Another year snuck by… but I have to say 2008 has been a bit of a corker (Antipodean expression for bloody good!) Even though i’m a bit slow on the uptake, writing my 2008-retrospective blog in early Jan… but hey… i’ve been hangin in North Wales in a farm house in the middle of nowhere… with no laptop, no internet and no mobile phone coverage. It was seriously like going back in time, but I believe I was all the better for it, for I had my camera bag with a plethora of memory cards and spare batteries…

2008 has perhaps been slightly less conventional than the average year pour moi.

- Moving up to Liverpool to live.

- Finally making the big call and deciding to chase my dream of being a full-time photographer

- Realising that i’ve finally found (verging on cheesy Hollywood’isms here) my destiny as far as a career is concerned.The incredible diversity you get from all types of photography, means there’s never a dull moment and always something unique and creative to strive for. No more “working for the man” in a dull office job. Oh well, i’m sure I will (if I haven’t already) get over it!

And what a great little place Liverpool is. It’s seriously been the perfect place for me to pluck up the courage, and chase my photographic dreams. The people i’ve met in 2008 have been nothing short of inspirational. Liverpudlians are direct and to the point, much like Antipodeans, and you then have the ability to win respect that much quicker when the usual “bs” is taken out of the equation.

Everywhere you turn there’s people willing to help, or simply have a yarn. Even the homeless people have a good laugh! The networks available to start up businesses have been invaluable also. I joined the BNI group a couple of months back, and that’s been fantastic as you end up forging friendships with people in the same boat as you. More recently joining the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce has meant that I got to meet and photograph the Lord Mayor over a cup of tea. Definitely an English highlight!

I’ve met amazing people, not because i’ve had to, but because starting up your own business forces you out of your comfort zone and opens up possibilities that I never would have experienced getting lost in the ratrace.

All in all, an absolute bloody pearler. I could possible rabbit on for much longer with random thoughts… but as i’m still new to this whole blog game. I’m going to save it for a rainy day (soon then)

Stay tuned for many more photographic ramblings in 2009. For it’s shaping up to be the best year yet. With visions, goals and dreams to be achieved… it’s certainly going to be a trip… feel free to come along for the ride!

Here’s my first sunset shot of 2009. Taken at Plas y Brenin in Snowdonia, the air temp was below zero and the lake was well frozen over…

Jack Frost has come out to play in this recent series of photographs taken in North Wales. The first few are from Llyn Gwynant in Snowdonia. It was around 3pm and we knew we’d have to make the ‘ramble’ rather brisk to make it round the lake before dark. The second set are taken around the Denbigh/Conwy area on Boxing Day.

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Nothing much more to say… apart from the sunset…

Chameleon - a brand spanking new bar in Liverpool opened last week and is going to change the way you drink forever! Well that’s if the bartenders have anything to do with it. From what I saw they are a cross between pyromaniac magicians and jugglers. They also make pretty darn fine drinks too. Just behind FACT on Back Colquitt Street… it’s right in the thick of things and should be on your bar-hopping list this Christmas.
Here’s a few photographs taken this evening…

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She was all go at the Bizarre Creations Christmas Party. And what a great party to photograph! From what I can tell these guys make some of the coolest video games around - and they know how to throw a good ol’ shin-dig!Was happy to hear their inspiration for the Western Theme was a recent trip down to the heartland of New Zealand… not that I remember ever seeing any real cowboys last time I was home.

Anyway - here’s some shots from the night…

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The 19th of December signified the official opening of the One Park West Apartment Complex, Liverpool. To see some of my pictures on the BBC website click here.

The Duke of Westminster was present to open his latest venture after the Liverpool One shopping complex is thriving in the Liverpool Christmas rush. Also present were some budding artists of the future. Here’s a few photos from the occasion:

In the parlour of the Liverpool City Hall no less. The great thing about photography is you never know where it will take you from one day to the next. After recently joining the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce - i’m looking forward to a wealth of opportunities in the new year. Having a cup of tea whilst meeting the mayor was a good start! Recently the Chamber have officially signed Nugent Care as their chosen charity. Here’s a couple of photos from the presentation.

www.123fr.com - This is one of the few stock photography agencies I submit to online. They’re actually, probably my worst seller… but with stock photography often it’s a case of quantity as well as quality. If you have a comprehensive portfolio - you can be a “one-stop-shop” for potential buyers… so I make enough money each month to buy me an ice cream at least!

Here’s my top downloads from the site:

Comes from the south coast of Mallorca at 6am. I wandered gingerly round the rocks using my mobile phone as a flashlight. It was a cold, stormy morning. No warm postcard sunrises to be had today. I set up the tripod, got out the trusty wide angle lens and tried to find a stable position in the ragged rocks. Meter was showing a 30 second exposure would do it… so down went the shutter and a quick huddle to keep warm. Post-processing completed in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, with just a slight contrast adjustment. The concept of the photograph is to show how darn cold it was, and to portray the feeling of serenity that you get from standing on a rocky coastline with nobody else around, at sunrise.

A great night out to celebrate some of the young film-making talent of Liverpool. Sponsored by Atlantic Chambers, and held at FACT - the overall winner was Paul Banner for his short film, The Thing About Being A Man.

The night then carried on over the road to Alma de Cuba. It’s always a challenge to photograph in Alma de Cuba, with there being little ambient light to play with. First shot is taken on a tripod with the ISO cranked up to about 1600. A live band came on later and it was a great chance to get the 70 - 200VR out and meter for the candle light behind the band. Quite like the silhouette of this young Chinese double-bassist - and even though there’s not much light, there’s always a few different shots to be had.

To head back to Ant Clausen Photography - click here