For a couple of years now I've been wanting to take on a more ambitious longer term project. Now, having been a member of TAS and the CSSA for almost a year and having met a good number of you and seeing the level in interest and effort most of you put in, I'm wondering if there would be any interest from centralish Scotland members of TAS/CSSA/other relevant body in allowing me to put together a photo essay on the life of a smallholder through 2010.
I'm still working on what precisely this would entail and I suspect it will change as the year progresses and I gain a better understanding of what does and doesn't work photographically, but I would see the absolute basics involving the need for me to visit anyone involved at various points through the year from early Jan to end of Dec and annoying them by taking photos while, it's fair to say, not looking their best.
What would be the intended end result? A projected sequence of photos would probably be the key aim with the option to run it in various locations in 2011 if there is any support. An online gallery of images, of course. There could be the option of producing a book if anyone shows an interest, although I would expect this to be incredibly low volume, so producing to order from the likes of Blurb would probably be an idea.
I would see this as offering the opportunity to build on what him-from-River-Cottage and various other presenters have started by showing people how simple keeping chickens etc. can be, but showing the full reality of what's involved rather than just the fluffy tv friendly parts. Providing some minor marketing for TAS/CSSA/any other body involved/those of you who produce to sell commercially.
So... thoughts? anyone interested in participating? I would want to include every level from back yard enthusiast through to small business, so I suspect that covers pretty much everyone on these forums if you're close enough for me to reasonably drive to you a few times through the year.