Project 365 - Day Two Hundred And Eighteen

So there's not much to say about today's photo. It's simply a photo of something beautiful. Enjoy:

Image taken 30 June 2011

I'll try an shake it up a bit - I just realized I've posted three macro shots in a row. What can I say macro is just so much fun! One thing that sets this shot slightly apart is that I only pressed the shutter button twice. I'm try to teach myself to set up the shot and envisage it all before I even think of hitting the shutter button. Sometimes I can take a HEAP of shots just to get one single photo. It's all about becoming a smarter photographer.

So I have a question... I often struggle to figure out how to 'sign off' from my posts. Are you a fan of the signature type thing or do you like it to be a different sign off every time? What's your opinion?

Until next time I hope your week has been magnificent!

Project 365 - Day Two Hundred And Seventeen

I have this pretty top I picked up while I was in Nice, France (as you do). Anyway it has this cute little necklace attached to it and as I was a little stuck for ideas I thought it was the perfect time to practice my 'details' shots.

Image taken 29 June 2011

Once again -- how much do I love macro!!??!! It's like you get a whole different perspective on life. I mean I could have just taken a normal - kind of uninteresting - shot of the shirt but instead I decided to focus on the details which looks a lot more interesting in my opinion.

One more update and then I'm back on schedule.

Project 365 - Day Two Hundred And Sixteen

I figured it was time to showcase an invaluable little tool I carry around it my kit. This is the top of my useful Lenspen.

Image taken 28 June 2011

This little device has saved me from a bad picture due to dirty glass. It clears away smudges, dirt, and anything else that may have made it's way onto my lenses in the course of a shoot. It's the most useful thing for cleaning my lenses - and I've tried most things on the market.

Hold tight another update is on its way.

Project 365 - Day Two Hundred And Fifteen

On day two hundred and fifteen I headed down to a local lake - mainly to get myself out of the house and out into nature. Sometimes I am overcome with an overwhelming desire to simply get out into nature and enjoy the natural landscape. Can you relate?

Image taken 27 June 2011

I love the way the lake acts as a gigantic mirror. You get a perfect image of the tree line. I wish the lily pads hadn't have been in the way as much. They just ruined the perfect mirror image. I'll defiantly be heading back to that spot.

Another update is coming your way super soon.

Project 365 - Day Two Hundred And Fourteen

After the busyness and excitement of the previous day I deserved a relaxed day. So I did exactly that! It gave me a chance to set up a shot I'd been thinking about the day before. I wanted to showcase the yummy bonbonnieres and order of service from the wedding.

Image taken 26 June 2o11

Do you recognize the photo on the order of service? Yep that's right... It's one of the photos from one of engagement photoshoot. Such an honor. I love the color coded candy! The blue and white theme was present through-out the whole wedding. I love little details like that! Don't you?

Hey guess what? Another post is coming your way super soon.

Project 365 - Day Two Hundred And Thirteen

Well I warned you it would be a while between posts. Thanks so much for sticking with me! So this past Saturday I had the extreme pleasure to attend my cousin's wedding (mentioned here & here). It was so amazing to see my cousin begin the next chapter in her life. There was so much love, life and vibrancy! Such a stunning bride and a dapper groom.

The whole experience completely underscored my love and passion for photography. I am now confident that this (photography) is what I want to do with my life. For instance during the ceremony I kept on wishing I could leave my seat to get that 'perfect' shot just beyond the confines of my seat even though my mum secured me an amazing seat for the ceremony.

I was obsessed with the details.

Image taken 25 June 2011

My beautiful cousin asked me to run a photobooth at the reception. I, of course, accepted in a heartbeat! It was so so much fun. I was in my element let me tell you. Organizing people, setting up the shot, focusing, seeing the final photo - pure bliss. There were all kinds of props like fake mustaches, feather boas and funny hats. It was a blast! And I'm pretty sure everyone else had fun too. I can't wait to show the happy couple all the fun photos.

In between taking a plethora of photobooth photos I ran around trying to capture The reception had so many fantastic elements - a color coded candy bar, a fun photobooth and a couple of old school typewriters to write notes to the happy couple. It was a photographers paradise.

