Another image from Avedon's 'Women' exhibition at The Gagosian in Beverly Hills. I've always loved his 'In The American West' series and it was a big influence on 'Pony Kids', but then Avedon has always been an influence (worth mentioning August Sander and Diane Arbus here too!). I remember going to photograph/interview Diana Vreeland in the Costume Institute at The Met in my school holidays, Easter 1979. After doing the interview Diana Vreeland picked up the phone, rang "Dick" (Avedon) and said, "there's a cute young English photographer here you have to meet". Yikes! Fortunately/unfortunately Avedon was going to China the next day and couldn't meet. However, I did manage to pick up a signed copy of 'Avedon: photographs 1944-1977' - which had been published the previous year to coincide with a retrospective at the Met - and have treasured it ever since. Great to see some of the prints from that exhibition at The Gagosian. The only time I came closer to meeting Avedon was when we brushed shoulders at Galway airport - a portacabin at the time - in the late Eighties or early Nineties. By the time I realised it was him he had gone. A giant.

Working with the handsome Lucky Blue.

Working on final proof of a little book I'm having printed here in Los Angeles.

On a recce day in Los Angeles and found this Lynchian block of apartments. Sadly it's not what I'm looking for, but it caught my eye anyway!

Just seen this wonderful film. Adele Exarchopoulos, who plays the lead Adele (left on poster), is totally mesmerising. She reminds me of an older Winnie (from my film Pavee Lackeen).

Still shooting in Connemara. Love the textures of the interior of this ruin.

Working with the beautiful Rosie Tapner. A little chilly today but at least there's no wind.... and Rosie has been brilliant!

I've always found Connemara to be a great source of inspiration. The landscape, the light, the people... and these wonderful old stone cottages, now, for the most part, in ruins. I've always admired the craftsmanship involved in building these. I wonder how much longer they'll be around?

Always a joy to discover a new part of Connemara.

Enjoyed seeing Richard Mosse's exhibition 'Enclave' at the Irish Pavilion at the Venice Biennale which consists of three large prints and a six screen film installation. Mosse is known for his ongoing series of infra red colour photos in the conflict zones of DR Congo but this is the first time I've seen his film work. Haunting images.