My Life as it stands...

[NickCantle]

Hi all,

I've a few things about my current state of mind that I wanted to get off of my chest as such and I thought this was the best place to do it.

First off- University;

I can't stand this course I'm on at the moment and due to our recent trip to Strasbourg, I've had my eyes opened to the dreadful organisation of the University and to be honest, when you're paying well into three figure sums each year, that can't be allowed to happen in my opinion; it's a shame, but it does happen. Anyway, the course itself is highly regarded by the BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photographers) and for the 'arty' people who like the theory side of it, it's no more than perfect. However, as I regard the technical knowledge and knowhow as more important in getting a career in Photography rather than pretentious lectures on the history and histories of the subject. I've come to the decision, that I am going to do my best at transferring to a University in Blackpool which houses the BA Degree (hons) course specialising in Wildlife Photography- I can't think of anything more perfect for me and passion. There are lectures on field studying, lectures on life sciences and field trips to Nature Reserves. Now that, to me, sounds excellent. So we'll see where it goes from there!

Secondly- Easter Holidays, Home Life, and my lady

I had a beautiful 2 weeks of Easter Holiday The first week of it, I spent at my Father's house with my Sister and our parents and it was lovely to have some family time together. I went out with my Grandad to Lakenheath Fen to check it out for Birds in the summer. We also had a wander around that area of the Brecks, turning over logs. It was a pretty wet day, so the camera didn't come out much. When I returned home, my Bigma had arrived, along with my new Manfrotto legs and head I was a happy Bunny. So I spent the rest of the week watching Shrike, testing the Bigma on the Wrens in the garden and just generally 'chilling out'.

Very Early Monday morning (4.30 to be precise), I awoke to drive and pick up my girlfriend Elle from her house 65 miles away. It was her Birthday on the Easter Sunday, so I gave her the little Diamond necklace I bought her We had previously planned for her to spend the whole week at my Mother's house in Rural Norfolk So I picked her up and we spent the week talking, walking, looking at the birds and just generally spending the whole week together. It opened my eyes to how happy I am with her PLUS! She's not a nature buff and she's slightly unaware of certain aspects of nature that ring beauty, so I showed her the birds and the hares in the field. As the week progressed, she was shouting "Look! The greenfinches are back!" or "Nick, there's a Male Chaffinch there, get the Bigma" I'm very proud of her in the least patronising way possible We went for a meal in Norwich on Friday, which was absolutely divine, and on Saturday, I took her to Norwich to help her choose me a coat. Unfortunately, we didn't find a coat, but she bought me a Wildflower book and herself a Bird Book

So all's not bad in my mind. Quite complicated, but good

Ahhh, that feels better

Nick

[cybershot]

Oh to be young and in love...... and in tune with nature

Sounds to me like your mind's pretty well on course for happy times ahead and that's what counts.

Look forward to catching up with you soon

David

[oxycera]

Things don't sound too bad.

[Amylou]

Wow that course sounds great! A mix of art and science! Perfect.

[Bub-les]

Glad you've got your Bigma at last!
Photos?
I wish you luck in changing courses and uni's.
Hope the rest continues as well. Enjoy.
Barbara

[juliejam]

Hi ther young nick so glad to hear that you had a lovely Easter with the what sounds like the girl of your Dreams..Shame about the Uni course and i do wish you all the best with getting it sorted out as soon as possible..Nice to see that your using your new lens at long last and that some of your Bird pic's are making it through to the gallery..Remember life is what you make it ..so get out there and make a difference...Have fun..

Julie x

[Fungus Ken]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

I can't stand this course I'm on at the moment

I had a great time at University, but didn't really enjoy the academic work so I didn't get the most out of the course. You will probably only go through University once, so it's worth finding a course you can enjoy and look back on without regrets.

Originally Posted by NickCantle

I am going to do my best at transferring to a University in Blackpool

Another huge benefit here would be the potential for forays with the North West Fungus Group.

Originally Posted by NickCantle

When I returned home, my Bigma had arrived, along with my new Manfrotto legs and head

Glad the fancy dress outfit arrived. When's the party?

Ken

[aeshna5]

Hope you transfer to the course that suits you.

Sounds like a good family/wildlife time over Easter + sounds like you have a lovely lady- look after her well!

[GME]

Hate to put a dampener on things, BUT there's no University in Blackpool!!

So, I'd check just exactly where this course is running!!
Can you give any more details - I may be able to provide a bit more insight?

Anyway, glad everything else is cool

Gareth

[NickCantle]

Thank you for some lovely replies- put a big smile on my face. As for that GME, my mistake, it's in fact a College. Blackpool and The Fylde College

[Deer Stalker]

Sounds like you'll be buying her a ring next mate.

Glad its working out for you.

[GME]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

Thank you for some lovely replies- put a big smile on my face. As for that GME, my mistake, it's in fact a College. Blackpool and The Fylde College

Oh ok I used to teach there. I didn't know it offered courses in that area (but I worked in the Sport department). That's great though, I really hope it works out for you if you do decide to come up here. There are some great places to visit for your location work. Just hoped you were being given the right sort of info and the course/ establishment was all you were being told (and hoped). If you need any further info (re: the college or places to head to for photos) or if I can be of any help feel free to PM me

Gareth

[NickCantle]

Many thanks for that Gareth. You may find me utilising that option in the future mate!

Nick

[Ollie]

Well Nick you seem like a fairly happy young man to me with a loving family and a great girlfriend. I'm sure you will soon sort out the glitch with your studies one way or another.

The support and love of a good woman is a very important thing to have, treasure it and look after her, and all the best to the both of you for the future.
Roger

[NickCantle]

Thank you Roger. Your kind words mean lots mate

Nick

[ron1863]

Once you have the college taken care of your life will be sorted. Good for you re the course, I studied nursing many years ago and hated the theory side, loved the practical part but then you can't really have one without the other. Are you certain that the college in Blackpool will be an improvement.

Good Luck

[glsammy]

I do hope you get your course sorted out Nick. Apart from that you sound as though your well sorted!
It took me many years to really appreciate the important things in life, you seem to have got it nailed nice and early!
Whatever happens, I wish you all the best.

[barquar]

Hope everything works out with the new course up in Blackpool if you end up doing it.
You sound like you have a great family and Girlfriend your very lucky hope it all stays that way for you enjoy.
Barquar

[ChrisJB]

Go for the Blackpool thing. Our local wildlife recorder is on that very course as I type and he seems to be having a whale of a time. Don't do what I did and drift into a job you hate (it's only the thirteen weeks off per year that keep me from going over the edge. ).

Regards, Chris

[NickCantle]

That's my Plan really; to get University done and dusted, make the contacts I might need to get myself out there, gather some experience both in life and photography, and then hopefully I'll be in the right state of mind to snap up a job in the field

Oh yes, forgot to add this photograph of Elle looking at the birds



Nick