NO MORE INTERVIEWS NO MORE FREE FOOTAGE I’ve had a feeling for some time now, and it’s one I simply cannot shake. I increasingly feel that I’m being used for free footage, with the interview or podcast merely a by-product. A convenient way of getting access to my work without actually paying for it. Perhaps I’m wrong, but the feeling hasn’t gone away. So, as they say, that’s that. No more interviews. No more podcasts. No more talking. If my current work goes to plan, this account will eventually fall silent too. The truth is, something has been calling me back for a while now. My roots. A basic camera, no video, no pressure to capture the next big story, no expectations and certainly no obligation to anyone. Just photography, purely for my own selfish enjoyment. The very reason I picked up a camera in the first place. No more selling footage. No more chasing stories. No more hassle. Just my dog, my family, my camera and, quite possibly, a new home and a completely different chapter. I’ve seen enough, filmed enough and given enough of myself to this work. Sometimes the greatest freedom is putting the camera down and remembering why you picked it up in the first place. Twitter isn’t an airport and there’s no need to announce a departure but I enjoy the community here and think it’s only fair to give fair warning I’ve given my photography up for video as people respond to that it seems but it’s not me, I’m not a video person Once France is complete to my satisfaction and I feel I’ve done my part this account will stop Adrian

History buffs, I’ve got a mystery for you… anyone recognise this flag? 🤔 Popped into an army surplus store in Calais and spotted this rather unusual flag tucked away behind a mannequin. It’s definitely ringing a bell, but for the life of me I can’t remember which country it belongs to or what period it’s from. Something tells me there’s an interesting bit of history behind it. Anyone able to solve the mystery? Cracking little store, by the way. Well worth a visit if you’re ever in Calais!

CALAIS: THE CAMPS ARE GROWING I forgot to mention that I’ve been back in the Calais area since yesterday and will be here until Saturday, with a clear weather window approaching. It’s been a few weeks since the last crossing day, and from what I’ve witnessed today, the camp has swollen considerably in numbers. With the leaves now falling from the trees, much more of the camp is exposed and visible. The quoted figure of 4,000 people looks conservative to me. Based on what I’ve seen today around the camp, the local supermarket, the road leading to the camp and Decathlon, I suspect the actual number is higher. I can’t confirm an exact figure, but after years of observing large crowds along the French coast, I’ve developed a good eye for estimating numbers. Tomorrow I’ll be filming the Calais camp, including its proximity to the lorry park, along with two other lorry locations. As always, I’ll document what I find and share the footage. Adrian