Do I miss my old life? And change is constant.

Heck, I am not sure, is the simple answer, I’ve not really thought about it all that much if I am being honest. Life is certainly different but not all that much different I suppose.

Prince Charles visits junior recruits at Harrogate College HRH.

I am still in a position to stick to my own values and maintain a life balance that I had struggled a lot with in the old life.

Prince Charles braves the Yorkshire weather that disrespects umbrellas.

I have been going through old photographs, I have not looked at for years and, sure they bring back memories, not all good but mostly, I would say. It’s natural to reflect though, you know, through those rose tinted glasses.

Prince Charles is introduced to recruits in the gymnasium. Nothing quite like traditional military presentations.

As a photographer, I had some amazing experiences, some (not) so great experiences, but it was always interesting to witness things and try to remain neutral, which is not always possible. Doing this does help you in your approach to a job though.

A young recruit demonstrates his learned skills in navigation using a model.

One thing I always tried to be with my photography was honest. Honest with myself, my observation and although true impartiality is challenging, if not impossible, I always wanted to tell a story without prejudice and I know I failed more often than I passed. I don’t berate myself too much because, I believe most photographers do. We are human, we are naturally affected by what we witness and that experience molds us.

Army recruits in their boxing training gear meet the future King.

To be fair, most of my stories would not change the world, or change a perception, but that does not mean that my intention was, where possible to challenge. Some days I would be better than others, some days I outright failed, but most of us do.

Prince Charles will most likely become the next King, we all hope, not for a long time but the reality is he is likely to, one day and recent events highlight this.

So, do I miss my old life? Not really. I had outgrown it some time ago, if I am being honest with myself. It was time to move on a few years ago, but that is all water under the bridge now. Change is constant and often happens at a snails pace so you don’t even recognise it. I try not to regret too much though, life is just too short. I always try to be a better version of myself today than I was yesterday. I don’t always manage that either, but I do try with honesty and I hope integrity.

Prince Charles tries to talk with young recruits going through one of the most dramatic periods of change they will ever experience.

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