Congratulations to the Mr & Mrs!
Thank you so much for letting me share in your joy.
Mrs - you are amazing! You made a beautiful bride.
And the Mr - so handsome
May you experience every happiness.

Hold tight another update is on the way...

Project 365 - Day Two Hundred And Twelve

I'm going to have another busy weekend so today has been a complete veg day. Do you ever have days like that? Days where you have nothing planned and you can just take it easy? I highly recommend them. As it was a veg at home day I wandered into my garden looking for some inspiration.

Image taken 24 June 2011

I think these little flowers are wonderful. Such pure white with bright purple dots. It's glorious! I'd love this pattern on some material. To me one of the wonderful things about macro photography is that you get to opportunity to see things that are easily missed by the naked eye.

Until my next post - which won't be for a few days - I hope you have a fabulous weekend.

Project 365 - Day Two Hundred And Eleven

Have you ever noticed how camera lenses are slightly reflective? Well I had the idea of taking a photo of the reflection of me taking a photo (if you can follow that convoluted logic) and I think it would have work if I had have used a different camera. Toy plastic camera lenses aren't nearly as reflective as a normal camera lens.

Image taken 23 June 2011

So even though it didn't work out how I wanted it's still a nice picture of my cute purple Holga camera.

How has your week been?

Project 365 - Day Two Hundred And Ten

I brought myself a little trinket the other day and it has fast become a favorite. And since day two hundred and ten was a home day it seemed like a perfect subject. I find that I like a bit of bling. It's shiny and bright and beautiful.

Image taken 22 June 2011

It was a little difficult to get this photo as I was holding my bracelet in one hand and (struggling) to hold me camera with the other. It's at moments like that that I realize that I usually hold my camera with both hands.

Until my next post I hope your week has been fantastic!

Project 365 - Day Two Hundred And Nine

When I woke up on day two hundred and nine I discovered that I was having a perfect hair day. Seriously I woke up and without doing ANYTHING my hair was sitting perfectly. Given that when I wake up my hair looks much like a rat's nest this was a big moment.

So I decided I needed to document this perfect hair and it seemed like a nice day to do my weekly self-portrait shot. In an effort to find a lovely background I went to the beach. What a mistake! The minute the salty wind hit my hair the 'perfect hair day' was lost forever.

Image taken 21 June 2011

Despite the resulting messy hair it was a lovely spot to watch the sun disappear from the sky. It was such a beautiful spot I'm planning to go back there to get some pretty landscape spots. One of the many benefits of doing this project is that I've found so many wonderful little spots in Brisbane.

There's another post coming soon!

Project 365 - Day Two Hundred And Eight

To me sparklers are like a hand held firework. Mesmerizing and beautiful. I find it quite relaxing to simply light a sparkler and watch it burn. Plus it's all kinds of fun to spin them and write and draw in the air. How blissful. So I lit a sparkler last night and I felt the need to capture the pure simplicity of the act.

Image taken 20 June 2011

I love how the sparks fly out. It all happens so fast that I never realize how far the sparks fly. What can I say? Sometimes I love the simply things in life. Are you a fan of sparklers?

Until next time my dear friends I hope your week is off to a wonderful start and that you manage to enjoy the simple and the beautiful things in life.

Project 365 - Day Two Hundred And Seven

This past Sunday I went to my cousin's Kitchen Tea (I shared some of her engagement photoshoot here). Now it's less than a week to go til the wedding. Exciting stuff.

But back to the Kitchen Tea. It was a lovely time of fun, food and a few games. My favorite part however was that I got to play photographer!! It was heaps of fun. It reinforced my desire to maybe become professional one day.

One of my favorite shots of the day was of my other cousin's little baby girl. She has the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen.

Image taken 19 June 2011

Isn't she stunning? Such a little cutie! Check out her mum's blog - she a super talented crafter and photographer. All in all it was a wonderful weekend spent with some lovely people celebrating a special lady.

There's another update on the way...

Project 365 - Day Two Hundred And Six

You may not know this about me but I love going to the fruit and veg store. Luckily I have a fabulous fruit and veg right down the road. I went there this last Saturday and scored a gigantic punnet of the most delicious strawberries. I couldn't pass up the chance to take their photo.

