Adrian Wyatt Photography

Xross Purposes

Exploring Photography as a way to Well Being

“If we’re not careful, we will live our lives as echoes, an imitation of our authentic selves.”

(Erwin Raphael McManus: The Artisan Soul)

xrosspurpose

All photographs and reflections are my own and explore our world, well being, self, travel through the lens. Website at https://xrosspurposes.com/

Mental Health: Photography is our voice. (Exhibit

Mental Health: Photography is our voice.
(Exhibition 9th Oct - 4th Nov.)

About 6 years ago, before I knew how unwell I was, I met @adrian.brettell on a photo workshop I was running

Little dis we know then it was not only our names that were the same. We have both battles with issues related to mental health, often with similar issues, but both found an outlet, a voice, and a healing through photography.

At that point our similarities go in different directions. This is an exhibition that honours and portrays that.

Again, at the incredible @themountwithout_events on St Michael's Hill this is an exhibition that seeks to bring together our own, different ways to speaking into Mental Health.
My own images are not always the best shots I have taken, but they are, I hope the most honest.

My images will come with a numbered map that allows the viewer to follow the journey, from an abandoned brick to a London Tunnel.

I do hope you will be able to visit. One, or both of us will hope to be there on Mon, Weds and Thursday but feel free to drop me a line for more details.

I do hope to see you.

#photographyforwellbeing
#photographyformentalhealth #igersbristol
#xrosspurposes #xrosspurpose
#mindfulphotography #mindfulphotographer #mountwithout #igersbristol #bathmind #bristolmind #bristollifemag #bristollife #bristolstreetphotographers #yourbristol #yourbristolguide

Reflections Failure is not the deterrent for the

Reflections

Failure is not the deterrent for the next try. Rather, it is information that empowers the next step.
(Craig D. Lounsbrough.)

I have always had a bit of a thing about outdoor steps and fire escapes. Perhaps it stems from the opening credits of friends, I don't know.

But for me they stand, so often as metaphors for my past, present and future. They ask questions.
1. Have I really left those past steps behind
2. What baggage am I carrying up I do not need.
3. Where on the infinite journeys we take each day am I?

In the first image, the yellow steps do I see the barriers or, places to rest along the way?

The second and shadows, are they taunting me or encouraging me?

The next two how does life feel at present? Is the colour encouraging or overwhelming? Would I prefer the simplicity of mono at this time, with less to think over? And what is behind those doors and so I have the courage to open them, to break the rules, to discover?

It is at times like this, when I am going through periods of self and work reflections that I like to take the camera out, not thinking too much about the composition, lighting etc, but just letting the image speak to me. It is often then, that I don't so much find the answers to my questions, but I discover the questions I should first be asking.

And such was it this day to realise that some things this year were not failures, by pointers, encouragements and more to the next exciting steps.

I am thankful to others not least @simon_ellingworth for encouraging me and speaking through my images with me and helping me to discover and unpack my own thoughts and subconscious reasons for an image. It really is a step up and forward and never a deterrent on the pathway to who knows where.

#walkinbristol #igersbristol
#templemeads #yourcityshotz #xrosspurposes
#yourbristol #xrosspurpose #keynshamphotographicsociety #mentoring #steps #fireescape #bristollifemag #bristollife #bristollifemagazine #mindfulphotography #mindfulphotographer #contemplativephotography #yourbristolguide

"Too often we make it more about what stands befor

"Too often we make it more about what stands before us, and we miss all that stands within us." (Craig D. Lounsbrough.)

Walking along the pathway from Greenwich I eventually reached the Thames Barrier a construction I find seriously impressive, a piece of engineering brilliance.

But as I stand and ponder I feel the negativity rising within me, blistered feet and aching limbs will do that to you.

This is a barrier that does something even Long Canute could not do, it holds back the waters. It is, it seems an impregnable barrier and these ponderings linger in my head and turn to those I have been feeling of late. The barriers real and too often imagined have the habit of slowing me more than I need, of sapping the energy, of dulling the dream.

But then I think, for all this barrier does it only takes one change of mind, one button pressed, one leaver pulled (apologies the mechanical ignorance) for all to change and the barrier to be a barrier no more.

And in reality I realise it is the same for me. I can think back and be positive at the challenges of mental health, self worth, confidence and more overcome. I can think of the risks I was brave enough to take and the place my health is now compared to 5 years ago.

