Adorible Photography

Big Photo Challenge.... From the hip - pics taken without looking through the viewfinder

2011-02-02T12:16:00.001Z

From the hip - pics taken without looking through the viewfinder

When you're done, post the photo on your blog, along with the meme button (in my sidebar). Write something about how the photo fits in with the theme and anything you learned about photography while you were taking it. Also include the camera settings if you remember to note them down. Then come back here and leave the link to your post on the Linky tool below. The link tool will work until 24th February.

Winter...Ashley's Entry...

2011-01-27T13:00:00.000Z

We never ever get SNOW here in South Arkansas.. just Ice mainly sooo this year we got SNOW!!
I love how pretty it is on the ground and the fact that your yard and your neighbors yard look the same... lol!

Creative or post processed - an opportunity to show off editing skills-Ashley's Entry

2011-01-27T12:56:00.000Z

So i played and played and played with this picture... it was actually an accident when i tok it i was just playing with my night time setting and he was soo very cute on the swing so... then i played with my editing skills... and by accident came up with this and i loved how it turned out!!

Big Photo Challenge .... Loved

2011-01-26T12:16:00.002Z

Loved

Big Photo Challenge .... Winter

2011-01-19T12:12:00.004Z

Winter

Let your mind run free with this one i cant wait to see what we all come up with!!

Big Photo Challenge...Creative or post processed - an opportunity to show off editing skills

2011-01-12T12:07:00.006Z

Creative or post processed - an opportunity to show off editing skills

Let your mind run free with this one i cant wait to see what we all come up with!!

Big Photo Challenge ....Food

2011-01-12T02:42:00.000Z

FOOD!!!

Roast... Before.. I thought this was such a good looking roast.. SO pretty.....

Brownin the meat before the Crock Pot......

The finished product which tasted AH-Mazing!!!

Food

2011-01-07T13:48:00.001Z

This week's theme in the Big Photo Challenge is "food"

Here is my entry into the food category. I'm quite aware it's not going to win any prizes LOL.

I got a new compact camera for Christmas (a Panasonic Lumix TZ8). I got it because when I went on a recent holiday, my DSLR was bit of a pain. It was great for arty-farty shots, but what I really needed was something pocket sized and something which could handle a wide range of focal lengths without me having to change lenses. I've been somewhat of a miser when it comes to camera lenses and have restricted myself to basically the kit lens, mostly because of cost implications, but also for a challenge. On holiday though it was a pain as the lens wasn't wide angle enough to squeeze in everything I wanted to capture. Sure, I could do a montage, but sometimes you just want everything in one pic, right? Hubby has the same compact camera and his holiday pics were sooooo much better than mine, simply because he had a wider angle lens. I've been trying this camera out over Christmas and whilst I do think it's a great compact camera, it doesn't beat my DSLR for my beloved macro shots. I knew it wouldn't, but I thought it might come a little closer.

I'm not too disappointed as now I have 2 cameras which (between them) give me basically everything I need. I'll still continue playing with both of them and getting the best out of them that I can.

Oh and why the orange juice? It's for the vitamins as I've been really run down and sick lately. I'm trying to eat my way out of it LOL.

Big Photo Challenge ....Food

2011-01-05T12:05:00.000Z

Food

Let your mind run free with this one i cant wait to see what we all come up with!!

Big Photo Challenge...Reflections

2010-11-15T16:57:00.000Z

Reflections

Let your mind run free with this one i cant wait to see what we all come up with!!

Big Photo Challenge..."in the mirror"

2010-11-10T16:51:00.000Z

In the Mirror

I would like to say a special thanks to Mikayla for this awesome idea for a challenge!!

Big Photo Challenge...Shiny

2010-11-07T16:50:00.001Z

Shiny

I thought this would be fun to see what we all come up with!! Let your mind run free with this one......

When you're done, post the photo on your blog, along with the meme button (in my sidebar). Write something about how the photo fits in with the theme and anything you learned about photography while you were taking it. Also include the camera settings if you remember to note them down. Then come back here and leave the link to your post on the Linky tool below. The link tool will work until 2nd December.

Dont forget about these challenges too:
Numbers
Words

Madeira

2010-11-06T21:28:00.000Z

I love shots like this, composed from multiple photos. Of course I could have blended them into a large, seamless image, but then that would be hiding the fact that it's made up of multiple shots. And I like to show the "warts and all" in my work.

Did I mention that on the day this was taken there was a big storm and at times it wasn't even possible to see the other side of the harbour? I have never seen so much rain in my life. Shortly after these pics were taken the storm drains overflowed and flooded the town, causing the town to be closed off for some time.

Big Photo Challenge... Ideas???

2010-10-29T06:59:00.000+01:00

Hey everyone it's Ashley!

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as far as the weekly photo challenges?? I would love a few more ideas!! I have a few written down on a list, but was wondering if anyone else had a really great idea?? if so please comment and let me know!!
I have been brainstorming a little and I am getting to the end of my challenge ideas!! So if you have any ideas i would love to hear them!

I really have enjoyed posting the challenge for Louise and i want to thank her so much for this opportunity! I have learned so much about myself as photographer and when given a subject find my self looking EVERYWHERE to find the perfect theme/ or the picture setting for the theme! I have learned to use settings on my camera i never knew how to use, until i wanted a certain picture. I really love seeing all of the challenge entries as well!! It really gives me awesome ideas and makes me look at things like.."why didn't i think if that?" Thank you all for participating I hope you all continue to join in when you can!!

Thank you so much for stopping by!! I hope to hear some suggestions from you all!!