Image taken 18 June 2011

They were so sweet and so fresh. I liked them so much I had to go back and buy another punnet! There's something so satisfying about eating fresh produce. Are you a fan of strawberries? After looking at this picture for a while I think it's about time for a midnight snack of some strawberries.

More to come soon but for now I'm off to have a snack!

Project 365 - Day Two Hundred And Five

On day two hundred and five I headed into the city to celebrate a very special person's hen's night. It was so much fun! I brought along my little instax camera and it proved to be a huge hit. In fact I think that it got more of a work out than my DSLR. Everyone got dressed up in roaring 20's gear to celebrate a beautiful lady. It was perfect!

Image taken 17 June 2011

After dinner we went to a club/lounge which was beautifully decorated. It was quite an interesting experience - going into the city on a Friday night isn't exactly my usual habit. But I had a blast and it was wonderful to spend some time with some fabulous people.

Another update is on the way...

Lately...

Before I disappear for a few days into my weekend craziness I thought I'd share some of my recent instax photos. I'm loving this camera! It's so fun to bring it out an see the actual photo within a couple of minutes. The colors are delightful and have such a retro vibe.


Unfortunately my scanner just doesn't do the actual colors justice. The camera can be used to take really cute portrait pic and I adore what it comes out with for landscape shots. It proves to be the perfect complimentary companion to my DSLR.

Do you like seeing my instax prints? I'm thinking of doing something like this from time to time. Like every month or so. Something like my month in review in instax prints. Would you be interested in something like that?

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Project 365 - Day Two Hundred And Four

On day two hundred and four I hosted a birthday dinner for someone special. It gave me the perfect opportunity to take a photo I've been thinking about for a while now. There's just something special about candle light.

Image taken 16 June 2011

Please excuse the grainy quality of the photo. I was hand holding for this shot so I had to bump the ISO way up to get an adequate shutter speed. It's kind of cool that you can make out 'Happy Birthday' stamped on the side of the candles. Are you a fan of birthdays?

Just as a warning there will probably be a bit of a lag between this post and my next one. I have another big weekend and probably won't have time to get to it for a few days. So sorry in advance for the delay. In the meantime I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Project 365 - Day Two Hundred And Three

Because sometime all you can do is take a photo of a flower in your garden.

Image taken 15 June 2011

Petals always seem so velvety soft. It makes me want to gather a big bag of them and bury my head inside. But the main thing is that this flower made me smile and I saw the beauty in the moment.

One more post and then we're up to date.

Project 365 - Day Two Hundred And Two

Day two hundred and two is the result of a failed idea. I saw a shot somewhere at some time that I was trying to replicate. And I think it would have work... If I'd have had a model. Unfortunately all I had was me and I just couldn't get it to focus the way I wanted. I think I'll have to enlist some help and give it another go.

Image taken 14 June 2011

I really like the idea of focusing on the tuning post with a 'blurry' person playing. It adds a nice sense of place to it rather than just being a of a random instrument. The idea was great but the execution was lacking. Anybody want to be my model?

Stay tuned for more...

Project 365 - Day Two Hundred And One

So you may not know this about me but I have a MEGA sweet tooth. I'm getting much better at that whole moderation thing but there are still times I think I could eat a whole block of chocolate in one sitting.

Anyway one of my fab friends gave me the most wonderful handmade chocolates. (Thanks Miss C!). Each one of them were like little works of art... But this one was the prettiest (and yummiest) in my opinion.

Image taken 13 June 2011

It was glistening and gorgeous. Almost too pretty to eat - but I must confess it didn't last much longer after this photo was taken. Chocolate dipped in more chocolate with a shiny sugar frosting. Oh my! It's like someone knew all my favorite foods and put them together in one delectable morsel. Yum.

Guess what? There's another post coming soon...

Project 365 - Day Two Hundred

Day two hundred!! Woohoo!! Two hundred days just feels big for some reason. I'm actually quite surprised that I haven't missed a day yet. Sure some have been rushed and some have been a bit less than my absolute best. But I have been sticking to my goal. It will be amazing to see my whole year in pictures.

It was yet another fantastic day with my friends. We drove down the coast and I got to get some more practice at portrait photography. Thanks guys for letting me take endless photos!

