Still, and Surrounding — Field Notes
Where I track the day, the mood, and the small details around each photograph. Some entries reflect, some just observe, but all try to capture what was happening when the shutter clicked — the distractions, the questions, and the moments that stick with me.
There has been some deep reflection since the start of 2026 with me taking time to explore the intentionality of my photography which has resulted in the new title and sub heading above, I hope they provide an introduction to the blog homepage. There is not going to be any significant deviation to my style of writing, photography or areas of interest, the reflective start to the year was to allow me to centre myself again and take stock of my photographic and writing practices.
January Detox
Most people starting a new year detox often relates to alcohol, increased exercise or healthy eating/diets. In keeping with tradition I also started off with intention to diet, a social media diet! I have been weening myself off Instagram, Youtube and Facebook all be it with the occasional binge which often leaves me feeling guilty and unfulfilled, much like that fast food burger in the middle of a healthy eating episode. Comparisons between the nutritional value can also be drawn with the lack of satisfaction and empty calories leading to the guilt of falling for the capitalist trap!
February Journal
Travel Journal and Lamy All Star my weapons of choice against Meta!
I have attempted journaling many times before, I will save any in depth reflections and lessons learned for another post. Needless to say I have found a few things that work for me and the practice of journaling has had a positive impact on my mood, motivation, concentration and of most relevance here, creativity. I have a number of involved projects either on the go, about to start or in the contemplative stage, these are now always on me to make notes and add thoughts and ideas as they come to me. I also started sketching with the help of Sketch Loose which there is a section that allows me to do that as I wish.
Now that the start to 2026 update is done, let’s move onto what “Still, and Surrounding” is all about.
Still, and Surrounding
The 1st iteration. The plan to show a ‘still’ image or images and provide a context of the day or circumstance ‘surrounding’ the image.
Approaching my photography in 2026 I have been more relaxed towards it, not complacent or haphazard, just less single minded about the importance placed on going out hunting for images.
Sunday 22nd February 2026. My plan to head to a Glasgow photographers meet up in Social Hub Glasgow, Cameras and Coffee organised by Alex a professional photographer and photography educator. It is always a good social catch up within a setting that aligns with my values and ethical view of the world. Before the meet I met up with my son and on the way for another coffee I noted a protest gathering on the steps of Glasgow Royal Concert Hall next to the iconic Donald Dewar statue on Buchanan Street, Glasgow. It was an Iranian demonstration, so following our coffee and with 20 minutes to spare before cameras and coffee I headed back to capture some images.
Please keep in mind some of the images I take are a documentation of what happens on the streets of cities and not always reflective of my personal and political beliefs. I can share I felt torn in this situation between humanity and violations of human rights and the obscenity of those being held in high regard as saviours of humanity. The irony of banners claiming genocide whilst displaying so many symbols associated with war crimes and atrocities agains humanity. All people deserve to live without fear of torture and persecution, in my day of immersion in human interaction of society, the ills of human nature was certainly on display.
The sanctuary of the Social Hub and associates who attend cameras and coffee was certainly needed, a form of escapism in many ways. This causes me to reflect on what I seek to escape in 2026, in the not so distant past this would have been the escape of daily life, work and the busy nature of life. Today, I find myself heading towards the busy nature of the city and the more people at meet ups the better, I am now escaping the online world, reconnecting with people physically as the online world cannot provide the nourishment that being in person with people can.
The earlier demonstration saw a gathering of I would estimate 200 people all out supporting each other in a shared cause that was meaningful to them. An obscene number of photographers clambering over one another for position to get “the shot” or stood well back long lens stalking someone to single out, not unlike the snipers of the war zones many of these demos are about! Therefore, heading back that direction in the late February afternoon as the temperature was dropping and moisture was in the Glasgow air a lone figure on the steps stood out to me, no such photographers to capture what isn’t as social media worthy of capturing.
“Veganism can be the revolution” (Bernie V. 22nd February 2026)
Camera in hand, I’ve yet to find a better vehicle to open conversation, I approached. My opening line - ‘do you mind me asking about your sign’? “Of course” - the response. The word Satanic struck me and when considering that as a trigger I knew it was due to another photography project I have on the go around religion on the city streets, but I was aware this was not religious just a reference to evil. Meet Bernie V, Bernie the vegan. An interesting and informed conversation followed as a believer that animals as a food source was wrong not just an ethical choice for Bernie but as a socialist he believes veganism is a strong movement for revolution. These are the moments just like the earlier demonstration which I value as a photographer, it is not all about the final image but an opportunity to learn about other perspectives. However, the power of what we see as a simple and brief connection cannot be overlooked. We all have differing views and beliefs but it is not that difference which should divide us, but those who seek to divide us that should be treated with great caution.
I look forward to sharing more of my field notes from days with my camera. Did you enjoy the read and would like to hear more, if so please follow along. I am also testing out Substack check out my account and consider subscribing.
Scott