CUTE COUSINS

One needs to be an opportunist, so I stuck my camera in the car while off to visit with extended family.  It was the first time for our grand-daughter Peppah to meet her cousins Nate and Bela, so I grabbed a few delightful photos while they played.

"I'm not sharing my biscuit with you girls - it's mine!" says Nate.

Peppah and Bela wondering what all the fuss is about!

"Listen up cus, if we're good we might get more..."

"Yep, I know, the secret is to smile and then they'll give us..." says Peppah

"Thanks Peppah, look it's working - look whats coming" says Bela

REFLECTIONS:

• Take every opportunity that you get - those moments will become your memories
• 7 month old babies move very quickly and just do life - no posing!
• This was fun.  Makes me want to do more baby shoots!

Quote:
         'Every child born into the world is a new thought of God, an ever fresh and radiant possibility.'
                                                                                                        Kate Douglas Wiggin, 1856-1923

A NEW LIFE IS BORN - before and after!

What a special time pregnancy is - a time of anticipation and wonder, and then - the joys of meeting this precious little one that followed! 

I've had the joy and privilege to capture these moments, and it's been a most rewarding photographic journey. Not only that but I've made 3 new friends. Awesome!

 

This next photo is stunningly beautiful - celebrating the wonder of new life.

I had lots of fun using a variety of silky fabrics for draping.

This wasn't without a few challenges which meant I've learned what 'not to do', that said,

I think I still achieved interesting photos.

And now...

a big welcome to little 'Zoe' 

born 9th Sept '11

Captured in sweet bliss in her bassinet - what perfect little features!

 

 

 

I love this photo of dad and daughter bonding - precious!



"Mummy, I love you, you're the best mum in the whole world."

A real family at last.

"Yep, I'm the centre of their attention!"

Now for my favourite photo - but then I'm biased - what do you think?

So every girl has to have her toys - "so here's a few of my favouites so far!"

"And just to prove I'm a real girl just take a look at my gorgeous cards!"

So finally, a huge thanks to Abbey and Keith for allowing me to capture this very special time in their lives. You guys are awesome! 

REFLECTIONS:

• I definitely get a 'buzz' out of creating beautiful moments.
• Work precedes rewards!
• I love the energy and vitality that new friends bring to your life.

Quote:

'In the world of photography, you get to share a captured moment with other people.'

                                                                                                                      James Wilson

Week Eight : Self Portraiture - 'Interesting angles'

Every project theme seems to awaken something new in my creative thinking, and that's a good thing! This week I decided to tackle various angles to see what variety I could achieve. Obviously there's no end to the possibilities but here's a look at my weeks efforts.

A visit to the local Hynds yard was an interesting one, and as before it meant adhering to safety regulations on site but it wasn't a problem. I was pleased to achieve these three shots.

 This photo was taken down the length of a long concrete pipe - interesting view I thought.

By shooting into the sun I achieved a querky shadow that's different.  I like the shapes created by this angle.





The nest two give a fresh perspective of life in the kitchen. I enjoyed playing around with my camera - even stuck it inside the dishwasher and the fridge, generally goofing around!
Anyway the first is taken from the floor, perhaps this is how our cat sees us?

The second one was from on top of the fridge giving the opposite viewpoint.

I love stairways!
I wish I had access to more, especially those very old sweeping staircases that lend themselves to very glamourous photography or conversely something very old and dark - um... my imagination keeps growing with fresh ideas!

So yes, we have a stairway and this next photo would be my favourite of the week.  I like the way the light is falling and the abstract nature of the pose invites one to think.

This next ones a bit different, taking it up close and personal.

Following the theme of feet a bit here's another interesting angle!

My last photo shoot for the week caught both the serious and stupid side of me!

The first was just chilling out in a reflective mood.

Finally on a lighter note, I thought I'd try to capture myself in a mid air jump, you know those crazy stunts young people do!

Well, first I'm not so young and jumping isn't my usual habit, but even so I got some fun shots and the satisfaction of the effort. Thankfully no one was watching!   ..."silly lady...."

I purposefully took these shots on an angle - my first time trying this.

So thanks for laughing with/at me!

And thanks if you've taken the time to follow my blog - let me know what you've enjoyed?



REFLECTIONS:

Creativity has no limit, so I'm continuing to explore the possibilities.

Quote:
  'Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.'
                                                                                                          Scott Adams

God 'rested' on the 7th day; and I'm appreciating that taking time to rest helps restore my creativity. Continuous output becomes draining - so I may not blog quite so often but hopefully the result will be still better work.

I need to do some study to balance out my skills - maybe?

Week seven : Self portraiture - 'urban'

Life handed me a 'busy' card for a couple of weeks -  the wet weather didn't help either, so hence the gap in blogging.

From time to time I ask myself, "why am I doing this self portraiture stuff, what's the point?"
and then I remind myself that it's a journey of creative discovery - both of my camera/photographic skills and about knowing what stimulates and interests me, about expressing my artistic talent.  For a season this self portraiture serves as a tool to grow my skills, giving me a freedom to explore without restraints from anyone else.

I sense the stirrings of God in me as I create and capture images. For me to visualize and create an image is almost as rewarding as the final photo.

This week reflects an 'urban' theme, which ended up more challenging than I'd thought.
I wonder if living in a city would have made it easier to capture this, or at least given me more variety to choose from ..... or am I finding excuses??
Anyway, I think it's been a good exercise in growing courage - it definitely takes courage to get out amongst people, where they can see and interact with you.

