Life is Healthy

Showing posts with label Krysalis. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Krysalis. Show all posts

Week 46 of 52

Posted by Aldie at 6:38 PM | 0 comments

Yet again time is going faster than my little size 9s can take me, as the weeks seem to blend together and I find myself a week behind yet again!

As I mentioned in my last post I had attempted to do some night photography, of which I was unhappy with. So I decided to take the time to do it tonight and make the most of it. So armed with everything except a pair of gloves I set off. Gloves turned out to be the one thing I needed most as it was bitterly cold. I met Emma out of work and she bared the freezing cold with me whilst I trekked around looking for images of interest.

Having been out before I had a rough idea of some shots I wanted to improve upon, so I got those and also worked on some light trails and shots of light reflections on the ocean, these were new and something I wanted to play with for a while. Sunday nights are not the best time to get loads of traffic so took quite sometime to get at least a shot I was happy with even if it wasnt what I wanted overall.

Anyway, these images I am more impressed with and I felt that the night, even though cold, was worthwhile. With each press of the shutter my fingers got number until my battery died and I could call it a night. On the way home as a reward we nipped into a bar for hot mulled wine, YUMMY!!!

I hope you like the images - chosen image can be seen HERE

Week 38 of 52

Posted by Aldie at 3:25 PM | 0 comments

I really needed to get away, lots of things getting on top of me and certain people taking the opportunity to kick me whilst I was down, so I headed south to Brighton for a while.

Maybe its the sea air, the change of scenery or the company, but it felt better. As long as I can quieten the voices I'm OK.

Whilst in Brighton, I tried to focus more on my photography and keep active. Luckily there was a motor bike rally, so loads to see and do. It also gave me a chance to catch up on my 52, as I got candid shots and some specific images in one go.

I tried to get a wide variety of images, people, bikes, boats, cars, animals, landscapes - more for practise than anything else. I stood on the top of the promenade and shot down into the vast crowds trying to pick out interesting characters. I did manage to get some, but the one thing that was all too clear was how poor my 'cheap' lens is. I really need to replace this with a better one. I also want to upgrade my camera too as I think I have out grown this one, I will ask Santa really nicely ;)

As for the shots I'm happy with them, nice mix, good feel them I think. As yet I haven't chosen a winner, so feel free to offer your suggestions as to which deserves to be chosen and why.
I finally chose the one I thought is the best image click HERE

Week 38 - CANDID

Week 36 & 37 of 52

Posted by Aldie at 10:47 AM | 0 comments

Well this one was the toughest weeks yet. Not in terms of subject matter, more the fact that my life was turned upside down with my long term girlfriend and I splitting up :(

I have so many things to say but better I say nothing, my mouth tends to get me into trouble - my head however is a mess, my heart destroyed! I wish I had a magic wand to fix everything but that wont work if only one person wants it, no matter how hard you wish - I learnt that before. So I needed space and some friends offered me some places to crash, but I dont like imposing, never have, but thank you for the offers folks. I did disappear to Brighton for a few days though - very cool place, kinda reminded me of Camden town, cool, funky, arty place.

Anyway now I'm left with the decision as to where my life is going next - currently, no where fast, being refused jobs left right and centre, besides my intention was to return here and run my own business, and that already has become a costly choice, so silly to leave it now.

I just want to thank the friends who were there and who offered support. Once I have my mojo back, watch out world!!!

On with the images - click to see the chosen shots WEEK 36 and WEEK 37

Week 36 - Light

Week 37 - Man-Made

Week 35 of 52

Posted by Aldie at 10:22 AM | 0 comments

Autumn has arrived and in order to mark this the chosen subject for this week is AUTUMN.

Whilst heading off on this journey I had a good idea of where I wanted to go, as I hung out there as a kid. 20 years later though, much had changed. My old infant and junior schools have been demolished and replaced with a housing estate! In fact the whole area has changed quite a bit. There used to be an old tree at the bottom of the school fields, that has been removed. That tree was like a perished fossil of what used to be. The rumours were it had been struck by lighting and died on that very day - it was old, twisted and so iconic, we used to say that at Halloween ghosts would haunt it. It really did look like a hanged mans tree.

