What a remarkable, fun and emotional year it has been!
2022 came and went so fast!
It has been a year full of ups and downs like the past two years, but has been a fun-filled year full of exciting opportunities, and I've achieved a major fitness goal this year as I'm now three stone, almost close to hitting my four stone weight loss as I've been doing lengthier Outdoor Walk Workouts up to 3 hours on my gym days since I returned to the gym a few months ago after a few months away, and I feel good!
The biggest achievement I have made in 2022, which I've been itching to share with all of you is, for the first time in book form, the photo, A Glimmer of Hope, which I produced on the 20th December 2020 and published on the 8th January 2021 which highlighted the turning point in the coronavirus pandemic, was officially exhibited and printed by GuruShots for the exhibition: "Very Best of Black & White", and was shown at the Sparks Gallery in San Diego from the 7th-9th October 2022!
Here is "A Glimmer of Hope." in print!
2022 was also a landmark year as London Pride celebrated its 50th years from when the very first London Pride march took place in 1972 at Hyde Park Corner!
Concluding what has been a remarkable and wonderful year, here is 2022: A Year in Review!
January 2022
1.1.2022 – What a way to start the new year! The New Year's Day 2022 London Firework & Drone Display was absolutely remarkable!
29.1.2022 – It was a quiet night around the Saffron Tower; the traffic around Croydon was almost like a pin drop, and it was so peaceful, and the atmosphere around Saffron Tower was remarkably relaxing.
31.1.2022 – London is full of beautiful buildings and eyesores that brighten up the atmosphere, even on rainy days!
It has been quite a busy but quiet first few weeks of the year, and that's not a bad thing at all because everything has to start off slow before everything can get up to speed again, but on the plus side, I've got some work in the pipeline for both this website and MN Events over the coming weeks, and I'm excited for you to see what I've been working on.
February 2022
1.2.2022 – It was a bit of a chilly start to the month, considering the first few weeks of 2022 were unusually warm, but it's nice to know Spring isn't far behind.
6.2.2022 – A landscape view is a beautiful and liberating feeling whenever I travel; there's always that sense of freedom in the air.
9.2.2022 – The flashing lights of The Hippodrome Casino dazzle the nightlife; the streetlights, the signs light the way, and in the process of the flashing lights, Soho and Cranbourn Street spring to life!
12.2.2022 – Imagine soaking up the beautiful landscape as every vehicle is moving; then imagine the beauty of the clouds as the breeze fills the air with peace, comfort and happiness.
18.2.2022 – The fall of night is bliss; there's no traffic on the road, and the beauty of the night shines!
Storm Eunice wrecked havoc; she blew the roof off The O2 which could now be closed for months.
20.2.2022 – Jamal Edwards changed the game and opened so many doors and opportunities to so many of the artists we have today.
22.2.2022 – While Storm Eunice & Franklin caused havoc, they left raindrops in the darkness.
Revisiting the darkness of nature's presence, I cannot help but tread cautiously through the destruction nature has left behind.
24.2.2022 – There's nothing better than the magic of light speeding through on the asphalt; the glowing lights of passing vehicles through the night hours capture the true beauty of what the naked eye cannot see.
28.2.2022 – The weather was beautiful; the sun was shining, the feeling of Spring around the corner, and that warmth of Spring slowly arriving gives that beautiful moment of euphoria that words cannot describe.
March 2022
1.3.2022 – March got off to a quiet start. The exciting feeling of Spring being around the corner was a good thing considering the warm weather would slowly return over the coming weeks, especially with the clocks going forward on Sunday 27th March at 1:00am. It was all the more reason to seize every opportunity over the weeks ahead.
2.3.2022 – The passing traffic indicates to us that everything we see today out on the streets of Croydon and London that everything that's here today will be gone in a flash!
8.3.2022 – I wanted to wish all you mothers, women, all transgender women and all key workers around the world a Happy International Women's Day! I love you all!
