NOTE: this entire site is under reconstruction from my photographic business to my publishing business. Be aware that many pages will be inaccurate, out of date and in process of update. This will take from now (May 2025) up to (I hope) sometime in July!
NEW!
This was once the Photographic Emporium but I was finally obliged to retire (for the third time) by age and declining health. But I can still write and publish. So now it is a showcase for my bookstore. My original books were Compendia for camera collectors and those books are still available - updated and I believe the best reference anywhere worldwide for collectors interested in the SLR, the TLR and reduced format versions of 35mm cameras such as half frame and 24mm square. Plus a rather cynical history of Eastman/Kodak and showcase of their pre-1900 models.
But that has been well expanded as I got better at self-published Print on Demand book creation. I'm narcissistic enough to believe that some people will find my ideas and writings entertaining. A series of 'Little Grumpy Books' for I am nothing if not a bit grumpy. Illustrated books for older children such as the Bestiary. A couple of novels and an unauthorised autobiography! Some poetry (who buys poetry anymore? But it's great to write!) And as I improve my cartooning skills, there will be some rather sour and cynical graphic commentaries on the gross stupidities of the world.
All are available through www.Blurb/afildes where you can see previews, prices and details and order up one or two or ten. I have included some samples of my general writings and commentaries here as a taster - so that you can see if you like my view of the world or whether I merely irritate and annoy. Not that that is a bad thing. Socrates was nicknamed The Gadfly because he annoyed and bit the citizens of Athens. And he was usually right. I also loved the idea of the Essayists of the 17-18th century who sold their ideas and sermons in the city streets. I have been tempted to revive that approach but such things as podcasts have replaced that way of getting your ideas out there.
You can contact me through the Contact Page on this site, direct by email to soultheft@optusnet.com.au or call/message any time on 61-404 33 00 75.
Andrew Fildes - Dealer in Ideas
Image ©Rob Leeson
Ring the bells that still can ring,
Forget your perfect offering,
There is a crack, a crack in everything.
That's how the light gets in.
"Anthem" - Leonard Cohen
"Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it." - Confucius