MWIP

This week has not been one where I pick up my camera much. It's been a teething week, Fionn is cutting his top two teeth to match the bottom pair he likes to show off with cheesy smiles and moany wails. We've had time in our magical looking overgrown garden but not to actually do any gardening. the perk of the week has been my new DAB radio so I can listen to Classic FM while I potter round the house. I think this week could border on being described as boring, 

The decorating continues however as can be seen in our half wallpapered no curtained livingroom. ever onward with that stuff.

MWIP

The decorating continues this week with me trying to decide whether to put a bold colour on the staircase or not and visits from my Sister and American Nephew. Dad has been showing them the finer points of England and we tagged along when it didn't mean a 3 hour journey across country. Enjoy signets, samples and general english quaintness. 

Photographing My Everyday

There are so many photographers out there, each have differing levels of ability and a variety of styles. It can become overwhelming to even think about adding more photographs to the enormous amount already out there. On top of this my studies have helped and hindered me equally as I look at  photographers whose works are far beyond my ability and creativity. I look at how they became so great and I feel that it's impossible for me to do what they did. I'm a student, my husband is about to become a student again, we have a little boy and a house that needs work put into it. I have projects and weddings to do, everyday household chores to attend to, how do I become the photographer I want to be under these circumstances.

My answer is to start taking pictures again. everyday. Starting today.

and to tell myself not to be intimidated by what others are creating, just create.

My Muse

I have lots of things to do with photography in my life. Studying for my MA in the subject and working as a freelance lifestyle and wedding photographer means that life can get kind of full. I've still not quite balanced the whole taking care of the house and doing all this while looking after an increasingly energetic little one. But that little one is the thing that makes me pick up my camera more than anything. Just like every Mother out there I'm feeling the time go by too fast.

So when I find photography too much I remember why it is something that is so important- it documents the most beautiful things in our lives. And he is the most beautiful thing in mine. 

A Big Gap

My photography has become quite part time over the last while. Since starting my Masters I found out I was pregnant and we've also had some major health problems in the family. I've cut down a great deal on my photography work. But I'm still here.
I've got MA Deadlines and Giving birth deadlines coming up before a brief maternity leave from work but once all is back in order I will be a more regular presence.


LOVE

Formally Introduced

I finally got to cuddle my new nephew. It has to be said that he's a handsome one. Not many little boys are lucky enough to be born with a quiff (he's clearly born for greatness). Beth wanted a few photos of her little one, but it was an extremely difficult feat as my off camera lighting (a flash and umbrella on a stand) could pretty much only go in one place in our very small living room, the space issue meant there was very little we could work with and Tyler got a a bit upset by the more than regular changing of position and clothing.

He was a brave little man but on New Years Eve with four tired adults and a fractious baby, photo taking became less important than just sitting and eating pizza and catching up with family.

I got a few in though which I think made it worth it.

And Yet Across The Gulf of Space

Colin picked up on my love of War of the World this Christmas and bought me the "New Generation" CD featuring non other than his hero Liam Neeson as the Journalist and good old Gary Barlow singing my favourite song from it (if you discount all the ULAH's)

He also got me the stage version on DVD which I cant wait to watch with my Dad who is the reason I love Jeff Waynes musical.
I pretty much love old school sci-fi. Give me a John Wyndham or H.G Wells book and I'm happy as larry (thanks larry).

Just in case you don't what I'm talking about, hear you this-

A Very Brophy Christmas

Jarlath Brophy makes a mean Christmas dinner. yummy bread sauce and turkey, and well thats pretty much all I need to enjoy my Christmas fare.

I had a lovely relaxing day where all I did was open presents, relax and get fed yummy food. 

Oh and got to spend allllll day with Colin. No work to take him away, just him looking lovely in his new shirt.

12.12.12

This date signifies something that is very important.  And that is Colin's day off.

We went all Christmassy. I've been gradually decorating the house with various things we've been given or have bought because they were a complete necessity (white lights and pre-mentioned spinning top nativity). Today Mum brought round the Piece de Resistance. We have a tradition forming in my family of making these wonderful little advent calendars made of fabric cones filled with treats and scriptures about the nativity. Mum made mine in this lovely Winterbird collection by Tilda Finnanger who has the most delicious christmas creations which I want to fill my home with. My biggest problem is the making of her designs, I'm not the strongest sewer. But my Mum is a wonderful sewer and I was delighted when she pulled this out of her Booths bag and started putting it together.
As it's already the 12th we got to take out the treats for those 12 days and in the kindness known only to Mothers there were cones that contained big bottles of herbs and spices! Our spice rack is a sad affair slowly being built up but now I have tonnes of rosemary and bags of cinnamon and more to come. It's fair to say this is the best advent calendar ever.

As it's Colin's day off he had an idea for a little date for us of a christmassy nature.