(Remember to double click on photos to enlarge/ hit backspace to return to blog)


This photo taken at the local skate park was fun - at least the creative mental process was. On the day I had about one hour without rain, if that, so it held some challenges but I was very happy with the outcome.
I had a passer by who said "hello miss, what ya doing?" ...

Considering we live so close to the 'red shed' I figured it represented an urban image in our town. For obvious reasons I wanted to capture an outdoors photo. Needless to say I preferred being outside in the carpark!

For this next shot I couldn't get a busy town scene, with lights and crossings, so as always we improvise and use what we have. A quiet Sunday afternoon was my friend as I had to negotiate with getting a clear strip of road to get this.
I love this shot - for just a moment I look half my age - with the cropped version that is!

I was inspired by a friend to add some movement into my shots, so these two are for you Neil.  I almost chickened out of doing it but like most things, the fear of it is far worse than the actual event, which I really enjoyed.
This is my first attempt at capturing some blur effects - I like the feel of movement created with my foot and jacket - I've given you two variations to enjoy.

I had loads of fun with the last shoot. I found two guys working for Inframax who were keen as to play along with my idea and made it happen for me. My concept was to create a scene where I was only partially 'suited for the job', the other part being a gal in high heels and fishnets!
I hope you laugh with me, not at me, as I think these photos are funny and I'm glad I did it!

REFLECTIONS:

I'm continually challenged to overcome my fears - in fact I'm a strong believer in this statement of mine that has helped me over the years -
         
         'if you can face your fears, you'll encourage others to face theirs'

Growth only happens when we use what we have.
(it's time for you to take your 'seedling ideas' out of their 'packet' and get them growing!)

Moments..... become memories - so take lots of photos, especially of the ones you love.

I've taken my friend Joy's quote to heart -
         'dare to be a little eccentric'     - I'm trying!

Week six : Self portraiture - 'eyes'

Eyes are said to be 'the windows of the soul,' and so I guess this makes me feel a bit vunerable - what will others see in my eyes? At least I'm being honest - but really I'm ok with this, else I wouldn't be doing this self photography at all.

This week has been different in that I've been busy with other stuff and so I think this has dulled my enthusiasm and creativeness somewhat. That said I feel I have still achieved and are learning all the time, which is the object of all this after-all!

This photo is perhaps my best use of eyes, in that there's something mysterious and captivating when less is more. 
What do you think?

My next photo shoot added several really nice photos to my collection but most capture my face rather than my eyes, so I've given you two variations here.

I tried to get more creative with this next one. My opportunity for the right light in this situation meant only a window of about 10 minutes, otherwise I had sun in my glasses or not enough light. So this was worked on over two days until I finally got what I was after!
I think it's quite querky.

I'm looking forward to when I can be behind the camera, photographing someone else.
I find the hardest part in self portraiture is getting the focus right.


This next one evolved into a studio look, using the flowers as a prop to give full focus to the eyes. I have used a soft focus to enhance this photo.

REFLECTIONS:

When 'life happens,' go with the flow!
Being a photographer isn't glamourous, most of the time it's creative effort.
I'm proud to have achieved this six week collection of photos.

Quote:

'a good snapshot stops a moment from running away.' 
                                                                                          Eudora Welty

Self Portaiture : Week Five - 'Props'

The idea of using props as a theme, means that while it is still self portraiture the actual prop should be the main focus. Hence I have endeavoured to remain somewhat out of focus in all the photos this week.
I thought this would be easy enough to do, however all required plenty of patience once again!

I've enjoyed the 'thinking process' of finding props and the creativity that follows. I guess over time I will invariably add more to my collection of bits and pieces - I seem to be always watching out for them these days!
The weather hasn't been kind for outdoor work this week, so I took my opportunity on one day, to do two photo shots - very thankful I did.



My first photo of the week turned out to be a mission actually, mainly because I had trouble getting the focus where I wanted it and while I spent much time on this, I still haven't achieved my ideal here.
Anyway... the prop was the hat, but being black it doesn't feature quite so prominently as if it had been a lighter colour.

Note: to see photos enlarged, double click on photo - to return, press backspace)

A visit to a local playground was next and I was able to take advantage of the sunshine! Fortunately the place wasn't over run with children and I had it all to myself.

I was pleased with this photo which seems to capture a nice balance of light and interest.

This next one will get a few laughs for sure! 

Offically, this is now my second attempt at planking to date!

When a friend gave this fox fur to me I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

Don't you love the gleem in the fox's eye!                   

(click on the photo's to enlarge them/ backspace to return to blog)

It was back to my 'makeshift studio' for this one, trying to capture a little bit of mystique, using the fan as my prop.

I like the light in this one, both on the fan and on my cheek. I felt I had learned to use my lights more effectively on these shots.

I've given you a second one - Ali's choice - which do you prefer and why?

This last photo was filled with challenges - namely our cat!

She is not always the most loving and even less the most cooperative cat around, but she became my prop none the less!  If only she was in a mellow, sleepy state but no ... so, I tried to get what I wanted and came close, at least the idea was creative.

REFLECTIONS : Week 5

Most 'art' takes more work than you realise or appreciate.

Patience is a virtue.

Creativity is in my blood!

My housework is suffering - but it won't ever be fully done!

Photography wise - I have so much to learn - but I'm ok with that.

A quote that I'm stirred by -

'Good photographers take great pictures; great photographers create images.'