So a quick trip up to the Wrekin and the Ercall supplied me with plenty of opportunities for subject matter. There was a chance to catch three young deer but sadly they saw me before I saw them and they ran off into the distance. Anyway, I headed up into the woods taking shots of the various fields and animals as I went. Music playing in my ears, camera in hand, wind in my face, I trudged on. When I arrived at the base of the woods, my intention was to get lost - that way I get off the beaten track and hopefully find something more unusual than that you find along the footpath.

The colours of the trees are starting to change and perhaps I'm a little early as there is still more greens than browns around. Still it was nice to get out and stretch my legs get some fresh air. One thing I really enjoy about photography is it quietens my crazy head and gives me focus if only for a little while.

I hope you enjoy the images below the chosen shot for the week is HERE

Week 34 of 52

Posted by Aldie at 2:00 AM | 0 comments

Whilst experimenting and taking pictures using our Hi-lite background I struck upon an idea for my next 52 project. As the theme is POSED, what better than me posing, but not just a pose or two, oh no, that's way too easy. I want 100 different poses!!!

So I got to work thinking about what faces, expressions and emotions I could use. I decided for this project I didn't want to use props, like hats etc (i have enough of them), instead only use my face and hands, that should offer enough variety. I then began by going through the usual emotions - happy, sad, grumpy, sneezy, sleepy - yes, I did use the 7 dwarves as a reference point. Then I got a little more creative and started working on a flow from one image to the next. I also decided to use movies, music and whatever I could think of for inspiration as well as using my own many crazy faces.

I was lucky enough that Hussian was available to take the actual shots, which saved me running backwards and forwards to the camera. So we set up what we needed and began snapping away. Huss added in ideas as we went along which kept the project alive and fun, amidst the laughter and frivolity we did manage to get plenty of shots. We then got to a point where both our minds went blank (no smart comments) we called it a day, with around 140 images in the bag. Typical, that once we had finished and packed everything away I suddenly thought of maybe 20 more options, maybe for another day?

Anyway, as I have 100 images I wont be uploading them all. Instead, you will see the finished project below.

enjoy :)

Week 34 - POSED

Week 33 of 52

Posted by Aldie at 2:12 PM | 0 comments

This weeks theme presented a new challenge for me, each week is a challenge in its own right but this one was special. The theme was OBJECT, and to make it tougher I decided I could only use one object. Typically I go out and shoot several variations on the theme and get something I like from one shot or another. This time however having only one object to shoot made me have to be more creative with what little I had!

I wanted something I could do a variety of shots and angles with, and my love for colour was also a factor, so I thought about using a slinky!

When I was in Spain I looked for one, but no one really knew what I was after - they just laughed at the crazy English man. Being back in the UK, a quick trip to the toy store and a pound later I had what I needed. But rather than simply shooting the slinky I played with it a little and worked the abstract nature of it more, as I felt it made for more interesting images.

So here is the CHOSEN IMAGE

Week 33 - OBJECT

Week 31 & 32 of 52

Posted by Aldie at 7:35 PM | 0 comments

I must say, I tip my hat to all those who complete a 365 challenge (photo a day). Having been busy with many other things I have not kept on top of my 52 challenge as I would like. Right now there is so much going on, yet at the same time nothing! Do you ever have those moments?

Anyway these are the latest offerings I have. For week 31, I had RAILWAY as the theme. I went down to a local train station and took some shots, but was not inspired. So I went on to another station, but still nothing excited me. Then on a quick day trip we came across a cool Olde Worlde train station, so I quickly snapped away.

Feeling much happier with the results from this occasion, I was able to complete this weeks challenge and breathe a sigh of relief. Rather than just one image I ended up with two I really liked, but, there can be only one!