Glasgow Kisses (and love)

I strangely enjoyed the drive to Glasgow. After I got over the fact that I was driving over 60 miles an hour for an extended period (yes I am one of those people you overtake on the motorway) I enjoyed watching the Lake District go by as I listened to an Agatha Christie audiobook. It was "The Secret of Chimneys" and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves posh English people referring to pretty much everyone as a "Foreigner".  I know I do, it makes me feel all upper middle class.

anyway

after a pretty uneventful and scenic drive I reached the town centre, where a couple of pavements may have been mounted as my sat-nav suddenly announced for me to turn left sooner than I expected, and then finally reached my destination. I really enjoyed meeting Simon and Sariah's family. I stayed at Simon grandparent's house which was an absolute delight. They were so fun to talk to and get to know, and they knew Colin's brother so I felt happily connected to them through that.
The next morning I got up early to go photograph Sariah and the bridesmaids getting ready for the wedding and just fell in love with them all. It was such an enjoyable morning while they all laughed and helped each other get ready, Sariah being the embodiment of calm the whole time.
The whole wedding was lovely and I loved how welcome I felt as a part of the day. I must say though that the two things I loved most were the Ice cream cart which provided me with the creamiest most delicious macaroon ice cream I've ever experienced, and the hilarious surprise flamenco dancing.

He was beyond epic.

Another great wedding, and another bunch of new friends and acquaintances i'm happy to have made.

So Far SO Good

Everyone keeps asking how I'm enjoying married life. Well the answer is very much but every now and again I'm tempted to shake my head and say "It's just awful I've made a massive mistake" just so they'll stop.

Pretty Rebecca

I visited my wonderful friend Rebecca yesterday and knowing she has the most amazingly large windows with white blinds in her home I took my camera along to force her to pose for me.  Her windowsill is like a giant light-box. I just love the muted colours in this picture. 

Most of the visit was talking and hugging hot water bottles and munching chocolate covered digestives however which were, I think, the exact things I needed to do.

I'm so glad to have good friends in my life.  

It's the Time of Year, When the World Falls in Love

Colin and I went for a much needed date to Manchester for the Christmas market. And of course for Teacup which offered me peace from my first world woes in the form of David Shrigley's Anti-Psychotic herbal Tea and freshly baked Madelines dipped in dark chocolate. It always amuses me when we go out for food as Colin's idea of good eating is a McDonalds or a sandwich from Asda but I have a passionate relationship with food. Even the description of good food makes me sublimely happy - just the words "honey roasted" make my mouth water. 

Food differences aside, we enjoyed our wanderings around the stalls as our toes and noses slowly became numb. The cold weather just made it all feel more Christmassy.

Pudding Bells

I'm slowly starting the decoration process.

We're going to have Colin's brother and sister over to make paper snowflakes soon. Having my own house means this year the tinsel will be a bit more low key and there will be no overlarge scary angels on top of the tree. In fact there will be no tree.

But there will be stockings. Which I will be making with a lot of help from my Mother.

Christmas Time is (Almost) Here

This year's project- A family Christmas jumper photo... Colin doesn't know this yet.

Big Sister Little Nephew

My first meeting of my new nephew, cannot wait to take photos of him. 

Thank goodness for skype.

To M.A. Or Not to M.A.

That is the Question.
I'm seriously thinking about going back to University to get my M.A. I would love to focus on portraiture and see if I can combine my art side and my business photography side to a greater level. I want to be able to look at every picture I take and feel it is a work of art I'm proud of. To be a master of my chosen field. (Pokemon master?)
I'm excited at the possible opportunity to learn more.
And the best part would be I could do my photography business alongside my photography learning. I'm excited at the prospect of developing my practice till I'm the best I can be.

It's all still in the planning stage. It's a financial sacrifice but It could be well worth it.

Edumacation.

Maybe I'm a Baby Person After All

He was pretty adorable.
Pictures coming tomorrow.

Love

My friend Naomi drew these for my wedding invitations. I was just thinking on how happy I am with Colin and how happy I was with everything about our wedding (minus my dad being the person to pop a non-alcoholic wine cork during Colin's speech but I hold him no grudge, even if the guests thought it so funny that 3 more popped during the same speech. As I said, no grudge). I really loved having such lovely things, these beautiful drawings, a lovely dress, the most delicious looking flowers, yummy food, and being surrounded by wonderful people. 

Little things do count, they don't have to be extravagances, but there is something wonderful about prettiness and beauty. Little things that make you happy to look at. I think that's something I like most about weddings. Each persons "little things" that matter.

A New Chapter In My Photography

Today I commence my branching out into baby photography. It is a new and scary endeavour but I'm excited to do more portraits.

There's just so many icky things that happen when you pick up a baby. New jumper is not going to be worn today.

one day I'll be a baby person......