across as a very genuine, passionate person. Inspiring and personable Nigel.!
Nigel. Thanks for sharing your story. Makes us all realize that life is short. It could change in a moment. We need to enjoy every second we have. Great job on your one year. Looking forward to the future.
Thanks Nigel! I really enjoyed hearing your story. I’m sorry you have to deal with the back pain, but the enthusiasm that shines through that is what is so inspirational.
This just showed up in my RUclips feed. What a wonderful message! Thank you. How much ground you have covered since then! Blessings to you as the journey continues!
Your passion for landscape photography is quite evident from the quality of your videos and the effort you put in. I completely agree that doing something that you love makes working hard on it easier! 👏👍
Thanks so much
You're most welcome Nigel! It was a blast. Looking forward to more. You've grown so fast and done such an amazing job at this! :)
Thanks a lot Mads - thanks for your inspiration! Can’t wait for the Faroes!!!
Thanks a lot for those insights into your experience. These are, I think, as important as the teaching or the images themselves, because one way or the other it is a person we're witnessing, not a camera or a technique or an image alone.
Living the dream. So refreshing that you highlight the hard work involved in doing it.
Just wanted to say how I enjoyed this video and the journey you have been on. I’m glad you have turned the negative of the accident and it’s health implications into such a positive result. Inspirational, thank you
Again very inspirational. 👍🏻 Thanks, Nigel! 👍🏻
Pebbles sure can stay sitting for a while. Great vid ty. I always seem to have trouble focusing continuously on one thing.
Thank you so much for your story and the insights. I really enjoy pretty much everything about your channel. Keep it up!
I appreciate your commitment to your passion, your quality and the ethic of hard work. Your photography is cool too. Thx
Thank you Nigel, you have given me encouragement right when I needed it. Great video, keep up the hard work!
Brilliant thanks 👊
Congratulations on year one completion and the fact that you were brave enough to go for it. Keep up the good work Nigel, and let's see more of the great work you are producing. All the very best, Andy
Very glad you survived your heart stopping experience! I really enjoy your RUclips channel.
I found you about a year ago while trying to plan my honeymoon and a shot I wanted of the Golden Gate Bridge I believe just before you accident as your Chanel went quiet then you appears back in the UK I’m glad you’ve stuck with it .... your videos are always an inspiration but this one even more so I struggle every day with a bad back and have done for a while so I feel your pain yet you just get on with it and for that I high five you 👍🏻 keep it up!
Hi Nigel, Congratulations on your first year I look forward to so many more, regards Ian
I just like your passion about photography, and able to get out the office job and follow the passion, meantime, support your living.
I hardly ever comment on photography videos but......power to you, my friend. Love your landscapes and I would kill to spend a couple of days with you and learn some of the stuff you know! Keep strong, keep shooting and keep being yourself
Hi Nigel I've been following your vlogs from the very beginning and it's great to see you develop over this time and living your dream. The thing that always comes over is the passion you have for landscape photography your an inspiration as well as I've learned so much from you over this period of time and always kept the content interesting. Keep up the good work and looking forward to next Sunday.
One last thing IT DOESN'T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS.
Ha ha. No it doesn’t
I find myself rewatching your videos foe your calming spirit let alone the knowledge share. Thank you!
Great story, thank you for sharing your journey.
As always a great video. Thank you for sharing your story and I wish you continued success for the years to come. I am a big fan of your work.
I was a software developer writing video games for over 35 years. Then about three years ago I picked up my first camera ever, an a6000, and became hooked. Now it is a complete obsession. I'm trying to transition into making a living from photography. I'm even thinking of putting up some photography related videos.
