“So it’s pretty serious then?” appeared to be the common response from the remainder of people I had left to tell. An awkward and self conscious grunt of confirmation seemed suffice. Appeasing anyone unclear on the sincerity of the evidently ambiguous action of moving 195 miles north of the city I have loved, loathed and breathed for as long as I can remember (that’s London by the way).

I’ve only been living with Caroline, in the centre of Leeds for a couple of weeks now, but I really love it. It feels as busy and active as London but with a more friendly, less aggressive twist. It’s a city that seems free from the tuts and toots fired ferociously and indiscriminately from pedestrians, commuters and drivers alike.

While I remain excited at living in this new, cultured, urban environment so close to some of the most amazing rural landscapes available in England; as I sit at the desk of my new ‘home office’ I wonder how my perspective and relationship with London will change as I adapt to life with Caroline in Leeds and continue my brief but frequent trips to London.

There is no doubt that the rich cultural offerings that the numerous London boroughs provide will be something that I will greatly miss. First Thursdays, film and documentary screenings, private views and talks put on by organisations like the Photographers Gallery, Jerwood, Whitechapel and the Tate (to name a handful) are all things that I have enjoyed on a regular basis.

Over the last few years I have been lucky enough to be based near Tate Modern. This has enabled me to frequently seek sanctuary and solace in the vast building, hoarding great artistic treasures, so vast and eclectic, that I defy anyone to visit and not find one piece by which they are captivated. Browsing around the exhibitions has replenished enthusiasm for my own work uncountable times; but a lot of ideas and inspiration actually come from watching people who move around and interact with the Tate Modern space and it is these moments of people watching that will be the biggest void for me to fill in Leeds.

So I am calling on anyone and everyone to help me make the decision. Look at the photo series below and let me know which photographic series to choose by submitting your vote on the form..

(Form is now expired)

Photo Series A: Landscape Photography Category

Photo Series B: Wildlife Photography Category

There are many reason’s I enjoy visiting Caroline’s (my grilfriend) folk’s place and one of them is seeing their wonderful garden, which provides and produces many ingredients to meals consumed at their table. Whether it’s the potatoes, veg and herbs served with a succulent roasted joint or the sweet  homemade jams on the toast in the morning, there’s something really cool about knowing what you’re eating has been freshly grown and harvested metres away from the table.

The other weekend Caroline and I cooked a meal for the family. The sun was shining and it was the perfect opportunity to wander round the vibrant and copious garden while filling the basket with the ingredients for our meal, which included: potatoes, broadbeans, parsely and thyme. It was all very Nigel Slater and I loved it!

I was excited to receive some photos this week from Volt giving a sneak preview of the bikes in the warehouse…