I must admit to failure tonight. I had such a brilliant idea for a photo in my fiery series that I was completely convinced all day that all I needed to do when I got home was compose it and ‘Bob’s your uncle’ the shot would be mine. I’ve commented before on how I have a tendency to get over confident about my own photographic abilities and this was one of those occasions.

When I got home from work, I ended up not getting to it until much later than I anticipated because a client phoned me and kept me talking for an hour before I could go and give it a try then I struggled with focus and composition.


The shot was a really tricky one and not without some danger to myself so it took a lot of setting up, a lot of care with the fire and with my positioning. I couldn’t get focus or if I got focus I couldn’t get the composition I was after so I ended up losing patience….something I’m really excellent at – I have the attention span of a flea!!! Eventually after much anguish, I have decided to call it a day for today. I looked at the photos and just decided they were simply not good enough to post.

The idea will remain a secret because I’m still sure I can get the shot on another day but for today I’d had enough.


After what seemed like an age, I ended up with nothing more than this pile of ash to show for my efforts so it’s back to the drawing board to look for another way of achieving my shot.

Ah well, I suppose if I must insist on playing with fire and matches it’s about time I got my fingers burned metaphorically speaking.

One thing I achieved today? Getting my 26 things registered...