Your channel has been a massive inspiration for me over the last few months. Thank you very much and I hope you have great success in every way form your passion 😀👍
Hi Nigel, Just wanted to say that your videos inspired me to get going and start printing out my pictures. I just got tired of staring at them on the monitor and wanted them to hang on my walls. I finally bought a Pixma Pro-100 and after much fiddling I got it to work in Lightroom. They turned out awesome. Thanks for the inspiration and congratulations on your first year. Love your landscapes. John Jadwin
Hi Nigel, the first thing I noticed about your videos when I first found your channel few days ago is how very passionate you are about this craft and how effectively you translate this when in front of the camera. Every clip leaves me feeling that we've just had a personal conversation. Truly impactful AND I learn something of value to me each time we "talk". Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Gord - means so much
Thanks Nigel. Your heartfelt thoughts mean a lot. You have to love what you do. Glad to see this is working out well for you!
Brilliant vlog nigel. Thanks for sharing with us. Hope your ok now
Wow Nigel, your channel has been so inspirational to me from day one! After hearing about your terrible accident, it brings your work, talent, and videos to a new heighten level. Well now, that print we purchased will bring more enjoyment to us knowing that "MORNING RAYS, YOSEMITE VALLEY' was taken during the time of your horrific accident there. I do hope one day you'll come back to enjoy and experience more of the total beauty of Yosemite! BTW, we just picked up the print from the framers today and it is stunning, I'll be sending you a picture once it's hung up as promised. As always, my sincere thanks for taking us along your photographic journey!
"Foundation Redefine Your Core, Conquer Back Pain, and Move with Confidence " "Crooked - Cathryn Jakobson Ramin" "Becoming a Supple Leopard" This video really touched me and I could tell there was a lot of emotion in your voice when shooting parts of it. I can relate to you saying that you had back pain. I know it can be debilitating or at least feel that way. I appreciate that you still get out there and get to it in spite of the chronic pain you may feel. I wanted to refer you to these books that helped me a lot. I'm still just new to really searching for answers when it comes to this epidemic so many face. However, these books have helped me tremendously. The foundation book really helps you get strength in core areas, while making it very easy on you to do daily. You may also want to look into exercises that counter any bulging discs that you have along with removing any adhesion's or scar tissue. doing exercises that remove scar tissue adhesion along with any disc bulge will greatly enhance your ability to do these foundation exercises and allow your nervous system in your spine to calm down and begin to heal. You'll find that in Foundation there are recommended supplements to take. I would seriously consider taking Glucosamine Chondrotin MSM and turmeric supplement by Vimerson Health and Take Turmeric w/ Bioprene extract as well... preferably from vimerson or a reputable source from Amazon. This will help you tremendously. Start this journey now, don't just rely on the back industry they can help but they can hurt you in the long run as well. Read those first two books man. It's worth your time. If you would like the .pdf files to the books I can send them to you. Cheers and keep up the shooting!
Will take a look - thanks 👊
Yes, that's true, the quality of your videos is very good. again thank you for sharing Nigel.
Hi Nigel, just one suggestion from a person who used to have a back problem...get a table with an adjustable height. I work have a day standing, have a day sitting...saves my life. And keep doing great podcasts!
Great job Nigel! I'd die for a video-collaboration between you and Sean Tucker, you cover different styles but the amount of personality you both put into doing this is the same
So very glad I found your channel (or rather was pointed to it) a while back. It is great to see you loving what you do, and it is an inspiration for those of us who are trying to break out into the field as well and are starting with the basics on RUclips and the web. Proof that it can be done. Looking forward to year 2.
Thanks so much for your kind words
Great video Nigel. Thanks for being so open about your health issues. Would like to take up photography myself but for now simply getting outdoors and taking notice of the natural world is a great distraction from chronic pain. Fortunate also to still be able to do my job which i love (but didn't realise it until I had lost that ability for a while). Many of your points resonated with me.