Big Photo Challenge...Orange

2010-10-29T04:09:00.000+01:00

I just love this photo! it was so an accident but i love how it turned out once i got home and played with the lighting and made that bright orange pumpkin pop!!

Big Photo Challenge...Shadows

2010-10-28T18:51:00.001+01:00

i took this pic a few months ago and i think her little shadow behind her is too cute!!

Big Photo Challenge...Words

2010-10-28T18:43:00.001+01:00

I'm suprise this turned out like i planned i was playing with the manual settings on my camera hoping to blur out part and i did!! i am so excited!! i figured something out!!

Big Photo Challenge....Numbers

2010-10-28T18:35:00.000+01:00

This is my ~~calculator~~ adding machine at work. I thought this was a good one for numbers!! Sorry the qaulity is not that great i took it with my iPhone.. but i looked at my adding machine and thought NUMBERS! So i snapped a few pics.

Big Photo Challenge...Words

2010-10-28T18:31:00.001+01:00

Words

I thought this would be fun to see what we all come up with!! Let your mind run free with this one......
i have a few post i need to catch up on some entries (still)!! I will get those posted soon!! I am so sorry i didn't post a challenge posted last week Louise and Everyone else! Please forgive me!! Let your mind run free with this one......

When you're done, post the photo on your blog, along with the meme button (in my sidebar). Write something about how the photo fits in with the theme and anything you learned about photography while you were taking it. Also include the camera settings if you remember to note them down. Then come back here and leave the link to your post on the Linky tool below. The link tool will work until 25th November.

Big Photo Challenge....Numbers

2010-10-21T18:17:00.000+01:00

NUMBERS

Big Photo Challenge...Fall

2010-10-09T14:23:00.000+01:00

i had full intentions of taking another photo like above, but.. since we have not had rain in 28 days here!! There are no leaves turning into that pretty orange, yellow, or red, that i look forward to every yeat so i used a picture my friedn Ashlee & I ( i cant remember which one of us took this one) took 2 years ago around this time. It was one of those awesome days where all you needed was a short sleeve shirt during the day and a light weight jacket at night!! Perfect time of year in my opnion!! I love the leaves changing at hate i didnt get to take this picture (now that i have a 10xs better) camer this year!!

Big Photo Challenge...Shadows

2010-10-09T03:33:00.000+01:00

Shadows

I thought this would be fun to see what we all come up with!! i have a few post i need to catch up on some entries!! I will get those posted tomorrow!!
Let your mind run free with this one......

When you're done, post the photo on your blog, along with the meme button (in my sidebar). Write something about how the photo fits in with the theme and anything you learned about photography while you were taking it. Also include the camera settings if you remember to note them down. Then come back here and leave the link to your post on the Linky tool below. The link tool will work until 29nd October.

Big Photo Challenge...Orange

2010-10-02T14:28:00.000+01:00

ORANGE

Fall - My entry

2010-09-25T23:44:00.000+01:00

I took these on our Saturday morning walk today. Autumn isn't so well advanced here yet, so apart from a few maples which have turned, everything else is still green...as you can see :)

Big Photo Challenge...Fall

2010-09-24T12:31:00.001+01:00

Fall

Supposedly yesterday was the first day of Fall, but.... it sure didnt feel like it here it was 97 degrees!! It may be awhile before i can get this pic!!
Let your mind run free with this one......

When you're done, post the photo on your blog, along with the meme button (in my sidebar). Write something about how the photo fits in with the theme and anything you learned about photography while you were taking it. Also include the camera settings if you remember to note them down. Then come back here and leave the link to your post on the Linky tool below. The link tool will work until 22nd October.

Expressions

2010-09-19T09:17:00.000+01:00

This is why I love my hubby so much, because he still does silly childish things like poking his head through holes even though he's nearly 40 LOL.

Doorways

2010-09-19T09:12:00.001+01:00

Here's my entry for "doorways".

I took this at the conservatory at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. I think it is a Victorian building, beautifully weathered and with some interesting textures.

Big Photo Challenge...Doorways

2010-09-18T04:19:00.000+01:00

Doorways

Let your mind run free with this one......

When you're done, post the photo on your blog, along with the meme button (in my sidebar). Write something about how the photo fits in with the theme and anything you learned about photography while you were taking it. Also include the camera settings if you remember to note them down. Then come back here and leave the link to your post on the Linky tool below. The link tool will work until 15th October.

Add your links here...Note that your blog MUST be public otherwise it will be removed from the link list.

Big Photo Challenge...Expressions

2010-09-18T04:07:00.000+01:00

I know i was super lat.e... 2 themes posted in one day!! i was a little behind!! Sorry everyone!!

I took ths picture for a lady i work with of her cute little grandaughter! I loved her expression in this photo and thought it was too cute not to use for this theme!!!

Big Photo Challenge...Red

2010-09-18T03:56:00.000+01:00

Sorry it's a tab bit late!!!

I took this a few months back. And feel in love with taking pictures of peoples feet!! I know its crazy but i love it!! So now when i take pics.. i love to capture feet, i know its crazy!!

Big Photo Challenge...Expressions

2010-09-08T14:17:00.001+01:00

Expressions

Big Photo Challenge .... Black & White-my entry

2010-09-06T14:16:00.000+01:00

I took this maternity photo for friend!! i loved the black and white picture the best!!!
Sorrry i just forgot to post it..its... atad late!!!

Big Photo Challenge...Red

2010-09-03T18:39:00.000+01:00

RED

Let your mind run free with this one......

