I now walk to work, which is just outside Soho. I found it a total novelty to begin with, seeing all of the places I’m familiar with but never usually get to see during the week. I’ve been picking up breakfast at the The Breakfast Club, but although it’s very charming, tasty and polite, it seems to take ages to actually get around to making your order. I’m thinking of ditching them in favour of my own toaster – it’s fast and cheap.

I’m extremely happy so far with my new job, and feel totally comfortable that this is taking me where I wanted to go. If I was more photogenic I’d post a big picture of myself grinning.

I’ve been working with Illustrator quite a lot, and reading up on 3D Studio Max and Flash (I’m sure WPF will get a look in, but knowing about both can’t do any harm).

To support this I picked up a Canon 350D, which is my first SLR (grown-up camera with a big nose). I felt a little cheeky for a while, like I was borrowing a camera without permission, but it’s finally starting to sink in that it belongs to me.

The best way to get into the habit seems to be actually wandering around with the camera out, around your neck. I still feel a little conscious about doing this (for fear or either mugging or getting accused of being a tourist), but I’m starting to get beyond this now. In particular I wanted to get a load of texture shots that can be used to add depth, but for more abstract work. It’s particularly fun taking a close up shot of a wall or pavement with people wandering by.

You’ll notice I’ve added a little flickr plugin to this site that will display the most recent photos I’ve uploaded. I haven’t quite decided on how much of myself to expose (no jokes please). I’m used to the idea of blogging to the world, but as yet undecided on whether to add a full visual commentary too.

Our street was closed off again recently due to a gas attack at the pub next door. I think it’s been the fourth time the road has been closed in the past couple of months due to some kind of fire or danger.

It seems more likely to be a homophobic attack instead of related to any terrorist activity. I guess this kind of thing is bound to happen occassionally around Soho but I find it hard to imagine how people would feel compelled to do something like that.

I have been doing a little cartoon work, but I got slightly disheartened when my PC crashed halfway through saving my best piece and corrupted the file. I’ll put some work up when I get back into a cartoony mood.

The new camera is very tasty. I was looking through some photos from our time off last night, and the difference compared with anything I’ve used before is quite significant. I should probably take it out around London and try to take more shots that can be incorporated with web design work – textures and abstract pieces. I’m still a little conscious about wandering around with anything expensive looking on my neck, but I suppose Wing Chun in probably still ok with a cam-neck.

I’m thinking about adding Flickr integration to the blog and posting photos up, but I haven’t quite decided yet. I guess it’s in fashion to completely expose yourself online, so I should catch the boat. If anyone makes the obvious joke I’ll be dissappointed in you.

Our flat looks out onto a church in Soho (the church is on Wardour street) – the churchyard had been rigged up with fireworks. Not only does the church have coloured lights on the gate all year round, but fireworks!

I have to say I’m all in favour of this kind of behaviour. This is why I like living in London