Last week I saw my first video from you. I was so impressed, that I decided to watch all your videos. I started with your first video from Yosemite and now, one week later, I arrived here. 🙂. You needed a year, I needed one week. 😆
I think, you can imagine, how impressed I am. I love your videos, your photos and the music in the background. 🙂🙂
So, without further ado, there enough videos waiting 😉
Thanks so much!!! Really appreciate that
Usually I don't spend time commenting but I just loved it when you said "I decided to become professional" that's all it takes you lay out your best plan, you work like hell and you just do it, thank you for this peace of inspiration ✌😎
Thanks for the kind words! It took me a while to take the leap of faith 👍
Well done Nigel. Thanks for sharing your journey and being an inspiration to all of us left-brained software folks.
Hi Nigel...you really a inspirational man for me...you don't just teach about photography...you taught to dream...and work hard to achieve those dreams...I like all your videos...great help and push to be a better photographer...wish I can meet you someday....
Thanks - so kind!!!
NIgel, watched a lot of your videos but hadn't gone back to your early days. Interesting story about how you got started. Wish I could drop everything and go take photos as my living.
Well done Nigel. I love the channel and am learning so much from you as I embark on my photography journey.
You just gave me further inspiration to develop my love and career as a landscape photographer. Thank you! Bless!
Great video! Thanks for the insight and tips!
I did enjoy the video, thank you. Also love springer spaniels... very much miss mine 😕
Having had a mild heart attack at the age of 57, I can attest to the change in perspective it gives you. It was the impetus for me to leave a job that I had grown to resent at the earliest possible time. You made a good choice to do something you’re passionate about and it shows in your videos. One thing you might consider to help your back and that is to purchase an ergonomic computer station. I installed a lot of them when I “retired” and took up a fun part time job for a couple years before finally retiring this year. The sit to stand desks from Ergotron were the choice of the medical company that I did work for and were very popular and easy to set up and use. I have no affiliation whatsoever and I’m sure there are other brands but it might be something for you to look at. Congrats on 1 year and hope for many more. Cheers!
Congratulations for the first year!!! And yes quality!!! That is what makes a difference and makes you also stand out from other youtubers (not just photography but in general). Keep it up and good luck for another year, and another, and another...!!!!
I am on the cusp of making the same transition from what I do now, to being a full-time pro photographer. I want to thank you for your video. it demonstrated passion and boundless enthusiasm. I think your video has taken me from 'cusp' to positive action. Thank you once again.
Great stuff Nigel. I’ve followed you from the beginning. The thing that struck me was what a genuinely fantastic photographer you are. The fact you’ve now developed into an incredible RUclipsr too in the space of just a few months is amazing. Great job!
Another one of your beautiful videos. Thanks and keep up your good work Nigel!
Can relate to so many of your comments and quotes here Nigel. In my final year as a professional fire officer and been fortunate to have achieved success which has been derived from hard work and a passion for the various roles I have undertaken. Interesting in how you spoke about the many facets you utilise in your approach to being a full time photographer, was kinda like Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
I wish you much success in the years ahead and has been great to see your career go from strength to strength over the past year
I loved this video particularly. Your enthusiasm is inspiring and infectious. Félicitations on your first year achievements. Keep on loving what you do.
I know this video is in the past, but it speaks such truth I believe!. Thanks for your candid response! I found this video inspiring! Keep up the great work! Thank you!
Another great watch, great outlook on life Nigel.Very well put.
Great video, Nigel. I always look forward to new releases. It is very interesting for me to see your hard work as a landscape photographer. I wish you good luck and fewer health problems. Boris F
I have had three spine surgeries, the last one was in Bremen Germany in January 2017, and I have Adhesive Arachnoiditis. I was inspired watching your video, it was sent to me by a veruy good friend of mine who loves photography. Cheers to you mate, I hope you accomplish everything you set out to do.
Congrats on one year! And thank you for sharing your story, Very inspiring. Keep up the great work!
If you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work. Well done on your first year. I'm sure you'll have many more doing the job you love so much.
I left my old job (that I hated) to do something I thought I would enjoy more. I wouldn't say I love it, but I certainly enjoy it more than being a Glazier. :)
Look forward to seeing more in the coming years.