9.3.2022 – The road ahead was tranquil; the feeling of calm was in the air, and the street light and passing vehicle lights symbolised a sense of peace.
12.3.2022 – A rainy day for nature left her feeling blue; the presence of the clouds and the dreary-eyed weather made nature's company beneath the clouds all the more surprising.
Embracing the light in the darkness is the way forward; any experience we go through in life signifies the strength we have that comes from within.
19.3.2022 – As the day descended into nightfall, nature's glow brightened the beautiful scenery.
20.3.2022 – At night, the passing vehicles leave behind light trails of happiness so vivid and bright you'll feel warm inside!
The possibilities are endless no matter where you go; fantastic opportunities arise faster than the speed of sound.
27.3.2022 – The vibrant landscape of Soho was glamorous; the colours of the remarkable building I photographed down Wardour Street dazzled the beautiful scenery during the night hours, and Soho's beautifully colourful personality popped!
30.3.2022 – Spring is finally here; the trees have begun to blossom, and the beautiful breeze of Spring shows nature beautifully blooming and springing to life!
It was with devastating news to announce that Tom Parker of The Wanted passed away at 33.
April 2022
1.4.2022 – April was a month full of exciting opportunities, and despite the chilly weather which would end now Spring's arrived, the next few weeks are set to be busy and full of productivity.
4.4.2022 – It was devastating to learn the news that the legendary actress, June Brown OBE, best known for playing the on-screen character, Dot Cotton, on EastEnders, passed away at the age of 95.
5.4.2022 – Fifty to sixty years ago, Croydon used to be full of life; everyone travelled in and around George Street, North End, Katharine Street & Croydon Flyover to enjoy the scenery at the height of the Space Age Era, which occupied the 70s with retro appeal reminiscent to certain parts of the modern era.
12.4.2022 – At times, we feel emotionally suffocated by the norms of social media, the press, and all governments, including the dangerous behaviour where people are often ignored and overlooked for showing genuine emotions.
16.4.2022 – The sunset over Greenview was beautiful; the gorgeous hues of the sunset landscape and the clouds creating what feels like a painting filled me with peace.
18.4.2022 – The weather's been excellent recently. I've been making the most of the sunny weather and the days off from work while soaking in the beautiful Spring weather.
21.4.2022 – In the evening, the sun setting on the landscape brings that spring glow, but some days stay gold forever!
The photo I published on this day, Some Days Stay Gold Forever referenced the lyrics from The Wanted's record, Gold Forever, as I wanted to pay tribute to Tom Parker who sadly passed away on the 30th March, and I wanted the photo to be a respectful tribute to him and his family and friends, including The Wanted, as I wanted him and everyone to know we'll forever be Chasing The Sun with him as this day would stay Gold Forever.
The spring season makes me feel so warm inside; the sun's glow as it rises first thing in the morning and the last thing in the evening as it sets brings about the beautiful comfort that puts my mind at ease.
23.4.2022 – Despite the weather being overcast, the atmosphere of Bromley was beautiful; the mixture of the sun and clouds made the overall scenery feel so peaceful!
May 2022
1.5.2022 – It's an exciting new month full of fantastic opportunities, and what better way to kick off the month than with the warmth of Spring impacting the beautiful landscape around us!
4.5.2022 – As The Force Awakens with The Revenge of The Sith and The Phantom Menace, the force reigned supreme on National Star Wars Day as the Attack of The Clones brought an everlasting impact on the film franchise that became hugely successful, and to this day, remains one of the most successful franchises around.
8.5.2022 – The beautiful Spring weather captivates nature's blossoming roots of happiness; the vibrant colours of nature's personality shine bright!
9.5.2022 – Spring is in full swing; nature came prepared for the Summer season, and her beautiful glow graced us all!
11.5.2022 – The beauty of natural form lies in the way plants blossom; nature's freedom of expression is remarkable!
