Taking Family Photos

When my four children were small, there was no problem at all with taking their photos. Now, Ella at almost 21 is only interested in being behind the camera, George at 18 and Henry at 15 both point blank refuse. Only Flora can be relied on to provide a continuous record of visual imagery through her life. However, on Mother's Day I used all my emotional blackmail techniques, including the "I gave you life, the least you can do is let me photograph that life" phrase, and Henry agreed to a fast portrait session. Flora was not amused at having to share the lens with her twin - but did see the funny side of it after the first shot produced nothing but mutiny. So here are the best of the results, all taken within 3 very short minutes. The colour photos are SOOC with no editing or cropping. The b&w have been desaturated (obviously) with a few adjustments to contrast and brightness.

And finally, not forgetting the Mother who gave me life, here's one of her and Flora. Ella is back next week and I will make it my challenge to get one of all of us together...

Summer Comes!

a photo by boo * on Flickr.

I haven't been brilliant with taking photos, keeping my blog up to date or posting on Flickr lately. This is because a week ago, I took out my faithful 40D from its winter hiding place, carefully put on my trusty nifty fifty lens and went out into the garden to catch some blossom. And oh no! The camera refused to work! I went to charge up the battery, although deep inside I knew the battery wasn't at fault. After a whole night in the charger, I tried again. Nothing, absolutely nothing. Almost in tears I researched on the web and discovered that some 40D's with a particular code, had a habit of their motor breaking. In despair I rang the most recommended repair shop and on hearing the serial number of my camera, immediately said it was more than 90% likely I'd lost at least one of the two motors. So, my camera is now being repaired -and I have to say that after only a few thousand photos, I am rather shocked that a Canon can be so faulty.

So here is my shot for today - we started with rain and we're ending the day with blue skies and the promise of HEAT for the weekend!!