When I do this the lever inside me is pulled, the button pressed and I realise the challenges before more are weaker than the strength experience and more within me. And when that happens, like King Canute nothing can hold back the tide of hope within.

Believe me, we all have this. Today, tomorrow, next week we may not feel like it but it is there, waiting, just waiting for the right moment when you / we acknowledge we are far more than today we know.

#mindfulphotography #xrosspurposes
#mindfulphotographer #xrosspurpose
#yourcityshotz #yourtravelshotz #riverthameslondon #thamesbarrier #londonatnight #london #waterbarrier #constructionphotography

Back to my routes. "If these walls could talk, I w

Back to my routes.
"If these walls could talk, I wonder what secrets they'd tell."
"Gayle Forman"

Recently working with an amazing mentor I was introduced to the work of @sarahheartsoul.

For me it was quite an emotiol.moment almost like coming home to the routes of why I picked up a camera again. I can't hope to believe my work might connect as Sarah's does, to others, but I can connect it to myself.

Taking a walk around an abandoned industrial estate to find emotion, my inner world, my thoughts in what is otherwise ignored, I came across this wall.

It was a sight that asked me questions? Is the wall bleeding, hurt, damaged, beyond repair? Or, or is it, as it connects with me, something that.proudly shows it's scars, it's wounds, it's past and vulnerabilities that they might be a source of strength for itself and others?

For me, it is the second. I almost find new life when I journal on my struggles, new purpose in being vulnerable with them and a deep sense of hope when sharing them.

What do you see and how might it resonate to your own story?

#xrosspurposes #mindfulphotography
#xrosspurpose #mindfulphotographer #photomentoring #photojournaling #photographyforwellbeing #photographyformentalhealth #bristolfolkhouse #bristollifemag #brislington #walkinbristol #igersbristol #yourcityshotz #yourbristol #bristollifemagazine

Acceptance. "Stop trying to fix his broken pieces.

Acceptance.
"Stop trying to fix his broken pieces. Instead, make a home among them and love his darkness too." (Ashley Lane.)

I remember a question during three years of therapy, what would it be like if all the bad things I believed of myself were gone. The answer. Terrifying because strip away that and what seemed left was nothing. My whole identity and almost purpose seemed wrapped tightly in the negativity I thought of myself.

It was from that point on, I really started to think differently. Yes, there were mind sets and falsehoods I and others had constructed for my life but other things I saw as darkness and worse I had to look at and evaluate again.

And once I did so I started to and am now happy to stop trying to fix every area of my life but to be compassionate with myself about things over which I had little control. I have stopped trying to fix it all and stopped (a constant battle) trying to find light in all the dark places. Instead I have come to enjoy the darkness for its playfulness, it's intrigued, mystery and discovery.

Not everything needed mending and not every darkness is bad.

Wherever you are today, be compassionate to yourself, you have so much to offer and so much to share.

#photographyforwellbeing #photographyformentalhealth #mindfulphotography #mindfulphotographer #xrosspurposes #xrosspurpose #greenwichpeninsular #greenwich #nightphotography #raw_bnw #bestbnw #yourcityshotz #yourtravelshotz #londonatnight #london #industrialphotography

This Sunday in Midsomer Norton a special Snap and

This Sunday in Midsomer Norton a special Snap and Stroll. Come along, discover the locality and those hidden photo skills.

Rules, what rules! If you obey all the rules you m

Rules, what rules!
If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun. (Katharine Hepburn.)

Yes, when I.started taking photography more seriously a few years ago I learnt all those rules. The rule of thirds, leading lines, no bullseye shots etc etc.

But sometimes the fun is just breaking them, to feel like the child bunking off school for a day.

On this little walk was one such moment. I found this so amusing above the security sign. Unless the Dukes of Hazard had come this is probably the most secure car in Bristol!

I just found it amusing and it was a reminder, for our sanity and well being, whether it be photography or any other art form sometimes it is just good to smile and have a bit of fun.

#totalguidetobristol #xrosspurposes
#xrosspurpose #igersbristol
#walkinbristol #avonmeads #yourcityshotz #yourbristol #bristol247 #bristollifemag #rules #havefun #photographyforwellbeing #bristollife

Just stop...and wonder. "Wonder is the heaviest el

Just stop...and wonder.
"Wonder is the heaviest element on the periodic table. Even a tiny fleck of it stops time." (Diane Ackerman.)