The chosen image can be found HERE

Week 31 - RAILWAY

This weeks challenge, (which now brings me up-to-date) is SCENIC. Again whilst out and about with a friend I managed to get what I needed for this particular challenge and some additional shots should I want to use them another time or for other things. Sadly my battery died and that ended the shoot, what I didn't realise until I arrived back home is I had my spare battery with me all along. The weather was nice which was great considering how awful it has been. It was also good to get away if only briefly, fresh air does help clear the mind ;)

The chosen image can be found HERE

Week 32 - SCENIC

Question: Just out of interest did anyone else not get the global memo about double spaces after full stops is no longer the done thing!?!

Week 29 & 30 of 52

Posted by Aldie at 7:01 PM | 0 comments

I know, I know I'm really falling behind! I have being trying to keep up with everything but sadly not got the motivation I need, I think the weather is partly to blame.

My week 29's theme is Summer, but I'm struggling to find anything 'summery', in fact, little except rain! Sandra is online showing me her tan and here in the UK all I have to show is a cold, so not fair!

Being back is not what I thought it was going to be, for reasons I won't go in to. But someone is determined to make my situation harder than it need be. Not being able to move forward in my life is perhaps what's holding me back in my photography as I just aren't as inspired as I have been. This MUST be resolved one way or another, luckily I have Sandra and some friends who have helped keep me sane (no easy task).

So I finally did get round to posting the images, they were already shot, I was simply unhappy with them as they didn't convey what I wanted or were of a quality I would like.

The chosen image can be seen HERE

Week 29 - SUMMER

Be afraid, be VERY afraid, as the theme for Week 30 is Fear! This one was a little better because fear is pretty abstract. It started with a few simple questions: what do people fear? What am I afraid of? What's the biggest fear in the world? Then going to create an image that would embody those answers.

Heights, spiders, public speaking and clowns!!! But maybe the sight of those things would be too fearful for my audience?!?
So a quick re-think. Its fair to say most people fear death - they sure dont welcome it anyway. The internet and technology is another big fear, so armed with these new ideas I set about creating my week's images.
It certainly did get me being creative again as the winner of this week will show you.
The image can be seen HERE... ...if you dare to look!

Week 30 - FEAR

Week 28 - Sweet

Posted by Aldie at 2:53 PM | 0 comments

I thought this would be easy, go the shop buy a few sweets and snap away. Thats what I did, I also didn't much like the results. I played with a few ideas and considered a few options - I tried to get arty, but weren't happy with the images, tried being clever but didn't have the skill to pull it off, tried shouting at the products; that didn't help either :-S

Anyway I cracked on and took the following shots I was at least OK with. Jelly Babies are no longer the cool looking sweets they used to be - bring back the original Jelly Babies!

OK, so it was an excuse to grab some sweeties, but my creative edge was evading me and I wasn't happy with much I set up. I did try catching an M&M bouncing but couldn't get a shot I was happy with :(

Anyhoo the shots I took are below enjoy

and the chosen shot can be seen HERE

Week 28: SWEET

Week 27 of 52

Posted by Aldie at 1:55 PM | 0 comments

As you would have previously read, I had to take a trip to London to see my ladies back off to Spain. Whilst there I had a quick look around for inspiration. The place is bursting with opportunities for photography everywhere you look.

My theme for the week was Authority so I had to choose my shots, but I captured the typical images of London too, and why not. It was great to be back in London, far more interesting than I recalled.

I decided against going for the obvious authority figures being Police officers, mainly because the issue they typically have with photographers, plus they were armed!
The soldiers looked splendid and were happy to pose, well I say that, they had no choice as they couldn't move. The poor guys must feel like chimps in a zoo with everyone wanted to be near them and photograph them. Still they do make great shots.

Oh I nearly forgot to mention, an image of mine (flaming shot) has been used by a American rock group - now thats Rock 'n' Roll. ;)

The chosen image can be found HERE

Week 27: AUTHORITY

Stuff and Nonsense

Posted by Aldie at 4:17 AM | 0 comments

I know I'm behind on my 52, dont worry I will catch up, I'm almost at the half way point and it would be foolish to fail now, but my mojo is lacking big time!