Image taken 12 June 2011

Aren't they awesome? It was a great weekend full of great conversation and many, many laughs (and lots of food). Unfortunately the whole time they were up here it was cold and overcast. So much for the Sunshine State. But we had a great time despite in inclement weather.

Another post is on the way

Project 365 - Day One Hundred And Ninety-Nine

Finally I'm writing my next post - sometimes when I don't post for a few days it seems impossible to get back on top of things. I suppose that's what happens when you take a photo everyday. But that's beside the point.

Last weekend was a fabulously fun weekend. I have three lovely ladies come to visit me! You remember the three girls I met on tour who I then went to visit in Sydney? Well that decided to return the favor and come visit me!

Image taken 11 June 2011

It was amazing to spend some time with these awesome ladies. I found it wonderful to hang out with my friends and show them around my city. It allowed my to become a bit of a tourist in my own city. I discovered that I actually really like Brisbane. Try being a tourist in your own city. It'll allow you to see it with fresh eyes and you might find you appreciate it more than you think.

Project 365 - Day One Hundred And Ninety-Eight

I wonder what it looks like when I'm trying to take a self-portrait. It probably looks fairly strange seeing a person all dressed up like they're going out to a fancy dinner while traipsing in the woodland toting a plethora of camera equipment. Add to that me smiling madly at my camera and tripod set-up while frantically pressing my remote control. But I don't really care what other people think because I have heaps of fun and I'm learning lots from my regular self-portrait shots.

Image taken 10 June 2011

This shot was taken in a huge park near my house. It had a lovely line of trees which seemed to make a natural corridor. Can anybody say perfect place for a portrait? I'm planning to go back there if there for any portraits I may take in the future.

I'll hopefully be uploading the rest of the missing days tomorrow. Until then I hope your week is off to an amazing start!

Project 365 - Day One Hundred And Ninety-Seven

Wow! Sorry for the unplanned blogger break there guys. It's been an extremely busy few days but more on that later. For now let's back it up for a minute here and fill in a few of the missing days.

On day one hundred and ninety-seven I met up with a friend for coffee and by the time I was heading home night had fallen. I was reminded once again how much I like night driving.

Image taken 09 June 2011

I find there's something soothing about driving at night. Sometimes if I'm struggling to get to sleep I love to get in my car and simply get lost in the drive and the journey. The glow of the dashboard and the lights steaming by are somewhat romantic I think. It's ever so beautiful. Are you a fan of driving at night?

Another post is on the way...

Project 365 - Day One Hundred And Ninety-Six

I have been having a bit of an easy week so far. It seemed like the perfect time to take a photo of one of my contacts. Unfortunately it didn't turn out that great. I attempted to recreate a photo that I took a while ago but it just didn't work out the same. I think I used a different sort of CD or used a different light source or something.

Image taken 08 June 2011

If you'd like to see what I was trying to recreate you can check out my original image here. Something about the focus in this photo annoys me a little - I just couldn't get it super sharp... Maybe I should have been wearing the contact instead of photographing it hey?

How has your week been going? Until next we meet in this little part of the internet I hope your week has been spectacular!

Project 365 - Day One Hundred And Ninety-Five

I love cooking! Something about it is so relaxing and rejuvenating. I love trying out new recipes and making up some of my own. On day one hundred and ninety-five I put on my (metaphorical) chefs hat and tried something new. Best part? It worked out splendidly. So I though it deserved to be photographed.

Image taken 07 June 2011

Here's a confession when I'm cooking I like pretending I'm on a cooking show (how embarrassing) explaining each of my steps and whatnot. It's a good thing that people rarely see me cook.

This little meal was so scrumptious!! I attached a piece of thick steak with a meat mallet until it became quite thin. Then I made a mixture of sundried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, spinach and fresh basil. Put it all in the middle of the steak, roll it up and then tie it with cooking string. Just pan fry it and you're done. Completely delicious!! Let me know if you give it a go.

Another post is on the way...

Project 365 - Day One Hundred And Ninety-Four

After two busy (and kind of exhausting) days I needed a total veg day. So that's exactly what I did. I even almost forgot about bookclub until a friend called and reminded me. As I was tucking myself into bed I realized that I'd forgotten to take the photo of the day... I tell you what I was sorely tempted to just miss a day but sanity prevailed and I hopped out of bed and started photographing the first thing I could find... Thank goodness for a peacock feather!

