Week No. 50 - Saturday, 17th December 2011

Festive Colour

Had a bit of an experiment with this one. Tried holding the camera steady (with the monkey in the middle of the frame, turned the zoom lens to the widest setting, then with a longish shutter speed, pressed the button and twisted the lens till it zoomed fully on the monkey. This effect is the result, I think it makes him look like Super Monkey with lasers? Is that just me? Anyway, it kept me busy for half an hour!

Week No. 49 - Saturday, 10th December 2011

Traditions - Jingle Bells

I tried to get the 'argument stocking' in this photo as the theme for this week is traditions that you have in your household at this time of year. Putting up the decorations, fetching the tree, Christmas parties - oh no not us. Our tradition is the girls arguing who gets the snowman stocking! The teddy is always favourite and every year they both want him, I like the snowman stocking but the moral of the story is buy two the same next time!! I know you can't really see the teddy stocking but I quite like the effect of just the bells being in focus.

Hope you all have your decorations up and I promise to catch up with this blog soon.

Week No. 48 - Saturday, 3rd December 2011

Twinkle, twinkle little star

Our Church has a big star decoration that is put up every year and when I read the theme for this week thought oh that's easy - ha. I went down to photograph said star (dodging the rain all week), long lens on and bingo. Got home and realised that the beautiful star is actually two pieces of wood bound together with rope with little bulbs! Not a good photograph. The illusion is definitely better than reality in this case and I should have used a wide angle lens and taken the whole church at night. So instead I have gone all abstract with some Ikea star fairy lights.

Week No. 47 - Saturday, 26th November 2011

Water, water everywhere......

Zac proves there was a drop to drink! From his favourite watering hole, Elvaston Castle - got reflection and lots of ducks and not much else!

How behind am I with this blog? - sorry.

Week No. 46 - Saturday, 19th November 2011

Over the Top

What a good way to watch the parade through the city centre today, it was the 9th/12th Royal Lancers, Derbyshire's cavalry regiment returning home from Helmand Province. It was great to watch and brought a real lump to my throat.

Week No. 45 - Saturday, 12th November 2011

Book Title - Bite Me!

Seemed appropriate to use one of my favourite chocolates to represent one of my favourite books, especially as the new film is coming out this weekend (so excited). Ok so the teeth aren't brilliant but you get the idea. Unfortunately, I had to eat 6 chocolates to get the right look - honestly! Been to the dentist tonight as well, thank the lord for soft focus as it has covered up my terrible photoshopping skills a treat!

Week No. 44 - Saturday, 5th November 2011

Muted Tones

With the weather dull and grey, I noticed that the vibrant red leaves that we have had through September and October all seem to have turned a golden yellow (those that haven't decided to fall to the ground and drive Zac mad - he loves chasing rustling leaves!).

The competition theme next at Camera Club is abstract so I am attempting 'panning' to get an abstract picture that doesn't look like I have it on the wrong setting or just about to trip over!!

NOT EASY - MORE PRACTISE IS DEFINITELY NEEDED

Happy Bonfire night x

Week No. 43 - Saturday, 29th October 2011

Shadows

This week's theme has been trick(y) to capture but luckily I was treat(ed) to some nice strong sun one dinner time and managed to snap me and Zac on his walk. I've used my bat phone and it's not too bad although I'm not usually over the moon with pictures I take on it normally.

Ok ok, enough of that. Have a scary but fun Halloween everyone!!

Week No. 42 - Saturday, 22nd October 2011

True Beauty

All little (and big) girls are beautiful I know but here's a picture of two that really warms my heart. It's my niece Eva with big cousin Hope at her Thanksgiving ceremony/4th birthday party. Eva is one brave little girl, she is doing so well and never stops smiling. I love this picture, especially their smiles and joined hands. I think it is probably one of my favourite photos that I have taken.

