My friend and I had another opportunity to go out and take photographs today.
I thought this was a cute shot.
Tag Archives: Photography
Roses & Chocolate on Valentine’s Day
When it comes to Valentine’s Day, we often associate it with roses and chocolate. Well, I was lucky enough to spend the morning photographing roses with my friend at Wellington Botanic Gardens….oh and we did manage to fit in a delicious hot chocolate as well 
It had been raining heavily that morning and I wasn’t sure if we would have to postpone our outing again. (My oldest daughter fractured her arm last week…poor girl).
You would think that going out in overcast conditions, with a high chance of rain would be insane, but actually, it was perfect! No harsh light from the sun and rain drops on the flowers! Amazing!!
Here is my favourite shot of the day. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!
Picking up the camera again
I’ve just realised that I am a technology snob.
If you aren’t fast enough and efficient enough, I don’t have time for you, “thank you very much.”
A computer that takes forever to make a blog entry, and doesn’t want to download my photos from my camera?…see you later.
A camera that has a short battery life, and a lens that often decides that the photo would look better overexposed?…so long.
How did my patience become so short?
But isn’t a new year all about stretching oneself and working on one’s weaknesses?
So the camera came out with us on an outing today and I decided I was going to blog about it.
Like all weaknesses you work on, you often get a chance (read: chances) to test oneself 
I try to remind myself that the good things, take effort…and time.
I am grateful that I decided to pick up the camera again.
I love capturing their gorgeous smiles.
I also love photos that remind me of the story behind it.
Like this one:
My oldest daughter gently helped my youngest daughter all the way to the top, and then took her time, and guided her all the way back down again. They repeated this many times while we were there. Love it.
Or this one:
My son persevered on a piece of equipment that we thought was broken. He worked out how to use it, and got the tricky piece of equipment moving.
Or this one:
My heart was in my mouth, when my son decided that he was going to balance himself at the top of the very high rope frame. That is so him! I was half proud, and half terrified!
I think 2012 is going to be about celebrating the everyday triumphs…like patience, perseverance, stretching oneself, and not giving up until you get to the end (or the very top!)
Inspirational Quote: Urgent vs Important
{This photo was taken by the Wellington Waterfront}
Inspirational Quote: Be prepared to be wrong
Inspirational Quote: Make Your Heart Sing
Inspirational Quote: Being Abundant
Inspirational Quote for Valentine’s Day
Inspirational Quote: Taking Risks
5 Great Finds: DIY Notepad, Shopping like a Man, Photography Tips, First Sewing Basket, Fabric Boot Shapers
DIY Notepad | Green Eyed Monster
I am excited about trying my hand at making my own notepads! Green Eyed Monster [via Craft Gossip] shows you how!
Shopping Like a Man | Karen Cheng’s Fashion and Life
If you and your spouse’s shopping habits are like night and day, then you’ll LOVE this post by Karen Cheng! She does a fantastic job at describing what must be going through her hubby’s head, as he gets assigned the task of picking up some Christmas presents.
Better Brighter Blog Photos | Centsational Girl
Snap! Even More Photography Tips | Centsational Girl
If you are wanting some great photography tips explained in a way that you can actually understand it, you have to read the two posts by Censtational Girl: Better Brighter Blog Photos and Snap! Even More Photography Tips.
First Sewing Basket | Frugal Family Fun Blog
I love how Valerie from Frugal Family Fun Blog put together this sewing kit for her daughter. We often get out the sewing kit at Playcentre for the preschoolers, and they get such a kit out of sewing on beads and buttons etc (the sewing hoop is a must).
Happy Boots | Craft Apple
Show your boots some love, by creating some fabric boot shapers using polyfill. This is going to save some space in my wardrobe, by preventing my boots from always falling over. This great idea was from Craft Apple [via Craft Gossip].
Where’s Wally? Where’s Mummy!?! Getting out from behind the camera
So here’s what I have realised. I have hardly any photos of myself!
Making more of an effort to get out from behind the camera has been on my mind, on and off over the last couple of years. We even bought a smaller camera with the idea that the kids could take photos of the family…and hopefully with me in it too!
Then a few days ago, I was asked to submit a photo for something. I went searching and I was shocked at how few photos I am in. Absolutely shocked.
If I wanted to change this, I needed to be a wee bit more demanding, “ok, now take a photo of me!”
I also needed to get over myself.
I remember last year, when I really grasped the fact that, how we look every day: no make up, our hair doing all sorts of funny things and daggy clothes etc, is how our kids see us every…single…day. So they are going to love that photo of us even if we are “unpolished”, because that person they are hugging in the photo is their reality.
