Like many photographers, especially those who are still finding their
feet or trying to compete on cost by reducing their over-heads - I work
from home!
Although working from home has it's advantages (I can
work naked...) - there are some serious disadvantages (Family members
could walk in at any moment). Currently, my main problem is trying to
separate work from home and trying to maintain productivity when
working from home as it's very easy to get sidetracked by my dog or
something shiny outside.
It's for this reason that (for the summer) I'm considering moving "premises" ... to a local field. You should too!
It's
sort of like when I was at primary school and on sunny days the
teachers felt like having a doss and getting a tan so they did the
lessons outside and called it "Outdoor Education Days" or something
like that...
Now obviously I won't be working in fields all
summer, there will be days when it's raining/cold/too lazy etc but I
really don't think there could be a better place to go out and work.
I'll
be surrounded by nothing but open space, silence and nature - which has
to be pretty damn awesome! Although I couldn't/shouldn't (but probably
will) work naked in public - I can be 100% focused on my work and play
my music crazy loud.
You should do it too!
Here's a few things to consider;
Internet connection:Unless your on that clever 3 dongle thingy - Wifi could be difficult in
the middle of a remote field. Fortunately I've picked a field that's
close to a small country pub so I can pop in and steal they're
connection should I require it. (Brainwave... Why didn't I think about
just working from the pub?!?!)
Food/Water: Pack some sandwiches and goodies in a lunch box and enough water to last the day. Or go to the pub...
Leaving Stuff At Home:Write a to-do the night before and triple check you have everything
before you leave. IE - If you intend to contact clients, make sure you
have their details handy!
Have Power:So last time I checked there's a severe shortage of plugs in the
countryside so ensure you have spare batteries or near to a local
public plug (ie - the pub again!)
It's a bit quiet... - Take some music (PUMP IT UP LOUD!!) or get a friend involved, make the field your office space.
Err - I need the loo...- Without just answering "pub" - it's probably a good idea to have
local public amenities nearby. The reason I refer to pubs is because
they are probably the only local facilities in the countryside.
With kids? Your joking? -
I'm even more serious if you have kids! Although I wouldn't advise this
with very young children/babies - most big kids love big open spaces.
There's endless games to play outdoors, grab a few games/ideas and let
them play whilst you work. You might even be able to enjoy a bit of
piece and quiet!
It's going to be uncomfortable- It's free space my dears - we shouldn't be so picky! Millets (and the
like) do great camping/portable basic furniture which is ideal if you
plan on sitting around all day
http://www.millets.co.uk/camping/furniture/product/095564.html - Table
http://www.millets.co.uk/camping/furniture/product/096188.html - Chair
There's no nearby fields?- So getting out of the city everyday might not be an option, but hell
- aim to do it once a week! Or if your not into fields... why not spend
the day working from somewhere new; a cafe, bar, from a high viewpoint,
or just under a friggin' tree!
The whole idea of this is to make the most of our week long summer and to improve productivity in a new environment!
