Finding my feet

I discovered photography when a friend introduced me to Flickr. I had been experimenting with a compact Samsung, my first foray into the world of digital, but this new world of other people's creativity stunned me. I tentatively purchased a starter Nikon SLR and began to explore my own capabilities. Someone had given me Photoshop and it wasn't long before I yearned to understand what it could do - and more importantly, what I could do with it! A painful self taught period started, and culminated in me throwing my arms up in despair. I couldn't, just couldn't, understand layers. And the more people kept telling me that "layers are great - they're so easy" the more I despaired. A kindly work colleague stepped in and patiently taught me exactly what I needed to know. Looking back, those first attempts at layers were not good! I think this one was the first to go public!!

But encouraged by the kindness of fellow Flickrites, I pursued my new found hobby. A golden handshake from qualifying as a teacher came through about this time - and with some trepidation I decided to abandon Nikon and move into the world of Canon - a 40D - at that time brand new. It felt fantastic and I began to fly. The past 18 months has seen a real interruption   to my photographic past time - and it has only been in the last few weeks that I have slowly been able to return. I cannot thank enough those who develop beautiful actions and textures which they give away freely. Lately I have been exploring those that come from the ever creative Pixel Lounge  as used in today's photo. Thank you.

Summer Holiday Dreaming

The weather has turned cold again - so unfriendly!! And I am left looking back at last year's holiday snaps and dreaming of next August when once again we'll be glamping in Gower!

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...

Gardens and Allotments

The last few days have been blissful; unseasonably warm and so sunny!! Unfortunately this seems set to change, so the past weekend has been spent tidying and cleaning the garden. The build up of general muck over the winter is pretty amazing - I only have a tiny garden - but it took hours to sweep, bag rubbish and pressure wash. But it's now done - ready for some serious relaxing with wine, books and bbq's.

The pergola needs a new hammock! Each year I've bought a very cheap one - with the result that they collapse by the end of the Summer. This year I'm determined to buy a proper one!! The only problem is deciding on the colour from this selection....

My eldest daughter has been on the waiting list for an allotment for the last three years - and now that she's reached the top of that list, she's away at university during term times! Luckily, she was allowed to select an official co-worker - so the sunny days saw the first digging over of the allotment. I'm very impatient - we have carrots, peas, yellow courgettes and climbing beans waiting to be planted - I can't wait!!

Of course the dogs come to help too!!

Art is the only way...

Art is the only way..., to run away without leaving home. (Twyla Tharp) a photo by boo * on Flickr.

I've had several exciting deliveries! First came an awning for my wonderful Bell Tent. It came via the Netherlands as even with postage, it worked out a lot cheaper than it's London counterpart... I am soooooooo excited that we are off on a camping trip three weeks tomorrow!!! There are 25 of us going, two of us with Bell tents - and we're going to have an amazing Royal Wedding tea party to celebrate the unexpected, but totally welcome, day off!!
My next delivery was the game Werewolves - bought specifically for the camping trip as it's an ideal game for more than 8 people - hopefully the camp site, the open air and the dark will lend it a huge degree of authenticity. The next arrival was Alison Jackson's latest offering, a totally irreverent but extremely funny look at that same wedding. And my final box?? Well, that contained Wonders of the Universe - a present for Flora who had produced a magnificent school report - A's for Maths and all three sciences... The box also contained the book by the lady who gave today's pic it's title. I can't wait to start reading it.

Flora, Mother's Day

 a photo by boo * on Flickr.

I'm overjoyed to have my camera back again! So here is my celebratory shot for Mother's Day. It's been a great weekend - relaxing in the bar at the golf club whilst Flora had her lesson - collecting my fab awning for my Bell Tent from good camping buddy Maureen, meeting up with my Mum today and eating, several helpings, of her wonderful deep fried won tons in sweet and sour sauce. Yummm - and most of all, spending the day with sweet Flora. I wish Ella could have been here today - but I did get to glimpse my boys for slightly more than 5 seconds!! Happy Mother's Day to all mums out there. xxxx

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!!