For my children, I want them to have photos of me with them.
And for me, I want to accept and love the person in the photo….au naturel. 
I have been challenging myself, by taking opportunities to snap photos of myself. I just set up the tripod and away I go.
Sometimes, instead of using the tripod I get the kids to take the photos.
I didn’t realise that this exercise would reward me with such fun (and funny) photos. None of these photos were taken by another adult. The shots inside were on a tripod (I bought a bundle similar to this S1800 model where you will see my mini tripod). The shots outside were taken by me or the kids using our Fujifilm FinePix S1600. (I usually shoot with a Canon 10D)
This is the mantra: It isn’t about perfection, it is about the memories….now breath! And take the photo!
Trash the Dress Photo Shoot
Just before I left for Melbourne, I went on my first ever photo shoot with my photography class.
It was soo much fun!
We had 5 brides who were willing to get out in the wind, get their gowns a bit roughed up, and let a bunch of photography students snap away.
I have a whole new respect for wedding photographers, and portrait photographers in general!
These photos were taken at Plimmerton, near the Fire Station.
Photography Challenge: Time
Wow! I just won this week’s challenge for my photography class.
Here is what we had to do:
This weeks challenge is “TIME” Our most precious commodity, show us your representation of time…. try to demonstrate its finite nature.
This is was my entry. I chose it because I liked how it showed the past and the present together in one shot.
Last week’s challenge was “SHADOWS”.
These were my entries:
Next week’s challenge is “MOTION”. Can’t wait!
5 Great Finds: Globe & Crossword Wall Art, Free Photography Course, Muffin Doughnuts and Fab Organiser
GORGEOUS GLOBE
What kid (or adult!!) wouldn’t want this amazing globe in their room. The talented Jennifer from Cup of Coco [via ohdeedoh] created this for a client. It is an interactive globe where the animals and landmarks have velcro on the back so you can put them on or take them off and store them in your cute little suitcase. I just love the adorable plane too!
http://cupofcoco.squarespace.com/blog/2010/3/23/nursery-wall-art-interactive-globe.html
FREE PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE (for Wellingtonians)
Why not take advantage of this exciting opportunity to improve your photography skills and attend a FREE photography workshop series which will be led by wedding photographer, Keith McNabb.
Date: Every Thursday from 19 August for 8 weeks
Time: 7pm-9pm
Venue: Newlands Community Centre, 9 Batchelor Street, Newlands, Wellington
The format will be as follows:
1. Session: Getting the most out of the camera 19th Aug;
2. Session: Secrets of the Exposure System 26th Aug;
3. Session: Taking control of the flash 2nd Sep;
4. Session: How to shoot portraits like the pros 9th Sep;
5. Session: Computer time 16th Sep;
6. Session: On assignment Field Trip 25th Sep Field trip;
7. Session: Assignment results assessment 30th Sep; and
8. Session: Publishing 7th October.
If you’re interested in attending this workshop, please register with Donna Wilson, the Newlands Community Centre Coordinator on any of the contact details below.
P 04 477 3724
F 04 477 3725
M 021 227 8092
DDI: 04 803 8092
Email: donna.wilson@wcc.govt.nz
MOUTH WATERING MUFFIN DOUGHNUTS
Jen from How to: Simplify, is now my best friend for posting up this delicious recipe (and gorgeous photo!) All I can say is…I want these…NOW!
http://www.howto-simplify.com/2010/08/muffin-donuts.html
CROSSWORD/SCRABBLE WALL ART
I would LOVE something like this on my wall! Kellie from 74 Lime Lane featured this awesome Wall Art on her “Inspirational Files” this week. These were being sold at PoshTots for $500US (Post Edit: Unfortunately they no longer sell them on their site. I guess we’re just going to have to get creative and make our own!)
http://74limelane.com.au/2010/08/09/inspiration-files-whats-on-your-wall/
http://style-files.com/2010/08/03/crossword-wall-art/
FANTASTIC ORGANISER
This organiser is the BEST! It is the brainchild of Wendy Davie from “Totally Organised”, who I met at the Women’s Lifestyle Expo on Saturday. Looovely Lady.
The Action Station is a handy pad with 52 sheets to fill out every week of the year. Instead of the normal “To Do Lists”, she has titles like “What have I been avoiding?”, “What can I delegate”, “Stuff that really matters”, “Stuff I put off last week” and my favourite “Inspiration Cloud”!
The great thing about “Totally Organised” is they come to you! You can get a few friends together, get tips and buy some really useful (and pretty) products without leaving the comfort of your own home. (They haven’t paid me to say all this by the way, I just love that Wendy took an idea and turned it into a fantastic business with great products!)
