Ah January. Today: cold, windy, raw, low 30s, cloudy. Inside the studio? Perfect. Got Spotify cranking out Beth Orton and Mark Kozelek. Hot coffee. Just last week printing a bunch of prints for a local gallery that looked but will not take them as it is paintings only. Free now to get back into a tabletop project using a light tent for the first time.

Longing for summer and it's only the first month of winter. (Here my daughter Maru, her daughter Skye, friends from Toronto Gail and Hall hanging out on the steps taking pictures.)

At any rate, I am here studio bound happily wiling away the hours shooting and printing, feeling blessed I don't have to be outdoors

I can only wish the same for you. Doing what you love, working on some files, a respite from chores or appointments that take forever, a deep contentment and satisfaction too. Remember the same in darkroom days, long hours making prints, no phone, no distractions, just that pervasive red light, water running, the smell of stop bath and fixer. White light turned on to look at the print, most often going  back to the enlarger to make another one, adjusting something. Requiring patience and acceptance. 

There is something to be said for the doing. Actually doing the work to make it all pull together, shooting, working the files or the negatives, making a print and maybe another and maybe even another,

I just switched Sonys from the A7R MK IV to the A7R MK V. Too soon to say anything except that it got bigger and heavier, 723 grams. No longer a lightweight. With the Sigma 24-70mm f 2.8 on it there's no way I want to walk down the street with this over my shoulder.

Update: Well it is now early February and 17 degrees F outside and going down tonight to below zero. Oh boy. 

My small show at the Acton Senior Center a success and coming down next week. I  am giving a gallery talk on Wednesday, February 8 at 2 pm if you're local.

Thoughts on the new Sony (A7R V) now that I've had some time with it. Each iteration of these cameras have been worthwhile upgrades and this is no exception. I spent some time with David at Hunt Photo going over its settings and I am very grateful for his time and expertise. I honestly don't think anyone can manage the menus on these cameras without help. Speaks to the perversity of photographing these days with present-day equipment. Yes, impressive results but what a mess setting them up.

The camera is, of course, amazing and I am getting files that are very very good. To really get its quality I fear more time will be spent with it on a tripod, claims of improved IBIS notwithstanding.

To all readers in cold climes: Spring will come. We will be outdoors. It will be good.