17.5.2022 – As I made my way to the gym early in the morning, I couldn't help but feel so at ease with the beautiful scenery I witnessed while on the bus.
21.5.2022 – It's forever an honour to review my dear friend Kuba Kotek's new record, Devil Knocking On The Door, which is out now!
27.5.2022 – Croydon, before 3:00 am, is so peaceful; there's a feeling of calm when there's virtually no traffic on the road first thing in the morning, and that euphoric feeling is something I love.
June 2022
1.6.2022 – This day marked the start of Pride month as everyone comes together to celebrate the LGBTQIA+, Non-Binary & Trans Non-Binary Communities, including all communities, and is the perfect reason to celebrate everyone and everything, so matter what sexuality you are, whether you conform to gender or not, and no matter what skin colour you are and how and the way you choose to identify, you're forever loved for forever being you!
The website was given a complete makeover to celebrate Pride, and what better way to celebrate all communities by bringing love and light to the entire world.
2.6.2022 – The day was peaceful and warm; the feeling of happiness was in the air, and the scenery around Soho was remarkable!
To celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, Soho is in high spirits celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years since her ascension to the throne in 1952, with the Union Jack flags erected above the walkway alongside the Platinum Jubilee Celebration banners.
5.6.2022 – The next subject I photographed for the series, The Concept of Expression, was Hayley Jane Tarrant.
15.6.2022 – The next subject I've photographed for the series was Dwight Agyei.
20.6.2022 – What fascinates me about Soho is the vibrant scenery; the arches above Chinatown stand out with such power and grace that I cannot help but immerse myself in the beauty of the place!
23.6.2022 – Queen Bey is back and ready to amplify Summer with a bang as she released the first record, Break My Soul, off her highly-anticipated 7th studio album, Renaissance, which is out on the 29th of July!
July 2022
1.7.2022 – It was an excellent start to the month as the sun was shining, and it was the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of the month with the beautiful weather.
17.7.2022 – There is something sentimental about Summer; the sunset in the distance of the scenery we witness, the beautiful hues of the sky and the artistic formation of the clouds. All of them together make me feel so at ease with nature.
23.7.2022 – In a world where we can all be anything, we deserve to sparkle and shine lights on this world!
29.7.2022 – After six years, Queen Bey is back with her highly anticipated seventh studio album, RENAISSANCE!
August 2022
1.8.2022 – As we continued to make the most of the beautiful Summer weather we experienced over the past few weeks, the next few weeks were set to fly by as everyone made the most of the warmth while it lasted.
16.8.2022 – During my visit to Brighton, I noticed time stood still as we all made the most of the heatwave.
My dear friend, Sinead, posed for the photo I produced of her while in Brighton, and the view there was beautiful!
We all need some fizz in our lives to satisfy our tastebuds as we experience the sizzling heatwave!
24.8.2022 – The beautiful sunset in the distance was like an orchestra of dreams; every cloud around the sunset felt like pieces of a dream put together.
31.8.2022 – Sunsets during the golden hour are truly remarkable; the glistening everglow of the orange hues that fill the sky create silhouettes that feel like a painting in a postcard-style form unlike no other!
September 2022
1.9.2022 – It was a relaxing and peaceful start to the month, and as Summer slowly drew to a remarkable close, Autumn wasn't too far behind as the Autumn Equinox would begin on the 23rd of September, with the days slowly but surely getting darker in the evening.
8.9.2022 – It broke my heart to announce the news that Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, died at 96.
24.9.2022 – Mother Nature always finds a way to bring peace, comfort and warmth; her glow during the golden hour saturates the landscape in the distance, forming a gorgeous silhouette of the trees.
28.9.2022 – Emotions make us all feel connected and at one with nature, and nature's feelings are no different; the raindrops are tears that make mother nature teary-eyed and vulnerable.
