My trip with Ratanak is fast approaching! On the 1st of November I will be departing for Cambodia to find out more, and to think more about, the country, its people and how in response I might best go about creating a body of photographic work. The proposed work will be displayed in the MCAC during October/November 2012.

It's hard to prepare myself fully for what my experience might be and how I will react and be effected by the experiences and relationships which develop. However, I'm determined to make the most of this opportunity and excited about the opportunity to further develop my practice after Beautiful Dawn.

Source Online
I was recently extremely pleased to receive the following review from Stefanie Braun, Senior Curator at The Photographers' Gallery in London about Beautiful Dawn...

• "This is a very moving body of work that delicately deals with the process of mourning. For one year, Tim Doak documented the life of Jason Smyth, who, after the death of his wife, built a pigeon loft on the roof of his local church. The loss and loneliness that has enveloped Jason's life is palpable in the images yet there is also a sense of hope and calm determination to carry on." (Stefanie had been asked to pick a selection of work from the Source Graduate Photography Online 2011 website.)

Exciting Opportunities
Over the past month I have had the opportunity to...

• Go to Stormont Buildings in Belfast and be part of the exhibition opening for a photo project I had been involved with over the summer months working with a group of foster care kids and their carers.
• Speak about my work with students at the University of Ulster in Belfast and at Sallynoggin College in Dublin.
• Prepare for the 'Familiar Spaces' exhibition opening, taking place at the Burren College of Art on Saturday 15th October at 8pm.

Photography Workshops
Perhaps you are starting to think about buying your Christmas presents, or what others might get for you (!?)... how about something a little different - a voucher for my next series of photography workshops starting in January 2012:

• Saturday 28th Jan 2012
  - 1 Day DSLR Photo Workshop
• Saturday 25th Feb 2012
  - 1/2 Day Point & Shoot Photo Workshop
• Saturday 31st Mar 2012
  - 1 Day DSLR Photo Workshop
• Saturday 14th Apr 2012
  - 1 Day DSLR Photo Workshop : ADVANCED
  For those that have previously took part in a 1 Day DSLR Workshop (more info to follow soon)

"Very pleased to have the chance to do this today. Very relaxed, informal, good practical and theory sessions. Finally, I have a much better understanding of my camera - aperture, shutter speed, composition etc..."
Connie Shaw - 1 Day Workshop Participant