As I wandered along the Thames Footpath, from one location to the next, expecting very little to snap I had come across this industrial spot, possibly quarry related.

As soon as I saw it I knew all my Christmases had come at once! Dark skies, little light, silhouettes, and definitely alone except for what had become my best friend the Sony A7iii with Sigma Art lenses I was tired, in discomfort but in my happy place.

For me the next hour or so was, as the quote suggests like a moment when time stood still. A time to admire the history, to feel the strength of these structures, to know the safety in the dark they had, to explore angles, the light, the potential.

I like to find wonder on the oddest of places because in the oddest of places, for me time stands still.

#yourcityshotz #yourcityshot #igerslondon #igersuk #industrialphotography #industry #monophotography #raw_bnw #bnwphotography #love_bnw #total_bnw #playingwithlight #greenwichpeninsular #greenwichpeninsula #greenwich #londonatnight #londonphotocapture #unlimitedlondon #unlimitedbritain #london #yourtravelshotz

Workshop at Bristol Folk House. Along with my pho

Workshop at Bristol Folk House.

Along with my photography nothing has helped me more the last few years than photo journaling. Using images, not just words as more than scrapbook.

A way of processing my questions, challenges, joys and as a way to see and understand the world. This course at the Bristol Folk House is a chance to explore this for yourself.

For whatever reason photo journaling can be an eye opener to a new world. Why not join me.

Further details and how to book are below:

https://xrosspurposes.com/photographic-journalling/

#xrosspurposes #xrosspurpose #bristolfolkhouse #mindfulphotography #bristolmind #bathmind #journaling #photojournaling #photocourses #whatsonbristol

Trying something new. "The further you get away fr

Trying something new.
"The further you get away from yourself, the more challenging it is. Not to be in your comfort zone is great fun."
(Benedict Cumberbatch.)

Grimy cityscapes, dark alleyways, night shots on odd locations, metaphor images, these are normally my style, my happy place.

But sometimes it is good to set those aside, to get away from who you are, to step out of the comfort zones, to try something different.

From time to time this is not about not being your true self but discovering if that self may be something more. Further learning new skills is one of the 5 Ways to to Well+Being.

So this day I took myself away from the streets, set out in daylight, not dark and headed to Wild.Place.

What did I discover. Well firstly I am no wildlife photographer but in the that a greater appreciation for those who are.

But I also found it was fun. To be challenged was fun and liberating because I had no expectations of myself.amd could enjoy without my inner critical voice. And that was such a joy for one day. Getting away from myself was such a relaxing thing to do.

Do you ever take those moments especially if you are your own worst critic?

#wildplace #walkinbristol #igersbristol #yourbristol #bbcbristol #bbcwest #comfortzone #bristol #wildlifephotography #gelada #bristolzooproject #visitbristol

Odd place to be mindful? How can we be mindful, f

Odd place to be mindful?

How can we be mindful, find space and reflection within the vibrancy and hustle of the urban night? Do you fancy learning how before the holiday season is upon us?

I have discovered my place of mindfulness, calm and reflection is often best walking and photographing the city at night.

The light and dark, shadows and reflections, vibrancy of colour or simplicity of black and white have so often spoken to me.

As such I will again this year run a Mindful Photography at night workshop in Bristol on 17th November from 6.30 - 9.00pm

Booking is below or via website in my bio. Ask others who have come, I have been known to buy a big bag of doughnuts?

https://xrosspurposes.com/no-night-fears/

#xrosspurposes #xrosspurpose
#cityatnight #photographyforwellbeing
#photographyformentalhealth #mindfulphotography #mindfulphotographer #bristolmind #bristol247 #bbcbristol #bbcwest

Beauty. Strangeness is a necessary ingredient in b

Beauty.
Strangeness is a necessary ingredient in beauty." (Charles Baudelaire.)

Don't you love it when something comes into view for the first time and takes your breath away. Those moments you know you are in the right place at the right time.

My wife describes it as being like a child again, going on holiday and getting that first glimpse of the sea.