October 2022
1.10.2022 – Autumn officially kicked off, and so did the Halloween season! As Halloween is always known as Spooky Season, it's no surprise that a lot of the film channels and streaming services crank up the Halloween season a gear year after year; with trick-or-treaters going around knocking on everyone's doors on Halloween Night, it makes you realise how fast the year has flown.
9.10.2022 – It's been a long time since I visited Merton as I travel there with my family to Charlie's Rockshop when the time is right; it was such a nice feeling to travel there after a few years away.
16.10.2022 – As nightfall began, multiple vehicles drove into the sunset, with the golden hour offering the best thing; light trails!
26.10.2022 – The next subject I photographed for this series was Atlanta Raine.
28.10.2022 – Sunday's cyclone was unbelievable; you had to see it to believe it!
31.10.2022 – After the cyclone on the 23rd of October, I captured quite a few photos of the raindrops on the window, and I wanted the photo collection "Don't Steal Nature's Thunder!" to be completely unedited so that they would capture the true essence of nature's anger.
November 2022
1.11.2022 – It was quite the expected wet start to the month as there was rainfall our end, but it was rather windy too.
5.11.2022 – In the high spirits of bonfire night, everyone set off their fireworks and created remarkably vibrant and bold displays, and I seized the opportunity to produce a large collection of photographs in the lead up to the firework celebrations!
15.11.2022 – The afterglow of the passing vehicles turned the scenery a dark shade of red, reminiscent of an old-school retro appeal so vivid the area felt like something out of Stranger Things.
25.11.2022 – If we wish upon a star, we seek to brighten every lucky star that shines so beautifully by uplifting everyone around us!
30.11.2022 – Croydon has a close-knit community that diversifies and brings everyone together, even in the face of a pandemic that closed the world down for a brief time.
Despite much of the negativity and problems surrounding the borough, we are all diamonds in the rough who, repeatedly, have never stopped working hard to bring light and positivity to the borough.
December 2022
1.12.2022 – It was a foggy start to the last month of the year, and what a chilly day it was!
2.12.2022 – The previous day's dip in temperature as we approached the winter season saw the landscape covered in thick fog, limiting visibility on the road!
11.12.2022 – On the 20th December 2020, when we entered Tier 4 at the height of the coronavirus pandemic before the third lockdown followed at the beginning of January 2021, life provided us with a glimmer of hope; now, we're faced with the light at the end of the path as we slowly adjust to an entirely different normal life post-pandemic.
13.12.2022 – The passing vehicles brought the glow of the night to life!
18.12.2022 – The ALIEN SUPERSTAR in us came to life as we witnessed history being made!
While we've all danced and unleashed our ENERGY in nightclubs, at home and everywhere else, Queen Bey knows we've been singing and dancing our hearts out, and she knows SHE'S THAT GIRL as her floor-filling album, RENAISSANCE (written as act i RENAISSANCE), which is the first of three acts, was certified Platinum, which came 24 hours after the smash hit dance-infused record, BREAK MY SOUL, was certified Platinum!
23.12.2022 – After a few chilly weeks and some snowfall, the winter equinox began with colder-than-usual weather; rainfall in the early hours of the morning brightened up and reflected on the overall scenery.
31.12.2022 – The last photoshoot for 2022 is here! The next subject I've photographed for this series is Seyi Dada.
As I wanted this photoshoot to raise awareness for mental health, I wanted to raise disability awareness with this photoshoot as well, as disability awareness is also close to my heart.
We have officially reached the end of the road!
It's finally time to close the doors on 2022!
As 2022 ends, we must all remember those we've lost while also reflecting on how this year will help us to shape 2023.
I love you all, and want you to know that we'll all go into 2023 with a refreshed and energised mindset, knowing we can and will achieve the best in anything and everything.
I believe in all of you, and love you all so much!
If you've missed anything from this year, don't worry as all the content for 2022 can be found below!
I'll see you all in 2023!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Alex Smithson
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