5 Great Finds: Hairdos, Photography tips, Ring Sling, Glow Cones, Mindy Gledhill
GIVE YOUR HAIR A FACE LIFT!
I just love all videos that Cheri from I am Momma Hear Me Roar does! She has done a few video tutorials to show you how to style your hair in different ways.
I’ve been trying them out in my hair, and have felt quite “glam” after the transformation!
http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2010/07/hair-week-styling-your-hair.html
http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2010/07/hair-week-hair-dos.html (the first blooper video is such a laaaaugh!!)
GETTING RID OF THE BLUR IN PHOTOS
Stacie from Chasing Picture Perfect instructs us the various steps we can take to avoid blurry photos. Me likes!
http://www.chasingpictureperfection.com/2010/07/my-photos-are-blurry-solutions-for-most.html
RING-SLINGS BY KIWI MUM
I am constantly amazed at how many balls we can juggle as mothers.
I stumbled across Oyako Designs which produce quality baby carriers.
Emily is an amazing mother who is juggling 4 children under 8 years old.
After years of experimenting and adjustments she came up with two designs which she believes is the most comfortable and convenient carriers possible. (Hmmmm…..Shall I have another baby just so I can get one of these?????)
She recently received her first wholesale order from “Organic Baby”, 127 Jackson Street, Petone. So you can check out some of her products there, or on her website. Congrats Emily!
Check out her instructional videos, it totally made me want one!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oyako-Designs/140751245949217
GLOW CONES
Amberlee from Giver’s Log shared this fun and easy idea of making “glow cones”. This would make a treat for the family a little bit more special and memorable!
BEAUTIFUL SONGS BY MINDY GLEDHILL
I heard about Mindy Gledhill through CJane’s blog. She is releasing her new album “Anchor” and it’s great! If you are lucky you can listen to a preview of her album on her blog until her album is released (Post Edit: 4 Aug in America)
I loved the words to the song “Hourglass”, totally made me think of my son…
“Little boy, when you speak, I can’t help but kiss your cheeks, I love the way you grab my hands, tell me all about your plans.”
And check out this lovely video to the song “All about your heart”. The dancing by the little girl is so enchanting! Check out the words too…
“I don’t mind your odd behaviour, it’s the very thing I love, if you were an ice cream flavour, you would be my favourite one”
“I’ve loved you from the start, in every single way, and more each passing day, you are brighter than the stars, believe me when I say, it’s not about your scars, it’s all about your heart”
5 Great Finds: Self-portraits, Photography Shoot Along, Newspaper Bag, Thank you label, Pick up Sticks
COME OUT FROM BEHIND THE CAMERA
I am loving this post by Simone from Greatfun4kids. She reminds us that it is important to step out from behind the camera and be in the photo with our children. She has been able to put into words, what I have been feeling lately. I really need more photos with the kids.Getting a smaller camera that the kids can operate, has been my first step. The next step is, as Simone says “Get over myself”.
We have to remember that our children love us, just the way we are (no make up, holey jeans and uncontrollable hair), that is how they see us every day.
http://greatfun4kids.blogspot.com/2010/07/getting-over-myself.html
JOIN IN ON THE SHOOT ALONG
Giver’s Log is a great blog anyway, but now they have teamed up with Carrie Butler and have started a Shoot Along. They are trying to get us to be more purposeful in our photography. They will be including great tips, like last weeks post on “Telling the Story”.
FUNKY NEWSPAPER BAGS
I love these cute bags that Jessica from How About Orange made. Check out her easy to follow tutorial.
http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-make-gift-bags-from-newspaper.html
DOWNLOADABLE THANK YOU LABELS
Who wouldn’t want to receive a thank you gift with these labels on it?! You can give these away too, because the girls over at eighteen25 have made some downloadable labels for us to use. Score!
http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2010/07/party-bags.html
MAKE YOUR OWN PICK UP STICKS
You no longer need to go out and buy the plastic version of this game! You just need a bit of paint, your household skewers and you’re good to go!