When you're done, post the photo on your blog, along with the meme button (in my sidebar). Write something about how the photo fits in with the theme and anything you learned about photography while you were taking it. Also include the camera settings if you remember to note them down. Then come back here and leave the link to your post on the Linky tool below. The link tool will work until 1st October.

Add your links here...Note that your blog MUST be public otherwise it will be removed from the link list.

Signs

2010-08-30T13:10:00.003+01:00

This weeks/last weeks theme was signs... i was going to post oanother group of signs i had then i went out of town this weekend on our anniversary and took tons of pics on the way to Shreveport, Louisiana!!

So i made a collage and put them all together!! i tired out a new lens too!! i will have to post about that very soon!! I loved it and may be purchasing a new lens!!

Big Photo Challenge .... Black & White

2010-08-26T23:23:00.007+01:00

So sorry this is late this week... I completely forgot to post it and had posted this on the wrong blog!!

Black & White

Let your mind run free with this one......

When you're done, post the photo on your blog, along with the meme button (in my sidebar). Write something about how the photo fits in with the theme and anything you learned about photography while you were taking it. Also include the camera settings if you remember to note them down. Then come back here and leave the link to your post on the Linky tool below. The link tool will work until 26th September.

Add your links here...Note that your blog MUST be public otherwise it will be removed from the link list.

Signs

2010-08-21T07:26:00.006+01:00

This week's challenge photo is "signs". That was a real head-scratcher, but at lunch time today I was suddenly aware of all the signs around me at work. I work in a metallurgy lab and so we have signs EVERYWHERE! Here is a very small selection of some of our signs.

Time for something random

2010-08-20T20:34:00.002+01:00

Thanks to Ashley helping me out around here, I've actually had time to take a few photos this week. Embarrassingly enough, not many of them are worth sharing, but there was one that I really liked. Tonight we had a rain storm and the most amazing light...one minute everything looked yellow, then red and then green! The light was changing quickly and my camera was getting too wet so not many of them really picked out the interesting light :(

Anyway, this pic is of the raindrops on top of my car - I loved the reflections and the texture.

Big Photo Challenge .... Signs

2010-08-20T13:21:00.002+01:00

Signs

Add your links here...Note that your blog MUST be public otherwise it will be removed from the link list.

Big Photo Challenge...Back to School

2010-08-19T17:59:00.000+01:00

When i first chose this theme, i was going to get a photo of school traffic??? but then realized to get a photo of school traffic i had to be in school traffic!!! and let me tello you its crazy... here .. i mean CRAZY!!!

So i decided to get a photo of the school bus that goes down my road, i had difficulties with the foggy lens due to the humidity and coldness of my house so i had to wait outside until it came back up.. I had perfect timing when it was going down the road.. Stupid foggy lens!!!

Big Photo Challenge - Back to school

2010-08-16T18:44:00.001+01:00

This week's photo challenge was "back to school" and this had me in a real rut. I don't go to school and I have no kiddos...so of course I was having to think outside the box a little. So this is what I came up with...this is what I was doing on the weekend that everyone else was getting ready to go back to school. I'd love to see what everyone else comes up with :)

The view is taken from the hills surrounding the town where I live. I took lots of pictures and put them together into a collage/panorama.

Big Photo Challenge...Back to School

2010-08-13T03:19:00.003+01:00

Back to School

Since school is starting back i thought it would be a great theme for the week. It's starts back here next Thursday. So show us your Back to School theme.

Add your links here...Note that your blog MUST be public otherwise it will be removed from the link list.

New member on the team - woo hoo!

2010-08-12T19:14:00.001+01:00

A couple of days ago I posted about needing some help to run this blog and I had a couple of people willing to help out. Today, I am honoured to welcome Ashley from ABC Photography and Everything happens for a reason to the Adorible Photography team. Ashley will be posting the new themes each week, until Christmas, when I should hopefully have more time to participate fully in the meme. Taylor from Byutatortot Designs also offered to help (thank you Taylor) and will be available to help me out after Ashley's stint. Thanks so much to my awesome readers helping out with this, I really can not thank you enough!

If you would like to find out more about Ashley, you can find her blogs etc at...
An interview with Ashley, featured at Adori Graphics
ABC Photography
Everything happens for a reason
ABC Photography Blogfrog community

I'm struggling

2010-08-10T12:51:00.000+01:00

Hi folks, I'm struggling a bit to get the new themes posted each week, as well as taking part in the themes myself. Hubby started a new job and I've had to take on more work around the home as well as trying to find/adopt a new routine...and it's proving more difficult than I anticipated. I hate to stop doing the photo challenge because I know people were enjoying it, but is there anyone who would like to do this on my behalf until...say Christmas? I'm looking for somebody who I could make a blog author and who could post a new theme each week as well as support those people who enter, by checking out their posts etc. I can do this to some extend, but it would help take the pressure off me a little, until I find my new routine and see where I can save some time. Is anyone interested? If you are, I'd love to hear from you :)

Better go, end of lunch break now :(

I haven't forgotten

2010-07-31T17:53:00.000+01:00

Just to let you know I haven't forgotten to post a new theme, I've just been extremely tied up and haven't been able to sort it out yet. Will have a look at sorting it out tomorrow. In the meantime, get out there and enjoy taking some photos :)

Big Photo Challenge - Me

2010-07-24T09:09:00.002+01:00

This week, the challenge is all about YOU :)

When you're done, post the photo on your blog, along with the meme button (in my sidebar). Write something about how the photo fits in with the theme and anything you learned about photography while you were taking it. Also include the camera settings if you remember to note them down. Then come back here and leave the link to your post on the Linky tool below. The link tool will work until 15th August.

