The 3 Harbours Photowalk and Picnic

Thankyou

Posted by: Jon on: 5th June 2010

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Hi all – I just wanted to end a fantastic day’s social photographing with a quick ‘thank you’ to a few people – before I get on with the act of summing up the walk…

To all the photo-walkers for taking part
To the ‘Goth’ for much-needed post-walk refreshments
To Naomi Hare for producing badges at the last minute
To Sarah and Tom at Guardian Local Edinburgh for coverage…
To Fin at Leith FM for the interview
To Party Express, Prestonpans for supplying balloons
To Fiona at Flickr for ‘schwagg’
To the lovely people at Port Seton Library for giving us a meeting place (and a decent photocopier)
To the helpful, tea-tastic people at the Prestongrange Museum Visitor’s Centre
To Tom at Chalmers Church Hall for volunteering a wet weather venue
To Anne for filling in for me during my Scottish sojourn
To Simon for letting me come away and his ongoing support.
To Darren for his assistance in planning and running the walk
To all the wonderful people of the 3 Harbours Festival and the local communities for such a friendly welcome
To Andrew and Yvonne for the invite and support
To Shirley-Anne, Liz and Wendy for their support this week

To all of you – THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

The photowalk (along with the rest of the week) was a fantastic experience that I really enjoyed and will cherish for a long time. Cheers, all!

(Photos… next week!)

Belly dancing and beach combing

Posted by: Jon on: 4th June 2010

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Well, this festival has certainly had me doing things out of the ordinary

I picked up my portraiture project today in Prestonpans and have enjoyed more friendly welcomes – including the lovely ladies at venue 10 providing me with a cheese roll – I must have looked under-fed!

In addition to this I managed to walk into a belly dsncing demonstration in Prestonpans Library!

I’m now doing a spot of beachcombing for the lovely ShyMerge – see them on Manse Lane, Cockenzie befired heading to MuralFest to meet some if the artists.

More media, sweetie!

Posted by: Jon on: 1st June 2010

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Well, another day – and another diary entry.

I wasn’t over at the 3 Harbours locations today – instead I had a lunchtime assignation with the lovely Fin over at Leith FM; community radio for Edinburgh where I had a chance to promote the Photowalk to her listeners. My friend, Wendy, came to hold my hand and told me I did a great job – so that’s good enough for me.

Wendy also took some quick snapshots in the studio as I was being interviewed…

Wendy is one half of 3 Harbours exhibitors, Shymerge – you’ll find them at venue 84

In addition we got another plug on The Guardian’s local pages for Edinburgh – read it here!

I’m planning a photowalk-free day tomorrow – but I’m hoping to be back with more photos on Thursday… have a great Wednesday!

The recce

Posted by: Jon on: 31st May 2010

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Well, it’s an absolutely gorgeous day here in Prestonpans.

I’m sat in the visitors centre and cafe at Prestongrange Museum where I’ve got a great welcome and a lovely cuppa and Tunnocks. (www.prestongrange.org)

Earlier today I scoped out Port Seton Library (I now have no excuse for not finding it!) and took a walk in the countryside to Seton Collegiate Church – where I was mesmerised by the patterns from the coloured glass.

I’ve also been down to Seton Sands and, walking along the beach, headed back to Port Seton via the Promenade.

I’ve take a few photos – so I’ll post a montage later to tantalise you all further.

[And, as if by magic...]

Hope you’re all getting geared up for Saturday… Have you got planned what camera gear you’re bringing? Been over to 3 Harbours website to check out the event brochure and work out what you must see?

I’ve also found out there’ll be Battle of Prestonpans related activities at the weekend – see www.battleofprestonpans1745.org for more.

A weeks time from now it’ll all be over… (29th May)

Posted by: Jon on: 30th May 2010

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Wow, what a fantastic day – it’s such a wonderful festival I really can’t wait to view it with you next Saturday!

I’ve had a number of locals and artists commenting on the photowalk; I’m hoping a few will join us! I’ve been and photographed people in over 40 venues today and found the art amazing and the people super friendly.

Here are some of those lovely folk…

I’m starting to get a better feel for the place and some pointers for fine tuning where we go. Tomorrow I hope to contact the people at the church hall we plan to use for our picnic (assuming of course the weather is less than brilliant – and we all decamp to Port Seton harbour for our canapes and cucumber sandwiches…)

Does anyone have any questions? Feel free to email me – or comment below.