I took a trip to Shrewsbury, which cost far more than I recall, nearly £10 for a return ticket to somewhere which is 10 miles away. I was amazed it costs so much, hardly surprising more people wont give up their cars when the rail networks charge such ridiculous prices. More of the same can be seen when I came to check tickets to pick up Sandra and Pitu from the airport, if you book way in advance you pay £28 but close to or on the day you could end up paying from £58 to £150!!! Really it would be cheaper to hire a car and have less of the hassle of charging trains, missing connections and struggling up and down stairs with suitcases.

Anyhoo, Pitu and Sandra have arrived and I will no doubt be busy with them for a while as they are visiting for 10 days before they return to Spain. The weather so far has been good, lets hope it remains that way.

Hussian and I shot a wedding recently, I was there as backup and Hussian did the work, I simply helped out and caught some candid shots; great practise for me. As far as the business goes, its a slow uphill struggle, but headway is being made. Looks like a while before we will have a studio though.

I have managed to speak with China on Facebook and sadly it's all I can manage at this point, I hope to have this resolved soon too; lots of work to be done!

Week 23 of 52

Posted by Aldie at 6:45 PM | 0 comments

Trying to squeeze this project in amongst other things is not easy. I cant seem to find my mojo :(

Although I have been working hard at getting the Newdawn website up and running and getting all the required information within the site, current. For 2 days running I went to sleep at gone 4am trying to fix something I knew could be done, even though forums were saying otherwise. But I did it, time well spent; I don't like to fail!

I am still finding it difficult to have access to see China, although I did get to chat with her on FB, but now that too seems to have caused problems. I have been keeping in touch with Sandra and we are both finding it harder than we thought we would (at least I am).

For a while, due to pressures, I have not been the best I could be to her and this must change in order to have a future together - I have made that commitment.

Hopefully it wont be too long now and they can join me here - hopefully with a flourishing business.

Well as the theme this week is 'industrial' where better to go than the birth place of the industrial revolution - The Ironbridge Gorge. Sadly I picked the wrong day as it rained constantly, (you know the kind, the one that gets you wet) not great.

I did manage to get some shots in, although to be honest I'm not impressed with my shots of the bridge, in particular. Perhaps it was the weather, but they just don't work as I would have liked, anyhoo...

The chosen shot can be seen HERE

Week 23 - INDUSTRIAL

Week 22 of 52

Posted by Aldie at 8:54 AM | 0 comments

Having been busy beavering away on the business side of things and trying to sort some personal matters my photography has took a hit of late. So I was keen to get my mojo back and do something more interesting and engaging.

I had bought a light tent some time back and still hadn't gotten around to using it, we needed some commercial shots for the website, we want some hi-key shots and I needed a challenge, so with all that in mind I went down to the supermarket and bought some fruit and veg and got creative.

Luckily Hussian was available and came round to help me with the shots - his understanding of lighting helped immensely. So we got cracking and tried a variety of shots using a mix of fruits.

All in all I am very happy with the images and hope that I can get back on course with my project.

The chosen shot can be seen HERE

Week 22 - HI-KEY

Week 21 of 52

Posted by Aldie at 11:04 AM | 0 comments

Being back in my old neck of the woods, felt familiar but also very different. Looking around I could see so much had changed, and not for the better. My old playing field was now a car park, my old stomping ground for exploring and climbing trees etc was now a housing estate.

The town centre shops had been replaced with pound stores, cash converters and charity shops, you can tell its a bad economy when even half the pubs have closed!

This didn't instill much confidence in me for our business venture, the one thing it did tell me is our advertising has to go further a field to be successful.

Its hard not having Sandra and Pitu at my side, having that support and assistance to keep me on track. The weather has been nice recently, but I'm lacking the drive to make the most of it, not feeling inspired much at all. I think this is just a dark cloud over me at the moment and looking for that ray of light.

The business side is forging ahead, Hussian and I have a clear direction and a few ideas in the bag.