Week No. 41 - Saturday, 15th October 2011

Architecture

How strange, this week's theme is architecture and at Camera Club it is the theme of the competition too. I dragged Carl out one evening last week to take a few evening shots for the competition, this is about my favourite. It is of the Silk Mill in Derby and the lit paved area just in front of it and the new bridge. I decided against using any of the picture but I thought I would put this one on my blog. The picture I have decided to use in the competition is of Sudbury Hall so fingers crossed x

Week No. 40 - Saturday, 7th October 2011

A taste for Vintage

I must admit I love old fashioned teddy bears and they are probably my favourite vintage items. This one was a present to Kirsten when she was born from my Mum and Dad and it is lovely. I have given the picture a 'vintage' treatment too to make it look more authentic. This week's theme was tricky as we live in a modern/throw-away age and even though I have been accused of being a real hoarder, probably the only other really old thing I own is a bit of jewellery.

Week No. 39 - Saturday, 1st October 2011

Man -v- Nature

I took part in the Worldwide Photo Walk today around Derby City Centre, kindly arranged and led by Barry. It was a lovely hot day (a bit too bright for photos but nice to be out and about in). I love these heads on Friar Gate and have photographed them already (last year's blog) but I couldn't resist snapping them again. Unfortunately, they are cracking and quite damaged - probably from last year's severe winter or vandalisum but the ones that are still in tact are lovely. (Told you I like funny faces).

I like how these faces have mingled with the fallen leaves to look like zombies climbing out of the base of the tree - aaaaarrrgggghhhhhh!

Week No. 38 - Saturday, 24th September 2011

It's in the Eyes!

Couldn't resist this one (it was a bit of a gift eh?) Turned it black and white to make it more Parisian!! There were loads of photo opportunities, not original but got to be done.

Week No. 37 - Saturday, 17th September 2011

Momentous Moment

For my 40th birthday I always envisioned being somewhere wonderful and making a memory that I would never forget. In the run up to my birthday I couldn't really picture what that memory would be, I have always wanted to go to Egypt and see Abu Simbel but it is a difficult place to get to even from most Egyptian resorts so I put that to the back of my mind. I quite fancied New York but that was too expensive. However, Carl, my best friend Alison and her husband Blair came up trumps and this is the memory that I made for my 4-0. Regulars to my blog know that I like statues and funny faces, well these guys didn't disappoint. The gargoyles of Notre Dame were the best, we had a wonderful weekend, saw the Catacombes (eerie), the topless dancers of Le Lido (sparkle-ly!) and the bars (pricey). We queued for this amazing view and luckily it was free (even better).

Thanks guys - I love you xxxx

Week No. 36 - Saturday, 10th September 2011

'Thirst for Knowledge'

Apologies for the lateness of this blog, it has been the title that has held me up. The girls started back to school about three weeks ago and I thought easy, I'll get a photo of them doing their homework. As with all best laid plans everytime they hit the books I'm too busy to get the camera out! Then I couldn't decide what to photograph, eventually I had some nice evening light tonight and grabbed Kirsten for this shot. I like the jaunty angle of the glass but am mostly relieved that this week is done. Right, now I want a better title to play with.

Week No. 35 - Saturday, 3rd September 2011

Lazy Cat or Smug Cat?

Meet the star of this week's blog, the theme for which is 'Lazy', or as he is otherwise known "Zac's Nemesis! He is sitting on next door's shed roof which is just in Zac's line of vision as he steps out our backdoor, flys at the wall (with a large drop on the other side) and barks his head off. This is the face that the cat pulls, he couldn't give a monkeys, or his is doing it to wind Zac up as he knows the wall is there? He was enjoying the sun this morning and luckily Zac didn't spot him so I was able to take lots of pictures uninterrupted. However, taking a white cat with the sun shining on it surrounded by dark green foliage is no mean feat and getting the camera to expose correctly for his fur and not 'burn out' the white of his coat was a challenge. This is by no means 100% but it's getting there, the sun on the leaves is nice but I have had to sharpen his face a little to get more detail into him.