Add your links here...Note that your blog MUST be public otherwise it will be removed from the link list.

Apologies, but I seem to have saved this week's theme over last week's theme :(

Big Photo Challenge - Green

2010-07-18T19:23:00.000+01:00

Another late one I'm afraid...will try harder!

I took this photo on a beach near where my sister lives - I was amazed at all the seaweed, which just made the entire beach look green!

Big Photo Challenge - Special

2010-07-18T19:19:00.000+01:00

This is a little late due to my computer troubles, but better late than never right?

This photo was taken in Scarborough, a place which always seems to rain when we get there LOL. This place hold a special place in my heart because Andy and I used to spend a lot of our time there when we first started dating....aaaaahhhhhh :)

Big Photo Challenge - Green

2010-07-08T18:56:00.000+01:00

Sorry for the lack of updates last week. I had to go work away with no notice and then came home to a Photobucket issue that is turning into a nightmare! Anyway, here here is this week's challenge

Green

This could be something nature-ish, something green in colour....hopefully nobody feeling green LOL. Feel free to think outside the box :)

When you're done, post the photo on your blog, along with the meme button (in my sidebar). Write something about how the photo fits in with the theme and anything you learned about photography while you were taking it. Also include the camera settings if you remember to note them down. Then come back here and leave the link to your post on the Linky tool below. The link tool will work until 24th July.

Add your links here...Note that your blog MUST be public otherwise it will be removed from the link list.

Would you like to suggest a theme? If you do, complete the form below :)

Anyone photograph items for online stores?

2010-06-25T12:54:00.001+01:00

I am running a 3 part series on de-mystifying product photography. It's not an exhaustive training thing, and I'm certainly no expert, but if you're a complete beginner, this series might be of interest to you.

I just posted the first part on composition and perspective on my blog design blog. Let me know what you think and if you find it useful.

I'm hoping to post the occasional feature and action etc on here too...all in good time, these things take forever to make LOL. If you have any ideas for what you'd like to see on this blog (as well as the Big Photo Challenge), please get in touch :)

Big Photo Challenge - This week's assignment...

2010-06-24T08:24:00.001+01:00

Special

This could be something special, a special occasion, or something that means a lot to you such as a treasured memory. Let your mind run free....

When you're done, post the photo on your blog, along with the meme button (in my sidebar). Write something about how the photo fits in with the theme and anything you learned about photography while you were taking it. Also include the camera settings if you remember to note them down. Then come back here and leave the link to your post on the Linky tool below. The link tool will work until 24th July.

Add your links here...Note that your blog MUST be public otherwise it will be removed from the link list.

Would you like to suggest a theme? If you do, complete the form below :)

Big Photo Challenge - Small

2010-06-20T11:21:00.001+01:00

This week's theme in the Big Photo Challenge is "small"

As we all know, I don't like to be normal...normal is just...well....normal. So, this week I decided to do something a little different. I'm still constraining myself by using the sub-theme of macros, but I've taken the image one step further by using it to create a graphic for my design blog. Read on to see what I did...

I am making a new digital scrapbooking kit and had Melanie from Whimsical Creations make me some embellishments to go in the kit. I was super-pleased with them and decided that I really, really needed to post a teaser on my design blog. So, that's what I'm going to use this image for.

I learned a couple of new things doing this, one being that some cheap white card makes, not only a great background, but it can also be used as a reflector too. I had strong shadows and used a second piece of card to reduce them to something more like what I wanted. I also learned that by composing the shot so that the "subject" is off centre, I can add some text and turn the image into something more magazine-style.

I know this kind of editing isn't for everyone, but for me, photography is also about being functional and useful, whilst trying to push the boundaries a little...oh and having a little fun too. I am loving playing about with macros by the way. I'm so glad I chose to constrain myself in this way :)

Big Photo Challenge: This week's assignment is...

2010-06-17T21:04:00.000+01:00

Small

Let your mind run free with this one......

When you're done, post the photo on your blog, along with the meme button (in my sidebar). Write something about how the photo fits in with the theme and anything you learned about photography while you were taking it. Also include the camera settings if you remember to note them down. Then come back here and leave the link to your post on the Linky tool below. The link tool will work until 10th July.

Add your links here...Note that your blog MUST be public otherwise it will be removed from the link list.

Would you like to suggest a theme? If you do, complete the form below :)

Big Photo Challenge - This weeks assignment is...

2010-06-10T08:17:00.001+01:00

Summer

Let your mind run free with this one......

When you're done, post the photo on your blog, along with the meme button (in my sidebar). Write something about how the photo fits in with the theme and anything you learned about photography while you were taking it. Also include the camera settings if you remember to note them down. Then come back here and leave the link to your post on the Linky tool below. The link tool will work until 10th July.

Add your links here...Note that your blog MUST be public otherwise it will be removed from the link list.

Would you like to suggest a theme? If you do, complete the form below :)

Don't make me keep deleting you!

2010-06-06T18:54:00.000+01:00

Somebody keeps adding their blog to the Linky Tool, but your blog is not a public blog. We can't come and see your pics (which are quite possibly beautiful) because your blog is not shared. I have deleted 2 links in the last day because I can not leave private links in the list. If your link has been deleted, this is why. Please resubmit your link once your blog is made public...because we'd all like to see your pics :)

Big Photo Challenge - New

2010-06-05T14:06:00.002+01:00

This week's theme in the Big Photo Challenge is "new".

