Monday 7 May 2012

Sometimes you need to be a bit more

More than a wife, mom and career woman. You need to be more of yourself, of being creative. Of doing something that makes you truly happy outside of this all. Food for the soul if you like.

I have been thinking about what I like and would like to do to fill my happiness tank.I though about all the hobbies I have had in my life - making beads, needle work, painting , drawing, photography, mosaics, pottery, horse riding, yoga - a long list. And although I do the occasional yoga class at gym it is nowhere the quality and intensity I was used to. And horse riding is simply not practical at the moment. Occasionally yes, but intensity, no. Not with all I have to do and money wise. But I evaluated all and decided that I would love to do more in photography and discussed it with the hubby. I might do a course in the future. The occasion to feed my creativity cam soon and unexpected when my cousin invited me to a photography forum's event on Sunday and in the blink of an eye and one call the the hubby to co ordinate schedules and time, and I was in!

What I loved about the event was the casual approach and easy timing. Apart from the two challenges there was no stress to perform involved. The atmosphere is very much in terms of positive comments and teaching with encouragement. After introductions we had a nice brunch followed by our first challenge - to photograph the restaurant experience.I really like my photo below but I does not say restaurant, does it? I have to agree that I got distracted by beauty. And there's something in the corner?
This one shows a bit of the atmosphere of the place.
On to the next section which was a workshop where you had 4 options ranging from beginners, to portraits, to macros and unusual angles etc. I chose portraits because my interest is mostly in people and boy, did I learn a lot. They had a wedding photographer couple that showed us the ropes,with natural light, different light conditions, fill in flashes, slave flashes and reflector screens. Wow, a whole world. Also learned a lot about the light triangle and juggling with that.
What I think was my best shot of the light skinned model:
And the dark skinned one. I should have had my ISO on 200 and not 400 to have the very bright background a bit better in balance but I love how I got her skin to "glow" and not "shine".
Then we were set the "one shot" challenge - we got one shot only and half an hour to take it in - thus release your shutter just once. This is more difficult than you think - we are all so used to taking many shots with digital and edit - now you had one shot, no editing and no testing. This was mine:
The comments that I got was that it is slightly over exposed but a very interesting and eye catching shot.

I loved the whole experience -not only having some time for myself for the day, but learning and meeting new like minded people. 

And I used my new knowledge to catch the super moon - out of hand with my little zoom lens (and cropped). Not great detail or super sharp, but certainly better than I did on Saturday night.
Now I have to comment on the forum, and post some photos (which I am terribly afraid to do) but I guess it is learn and take the criticism. After all, it is putting yourself out there that is the next step in growth.

18 comments:

  1. gorgeous pic of the moon! We only noticed it after the kids were in bed otherwise they'd have been "over the moon" ha ha - sorry, can't resist.

    You are very brave but I agree - this is just my thing :)

    It is lovely to be stretched - you can see how much better I'm getting with Superhero and I blush when people say nice things about my pics on the forum!

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  2. That's so cool.
    I still need to find that thing that fills my happiness tank.

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  3. Well done! I love your last photo:-) and getting to fill your happiness tank, excellent!

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  4. I was so sad I missed the supermoon. It was completely overcast :( But I'm thrilled you got to fill your tank! I also hate posting my work. I usually post only the absolute best work I've done and then wait at least a week to read the comments!

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  5. I love all these photos, but what do I know??

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    1. I have to smile because you take the most gorgeous photos of your kids

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  6. I really like your one shot photo. It's great that you got a chance to fill up your tank!

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  7. Lovely one-shot. Not as easy as you think for sure ... even if I'm just snapping random things with my phone I always take 4 (or 5 or 6) snaps just in case.

    Glad you got to fill your happiness tank.

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  8. Oh wow! Sounds so informative and I am so happy that you have enjoyed it so much. I believe you in that this was such a great experience indeed. Can't wait to see what you bring to your blog with the photos (with what you learned at the workshop.)
    Love the photo of the moon.

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  9. Good for you. That leaf and moon shot are awesome! And you are right....we all need something that feeds are inner self.

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  10. Ah...the one of the moon just takes my breath away. You know I ALWAYS love your pics and I think your work is already brilliant. Am looking forward to seeing how much MORE brilliant it will become. LOVE that you are doing this FOR YOU.
    x

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  11. I think it's so important to find something to call our own...apart from our roles as wives and mommies.

    I really love to make stuff. I don't do it as often as I'd like...I'm not sure I can really even call it a hobby...but I know if I don't take some time to "create" every week or so, I really start to feel it.

    Kudos to you for setting that time aside for yourself! And what a neat workshop, too!

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  12. That experience sounds awesome....well done on all your shots. You are like a pro

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  13. I love your second shot of the restaurant and I love the photo of the leaves in the water. Awesome! I am pretty sure you will excel in this;-)

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  14. I think "me" time and finding a creative outlet is very important. I also don't do very well with critisim though - even if it is constructive. Thankfully my art teacher knows this and knows how to phrase it so I don't just get my back up and stop listening.

    I go every Thursday and have done for the past 11 years. I took a year off after Little OL but started again as she turned 1. Thankfully my teacher kept my space open. I love those evenings.

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    1. I am actually thinking about taking art classes again too.

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  15. Oh wow, wow, wow! How awesome! And I so love your pics!

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  16. I think it's great that you are partaking and advancing your knowledge in a field that interests you. I so desperately want to get back to playing the Piano and getting more crafty with my hands. Just a little difficult with 2 small kiddies! Soon, hopefully soon!

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So what's on your mind?