I am so glad that whipup.net featured this tutorial, because not only am I loving this idea, but I am loving Holly’s blog Chez Beeper Bebe.
http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2010/07/make-this-stripey-sticks.html
5 Great Finds: Photography Tips, $2 Train Tickets, Picnik Tutorial, Funny Twilight Song, List of Children’s Books
GREAT TIPS FOR TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY
This article by Digital Photography School is jam-packed with great advice for your budding photographer, or even adults who want to learn a bit more about photography! I’m excited to try some of their ideas!
http://digital-photography-school.com/13-lessons-to-teach-your-child-about-digital-photography
Source: Digital Photography School
$2 ALL DAY TRAIN TICKETS (for Wellingtonians)
You can spend $2 and travel on the Hutt Valley line, Paraparaumu line and Johnsonville line between 9am and 3pm on Tuesday 13 July, Wednesday 14 July, Thursday 15 July! Thanks Tranz Metro! (and thank you Nancy for letting me know!)
http://www.tranzmetro.co.nz/Detail.aspx?ID=5b75b561-505d-4796-bbbe-67c41d2a2d50
EASY TO FOLLOW PICNIK TUTORIAL
Jill from Homemade from Jill walks us through the free Picnik programme to make these lovely printables. Picnik can be used for photo storage and manipulation as well. This looks like fun!
http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-make-printables-without-photos.html
FUNNY VIDEO ABOUT THE TWILIGHT CRAZE
I came across this video on Shanna’s blog Just SO and just cracked up at the words in the song!
A LIST OF BOOKS LOVED BY CHILDREN
Alicia from A Magical Childhood has taken the time to collate a list of books recommended by children! I can see that this wonderful list is going to keep us busy at the library for a long time to come! Thanks Alicia!
http://magicalchildhood.wordpress.com/2010/07/09/childrens-favorite-novels-and-the-winner-is/
GRAB A BUTTON IF YOU WERE FEATURED!
Fun Kids Activity: Capturing the world through your kids eyes
On Monday the kids were off school early, so we took advantage of the extra “free” time and went to Te Papa (Wellington museum – our favourite hang out when it is cold and windy outside!)
The kids took our new family camera for a test drive. It was nice and light for the kids to use, and they loved walking around the museum documenting their trip by taking photos!
My 5, 7 and 9 year old really enjoyed this, my 3 year old wasn’t too interested – she was too busy exploring! I noticed my 9 year old was particularly excited about being able to take her own photos. (So I made a mental note, that this would be a perfect way to keep her engaged if we ever do something that is gauged towards younger children.)
The children can do many things with their photos!
They can:
- email them to grandma and grandad
- make a slide show of the photos to view on family night
- enter the photo on to KidsClick
- make their own photo collages using Picasa
- talk about why they took their photo
- write about their photos
- make their own blog and showcase the photos
- print out smaller pictures to stick into their journals
- let their mother use them for a blog post hehehe
Lots of car parks to choose from! Bonus!
A cool photo of the ceiling in the foyer of the Museum
A map of constellations in the museum. The kids love skidding on their knees over it for some reason?? (Te Papa is a kid friendly museum...hehehe)
I still have memories of the fish display from the old museum from when I was a kid
The kids and I checking out the exhibits (Yay! I'm in the photo for a change!)
My son looked up at the ceiling and asked what this was....I said it was the skeleton of a whale...then he asked where the heart was..
(my photo)...then he exclaimed "I know where it is!" and ran to the nearby Discovery Centre, and hopped into the life size model of a whale's heart!
Check out http://squid.tepapa.govt.nz/ to find out more information about our "Colossal Squid"
More interesting sights my kids found
(my photos) We all had a blast!
Can you believe that we were at the museum for 2 hours, and they were spent mainly at the Science Discovery Centre and up by the Stowaways Container!
Reality Check: As soon as we got home it was off to the Parent Teacher interviews. So we had a quick snack before we left, and then a very late dinner. If only we could make time expand!
Good Reads:
Digital Photography School: 13 Lessons to teach your child about digital photography (this is a great article, even adults who are interested in photography would find it useful!)[via Okanagan4kids]
BetterPhoto.com: BetterPhoto for Young Adults (A range of articles to help your child develop their photography skills) [via Okanagan4kids]
Come play at Childhood101 We play link up
5 Great Finds: A couple of To Do Lists, Puff Paints, Paper Roses and Cloth Labels
CUTE DOWNLOADABLE TO DO LIST
I am a big fan of Stephanie Fizer! She is so talented! I already showed you the Wizard of Oz print that I am totally drooling over.
So when I saw that Jena from Modish had managed to get a free downloadable to do list, exclusively for her blog by Stephanie I was excited! (And impressed at her skills of recruiting talented artists!) Check it out!
http://www.modishblog.com/modish/2009/03/freebie-stephanie-fizer-free-to-do-list.html
EASY DIY PUFF PAINT
I love the kind of kids activities that you can do with the things that are already in your house! All you need is self-raising flour, food colouring, water and a microwave! My friend showed this to me once, and I thought it was such a great idea! Melissa from One Crafty Mama provides an easy to follow guide on how you can do this at home! [via Skip to My Lou]
http://www.melissagoodsell.typepad.com/day_to_day/2008/01/holiday-activit.html
GORGEOUS SPIRAL PAPER ROSE VIDEO TUTORIAL
When you see the photo of the beautiful paper rose, you may think (like I did) that is sooo pretty, but I would never be able to do that! Well, let me tell you my friend, Little Birdie Secrets has put together a video tutorial, which is super easy to follow! So give it a go, you may surprise yourself!
http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2010/04/spiral-paper-rose-video-tutorial.html
AWESOME DIY CLOTH LABEL RESOURCE
Last month I showed you Amy from Chick Chick Sewing’s cloth label that she made by using eraser stamps.