Week No. 34 - Saturday, 27th August 2011

This week's theme is connections and I have really struggled to find a subject! Ended up cheating and taking pictures yesterday (late, I know) at Skegness. Kirsten and I went with my Mum and Dad for the day. The front has had a lot of work and money spent on it and I love the blue colour that all the metal work has been painted along the promenade (connections get it? No, oh well I said I was struggling!) I decided to give the picture an old postcard feel too just for fun. Unfortunately, whilst we were there one of the rides on the pleasure beach 'collapsed' with 22 people on it. The ride abruptly stopped and banged down on the ground, one woman has serious head injuries and six other people are in hospital. Seeing all the ambulances and fire engines made my blood run cold as the rides were our next port of call. My heart goes out to the children and adults hurt and their families who had to stand and watch helplessly, I hope all are recovering from their frightening ordeal. X

Week No. 33 - Saturday, 20th August 2011

'Slow Down and Look Back'

This week's theme has really challenged me, Carl suggested taking a photo of him jogging and me lagging behind - cheek! Instead I chose to photograph Hope holding a picture of herself at about 14 months looking back at the camera with a big cheesy grin. I sometimes wish time would slow down and that they hadn't grown up so quickly, thank goodness for photos. My passion for taking pictures has grown out of capturing these precious moments that I love looking back at. Go on get those old piccies out - you'll be glad you did XX

Week No. 32 - Saturday, 13th August 2011

My favourite time of the day

This is probably a bit predictable but I love the part of the day when I can sit down, cup of tea in hand and watch exactly what I want on the telly! At the moment Monday nights are my favorite, tv wise, I love Britain and Irelands Next Top Model. Not exactly challenging viewing but I love watching the photo shoots and how the final photographs turn out (and there is a bit of reality tv thrown in too with the wannabe models living together). After a busy day it is lovely to sit down and veg out - bliss.

Week No. 31 - Saturday, 6th August 2011

Up, up and away!

This week's theme is sky and here is a shot of the monorail at Alton Towers lit by the evening sun. It's taken on my little compact and there is a bit of lens flare but I like the sky and was lucky that a carriage went past just at the right time.

Week No. 30 - Saturday, 30th July 2011

Alton's Letters

Photographing letters of the alphabet really shouldn't be this difficult but I have left taking pictures for this week's blog until today (whoops) but here we are. The letter S made of phox in the garden is quite significant for me as my Grandma has a photograph of her Grandad standing beside the monument as he was a head gardener there. After abit of internet searching I found that the monument is in honour of the man who designed the gardens, the inscription 'he made the desert smile' is reference to the fact that he transformed the grounds of the hall completely. Grandma's family have always had connections to Uttoxeter and the surrounding area. The bookworm on the S is from the Storyland area and X Sector is where I screamed like a complete girl on Oblivion and lost my voice! Happy days.

Week No. 29 - Saturday, 23rd July 2011

Get in Close

Well it's been a while since Zac appeared in the blog so here he is. I got up close and personal whilst he was sunbathing on the patio but he wasn't really very keen and kept moving his head. Managed to get this one with my reflection, I like the sky behind me. Used my close up filter as the macro lens fairy seems to have lost my address - shame!

Week No. 28 - Saturday, 16th July 2011

Took these pictures this weekend at the Latitude festival in Southwold, Suffolk. We had a great time, saw OMD, Adam Ant, Seasick Steve who I loved (this makes me sound really old) and loads of new bands too. I thought the theme would be really easy as there was bound to be a sweetie stall in the market somewhere but most stalls sold burgers or noodles (usual fesitval fayre I suppose). Latitude is quite a middle class festival so there was an Ostrich burger van and Loch Fyne oysters! Posh eh? Even posh people have to walk through mud though and there was plenty of it all over the site. My first hot shower when we got back was lovely.

Week No. 27 - Saturday, 9th July 2011

Nature's Delights

Whilst watching a family of starlings feeding on some bread I had thrown out, an adult house sparrow with it's chick completely stole the show and I had to capture this tender moment. The bird feeder has proved to be a great sucess and I love seeing the different birds it attracts. I like the puzzled look on the young starlings face.

Week No. 26 - Saturday, 2nd July 2011

Hidden Object

Ok this is pushing the title a little bit but the urn was hidden until Mum worked her magic on the little bit of garden we have in the corner of the garden.

I have been practising with my close up filter and I've added the coloured border just to add a bit more interest using one of the many iridescent colours on the fly's back.