Image taken 06 June 2011

I decided to add the water drops just for a little bit of interest. This photo would have looked a lot better if I'd taken the time to light it properly but I was keen to dive back under the covers. So this is the best I could get. I have never been so thankful for my random collection of feathers. This little beauty saved my project. Are you a fan of feathers?

Project 365 - Day One Hundred And Ninety-Three

A friend and I got up at a ridiculous hour of the morning to capture the sun rise. Well, in truth I didn't bother going to sleep the night before. I was too excited and too terrified that I'd sleep through my alarm. We made our way to the Gateway eager to see what we could photograph. Dawn was just beginning to break as I set up my equipment ready to capture the moment.

Image taken 05 June 2011

It was a magnificent spot and a perfect sunrise with just the right amount of cloud cover. It was incredibly perfect and oh so peaceful listening to birdsong usher in the new day. There was something amazing and wonderful about being able to watch the sunrise. A time filled with infinite possibilities for the coming day.

The emerging light hit the clouds and lit the sky in such a stunning way - simply breath-taking.

When was the last time you watched a sunrise? I can highly recommend it! It soothes the soul, provides a picture of infinite possibilities, and is filled with magnificent moments.

Until my next post I hope you take a moment to realize how beautiful life truly is.

Project 365 - Day One Hundred And Ninety-Two

I love the color scheme/range of a sunrise or a sunset. There are such prominent layers of color and light. It's simply breath-taking. On Saturday I stood by a lake and watched the sunset and it was beautiful.

Image taken 04 June 2011

While I was standing there watching the final moments of the sun's descent I noticed the moon had moved to be perfectly in shot. I just had to try and capture the magnificent moment.


A sunset takes me away and reminds me of a poem I once read by Kimbaline Navas called:

My Sunset

"I close my eyes and I can vision my sunset laid across the water with clouds gently placed on top.

The yellow is so bright that it consumes my thoughts I fall deeper into the colors of the sun so that I could touch the orange glow, what a soft feeling, my sunset.

My sunset takes me to another place and time where there will be no problem to tall to overcome. This vision is imbedded in my mind it is like a river running free a clear thought on a sunny day and it ends with my sunset and me.

My sunset frees my thoughts from confusion it leads me to believe that I am on top of the world, setting me free to soar over the waters of my mind.

My sunset places me in a part of heaven where the day comes to an end with the beauty of my sunset."

Ah, such bliss!

Project 365 - Day One Hundred And Ninety-One

As I said I am finding so much beauty in the world around me. Sometimes beauty can be found in the most unlikely places. A weed growing in my garden (I'm not much of a gardener) caught my attention and proved to be a lovely if unusual subject.

Image taken 03 June 2011

See what I mean? A beautiful weed. I didn't have the heart to rip it out after I'd finished with the photos. Is it weird to form some sort of attachment to a pest in your garden?

Until my next post - take a moment to appreciate the world around you. It's far more beautiful than you might think at first glance.

Project 365 - Day One Hundred And Ninety

There's a tree that I walk by fairly regularly and it is covered - absolutely covered - with these little... things. I have no idea what they actually are. But that doesn't matter. So I clicked on my macro lens and went to work.

Image taken 02 June 2011

There is so much detail and intricacy in the world around us. It's simply amazing and inspiring. All you have to do is look for it.

How was your week?

Project 365 - Day One Hundred And Eighty-Nine

This is me…

These eyes have brimmed with pain, loss, happiness, and heartache. These hands itch to be creative – to write, paint and capture. These eyes have been bloodshot too many times to count – from overwhelming tears, from sleep's elusive grasp.

And this mind… Ah this mind. This mind has wandered to the edge of the world and back. This brain has pictured millions of different scenarios each more fantastical than the next. This mind can get lost in a whirlwind of imagination - then slowly fall back into reality.

Image taken 01 June 2011

This face understands struggle, grace, and hope. This face has seen adversity and knows what grief is. This heart has experienced the Power and the Presence. This girl hangs on to faith. This is my story. My life.

My heart splutters a little and nearly skips a beat. Because I know. I know. That this is who I am… I am unequivocally... ME.