To be blunt, your blogs get me off my arse and out there with my camera. Always new things to think about and try - keep it going, thanks.
Good (blunt)
Congratulations on the 12 Month milestone Nigel! I really enjoy your insights and adventures - keep up the good work!
Many thanks John
Hi Nigel. Everything you've said here resonates with me. Having taken early retirement after a long career, I'm in the fortunate position of having time to dedicate to the hobby I love. I now live on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, I'm an hour from some great coastal locations and I also get to travel to other parts of the country fairly regularly. In short, I'm doing what I love with no time constraints or financial pressures and feel so very fortunate to finally be in this position. You're so right when you say that photography is good for both body and mind. Really pleased that your new career continues to prosper and fulfil you. If the growth of this channel is anything to go by, you'll have many years of success to come. Many thanks for sharing Nigel.
Thanks a lot Tim
Wow, I hadn't heard your story until today Nigel. Thank you for sharing, and like everyone else here I really enjoy your channel and wish you nothing but the best as you continue your journey.
Thanks a lot bill - really appreciate that
Superb episode Nigel.. really honest and highly valuable advice .. love what your doing with the channel . Excited to see it continue to grow each time .. I think you have found the job you love & that’s not work .. Bravo !!
Thanks for this video. I am working hard to become full time in art / landscape photography. I have made strides along the way, a lot of credit is due to the few photographers, that I follow on RUclips, you being one of them that I look to for ideas, and insight on how to best "see a scene". My single largest hurdle is the feeling that my work has to measure up in some way to other work. I need to find a way to back away from making every image a competition. I love the dog BTW.
Nigel, I can't tell how much your work inspires me. Whenever I feel that I need a good dose of motivation I just tune in to one of your fantastic videos and marvel at your amazing work. Here's to the next year and beyond!
Keep doing what you are doing Nigel. Really enjoying your channel.
Very genuine and inspiring story! Your work is outstanding, well done & keep up doing what you love!
I’ve only recently joined your RUclips channel and I’ve learnt so much from you in just a few weeks. So thank you for doing what you do and one day I’ll be hopefully producing quality images that I can sell top bloke 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Another excellent video Nigel. Really enjoy your content and perspective. Thanks for continuing to share!
Hi Nigel. Many congratulations on your first year as a pro photographer. I watch landscape vlogs to hear about new locations, see what gear people are using, see the results of the shoots. Most important for me as a beginner pretending to be a landscape photographer is learning from the experts. In that regard I see you as one of the best and most inspiring teachers. I have your ebook. It's a perfect example of your ability to teach and that is such a valuable asset for you! I also went it alone after being released from a previous employer. Everything you said about flying solo is exactly my experience too! I look forward to many more years of your inspiring work.
Thanks Jerry - hope it is going well!!!
Thanks for all the personal insights Nigel! Nice work. Keep er goin man!
First year, congratulations - many good vlog this first year, looking forward to many more to come...
Congratulations on a super first year and hopefully an even better second...The reason I love your vlogs is because your style is unique (and I am being educated while being entertained). I too had to make a decision this past year about career. I am now caregiver to an aging parent and switched to a part time position. Less money, but the job allows me a lot of freedom as far as when and how to get the work done. And I discovered that I am happier and do a better job with more balance between work and family in my life. Keep working hard; I look forward to what's yet to come.
Thanks - do what you love - so important. Appreciate the kind words on the vlog
Congratulations mate - You're a great photographer and an inspiration. Great job!
From one Nigel to another, your story has been inspiring. The quality of your vids are great and I wish you much success for the future. Cheers
Nigel power 👊
It's so true about doing the things you love. I encouraged my son to follow his dreams in music and it's opened so many doors for him and enabled him to travel the world. It's not made him rich, but it certainly makes him happy and accomplished. Your story at the beginning of the video is an interesting one, but I got the distinct impression that Pebbles couldn't care less. Dogs just be :D
Ha - nope she has heard it all before...