My phone contract came to an end about a month ago and this week I finally got round to renewing it...who needs phone? Right? I selected this phone based on the fact it was supposed to have a decent camera at 8.1MP and with no serious contrast issues. I have yet to find out if it does in fact just give me 8.1MP of rubbish, after all, it doesn't matter how many MP you have if it doesn't take a good photo!

I struggled with this one I have to admit - the shiny buttons kept glaring at me no matter what I did, so I ended up moving somewhere shady and trying again. I liked this one because the logo on the front (which is actually white metal coloured) reflected and gave me a lovely pink/purple glow...thus brightening an otherwise dull photo :)

I've decided to try and carry on with the macro thing because I thought that by constraining myself in some way, it would force me to get more inventive.

Cross Processing effects

2010-06-05T13:27:00.004+01:00

I love that cross-processed look that I see in so many old photos. You know that look? The oversaturated, high contrast, slightly "off colour" look? This look is a big feature in the "Lomo" movement, which uses"cross processing" to achieve this effect. Do you know why it's called cross processing? It's from the days when film was developed by using chemicals. Different chemicals were required for specific types of film, and if you used the "wrong" type, the result was some interesting effects. The effects can look pretty cool in my opinion, but then I like "arty" looking photos. I guess the look isn't for everyone though.

Here is a photo before and after I gave it a cross processed look.

Today I decided to make a Paint Shop action which would do it automatically for any photo that I wanted to use it on. I don't normally use actions, but thought I'd give it a try and, although it still needs some tweaking, the end result is getting closer to what I like. If you'd like to have a play with it, you can download my action here.

How to use the action
Download it and install it in your PSP scripts folder
Open your photo in PSP and select the lomo effect script from the list
Select run
A resize box will pop up - resize your image to about 2000px wide for best effects
Next a levels box will pop up - take the mid tone slider and slide it to the right until the value in the middle box is about 190
In the curves pop up box move the points so you get a slanted "s" shape
In the blend mode pop up box, select the hue blend mode and set opacity to 40%
Next the unsharp mask box pops up - you can stop the script here if you don't want to sharpen, or alter the values to what you need.

I'd love to see what you come up with!

If you want to do it manually, here is how you can go about doing this in Paint Shop Pro. It will also work in Photoshop, but the command names might be different.

Step 1 - make a vignette
Use selection tool to draw a circle freehand in centre of your image
Set the feather to say 80 or 90px
Invert the selection
Make a new adjustment layer - levels
Take the mid tone slider and slide it to 190
Flatten the image

Step 2 - Create the cross processed effect
Create a new adjustment layer - curves
Adjust the sliders to give you a slanted s
Flatten the image
Make a new layer
Flood fill it with black
Merge it using HUE mode and opacity at 40%
Flatten the image

Step 3 - Sharpen (if desired) and save
Use the unsharp mask tool with settings radius 20, strength 40 and clipping 10
Save

Big Photo Challenge - This week's assignment

2010-06-03T23:00:00.002+01:00

New

Remember to think outside the box a little. This could be anything from a new item or a new skill to new life...

When you're done, post the photo on your blog, along with the meme button (in my sidebar). Write something about how the photo fits in with the theme and anything you learned about photography while you were taking it. Also include the camera settings if you remember to note them down. Then come back here and leave the link to your post on the Linky tool below. The link tool will work until 3rd July.

Add your links here...Note that your blog MUST be public otherwise it will be removed from the link list.

Would you like to suggest a theme? If you do, complete the form below :)

Lord of the manor

2010-05-30T08:28:00.001+01:00

In case you ever wondered who rules the roost in this house, let this photo leave you in no doubt LOL.

I wish I'd not got so close with the lens though because it's shadowed his face - oh well you live and learn!

Big Photo Challenge...my entry

2010-05-29T14:27:00.001+01:00

This week's theme in the Big Photo Challenge is "water".

I was happily taking some regular photos of this wine glass full of water when I changed my angle quite by accident and noticed the tree appearing in the glass.

Big Photo Challenge...my entry

2010-05-29T13:43:00.000+01:00

Last week's theme in the Big Photo Challenge was "old".

I recognise that this isn't the most artistic photograph, but sometimes this challenge is all about the story behind the photo...

The story goes that for as long as I can remember I have hated cooking. In fact "hate" probably isn't a strong enough word for how much I hate this chore. My lack of passion for cooking is a huge part of the reason why I'm so overweight. A few years ago when I lost a lot of weight I got some good habits going and I've been trying to get those back. My OLD habit was to spent Saturday morning cooking some meals which could be frozen or refrigerated and the put in the oven when I got home from work. I decided to do this today and made a shepherd's pie, chicken and vegetable pie and some chili beef. You know what I discovered? I discovered that it isn't that I dislike cooking at all, in fact I kind of enjoyed myself making a mess in the kitchen LOL. What I discovered was that I dislike cooking when I'm tired and achy after work! So I think the plan for the future needs to be cooking at the weekend, just like the OLD days.

I'm not entirely happy with the way the photo turned out - see the funny effect above the cooker, where the light reflects off the wall? I don't know what that is all about...any ideas?

Big Photo Challenge - This week's assignment

2010-05-27T00:16:00.000+01:00

Water

Remember to think outside the box a little. This could be anything from a garden pond, to rain or ice...

When you're done, post the photo on your blog, along with the meme button (in my sidebar). Write something about how the photo fits in with the theme and anything you learned about photography while you were taking it. Also include the camera settings if you remember to note them down. Then come back here and leave the link to your post on the Linky tool below. The link tool will work until 20th June.