Week No. 25 - Saturday, 25th June 2011

'Crave'

This was a tough one this week! I thought about how to create a crave picture but apart from the usual jewellery and handbags there isn't anything that I really crave. I decided to be a bit cruel to Carl, bless him. He is on a strict diet (Dr Dukan's), which is protein one day then protein and veg the next day. His spices, vinegars and recipe book have taken over the kitchen but he's doing really well. Stuck this chocolate pudding next to his stuff to represent what he has given up to lose the weight. If he does crave chocolate then he certainly doesn't say so (I know I would) but I think a beer might be another matter. Keep up the good work Carl X

Week No. 24 - Saturday, 18th June 2011

Make it Tasty!

My Mum and Dad came over this week and trimmed back the ivy in the garden (thanks you two!) Mum got stuck into the little bit of garden and it looks brill, the birds certainly think so. Knowing the the title for this week was 'tasty' I tried to catch a picture of the cheeky blackbird that keeps swooping down to get worms. Couldn't get one I was happy with until this morning, he was sitting on the top of the garage and I snapped him, although I think he is carrying bread and not a worm. Oh well, he thinks it's tasty at least.

Week No. 23 - Saturday, 11th June 2011

Bit late again I know but here is this week's effort on the theme of 'enchanted'. This little plaque is supposed to be attached to a tree or wall, unfortunately it is still waiting to be put in it's official spot. I thought I would make a collage to show off it's details. The bird feeder is in place in the garden and I am hoping for a theme to do with wild birds soon, especially black birds and pigeons as they seem to be the only birds it is attracting!

Week No. 22 - Saturday, 4th June 2011

'Reflection'

Here is my lovely Pixie admiring herself in the mirror. I got the idea from Country File last weekend, they have just launched the new photography competition for next year's calendar. Chris Packham recommended putting your camera down on the floor by the animal to get a quirky perspective. Well Pixie must be sick of me getting in her run and pointing my camera at her. She couldn't resist a quick glance in the mirror though and I caught a nice picture. It's very hit and miss but rewarding when a picture turns out nice and sharp. I tried it with Zac but needed a really wide angle lens as I ended up with only his nose! He ran off anyway, rubbish model that he is.

Week No. 21 - Saturday, 28th May 2011

'Need for Speed'

I have been trying to use a long exposure time to capture the movement of Hope's 360 jump on the trampoline. Unfortunately, the speed she need to jump at was too great and the pictures just looked like a weird blur! I like this one best which has a fast shutter speed in order to catch the action. I've cloned out the annoying ribbon that keeps her top on a coat hanger - why do they bother with them, everyone I know just cuts them out. My eyes were drawn to it too much so it had to go. Poor old Hope was shattered after doing loads of spinning jumps for me, next door must think we are completely mad.

Week No. 20 - Saturday, 21st May 2011

'Spring Fever'

With the weather turning so nice, we went photo crazy at my Mum and Dad's - I think this hot weather has gone to our heads!!

This was one of those occasions where you know what you want to take and sort of how it should look but it is really hard to actually achieve. This is the best of the bunch and yes we ate the biscuits afterwards! Smiley faces are my favourite biscuits after Hob Nobs, Penguins, and Clubs.... hang on I think they're all my favourite (whoops).

Mum held the biscuit and I played around with the depth of field to try and not blur Kirsten completely so you got the idea.

Week No. 19 - Saturday, 14th May 2011

'Window Light'

Still trying to catch up with everything since decorating, here is last week's effort (just a little bit late).

This week's could only be taken using available light from a nearby window. This cat is from my Aunty and Uncle and is actually towards my birthday (bit naughty as it's not yet!). My Aunty knows I love the artist Rosina Wachmeister and bought me one of her little cats. I have put an elements action on the image just to jazz it up abit. I found the reflection from the window a bit tricky and had to be careful with the cats white face as it lost detail so I underexposed slightly.

Right, must be on time with this week's - it's Spring Fever, so hope the weather picks up.

Week No. 18 - Saturday, 7th May 2011

'First thing in the morning'

This week's theme was a bit challenging to say the least as first thing in the morning is usually my busiest time. However, the light outside this morning was lovely so I grabbed the camera and literally lay over the wall looking down onto this rhododendron! I must have looked mad.

I love the colour of this flower so have cropped really tight to concentrate totally on the pink. I also messed about with the colour of the border just for fun.