Well it turns out there are MANY ways you can make your own cloth labels. kojodesigns has posted a comprehensive list of cloth label tutorials. Yay! Such a great list!
http://kojodesigns.blogspot.com/2009/07/diy-cloth-labels.html
CREATIVE SUMMER TO DO LIST
I am into to do lists at the moment! So this one caught my eye! Gorgeous colours!! eighteen25 has provided a great tutorial on how to put this beauty together. They also include a free downloadable header for it!
http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2010/06/summer-to-dos.html
If you are like me and are currently trying to keep your toes warm during winter…you may want to consider making your own winter list. My friend posted her list up on facebook and inspired us to follow her example.
Some of things she included:
- Going puddle-stomping in our gumboots.
- Having a pajama day with lots of snuggling in bed with my littles and reading my favourite old books to them, creating worlds with the hills of our knees under the blankets and populating them with duplo animals.
- Winter walking on the Waikanae beach, rugged up warm and toasty, but knowing by the end of the trip we’ll be stripped down for paddling and chilly but delighted!
- BIG bubble baths…
- Snuggling on the couch with popcorn and fun movies.
- Making home made bread and big pots of yummy soup.
- Getting some cute new WARM winter pjs.
Wherever you are in the world, why not put a list together (even if it is on a spare piece of paper, stuck on the fridge door) of fun things to do with the kids and enjoy the season you are in
5 Great Finds: Stationery Box, Flower Garland, Greeting Card, Photography Tips, Itune Apps
STATIONERY BOX VIDEO TUTORIAL
You know how I have been in love with stationery and letter writing lately…then you will understand why I was excited to read Little Birdie Secrets post on these stationery boxes. The post included a link to Dannie’s Designs where she has made a video tutorial on how to make these gorgeous boxes!
http://danniesdesigns.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/09/stationery-box.html
EASY FLOWER GARLAND
LOVE THIS IDEA! I must admit, when I see something that looks good, and seems easy, I am head over heels! Sarah from Create Studio shows us how to use our sewing machine to create a gorgeous flower garland that twists and turns in the breeze.
http://createstudio.blogspot.com/2010/04/easy-flower-garland-tutorial.html
CUSTOMIZABLE GREETING CARD
I am loving this downloadable card design by Erin from Schlosser Designs [via Delicious Ambiguity]. The bonus with the adorable card is that Erin has made it so you can CHANGE the words. So your Mother’s Day card can turn into “I’m Thinking of You” or “Happy Birthday” or whatever you like! Love that! She also has made the card in two colours!
http://schlosserdesigns.blogspot.com/2009/05/customizable-mothers-day-cards-anyone.html
TIPS ON TAKING FAMILY PHOTOS
Read these two blog entries by some amazing photographers regarding taking photos with families…and especially how to take good shots of children:
Me Ra Koh gives a great tip about asking a child if you can take pictures of anything besides their face (eg their pretty shoes). She says they will never know if you zoomed in or out, and they will be more relaxed.
On Photos by Emile [via Blue Cricket Design] shared a good tip about sitting a child on a chair if you find they can’t keep still or tend to run away.
http://photobyemilieimprove.blogspot.com/2010/04/mays-tip-of-month.html
They have other helpful tips and beautiful photos, so be sure to check them out!
FUN TIME-WASTERS AT THE ITUNES APP STORE
As if you didn’t have enough things that suck up your time, I thought I would share with you 2 free application. (Disclaimer: Just go to the app store to get these applications…but I take no responsibility for the amount of time that gets “lost” when playing these games…hehehe)
Runway: It is a relatively simple game, but can be a bit addictive
You are the air traffic controller, and you have to land the planes, unload, refuel, reload and then get the plane to take off. Did I mention that there are about 4+ planes that you are controlling?!?! (My free version is a bit more basic than this screen shot below)
Doodle Find: You are told to find certain objects in the doodles/clip art on your scrren…eg 1 umbrella, 2 scissors, 4 buckets etc. It is one of those games where you constantly want to beat your previous score.