Add your links here...

Would you like to suggest a theme? If you do, complete the form below :)
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Don't forget...

2010-05-26T08:22:00.000+01:00

Hi folks, don't forget that a new theme starts tomorrow, so remember to get your entries in ASAP. I've struggled to get anything done for this week, but will post something retrospectively when I'm working on the next theme. I will also get round to viewing and commenting on everyones pics - hopefully by tomorrow.

Next week's theme will auto publish in the early hours of Thursday morning (UK time) and I'd love to see even more people joining in the fun. So if you're out there lurking, be brave and join us! All challenges can easily be done around the house and garden and you can just join in the ones you want to.

Find out more about the Big Photo Challenge

Big Photo Challenge - this weeks assignment

2010-05-20T08:27:00.000+01:00

Old

Remember to think outside the box a little. This could be anything from a senior citizen to an older pet or something you have had for a long time...even an old sepia effect added to a new photo...

When you're done, post the photo on your blog, along with the meme button (in my sidebar). Write something about how the photo fits in with the theme and anything you learned about photography while you were taking it. Also include the camera settings if you remember to note them down. Then come back here and leave the link to your post on the Linky tool below. The link tool will work until 20th June.

Add your links here...

Would you like to suggest a theme? If you do, complete the form below :)
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Giveaway!

2010-05-17T12:27:00.002+01:00

I just opened a giveaway my blog design blog Adori Graphics - check it out if you love photography and image editing!

Please read if you're doing the Big Photo Challenge

2010-05-15T14:11:00.001+01:00

I've added a menu bar so that those of you doing the Big Photo Challenge can easily find posts relating to it. The image below explains where you can find posts relating to the challenge...as well as where you can pick up a hot blog design too :)

I hope this makes it easier for you to find the current challenge post too. Just to emphasise, if you're looking to link up your challenge photo, or you want to know what the current theme is, please click the last tab on my menu bar, labelled "this week's bpc challenge".

Big Photo Challenge...my entry

2010-05-15T12:20:00.002+01:00

This week's theme in the Big Photo Challenge is "three".

I can't tell you how difficult I found this week's challenge! "Three" sounds easy, but I was struggling to find 3 coordinating objects...or three of anything really for that matter. I eventually settled on this...

{3 of my new business cards}

I {finally} got around to ordering some business cards for myself last week, since more and more people that I meet in "real life" are taking an interest in my blog/graphic design blog. I was so thrilled with them, that I'm planning a separate post on business cards and Moo at some point, but I decided to make do with a photo of 3 of my beloved business cards.

I'm not entirely happy with the way the photo turned out but, only after editing it a little to improve the brightness and contrast, I remembered something important. When you're photographing something that is predominantly white, you need to set some exposure compensation, otherwise your camera will adjust the lighting so that white appears 18% grey. How could I forget that?! Well I guess it's been a while.

Find out more about exposure compensation when photographing white objects

Big Photo Challenge - This week's assignment

2010-05-13T00:48:00.001+01:00

Three

Remember to think outside the box a little. This could be anything from three of something, to a 3 year old, or something with 3 in the name...go on, get inventive!

When you're done, post the photo on your blog, along with the meme button (in my sidebar). Write something about how the photo fits in with the theme and anything you learned about photography while you were taking it. Also include the camera settings if you remember to note them down. Then come back here and leave the link to your post on the Linky tool below.

Add your links here...

Urbex

2010-05-11T22:10:00.001+01:00

What the heck is urbex, I hear you ask? Good question, because I just came across it now and it's the first I've heard of it. I just looked it up on Wikipedia...

Urbex is the examination of the normally unseen or off-limits parts of urban areas or industrial facilities.
Source

Ahhhhh...now I get it...I *have* heard of it, I just didn't know it had a name! So, has anyone got any good urbex pics that I can drool over?

Here's a pic to illustrate what urbex is all about...

from wikipedia

And there's even a Flickr group where you can drool over even more pics!

Calling all photography fans!

2010-05-10T20:31:00.000+01:00

You may like to check out my main blog, Adori Graphics, for a cool giveaway next Monday. The prize is something that many of you keen photographers will LOVE and find very useful. I'm not saying any more...until Monday :)

Big Photo Challenge...my entry

2010-05-08T11:11:00.000+01:00

This week's theme in the Big Photo Challenge is "blue".

This is another theme which seemed easy at first...but then I realised I don't really have many blue things in the house!

I love photographing glass, even though it's not particularly easy at time with too many reflections and things. This is a bracelet which I bought a couple of summers ago to go with a blue skirt that I have...I love the blue beads and couldn't resist photographing it! And of course, I've stuck with my current theme of "macros" too :)

Big Photo Challenge - week 2 theme...

2010-05-06T00:14:00.009+01:00

Blue

Remember to think outside the box a little. This could be anything from an emotion to an item in that colour!

When you're done, post the photo on your blog, along with the meme button (in my sidebar). Write something about how the photo fits in with the theme and anything you learned about photography while you were taking it. Also include the camera settings if you remember to note them down. Then come back here and leave the link to your post on the Linky tool below.

Add your links here...

Any more entries for this week's Big Photo Challenge?

2010-05-04T08:08:00.000+01:00

Just a reminder that this week's Big Photo Challenge theme closes on Thursday, so if you'd like to submit a photo on the subject of Abandoned, please make your post on your blog now and then go to this post and leave your link.

I'll draw the next theme tomorrow and publish it on Thursday, so remember to check back then for your next assignment. I can't wait to see what you come up with :)

Thanks to everyone who entered this week's challenge!

