Sunday, August 3, 2014

Five Photo Safari

Gelati
Photography is not really my thing.  While I love looking at great images the creation of them has never been what I am about.  Words, that's what I've always focused on, that's where it's at for me.



But I'm also willing to break out of my comfort zone a little, to stretch the boundaries, to push a bit.  And so when Pip Lincolne my wonerful Blog with Pip mentor set us #Pipsters this assignment I took it on with relish.

"Optional assignment:  Take at least 5 photos of your weekend!    Create a post using those photos.     How would you improve on your work?"
Tractor Wheel

I don't think I am any sort of photographer yet.  One afternoon does not a photographer make.  But I did really enjoy this project.  Why?  Because it made me look at the world differently and made me see things I otherwise wouldn't have, even in my very ordinary surroundings. I loved that.  Also because I could see an improvement.  From when I started to when I finished I actually progressed, and that's rewarding.  There was a really great feeling looking at the photos side by side and knowing, in ways I couldn't articulate which ones worked and which ones didn't. Editing was fun!

Citrus
I also liked how some of the photos came together to tell a story of their own.  Photos that I hadn't planned, or even taken in the same time or space came together and worked in ways I could never had predicted.

I don't claim that these photos would stand up beside those of someone who actually knows what they are doing.  But I'm also still really pleased with the results.  Mainly because they are better than I thought I was capable of, and also because it was just really great fun getting into that mindset.



Heading Home
So in order to answer the assignment question, the ways in which I could improve on my work are this: Slow down! All of these photos I took while my four year old was with me.  This was fun, but it meant that I didn't really have the time I needed to set up or fiddle with my shots much.  They were all just shot on my phone as we went about our day.  One day I might just head out on my own and do some snapping, I reckon that would be a lovely way to spend an afternoon.  And may even improve my photography too.


Slate Grey & Yellow

Also?  Practice.  There's almost nothing you can't improve on if you just do more of it.  So I reckon taking more photos might just improve my photography.  And would also be heaps fun.

The theme (that I gave myself, mainly because I didn't know where to start) was "Colour".  Because this winter I've been craving and loving the contrast of bright colours against grey backgrounds. 



Game Over
Do you have an interest in photography?


24 comments:

  1. Gorgeous! I'm too intimidated to share mine after seeing these. Wowsers, just beautiful Kate!

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    1. Oh thanks Rachel! I really appreciate that. But I've shown you mine, now you are obliged to show me yours. ;)

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  2. Oh wow Kate! These are wonderful. If this is your first attempt I can't begin to imagine how incredible you will get with practice.

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    1. Oh Deb - you are so kind and generous, aren't you! I really enjoyed the head space this got me into, can't wait to d a bit more. x

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    2. I agree with Deb. And Kate - your opening sentence that you're not a photographer. I think you might need to change that! They're fabulous...good on you :) xx

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    3. Thanks Katie! You girls are so kind. x

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  3. These photos are amazing. I totally agree with Deb. ××

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    1. Thanks Blondie ;) I'm getting such a great response! When I looked at these photos against some of the others, I really felt like they worked, but I wasn't sure why I felt like that - which made me doubt if I was right. So all the validation I'm getting is really making me feel like I'm not nuts, which is always nice! x

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  4. You have a wonderful eye!! These photos are fantastic! Well done, Kate xo
    Barbe x

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    1. Thanks Barbe! I really appreciate that. All this positive feedback is very inspiring! x

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  5. Ummm excuse me but it looks like photography is your thing :) These are stunning

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    1. Thanks Jenny. Guess I've got no more excuses for using stock shots. Damn. ;)

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  6. Argh! Fantastic! You have a good eye, lady! I teach my OTHER creativity eCourse students to slow down, notice the little things, preferably borrow a child and see the world from their point of view. You have totally nailed that! So pleased for you!

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    1. Oh goodness! Thanks Pip. For dropping in, for the ace positive feedback, but most of all for the inspiration. I am really pleased with the results, but more so I just loved the process - I really got so much from this assignment. Who knew? Oh, that's right. You! x

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  7. These are really good Kate! The colours are fantastic and the photos themselves are fantastic. Well done x

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    1. Thank you so much Karen - I really appreciate that. x

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  8. Beautiful images, Kate. I think you've discovered a hidden talent!

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    1. Oh thanks Julie! I'm not sure, but I really enjoyed the process a bunch. Will definitely be doing this again!

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  9. You have an eye for composition that must be innate. Great job and yes, photography IS your thing. What a wonderful revelation for you!! Color it is!!

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    1. Thank-you Joan. I'm really pleased with the results (and all the positive feedback, just quietly!). I really enjoyed taking these photos - there is definitely more photography (and more colour!) in my future.

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  10. UMMMMMM!!!! LOVE these solo much. Totally my style, lady! NICE job fellow pipster!

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