Me, I remember, as if yesterday following the narrow streets that take you on a journey to St Marks Square in Venice. I remember standing on a clear night in Reykjavik as the night skies rewarded the perseverance of a 4th trip to let the Northern Lights dance above our head and of course seeing the Rift Valley and Maasai Mara for the first time and almost weeping at its majesty.

So these images from the Thames Footpath near Greenwich must seem odd, or strange, but "strangeness is a necessary ingredient in beauty."

Having tired feet, a heavy bag and spirit at not getting the shots I hoped for, I was heading to a second location, when I came.axross this industrial site, part of seems of a quarry.

At once the mood lifted the dark clouds were now the physical ones above me, not mental ones created. I was in my playground. Limited lighting, a camera demanding I stay in mono and endless opportunities to play games with structures and light.

Beauty does not have to be sunsets or beaches, romantic cities or savannahs, beauty really is all around it we stay open to the strange.

#yourcityshotz #visitlondon #greenwichpeninsular #xrosspurpose #xrosspurposes #raw_bnw #industrialphotography #total_bnw
#rebel_bnw #total_bnw
#500px #docu.magazine #londonatnight
#londonphotocapture #thameslondon
#igerslondon #igersindustrial #nightphotography #unlimitedlondon

Workshop: Starting a photography business. Just 3

Workshop: Starting a photography business.

Just 3 days before COVID lockdown down I left my job to go self employed as a photographer in a specific field. Not the best timing. These and other tips and things I have learnt along the way will be part of a 3 hour course at @bristolfolkhouse on Sunday 17th November.

This is a 3 hour workshop and is available on line at
https://tickets.bristolfolkhouse.co.uk/sales/courses/arts/photography/sa39-how-to-start-a-photograph

Also available through my website, Bio above.

And yes, some of the learning is appropriate for far more than a photo business.

Street Photography Workshop. On Sat 21st Sept I w

Street Photography Workshop.

On Sat 21st Sept I will be running a full days Street Photography Workshop from @bristolfolkhouse on Park Street.

Includes inside discussion and teaching but of course lots of outdoor photography. Full details through my website in bio or through the booking page at the Folk House.

https://tickets.bristolfolkhouse.co.uk/sales/courses/arts/photography/sa32-street-photography

#xrosspurposes #xrosspurpose #streetphotography #bristolstreetphotography #bristolfolkhouse #walkinbristol #igersbristol #yourbristol

Workshops and more... I will shortly be detailing

Workshops and more...

I will shortly be detailing here a number of workshops I am running between now and Christmas. They are in Bristol (on the streets and the Folk House) and London. Full details on website through bio.

Beyond Purity. “What I love about Black & White

Beyond Purity.

“What I love about Black & White photographs is that they’re more like reading the book than seeing the movie” (Jennifer Price.)

Back at the Thames Footpath and the Greenwich Yacht Club. The tide is out so like most.big kids I couldn't resist going down onto the 'beach'

Here I switched to black and white. A few years ago I could never have envisioned it would be my genre of choice. That on those rare occasions I use analogue it is always mono and my digital camera would be defaulted to black and white.

But it is today the way that speaks to me most. I like the roughness it can bring, stripping back the perfection and purity of image. I think of film, and the incredible graphics now available, but I like the old black and white movies. The purity of tone in much music, yet I prefer the crackling of old LP records on an old player.

For me there is something about stripping back, some might call it lazy, but not worrying about colour balance, does one stand out too much etc. I find these styles a metaphor for my life when I get too busy. Just strip back what is needed and enjoy the basics.

And viewing them now reminds me the same, as I sit exhausted. What do I need to do the next few months to let the mind and body rest. Perhaps it is just about going back to what I like and looking at black and white books and forgetting the movies.

#xrosspurposes #xrosspurpose #mindfulphotography #mydarlinglondon #mindfulphotographer #greenwichyachtclub

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Gallery

These are some personal favourite images that are available for purchase. Available as prints of different sizes, tiles or canvas, please contact me for for your requests and prices. Please note 10% of all sales, not just profits will go to support the most vulnerable young people and families in the slums of Kenya.

Welsh Back

Lockdown

Lillies

Moshi at Sunrise

Spooked

Aid Works

Inquisitive

Iceland More than the Northern Lights

Hope

Education The Future

Morocco Park and Ride

Men not at work

Booking Terms & Conditions

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