Big Photo Challenge...my entry

2010-05-02T15:52:00.007+01:00

This week's theme in the Big Photo Challenge is "abandoned".

When I pulled this one off the random theme generator I thought "oh great, there's loads of stuff I could photograph", but as I looked into it each idea just seemed a bit contrived and predictable. Never one to be predictable, I decided to start thinking laterally, and this is what I came up with...

{forgot to record the settings, but I will do next time!}

Here is the story behind the photo...you may wish to go grab a coffee or looooong drink :)

A number of years ago I had what could only be described as my worst year in living memory. I had a number of traumas going on over a really short space of time and for a while, I really couldn't see light at the end of the tunnel. I did what I always did...just went into denial mode and carried on as if nothing had happened. Although I couldn't see it at the time, I was actually coping by over eating...and there started my descent into self destruction, self-sabotage and the abandonment of my self respect and confidence. Along with that went a HUGE pile of clothes which had to be abandoned because I no longer fit into them. Over the years, this pile of clothes has served to remind me of what a failure I've been...until now.

If you've been following my personal blog, you will know that I recently started the weight loss journey to beat all weight loss journeys. I want my life back...I want my self respect back...I want my confidence back. So this weekend, I started sorting through some of those abandoned old clothes which have tortured me over the years and sorted them out into piles of different sizes. I came across some clothes which I hadn't fit into for long before I outgrew them and this is one of those items of clothing. I remember buying it originally because I loved the detail...the different fabrics...the beads...the small pearls. I still love that top and I am determined that I am going to fit into it again soon...watch this space!

Link up your BPC photos now

2010-04-30T08:16:00.000+01:00

You can now add this week's Big Photo Challenge photos/links, on the subject of ABANDONED, to the Linky Tool below!! I can't wait to see them :)

The BIG photo challenge!

2010-04-29T01:17:00.003+01:00

Abandoned

Remember to think outside the box a little. This could be anything from an abandoned building or car on the side of the road, to something that hasn't been used in a very long time. So get into your attic and garage, or wherever, and start snapping!

Add your links here...

Reminder: don't forget to check back on Thursday

2010-04-27T23:11:00.007+01:00

Just a quick reminder that we will be starting the Bog Photo Challenge on Thursday. I will be posting the first theme, on Thursday and then, the following Thursday, I will create a new post which you can add your links to. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with :)

Some great photographs of Eyjafjallajokull

2010-04-25T15:07:00.000+01:00

Take a look at these great photos of the volcano at Boston.com

The BIG photo challenge!

2010-04-24T09:42:00.009+01:00

What is it?
The BIG photo challenge is a photo challenge, which is based on a theme which is picked at random and changed each week. The themes are designed to be quick, easily achievable, for amateurs and new photographers and they can easily be completed in the house and garden. Everybody follows the same theme.

Why?
It's just a fun, informal way of improving your photography skills, it forces you to think outside the box and have a little fun with some friends.

When?
Every Thursday

Where?
On your own blog...and here.

How?
You will get a week to complete each assignment. Once you have taken your photo you will post your photo on your blog, along with a copy of the meme link below. The meme link will link to this post, so that people can get information on the challenge. I will publish the next week's theme on my blog each Thursday. I will start a McLinky list when I set each assignment so that you can add your blog to the McLinky list. You don't need to sign up to this, just note down the theme, start working on it and then make your post and leave your link here next Thursday :) It would be nice if you could add a few words about how you think your photo fits in with the theme and anything else interesting, or that you learned while taking the photo.

The Meme Link

It would help to spread the word if you could also post the button in your sidebar. All you need to do to add the button to your post is just copy the html text from the box above, put your post into html mode and then paste in the text where you want it. To add it to your sidebar, just add the text to a html/Javascript widget in your sidebar.

Subjects and ideas

2010-04-22T12:35:00.002+01:00

I always seem to photograph the same things when I'm hanging out around the house...the back garden, the view from the study window (it's gorgeous)...the cat...the hubby. I decided it was time to set myself a challenge, so I got a pack of Post-It notes and set about writing a different subject on each note. Now when I have time to photograph something, I just pick one of the notes at random and go photograph something with that theme.

Some of the themes I used were:

Something you can't do without
Something you dislike
Blue
Slow
Fast
Warm
Reassuring
ant's eye view
birds eye view
machinery
textured
fake
hobbies
food

Macro test

2010-04-21T12:51:00.000+01:00

It's been ages since I used my camera properly, in manual mode, so last weekend I started playing about a little with some of the settings again. I was playing about with macros and came up with this...the subject was to photograph "something you can't do without"...and that's my coffee!

Another new background?

2010-04-18T08:14:00.000+01:00

Ok, so I got bored already. I'm not entirely happy with this one either as, although I was aiming for minimalist, it's just TOO minimalist for my liking. I'll be adding to it in the near future - and may even get round to posting some pics too.

New background!

2010-03-14T16:05:00.002Z

I have spruced this blog up a little in preparation for {hopefully} getting out this summer to take some photos. Over the last year, I haven't really had chance to get out there, but hopefully that will change this summer :)

Do you like the background? LOL....ok I know you can't see much of it...I need to sort that out, but I blurred the photo anyway so that it wouldn't distract people too much when reading the posts.

Do you want to see what the original looked like? I took the pic on a day trip to St Vincent (a small Caribbean island) at the end of 2008. I did some HDR tweaking (kind of overdid it in the top right corner), but I love the end result!

Giveaway!