So given the above and my state of mind, my 52 is obviously struggling as a consequence. I don't feel this does my photography much justice and I know I can do better. After spending a while in the local woodland and around the Wrekin, this is what I have to show.

The chosen shot is HERE

Week 21- FLORA & FAUNA

Week 20 of 52

Posted by Aldie at 3:34 PM | 0 comments

After all my recent exploits I did manage to actually continue shooting for my 52 project!

Some I had already in the bag, from just before I left Spain and some I captured here in England. Whilst out and about on my travels with Hussian, we came across a wonderful skull of what looked like a badgers.

So we set about lighting it from various angles and shooting away, as I knew the kind of shot I wanted I stuck with the natural light setup and opted for Black and White post processing to fit my weeks theme.
We shot some horses, not literally of course, some nature shots and I also got to try out the 7D (my next camera) and boy what a difference; makes mine feel like a toy :(

Whilst taking my shots not only am I looking for interest but also what would appeal to peoples imagination, get them to stop for a while, examine the image closer.
The way I'm approaching this is what makes me stop and look, or better yet, look again.
What makes me curious and cries out for closer inspection. What shapes catch my eye and how do they lend themselves to the image.

The skull whilst grizzly and nasty is also interesting, as are the shapes which were simply a square grill outside a police station, but the way the sun was forming alternate shapes, changing squares into pyramids made me stop and capture it, and it does play with my eyes and perception of what it is and what the shapes are, squares or triangles?

Hopefully you enjoy them too and find something to make you look that little closer ;)

The images are as usual below and the chosen one is HERE

WEEK 20 - BLACK & WHITE

Week 18 & 19

Posted by Aldie at 4:52 AM | 0 comments

As my flight had gotten cancelled and I was in Madrid, I thought I may as well make the most of it. So armed with my trusty camera I went on a mission to capture buildings and monuments for the next two week's challenges.

One of the most famous buildings in Madrid is Plaza de Toros, Las Ventas (the bullring). Now I'm not a fan of bullfighting so I never went inside although I do hear it is quite impressive, the bullring that is not the fighting. Bulfighting is still popular here in Spain, although it is losing favour; especially with the younger crowd.

Churches are also very common in Spain and each town or village will lay claim that their church is the most important in the area. You really can throw a stick and hit a church in most places (please do NOT go around throwing sticks at churches!)

Madrid does have some wonderful architecture in and around it - I could probably fill a month with different shots of weird and wonderful buildings.
On the way home we found some abandoned buildings so they got in on the act too.

To see the chosen shot click HERE

WEEK 18 - BUILDINGS

At this point I am going to get a week ahead of myself, as I should be back in the UK when this week is due to be done and I still don't know about internet connections there.
So as for week 19, sculptures were the subjects.

Looking for interesting statues is not difficult they too are everywhere as are the many fountains. Spain is a great place to capture on film. What I tried to do with this subject was to capture what encapsulated Spain: religion, pilgrims, and or course bulls.

This helped me keep a clear view of what I was looking for, rather than just random statues.

Below is the selection that I have chosen, of course like the buildings I did take more but opted for the more interesting and unusual shots.

To see the chosen shot click HERE

WEEK 19 - SCULPTURES

On top of those shots I also squeezed in some beautiful (in my opinion) pictures of Ariadna in a pretty dress she has for someone's Communion. Those shots can be found by going to my Flickr page and seeing them there, again feel free to leave comments on ANY of my photos ;)

Week 17 of 52

Posted by Aldie at 6:29 AM | 0 comments

Having had the extra week to play with I took lots of images to remind me of Spain, as well as the wildlife shots I took. You see thinking ahead ;)

So this weeks theme is Up Close, so mainly close up and macro shots used here.

Speaking of small details, as I mentioned before a few small changes have been made to my photography website - now you can browse with the arrow keys and I have cleaned up the site a little more. I may still change the layout of the gallery for something more... ...interesting. I was tempted to add a slideshow (perhaps I still will) but I really want it clean, simple and user friendly.

