I’m really excited to be exhibiting in the years London Festival of Photography; The flagship show, ‘The Great British Public‘, will take place across two venues – a main exhibition at The Dog Eared Gallery and a smaller selection in St. Pancras International station as part of their ‘Best of British’ Event.

Connie McGregor (l) and Nicole Tracy (r), both 9yrs old. From the series 'Higher Lands'

‘The Great British Public’ promises to be a fascinating show, with established international artists (Martin Parr, Zed Nelson, Chris Steele-Perkins) exhibiting alongside emerging photographers like myself. The exhibition is described as follows:

Embracing the spirit of patriotism with the upcoming Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, this show will present images from photographers working the length and breadth of the British Isles documenting the daily life, work and rituals of the British in their many incarnations.

Swimmers, Feshie Bridge, August 2007. From the series 'Higher Lands'.

I will be showing a selection of work from my series ‘Higher Lands’ a study on youth culture and identity in the Highlands of Scotland that I undertook in 2007-2008. It’s great to be finally exhibiting photographs from this body of work; Prior to this it has only been featured in french magazine Le Tigre.

The exhibition runs from the 1st June – 24th June, with admission at £6.50. There’s more information on the London Festival of Photography Website  - including artist Bio’s and an event schedule.

Elgin, August 2007 - from the series 'Higher Lands'.

So what’s the secret of the best pizza in London? I’m pretty sure that Pasquale would rather kill me than give away the Santa Maria recipe – but according to the chef, it’s all about the Napoli tradition – fresh ingredients and simple topping combinations. Trust me – a journey over to west London and a meal at Santa Maria is a trip worth making.

The auctions end in just over two days, so if you’re interested in the work and would like to support young photographers, then click on the images below to access the auctions:

Lot 1: Mount Angour, Oukaïmeden, 2012

Lot 2:  Essaouira, Morocco, 2012

Lot 3: Approach Road, Oukaïmeden, 2012

From 2004-2006 I was a student on the FDA/BA Commercial Photography Degree Course at AUCB - it gave me a technical grounding, an understanding of the photographic industry and the fire in my belly to get out and make work. I hope that you will help to support this group of committed young photographers as they showcase their work for the first time in London.

The Sunday just passed marked two weeks to go, and as I headed out on my 16 mile run around Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common, I got my first bout of pre-race nerves! It’s definitely what Sir Alex Ferguson would describe as ‘Squeaky Bum Time’ - the hard miles have been run through the winter, and now its a case of balancing my training and life over the next 12 days – running the right amount of miles to retain my fitness without losing too much of the endurance I have built up since the New Year.

The training has gone pretty well; Scheduled rest days aside, I’ve only missed 9 days of running through injury/illness, and in the last couple of months I’ve started to see the results of a structured running programme really pay off – my 5km PB has gone from 17.48 (set in November 2011) to 17.06, set on this past Saturday; I followed up an 81.58 Half Marathon in Marrakech with a similar paced run over 16 miles at the Kingston Breakfast Run. My aim of breaking 3 hours feels achievable, although the uncharted territory of running beyond 20 miles is a big contributing factor to my pre race nerves!

London Marathon Route (click to enlarge)

I’d highly recommend spectating on the day; Even if you’re not particularly interested in running, I would challenge anyone to not feel inspired and humbled by the sheer effort being put in by the 35000 participants; From the seemingly effortless glide of the elite athletes to the wave after wave of charity runners passing by in varying states of fatigue. The atmosphere and energy that flows between the participants and the spectators is amazing.

If you’re organised, you can catch your friends at 2-3 points on the course without too much difficulty, although if you’re cheering someone on who’s expecting to run between 4-5 hours, then expect the tube stations to be pretty busy. Last year I saw my friends Rob, Jon and Mike at mile 9 (Canada Water Station on the Jubilee Line), miles 15 and 19 (Canary Wharf Station on the Jubilee Line) and mile 25.5 by Westminster Bridge (Westminster Station on the Jubilee Line). The first two viewing points were easy to get to and there was plenty of space to spectate with clear lines of sight; Westminster was a bit of a scrum though, and if you’re in a group it might be quite hard to find space to watch. There’s much more spectator information on the London Marathon website.

Rob (left, in the red) and Jon (right) competing in the 2011 London Marathon

If you choose to follow my viewing recommendations, and think that you might actually want to see me suffering, then if all goes to plan I should pass by at the following approximate times; bear in mind that these times may vary by a few minutes – the marathon uses a chip timing system, so although the official start is 9.45am, it might take me a minute or so to get over the start line! Also, the first couple of miles might be clogged up with slower runners. Finally, there’s no guarantee that I won’t have a complete disaster and hit the wall!

April 22nd (start time 9.45, Blackheath) – I’m planning on running around 6.45 per mile.

Canada Water, Mile 9: 10.45

Canary Wharf, Mile 15: 11.25-27

Canary Wharf, Mile 19: 11.53-54

Westminster, Mile 25.5: 12.35-36

The Mall, 26.2 Miles: hopefully before 12.45, with a dream run being 12.41!

If you’re at any of those spots around those times, look out for a very sweaty man in a garish green Bliss Charity running vest:

The Bliss Charity Running Vest (seen here with Breakfast Run race number)

Bliss are a great charity who fundraise to support babies who are born too soon, too small and too sick. I chose to run for Bliss after my nephew Max was born 11 weeks premature in 2008. Thanks to the amazing care that he received in the Special Care Baby Unit at Whipps Cross Hospital, Max is now a crazy 3 yr old with a love of Fireman Sam, Cycling and Football. Bliss strives for all premature and sick babies and their families to have the best possible care and support. You can sponsor me in the marathon by visiting my Virgin Money Giving page. 

