A different Approach

Do you ever do something and think "that's exactly the same as I did it last time" I have been finding myself thinking that way about the photography. My own fault, because I have my very favourite places to visit and when you have already taken 630 photos of Criccieth Castle, it's hard to make No. 631 stand out! I think because of that I have struggled with enthusiasm, hence being over a month since I last posted.

So, I am trying something a bit different. I am having a go at being a bit more abstract. Thinking more about colours, shapes and textures. Not sure if I have got it yet, but I have had guidance and inspiration from someone who is amazing at this type of image (see photographers to inspire) so I have absolutely no excuse!

I like the shapes and colours here and the way the light falls. I have wanted to keep some of it out of focus to take attention to the back of the photo. Maybe it's not "art" but I kind of like it.

These were taken on a recent trip to Aberystwyth. It is a fabulous place to look for texture as the sea has played havoc with the front. The rust and dereliction is strangely beautiful and the colours in it just glorious.

I found myself looking at so much detail and I think that this will really help when I look at landscapes too, seeing everything in front of me and not just the focal point.

This is one of my favourites. Love the bubbly textures on this van together with the rich golden colours, but I really love the hook! Tell me that doesn't look like the wisest old owl! No, just me then!

This is a broken window on one of the shelters along the prom and I loved the patterns in it. Had to put it on manual focus as the camera couldn't seem to settle on one part to focus on, but it came out ok I think.

Did have to get one seascape in, plus a couple of castles!

So I have really enjoyed the different approach and will definitely do more. But I do think I still at the moment prefer the more scenic shots. I look at the scaffolding poles and think "yes, I really like it, but do I want it hanging on my wall?" Probably not!

Lessons Learned: I think the key to much in life is to find someone or something that inspires you, and be brave in trying something new. They say you should do one thing everyday that scares you! I am doing my darndest to live by this rule. It can be scary at times but it can also be interesting, intriguing and a whole lot of fun!

Diet Diary: Nope, nothing. Just can not get my head around it at the moment! Might have to admit defeat and go back to club! (At the precise moment of writing, Carl has just brought me in a chocolate biscuit! I ask you, what chance do I have!!!)

Rambling Record: Slightly better news! Completed over 100 miles so far. A little behind on my target, but not too far (and I think that is the only time the phrase "a little behind" will ever refer to me (see diet diary)).

Blipping Photos

I wanted to tell you about a milestone I have just hit. I have just blipped my 100th blip!
For those of you who think I have finally lost the plot, let me explain. 
Blipfoto is an internet thing where you produce a photographic journal, basically taking a photo every day and posting it. You can write about it or just post the photo. You have the opportunity to comment on other peoples photographs and have them comment on yours.
This is My blipfoto page. I call myself Maisiebeth in case there is any confusion.
I posted my first picture on the 18th of May after much deliberation.

I was concerned that having to take a photo everyday would prove to be too demanding. To be perfectly honest it has been challenging at times and I think my photography has improved because of it. It really focusses the mind and makes you look at things in a completely different way.

On a day when I couldn't get out at all, I blipped Al, my ted.
The challenge was to still make it a good picture and not just an "it'll do snap". So I arranged him as best I could, gave him a pretty background which I tweaked in Lightroom and let the world in on my secret cuddle!

Over the 100 days I have started to follow other photographers and got a fair few followers in return which is lovely and every single comment I have had has been kind. No harsh criticism on this site! As I follow people, I have made the obligation to view and comment on their work which can be time consuming but I have learned such a lot from other peoples interpretations.

There is Abstract Thursday and the above is my first ever attempt at doing abstract. That is a whole new avenue for me, never tried that before and really enjoyed it. The picture is actually of torch being shone through a blue glass bottle and then edited a bit to take away some of the detail.

Blip isn't just for serious photographers. Some people just take snaps of their everyday life and use it more as a diary, which is great. Some just post pics and don't comment, but being generally nosey, I like to know about the picture and why it was taken. You meet some very interesting people and some excellent photographers.

This was taken at Ty Mawr Country Park in Wrexham on a beautiful summers day and was one of my most popular photos. Although the one that has had the most views and comments is the tree I blogged about a few days ago, my black and white nightmare tree.

One of the very best things about Blipping for me is that when I get up in the morning, I have absolutely no idea what my blip for the day will be and that is very exciting.

Lessons Learned: I do seem to have a bit of a creative imagination! I am being brave with my creativity and surprisingly, sometimes it actually works! I can do Art, so there, Mrs Icke, art teacher from school!

Diet Diary: D-Day, September 8th, waddle back to Slimming World. Making the most of it till then!