I have also been working on designing and adding a watermark to my images, as someone suggested they are likely to be stolen or used without permission. I too believe they are now of a standard worth protecting. So please let me know what you think about the new watermark.
Whilst improving one site I started playing with my blog site as well. I have now unified the posts a little more; My ramblings & musings, Interesting info, My 52 project, Random stuff, hopefully this will help you navigate the posts a little better ;)

Having just watched the new keynote update due for the iPhone - Steve Jobs previewed HTML5 which will basically replace Flash (at least on the Mac front), so all those who are afraid to buy the iPad for fear your site wont show up, not long to wait now ;)
I must also add they really are setting the bar high for their mobile competitors, the iPhone now has multitasking.

On another note: it may turn out that I have even more time available in Spain, as a volcano has erupted and grounded all flights until further notice - initial feedback says until Monday others say for further week. My suitcase on the other hand finally got sent off, so that may arrive before I do!!

There was a small hiccup with the company, but that's sorted now (nothings ever simple).

Really you couldn't make this stuff up!

Anyway back to the shots I took... ...the chosen one is HERE as for the rest see below

WEEK 17 - UP CLOSE

Week 16 of 52

Posted by Aldie at 3:37 AM | 0 comments

I managed to squeeze in another weeks project before I leave for the land of no internet.

Whilst out and about in Valladolid we went to a park and saw lots of wildlife, peacocks, birds and even red squirrels - thats a big thing in the UK the grey squirrel has almost eradicated the red squirrel.

So I snapped off some shots, quick tip small creatures move fast, be ready!!

Shooting in natural light and trying to find suitable shade yet still in shot of the creatures was my first challenge, then getting them close enough was my next, following that was dealing with the public that flocked around like pigeons fighting over crumbs of bread. My final challenge was looking for a good sharp shot, I had lots of blurred scurrying away shots, if anyone needs them let me know ;)

I have 2 favs of the shots I took one of the squirrel and one of the Great tit, on this occasion though Sandra and I differ on which shots are best, so at this point I dont have a fav to post to my website.

I have uploaded them to Flickr and which ever gets the most views/comments will get posted.

So I guess its time to see the shots, and dont forget please go to Flickr and let me know which YOU prefer ;)

WEEK 16 - SMALL CREATURES

OK, finally it was a close call between 2 of the squirrel shots but this one pipped it - THE CHOSEN SHOT

Week 15 of 52

Posted by Aldie at 2:12 AM | 0 comments

Life moves at such a fast pace, if you dont stop and look around you just might miss it ;)

With that in mind my topic for this week was SPRING.

My flight back to UK is now in 10 days so I have more time than initially thought, so I could take a breath. Which also meant going and taking some photos - great way to relax

So off I went with Sandra and Pitu to see what Spring had to offer, sadly where I live in Spain there isnt much in terms of wildlife or flowers - sure there are some things, but not alot.

I also watched as the sun went down and tried to capture the moments as it did.

The problem I have coming up is my place in the UK doesn't have internet, so I need to find a way to access the net, or sadly you wont see more photos!

Im sure I will find a way, just may mean uploading 2 weeks at a time, but we shall see ;)

anyway on with the shots I took, the one I thought most encapsulated Spring is HERE

WEEK 15 - SPRING

Week 14 of 52

Posted by Aldie at 4:04 AM | 0 comments

OK, I am falling behind with this project and still have a lot to do for my move so not sure if/when I will get more shots done. So to ensure I don't fall too far behind I have decided that this week I am playing a wildcard!

What does that mean? Well, I can use ANY photos I have taken since beginning my 52 week challenge that have not used in any other weeks sets.

I have taken lots of shots of many different things, some I submitted some I didn't for various reasons: not as strong as the ones I did submit or simply too similar; however still good photos in their own right.

In this set you will see an eclectic bunch of shots with no determined theme, but should still be enjoyable and interesting shots nonetheless.

The chosen shot as usual can be found by clicking HERE

WEEK 14 - WILDCARD