© Leanne Boulton, All Rights Reserved

Captured in April 2022 during a local walkabout with my camera in East Kilbride, Scotland.

My life is unravelling fast. My health deteriorated, my PTSD worsened and now some devastating news yesterday that removes my safety, security and wonderful beach walks.

I have been dealt with blow after blow throughout my life. I overcame them all. This time I am completely empty. I have no resilience left. I can barely take care of myself at times. I can hardly even leave the house or answer the door at times.

I don't know how I cope with this.

I lost my beloved career, my physical health, my mental health, my friends, my cats Kitteh and Jasper, my dad, my mum, my independence, my mobility, my ability to cope with anything going slightly wrong and now I have lost my partner. My home by the beach will soon follow. 20 years... 20 years. Gone.

I need a safe space to cope with my PTSD. I don't have a safe space.

I don't know how to survive this. I have nothing left. 300 miles away from my family. No friends nearby. I have nothing.

I am sorry to pour my heart out to you all but I wanted to let you all know what is going on because you have all been so kind to me.
Your support has been incredible throughout my photography journey. I can't begin to thank you all enough for that. You have warmed my heart deep down over and over again. You deserve honesty if I am unable to post any more photographs.

Take care of yourselves and each other. I'm done.

Tags:   Leanne Boulton urban landscape urban landscape fragment abstract photography abstraction decay decaying urban decay square crop format brick bricks wall brick wall cement foundation face facade pebble dash concrete mortar lines falling apart crumbling derelict breakdown mental health crisis lost abandoned journal tone detail natural light outdoors outside town city life humanity manmade still life object Canon Canon 5D Mk III 40mm prime lens EF 40mm f/2.8 STM black white black&white b&w mono black and white monochrome East Kilbride South Lanarkshire Scotland UK United Kingdom monochromatic bwphoto

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© Leanne Boulton, All Rights Reserved

Street photography from Glasgow, Scotland.

Previously unpublished archive shot from April 2016. I opted for a square crop to get the symmetry in the background that made the composition sing for me.

I have broken my New Year's Resolution to take and publish at least one photograph per month in an attempt to rekindle my relationship with my camera this year. I have nothing for March I am sad to say. Last night I had intended to get out and capture the most spectacular stratified sunset sky on the beach but sadly my PTSD symptoms were too much for me.

Of course I am hoping to get back on track from April. Trying to convince myself that this is just a minor setback as opposed to a failure.

I hope that you have all had a wonderful weekend and that you enjoy this square crop from my archives. Take care.

Tags:   Leanne Boulton people streetphoto Scotland uphill urban street candid street photography candid street photography candid photography square crop square crop composition symmetry slope old woman lady walking stride climbing windows white hair elderly rock and roll rock shop Hard Rock Cafe tone detail natural light outdoors framing city scene human life living humanity society culture lifestyle Canon Canon 7D Sigma Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM black white black&white b&w mono black and white monochrome Glasgow UK Buchanan Street

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© Leanne Boulton, All Rights Reserved

An informal portrait for my mum's 80th Birthday and showing her sense of humour in her expression. We had, of course, been laughing and joking before this shot which was taken just before we went out for a huge family meal for my mum's children, grand children and great grandchildren.

One year ago today my mum died in hospital after collapsing at home from a sudden and unexpected illness. I was unable to get there and be by her side being 300 miles away and unwell myself. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic I had not seen my mum in person for over 2 years when she passed but I had spoken to her once or twice a week for that whole time. Although she knew that she was loved and missed at that time it was painful not being able to give my mum a hug or to sit with her and natter over a cup of tea. I even missed her funeral due to Covid and illness.

Not a day goes by that I don't miss my dear mum. She is in my heart and mind every single day. She only visited me in Scotland once as my mum didn't travel well, but we had a lovely time up here and spent a day on the Isle of Arran. Back on the mainland we stopped, near to my new home, for a fish and chip supper by the beach. One of the best fish and chip shops I have found in Scotland that my parents remembered fondly and often remarked upon. The last thing my mum did for me was to send money for a special treat of those fish and chips as a home moving gift. Tonight I will be honouring that memory with some fish and chips from that very same chippy, right on the harbour front where the fish practically jump out of the boat and are cooked to order. Fresh as can be. I will watch the sun set for her.

I love you mum and I miss you enormously every single day.

Rest peacefully.

Tags:   Leanne Boulton memorial mum memory portrait portraiture informal portrait family mother Birthday 80th octagenarian pin badge hand knitted cardigan woman face eyes glasses expression emotion mood feeling sense of humour tribute in loving memory anniversary loss grief home living room square format crop tone detail depth of field bokeh natural light indoors human life humanity society culture lifestyle people Canon Canon 5D Mk III 35mm EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM colour England UK Warwickshire United Kingdom

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© Leanne Boulton, All Rights Reserved

Street photography from Glasgow, Scotland.

Previously unpublished shot from April 2019. Enjoy!

Tags:   Leanne Boulton people streetphoto Scotland urban street candid portrait portraiture street photography candid street photography candid portrait street portrait eye contact candid eye contact street life social landscape man face eyes expression emotion mood feeling smoke smoker smoking cigarette break mobile smartphone phone suit tie business businessman tone detail depth of field bokeh natural light sunlight shadow outdoors square crop city scene human life living humanity society culture lifestyle Canon Canon 5D Mk III 70mm EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM black white black&white b&w mono black and white monochrome Glasgow UK United Kingdom

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© Leanne Boulton, All Rights Reserved

Street photography from Barnsley, England.

Black and white re-edit of a shot from November 2018.

I wondered around the indoor market at Barnsley during a rain shower while on assignment in the town. I couldn't resist this shot though I am not sure if I prefer the colour or black and white version. The square crop was necessary for the composition though.

A lot of indoor shopping centres and malls in the UK prohibit photography so I was pleased to see there was no signs at the door here. It was a wonderful indoor market with wide aisles, lots of variety and a really welcoming atmosphere.

Enjoy!

Tags:   Leanne Boulton people streetphoto England urban street candid portrait street photography candid street photography candid portrait street life social landscape square format crop man old elderly face expression mood atmosphere market indoor market bench shopping baggage panels tone detail indoor city town scene human life living humanity society culture lifestyle composition framing Canon Canon 5D Mk III 70mm EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM black white black&white b&w mono black and white monochrome Barnsley UK

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