Well, that’s it for me tonight – more after tomorrow’s investigations…

Media darlings…

Posted by: Jon on: 30th May 2010

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Hi all!

Just to let you know we’re out there on the publicity trail to try and get lots of social buddies to make this photowalk a splendid affair!

First we appeared on the Guardian Local – Leeds site.
Then I heard that the lovely people at Art Link Edinburgh wanted to send their pals along (of course we said “Yes!”)
Just this evening I’ve seen that we’ve appeared on Guardian Local – Edinburgh
…and just now I spotted an email from Leith FM asking if we can talk to them. I’ve not ‘done radio’ for quite a while so I hope you’ll all wish me the best!

More media info ‘as it happens’!

A weeks time from now I’ll be a bag of nerves… (28th May)

Posted by: Jon on: 29th May 2010

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Hi all!

Roving reporter Jon here – I’m now ‘in place’ at the Festival having travelled up on Friday and I have to say I’m having a great old time.

I was a little late on Friday to put my exhibition up but, when I arrived I got directed to see the paper boat launch. Not an entirely successful enterprise – but a great deal of fun all round.

I was a wee bit tired to attend the Ceilidh so that’s the extent of my festival related update for now.

(Oh, I plan on doing a festival diary – just to get those of you following this ‘in the mood’)

[Published a night late, due to 'technical difficulties' (user error...)]

The plan – unveiled…

Posted by: Jon on: 26th May 2010

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Well, after all the secrecy, we’re ready to tell you about our plans…

11:00 – Meet at Port Seton Library
11:15 – 13:00 – Small group walks around festival venues in Cockenzie and Port Seton (festival brochures will be provided)
13:00-14:00 – Group picnic -> around harbour or at Chalmers Church Hall (Gosford Road)
14:00-17:30(ish) – Afternoon activities (optional) – will be discussed at picnic. Potential visit to Prestongrange Museum and walk back through Prestonpans or walk to Collegiate Church and along beach.
17:30(ish) – Post-walk socialising (details tbc)

Also – you might be interested to see that we got coverage on The Guardian!

Is it right for me?

Posted by: Jon on: 24th May 2010

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This walk is designed for a wide range of individuals.

I’m hoping to get some people on the walk with local knowledge – to get a bit of the history (and insider knowledge) of the local area. In addition there will be people with a mixture of photographic skills.

No one will be judged or questioned on their abilities or skills – this is just a friendly walk to try allow everyone to capture elements of the local area that capture their interest.

If you do have some skills or experience in photography then we would love you to come along and share this with others – and to take part with us all in sharing those images on facebook or flickr after the event. And don’t worry if you’re not used to online photo sharing; it’s not an essential part of the day!

Some further questions…

Do I need an advanced camera?
Absolutely not – feel free to bring whatever you prefer; I’m hoping to have a 30′s film camera with me or one that uses the old ’110′ film from the 80′s. But if your camera of choice is a compact or camera phone then you’ll be just as welcome. Photowalks are about attitude not gear!
Can I bring my family?
You certainly can – we can’t look after children but so long as you accompany them they’d be very welcome – as would husbands/wives/in-laws…
Do I have to share my images?
Nope. That’s your choice. It really is about enjoying yourself – though we would love to see them!
Is this just for young/old/imbetween people?
Again – no. Everyone is welcome and will be treated the same! (We just insist that children are accompanied by a parent/guardian)
Is this part of the main festival?
Absolutely – you can see an advert for the Photowalk on the online programme and in the printed catalogue. We’re hoping the Festival chair, Andrew Crummy, will be joining us…
What’s this about a picnic?
As there may be a number of us we thought it would make more sense to bring our lunches with us and eat them together. In good weather this will be near Port Seton Harbour. If the weather isn’t as good we have an undercover alternative. Bring whatever you want – but be prepared to carry it on the morning walk and to clear up after yourself.
There are cafes and a general store in the vicinity.

I’m very happy to help anyone help eat their home-made cakes.
Is there a cost?
There isn’t any charge for the walk, however plans may include using public transport and you may need money for drinks etc. as refreshments are not supplied.