Congratulations on your first year Nigel you really are inspirational please keep up the good work
Thanks a lot Steve
Fabulous work Nigel. I’ve massively enjoyed your channel over the last year and look forward to seeing your future work. Such a natural presenting style shines through. 👍
Thanks Simon | I somehow fumble though each one
Thanks so much for the amazing content Nigel. You and your videos are all class. Congratulations on a very successful 1 year on RUclips! Cheers, Dan
Many thanks Dan 👊👊👊
Nigel, wishing you many many years.....
Thank you, Nigel. I've been following your videos since I really dove into improving my photography skills this year, and I love your personable approach as you take us along the journey. Your story is inspiring. It reminds me a little of a pivotal moment in my life. I was teaching science at an academy in the UK about two years ago when my mom unexpectedly passed away. I decided to come back home to Kansas to be close to family and also to pursue my passion for landscape photography. Simply being out in nature, even if I don't come away with an image I like, is its own reward. Anyway, thank you for sharing your story, your knowledge, and your journey (and Pebbles)! Keep up the awesome work.
Thanks so much and great story 👍👍
Awesome, thanks for sharing such a personal story, and very inspiring indeed.
Wow definitely would say this is a great combination of your best work, thanks again.
Good morning Nigel, I looked to this video with respect to you as a person and honour to your goal(s) to become and stay a professional photographer.
It’s inspiring to hear your story how you created your own professional style by combining your photograpy skills with a personal- and successful business model.
I am looking forward to next video and ...your first book:)
Thanks for sharing Nigel and have a good Sunday!
Your passion in what you do is truly inspiring. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Gary!
Wow Nigel what an eventful life story already, maybe in years to come you could right a great autobiography who knows? This video has come at a good time for me not because I needed inspiration or motivation but because you've shown us that you have overcome difficulties with your back and heart and carried on doing what you love. How your description of back pain whilst sitting resonates with me. I too had an accident and needed spinal surgery which was brilliant but the spinal nerves were damaged and don't regenerate. Almost everything I did caused pain because despite a very clever surgeon having shaved some bone off the inside of most of the vertebrae to widen the spinal canal the cord still became inflamed at times. But I'd grab every good minute to do what I love. On the third day of a camping photo tour of Cornwall I had the most amazing day walking and then at sunset photographing Bedruthan steps. Life was great. Then the next morning I was getting ready to move on to St Just (Botallack Tin Mines) when I was struck down with intense pain, the slightest movement agonising but desperately trying to get to my morphine and NSAIDs. Hundreds of miles from home. What a bloody nightmare! In May last year I'd had blood tests which revealed I was diabetic. Talk about shock. My BMI was spot on, I've never smoked drink only socially and lead a healthy life style. So my GP said I shouldn't be diabetic. As my Dad had died of pancreatic cancer at 46 years of age my doctor sent me for CT scans. Thankfully my pancreas was fine but the scans revealed I only have one kidney and bizarrely it is at the front below my naval. This meant I could no longer take the one drug (an NSAID) that relieved the back pain because of the priority to preserve renal function. I carried on doing what I love but trips were now complicated by food considerations and blood sugar levels. My spine recently became more unstable but I'd push through the pain and keep going. Then in february this year I slipped on pack ice near Mam Tor. Game over! On June 21st I had further spinal surgery which went well and once again I have feeling in my lower legs and feet (just about). But laying in the hospital ward after the operation I was oblivious to the pain mainly due to the anaesthetic still running through me I guess. But there was a small window to my left, the light was looking stunning and warm on the trees, it was golden hour on the summer solstice and I wanted to be out with my camera. I'm home now and my impatience with regard to resting has already resulted in my wound opening and visits from stern but lovely district nurses who mopped up the mess. If you manage to read this to the end before nodding off - THANK YOU Nigel. Watching your video and writing this reply has helped very much.