Finally – I’ll definitely be going for a post race pint somewhere; I’ve not decided where yet, but I’ll definitely be putting a shout out via my twitter account and on facebook. If you think it would be amusing to see a 6ft 2 man hammered on a pint and a half, then it might be worth popping down to say hello.

The book is timed to coincide with my participation in a group exhibition at Bread and Roses in Clapham as part of the Bread and Roses Centennial Celebrations, marking the centenary of the 1912 “Bread and Roses” textile workers strike. Primarily a film festival, screenings will be held in the Clapham Common bandstand, the largest and oldest surviving bandstand in London, the studioSTRIKE community cinema, community centres in Lambeth and cinemas across London. There will also be work on display by Anna Fox and Lewis Hine from the Library of Congress.

'Occupied Spaces' - front cover design

The book includes an engaging essay by Naomi Colvin, part of the original Occupy LSX  media team; A talented writer and activist, Naomi was a natural choice to collaborate with; she provided vital assistance when I made the work, and has proved to be adept at articulating the aims and intentions of the Occupy Movement in the national press.

The Occupied Spaces book will be launched on the 23rd April, 6.30pm at Bread and Roses in Clapham; I’ll be talking about the work with Harry Hardie from Here Press. There’ll be signed copies of the book available for sale, and of course great hospitality at the pub itself. You can find out more, and also book tickets by visiting the event page here. Watch this space for more details about the book, including online sales, dimensions and edition numbers.

 The book launch is the day after I take part in the London Marathon, so I’ll be the one walking a bit painfully!

I got a lovely email from Julia at the end of last week – she had to cart the work back to the French Alps from Paris -

‘After much wrestling on the bus, metro and two trains it is now on my wall at home and Martin loves it and the kids love it (great taste they have) and I’m just bowled over to sit on my sofa and look at it whenever I want and whichever house I live in forever after.’

It’s getting letters like this that makes the effort the I put into my long term projects worth it! Here’s the finished piece on Julia’s wall.

Of course, that didn’t stop me taking a few photographs here and there; I’ve got 13 rolls of 120 being developed by the wonderful chaps at Labyrinth, and both my iPhone and G12 got a decent workout. Here’s a few highlights, and if you want to lose 5 minutes of your life there’s a wee video too.

ready to board EasyJet flight 8895 to Marrakech

First meal in Morroco - Lentils! Perfect running fuel.

first moroccan breakfast - super strong black coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice. magic!

View from the balcony at the Dar Adrar mountain lodge in Imlil, High Atlas.

Adrar Tamalaroute - 2724m and our mission for the next day's run.

The wardens of the mountain hut that sits atop the pass above Imlil. These guys made us moroccan mint tea on our return descent.

Ewan showing good running form in the tough Moroccan terrain.

The view over the Atlas towards Mt. Toubkal from the summit of Adrar Tamalaroute.

The aforementioned Moroccan mint tea!

Berber mountain guide Aithamou Hassan rocking an old school Nevica jacket!

Shattered after 3hrs 30mins of mountain running.

Ewan perfecting the mystical art of pouring mint tea.

Is it legal in Morocco to squeeze 9 people into a Hyundai i10? Possibly not, but it was worth it to foster UK/Berber relations!

The Maziq family proudly show off their new Scottish butler.

A twilight arrival into Oukaimeden, Africa's highest ski resort!

Seriously ready for dinner in the Hotel Chez Juju, Oukaimeden. As you can see, it wasn't exactly high season...

Official Oukaimeden ski transportation.

'The Limo' - probably not the perfect vehicle for high altitude, challenging roads - but heck, we're both still alive!

For all those who want to learn about photography - that's how you stand on the edge of a steep slope holding a Mamiya 7. Class over.

A change of scene - 5 hours driving out from the High Atlas to the seaside resort of Essaouira.

Big Tasty Prawns. I was later informed by a friend that these bad boys like to dine on Whale Poo. Nice.

Ewan on the receiving end of a particularly severe 'Long Back and Sides'.

Ewan's new haircut was so intense that his head literally exploded when out training that evening on Essaouira beach.

Breakfast on the roof of Villa Maroc in Essaouira. If you ever get the opportunity to stay at this hotel, I cannot recommend it enough. Seriously.

Back to Marrakech, and a day and a half to relax before running the 23rd Marrakech Half Marathon.

The courtyard in Marrakech's marvellous 'Maison De La Photographie' - a collection of historic prints and glass plates showing Moroccan life in the early 1900's.

The view from the roof terrace at Cafe d'Epices, Marrakech.

I'm fundraising for the charity Bliss as part of my London Marathon effort - this was a first run out for the team vest.

Good spirits post race - Ewan ran a cracking 76 minutes, and I crossed the line 5 minutes later in 81. Time for a beer!

It was a great trip – if you’re planning on visiting Morocco, here’s some useful links:

Marrakech Marathon and Half Marathon

Riad Dar Adrar, Imlil

Villa Maroc, Essaouira

Hotel Chez Juju, Oukaimeden

Car Rental Ltd., Marrakech

Earth Cafe, Marrakech

Riad Jakoura, Marrakech

Today is supposedly the most depressing day of the year; ‘The Good Times’ is a breath of fresh air and a call to be optimistic in 2012! You can pick up a free copy in a number of outlets in London (today onwards) and Leeds/Glasgow from tomorrow. More details of where you can get your mitts on a copy can be found here……

If you can’t get to one of the stockists, there’s a limited number of copies available for the cost of postage only (Just £1 in the UK, £3.00 for EU, and £3.50 for the rest of the world) via the Stack Magazines Shop

enjoy, and smile!