A Varied Life...

Katie Laffoley by Steven Gordon

Its been a busy week. It started with the usual nightmare journey up the A82 in a mixture of rain and sleet on a slidely road avoiding the crack suicide deer squad of the West Highlands. Then up Buchaille Etive Mhor, in the most painful rain, then sleet, then snow, then ice powered on a hideous wind for Mountain Equipment. Dave MacLeod came along, as we rediscovered the joys of walking up a Munro in proper style. They  were taking the staff of Cotswolds on the annual winter skills course, and boy, did they get winter! I realised how spoiled you become by only photographing the routes at the high end of climbing; if the route isn't right, you go home; if it snows, to hell with it, time to go home. Once upon a time you went out whatever the weather, and Sunday was one of those days! Harsh but a pleasure, followed by tea in the Clachaig Inn, somewhere that brings the happiest youthful memories flooding back. But miserable weather... More at http://www.mtnequipment.blogspot.com/

Not too bad to start...

Proper kit needed up top...

Is it rain? Is it snow? Character building, whatever it is...

Dave goes for it on a soggy waterfall

Later in the week I was working for Enable Scotland, and got to photograph the delightful Katie Laffoley, with her inspirational mother Mhairi. Katie was born with part of her brain missing, and has the cognitive ability of a 5 month old baby, but has the most absorbing, wonderful character. Her family spend every bit of energy on her, and worship every move she makes. Her life is very emotionally intensive, but with the care her family give, it is an absolute inspiration. Enable Scotland allow her parents respite and support, and it was a privilege to photograph Katie and Mhairi. More can be read on Enable Scotland at http://www.enable.org.uk/.

Today I photographed the actor Alfie Willcot, ending a busy week. I love the variety and privilege of dealing with people in different circumstances. Don't think I'm ready for an office job just yet....