2009-09-03T22:29:00.001+01:00

Ian Parry Award

2009-08-04T12:37:00.002+01:00

There are lots of young photojournalists out there trying to find a market and get themselves noticed and one way to do this is to win the Ian Parry Award, no easy task mind you.
Ian Parry was a photojournalist who died while on assignment for The Sunday Times during the Romanian revolution in 1989 aged 24. A scholarship was created by Aidan Sullivan and Ian's friends and family. Each year, young photographers who are either attending a full-time photographic course or are under 24 can submit work. Previous winners include Harriet Logan, Simon Roberts, Marcus Bleasdale and Ivor Pricket.
This year's winner is Maisie Crow, who is a graduate of the School of Visual Communication at Ohio University and currently an intern at the Boston Globe.

You can see all of her pictures here

Content from BBC website - link as above

The one taken on a REALLY frosty morning

2009-07-30T19:00:00.001+01:00

Taken on a really frosty morning. a few months ago

The other one of the back garden

2009-07-29T18:58:00.000+01:00

Taken a few months ago loved how the tree looked against the sky. Gosh I REALLY need some new material!

The one with the cold beach

2009-07-28T18:55:00.002+01:00

Dont you just love the beach in winter?

The one with the wellies

2009-07-28T18:53:00.000+01:00

Just what we need for those lovely British summers!

The one with the colourful old school bus

2009-07-27T22:19:00.002+01:00

I took this on a trip to Aruba a few months ago. Isn't the colour just gorgeous....and the beach.....ohhhhhh I wanna go back there :)

The one of the interesting building

2009-07-26T16:46:00.000+01:00

The design of Peasholm Island was inspired by the scene depicted on the willow pattern plate. The island sits in a large-ish lake in Peasholm Park at North Bay in Scarborough.

The one with mum smiling

2009-07-25T00:34:00.001+01:00

She hates her wrinkles so I did a flattering effect on them LOL

The one with the sick cat

2009-07-24T00:24:00.003+01:00

Our cat was rushed to the vet a few months ago. Sooooo scary. I honestly thought he wasn't going to survive the night. He was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and was to sick to eat but needed to to prevent liver failure so he had a feeding tube (oesophagostomy) put in. He had it for 2 weeks and had to be fed 6 times a day...it was exhausting. Poor thing...

Photo-a-day: The one with the doorway

2009-07-23T18:01:00.001+01:00

Don't ask me why but I like doorways LOL

Photo-a-day: Nairn beach

2009-07-22T06:59:00.000+01:00

Nairn beach - taken August 2008. This place is soooo beautiful!

Photo-a-day: View from our bedroom window

2009-07-21T12:44:00.001+01:00

Ooooh how exciting I hear you say? LOL

Photo-a-day: Royal Yacht Britannia at Leith

2009-07-20T08:03:00.003+01:00

Aaaaahhhhh....happy memories. This pic was taken last year on a trip to see my sister in Scotland. Andy and I are a fan of ships so my sister took us to see the Royal Yacht Britannia at Leith near Edinburgh.

I liked this picture because even though its a bit dull and flat (taken with my old naff camera) I like the way that it illustrates one of my favourite activities....people watching. I like people-watching....its free....available anywhere...and I find people interesting.

Incidentally the person in the photo isn't just a regular person that I was spying on - its my sister....my twin sister. Did I mention already that I'm a twin?

Did you find me in yesterdays photo-a-day?

A fun photo-a-day for you today

2009-07-19T17:52:00.006+01:00

Ok I have a fun photo-a-day for you today. I took this photo in the ships restaurant on a trip I took last year. If you click on the photo it will be much bigger and you'll be able to see me hiding in a reflection somewhere. Can you find me?

Over-cooked

2009-07-18T07:29:00.004+01:00

I took this photo last summer in a small village about 6 miles away from my house. It was a really stormy day although I kind of killed the photo (some might say) by over doing the HDR. I was still learning how to do HDR at the time and kind of realised that actually I quite liked the over-cooked look. So anyway I recognise its not everyone's cup of tea....but I love the drama of it :)

The one with the cat

2009-07-17T07:24:00.004+01:00

This was the first picture I took with my new camera (Canon Eos 450d). It was taken on fully auto as I didn't know how to use the functions back then. Of course I kind of know how to use them now :)

This photo is only a snap really but I've posted it because....well I think its sweet. I remember being totally amazed that I could see the texture in his fur....even the bits that weren't focused on. With my old Sony camera there was so much noise that everything looked fuzzy...even in reasonably goo lighting conditions.

The one(s) with the rabbit

2009-07-16T07:37:00.006+01:00

Today I couldn't decide which picture to post as I like all 3 - and they are basically the same object anyway....just different views of it. The pictures were taken at Yorkshire Sculpture Park....my all time favourite place....just incase I haven't mentioned it a few times already! This place is truly amaaaaazing....really.

The picture above was taken last autumn when all the leaves were covering the ground and adding some lovely colour to the scene. The colour was enhanced further during the HDR process. HDR photography seems to be something people either love or hate. Has anyone tried it?

You can find out more about HDR photography on Wikipedia. Essentially you take 3 photos (a bracketed exposure)...one is normal exposure and the other 2 are over/under exposed. Then you use some special software such as Photomatix Pro to merge the images. There are other ways to do it and get similar results although I don't think the results are as good and I'm not sure you could call it a true HDR image. And I'm not interested in the debate...I know what I like and that's what matters :)

The head - I love the angle of this shot

The feet - if you look closely the detail is amazing!

Feel free to critique....constructive of course lol