Left and Leaving

Today I went back to the city that once was home… and a place that holds many happy memories. Stirling was a wonderful place to live and somewhere I had a lot of friends. Some aspects of those days I do miss, not all… but some. This trip, however, was all about networking and sharing ideas about analogue photography. It was about meeting new people and making connections and generally chatting about all things film.

It was a good day, and good to be back briefly. Next time I may look at overnighting wherever the meeting lands so that I can spend a bit of time exploring - or location depending - reaquainting - with a different place. It’s probably good for me to escape the Highlands every now and again. It is absolutely good for me to go out and put myself in social situations.

There was a point in my life where I suddenly developed crushing social anxiety. I have always struggled with it to an extent, but it was in Stirling that it really hit. I walked into a work event in the McRobert and had a massive anxiety attack and had to leave. It was paralysing. Since then I have had real issues and have to force myself, or be forced, to do things… and I will find excuses to bail on plans or not attend events, cancel plans and generally hide from the world. Photography is one of my mental health outlets, as well as my career. Creativity and artistic expression have long been a key to holding myself together, and I think I need to spend a bit more time on the creating and a little less on the commercial to rebalance myself.

Sorry, these posts often descend into a bit of a mental brain dump rather than a structured thought. It was suggested that I investigate substack today for something a little more focussed. I think this may be a route to investigate in the latter part of the year!

5th September 2026