Working on my Research Project Proposal this work has caused me to reflect on my current photographic practice and the little time I spend currently making an image. As part of the work I am doing for my Research Project, as a new methodology for me, I intend to spend more time taking in the scene I am proposing to photograph, thinking about what it means to me and what my photographic options are. I will record these thoughts before I take the image.

These reflections led me to partially recall a poem I enjoyed when I was at school but all I could remember was “time to stand and stare”. Of course, with the wonders of the internet it was not long before I found this short piece by William Henry Davies. I need to practice these sentiments on The Road to Elgol. . .

Stand and Stare by William Henry Davies

 What is this life if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs

And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,

Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,

Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,

And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can

Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this is, full of care,

We have not time to stand and stare.