Times Are A Changing

Well to say the last 2 and a half months have been frustrating is an understatement. Having had an op on my foot because of an inflamed and tight tendon, a spur and pinched nerve; ment being off my feet completely for 2 weeks. It was only then that I could start putting my foot down again.  In total it meant I was off work for 12 weeks. Now although back at work, my poor foot still isn't 100%.  This has all led to a lot of frustration as I haven't been able to get out and do as much in the way of photography as I would like to.

Slowly though I am getting back out there and still loving every moment behind the lens. 

Being off work, and not being able to do very much but think gave me a lot of time to think and do some soul searching; and to re evaluate where I am in my life and where I would like to be. In this time I finally got very brave and have signed up for a diploma photography course, done on-line.  Having just completed the first 6 modules I have learned so much and am really enjoying it.  I am looking forward to the next lot that will be given to me in the next day or two.  Taxing on the poor brain though, my brain doesn't quite know what has hit it, having not studied for the last 21 years and suddenly having to has been a shock to the system, but a good one.

No doubt I still have a long way to go, and much to learn, but it will be so worth it in the end. I cannot wait to take my photography to the next level and make my hobby my full time career.  They say that if you do what you love and love what you do you will never have to work a day in your life.  That is my goal. And one I will achieve.  I want to live a full and happy life doing what I love and loving what I do.  I am tired of the "corporate" world and the concrete jungle.  It's now my time to do what will fill me up in all aspects.

It is my hope and prayer that you will all enjoy the journey that I have embarked on with me.

Time Out

Well to say the past few weeks have been frustrating is an understatement of note.  Having done something to my foot - without knowing it, it has put me out of action due to an op to correct it. 
With any luck I will be back behind the lens again this weekend doing what I so love and enjoy doing - creating the perfect image.
I have discovered the absolute joy of capturing people, not just in their natural environment, but also those portraits that will last a life time, and the memories of having had a blast doing it.
On that note I have made the decision to go back to 'school' so to speak. I have finally decided to get a formal education in photography.  Having being self taught to a large degree over the past few years, I now find myself craving new knowledge and wanting to expand my horizens and sharpen my skills a little more.

Peace, Quiet and Time for Reflection in the Drakensberg Mountains

What a wonderful week we spent in the foothills of the magestic Drakensberg Mountains - Champaign Lane.  When it came time to pack up and head for home it was the last thing I wanted to do as I felt like I was home.  Nothing can beat waking up on a crisp wintery morning and watching the colours of the mountain view change as the sun rises.  The air is so clean, the silence cannot be described - there are none of the regular sounds like cars, trucks, planes, phones and what one gets in the city and suburbs. 
The evenings are pitch black with the exception of  the stars in the sky that are reflected in the still waters of the pool. 
Waking up in the mornings, pulling your clothes on and going for that early morning walk with your coffee and just sitting absorbing the beauty of God's wonderful creation, makes you realize how small you really are, yet so important to your creator.  I feel so blessed for having been able to spend a week in such wonderful settings.  I sure look forward to doing it again soon.

New Challenges

Ok, so the last couple of times that my camera and I have been out together, namely on Sunday, and then again on Wednesday I set myself the challenge of shooting in RAW, and then editing from RAW.  Well it was the editing that was going to be the biggest challenge, as it is something that I hadn't done before.  Yes I have edited before, but not from RAW.  It's a much bigger file to work with, and a little different to your regular JPEG file.  Well I suprised myself, and was fairly pleased with the results as well.
Sunday was a lot of traveling, I reckon I did at least 200km, if not more; and shot in two different locations.  Wednesday - well there the biggest challenge was actually waking up and getting up.  The alarm bells rang at 4am, was out of bed by 4:15am, out the house by 5:15am, all to chase a magical sunrise.  Only the sun didn't grace us with the spectacular sunrise we were hoping for.  I still managed to capture some lovely images.  Feel free to browse my photography page to view some of the pics from my 2 lastest shoots.
Until next time folks

Time Flies

How does time manage to get away from us so quickly?  The weeks and especially the weekends have flown by - and of course with all the public holidays an all one is inclined to loose track of time even more so.
Yet having said that I sure haven't been sitting idle.  I have been out and about with my camera at every opportunity I get - on the weekends - and the long weekends were such a blessing in that regard.  It was just easter weekend that I sort of took a break - or did my camera?  I think we both needed some "leave".  It was a good time to spend quality time with family, and seeing my gorgous nephew enjoying his first easter egg was so special.  What those little hands and face looked like after the chocolate bunny was another story.
Well folks, check under my photography page for some more pics.

Early Morning

Well this morning got off to a cool dark start at 4am when the alarm bells rang.  Soon after I was up and at it prepairing for a sunrise shoot.  The camera bateries were charged, mine half way.  It took a lot to get out of a nice cozy bed at that time of the morning.  Ok so I had to lie there and think hard about it for a while.  But it was well worth it.  The light on the beach was oh so sweet, and the models beautiful.  Altogether it created some amazing pics.
Check under my photography page for pics and let me know what you think

Updates

Ok so it's beena  little while.  Life has been somewhat hectic lately.  I have had the opportunity to do a few more model shoots.  It took a while to set them up.  This weekend just gone proved a rather busy one.  I got to babysit my most favourite nephew.  What a blessing he is, and sure knows how to put a smile on ones face - while exhausting you at he same time- being the busy little toddler that he is. 
Sunday was another great experiece and also exhausting.  My day started bright and early, leaving home at 8:15 and meeting my first 3 models at 9 at botanical gardens in Durban; what a talented group and lovely people that are only a pleasure to work with.  My 4th model arrived at 11 from Empangeni.  Then around 12:30 it was time to head up to Hillcrest to shoot another 3 models.  Needless to say I finally finished shooting at 4:15, and realised that I was starving - having not eaten all day - just surviving on the joy of shooting, and 2 cups of coffee and a few glasses of coke.
Well have a look under my photography to see some of my latest pics.