Mother Nature

Shayne's:

This pic was taken a couple of weeks ago at Kei Mouth Beach.  There is limited sand now on the 'beach' and this is what has replaced it - masses of churned up shells.  But i think they are so pretty in their own way - so many different colours and textures right under our noses - but do we ever take the time to really look and notice?

Mine:

Following on last week's theme of "Natural beauty", I suggested "Mother Nature" for two reasons. The first, as we both wanted to do nature last week but didn't, I though it would be great almost forcing it this week. The second reason was totally selfish - I knew we would be in the Pilansberg for the weekend and I thought I would get the perfect animal shot. I got quite a few nice ones, but at the end, this one speaks tome of Mother Nature. The way a tree will find it's way around a rock, shaping and changing to survive and thrive. A good subject, but at the end it's the lines and the textures that make this photo.

 

Marcelle & Kerstin

Andrea & Claire

Lynette & Stef
Berta & Corey 

Linda-Maree & Mariette

Connection.

Shayne's:

When i chose connection (from my picture last week) i had visions of taps/electrical somethings.  Not sure what.  But when I sat and reviewed the photo's i'd taken after a visit from Grandma & Grandad, I knew that this would be my 'connection' photo.  This little girl of mine completely adores her 'Ma'.  She becomes her shadow and nothing is too much effort for Ma when she has her littlest grandchild with her.  I often think that she is by far the fav of the grandchildren - but that wouldn't be fair now would it!  Back to the photo - am sure that you can all see the connection between these two - and it warms my heart that this Grandma adores my child as she does.
Mine:

When Shayne sent the word "connection" as our subject I had all sorts of technological connections in mind. But one picture I took two Saturdays ago kept running in the back of my mind. A connection, of the family variety. These two are cousins and although you can see a family resemblance this picture is almost uncanny in how much the family genes run.

Old/antique

Shayne's:

When Cat chose Old for this week I knew I wouldn't have a problem finding something old, as there are so many unused and discarded equipment round our farm.  The question was finding the right one.  This is the electrics and odometer from an ancient grader on our farm.  I almost think that it would look better as a black and white photo - but i took it in colour.

I think it looks great in colour with the rich rust colours one could possibly miss in black and white.

Mine:

I picked old/antique for his week as Shayne's picture of last week had that feel to it. I was planning to get my Dad's old single lens reflex camera out and taking a picture of it, but never got around to it. So I am recycling this one. Taken at Van Gaalen Cheese farm this skeleton of a piano is just so sad - all dusty and broken. I can imagine how it used to be played years ago - maybe in a bar  - I can see the cowboys and can-can girls or similar in the Johannesburg mine canteens. It just has personality.

 

 For more TUT:

Marcelle & Kerstin

Andrea & Claire

Lynette & Stef
Berta & Corey 

Pink

Shayne's:

 

When Cat decided on pink for this weeks theme I was delighted.  My littlest is a pinkaholic so I knew there would be no shortage of subject matter.  Then I went of my photo course and all my ideas went out the window.  I then had visions of a stunning pink karoo sunset - which my teacher agreed with.  But then we did some portrait shots in the location and I came home with this shot and loved it.  Granted there is only a dash of pink, but the I love the expression on her face (Anelma was her name) and the soft morning light.  She loved posing for us and I felt that her face was so full of character. She has the most beautiful smiley eyes and laughter lines and is a beautiful woman inside and out.  I feel honoured that she allowed us into her home and to capture her and her family as we did

Mine:

I chose pink from the lovely cloud reflections on Shayne's picture last week. This is the latest tutu I made, with the picture taken when the early morning sun hit it as it was lying on the dining room table very early Saturday morning. I immediately thought the light was great and only later realized that I had my "pink" picture

 

I have to say that Shayne's picture is excellent. Absolutely excellent.  My favorite of hers thus far.

For some more team-ups:

Marcelle & Kerstin

Andrea & Claire

Lynette & Stef

Berta & Corey 
Helen & Tania

Water

My team- up mate Shayne is, as we speak, on her way to a fantastic photo course - I am extremely jealous but hope she enjoys it and learn a lot that she will share with us in future. Hence, her post might be late today. To make it even better for her (and worse for me), she is going to take this course with our friend Lynette.

Shayne:

This photo was taken at one of our near empty dams on the farm.  It was evening and my littlest and I had gone for a walk - i took my camera along and played around with settings, iso levels etc - and this is one of the results of that.  the reflection of the sky in the water.  I think it is stunning.  Now if only i could take more shots like this!

Mine:

It was Shayne's turn to pic a subject and I was delighted she chose water as I have been practicing for while with "freezing" water and fountains. So the first fountain I saw became the subject for today's picture. It is located in the very tranquil courtyard of La Campagnola in Bryanston Johanesburg. Anna serves really superb food too!

For the other teams, go visit:

Marcelle & Kerstin

Andrea & Claire

Lynette & Stef

Berta & Corey 
Helen & Tania

Circles

 

Shayne's:

I had actually taken another photo for this challenge, but this afternoon when my littlest was playing with her water balloons i thought i'd snap a pic.  And this is what it is.  Completely different from my original photo, but i love the vibrancy of the colours and the clarity of the droplets.  Seems having little children comes in quite handy when needing photograph material!

 

Mine:

Just after the idea of choosing "circle" came to mind I started seeing circles everywhere, in everything. I took quite a few, but this one from Sunday remains my favorite. 6 Circles, at least. Bright and friendly. My kids just love to run around with their "cars".

 

I just love Shayne's - I think it is a great picture. 

For the other team, go visit:

 

Marcelle & Kerstin

Andrea & Claire

Lynette & Stef

Berta & Corey 
Helen & Tania

Wood.

I am really loving the team-up challenge - it really gets you to look for a specific interpretation that you might not initially think of, as was the case for me this week.

Shayne's:

Choosing a theme from last weeks photo's wasn't easy - there wasn't much to go on.  So i settled on wood (from the fence that Cat's son was climbing).  I thought it would be easy to get a pic of wood - not so much!  However, I spotted this tree on our way back from St Francis and got hubbie to stop so that i could take a few pics.  I took some in colour, and then also about 4 in B&W.  I thought the B&W one would be the breath-taking on, but no - the colour one is.  I'm sure if i had to photoshop the B&W they would be quite remarkable, but no fiddling allowed.  I do love  this tho as it showcases perfectly the stark beauty of the Eastern Cape right now.  We are still experiencin a severe drought, so not green green - but rolling hills abound and nothing for miles.  How blessed I am to be able to live in this beautiful part of South Africa.

Mine: 

Wood. What to do with Shayne's theme of wood. I had all these texture type pictures in mind with bark etc, or a wooden cross, and then I just snapped this one at the front door almost by chance. And it's proven to be the winner for the theme. I like the line s in it - and the roundness being echoed.

For more team - ups, go visit Corey's to see who else are participating.
And also check out these:

Marcelle & Kerstin

Andrea & Claire

Lynette & Stef

Berta & Corey 
Helen & Tania

Megan & Melody
Joanne & Rose

Jeans

I just love Shayne's photo for this week. Such a wonderful interpretation and a great shot.
Shayne's:

This week's theme, Jeans (chosen by Cat) threw me somewhat.  What on earth would i photograph - certainly not me in my jeans that is for sure!  So i had to make do with what i had - and here it is.  The stack of jeans in my wardrobe.  Prob about 10 pairs of so, but I have my fav 3 that i wear again and again.  And i fold them becoz they take too much space in my hanging wardrobe.  Is that weird?

I randomly chose "Jeans" from Shayne's picture of last week - it was the first thing that came to my mind. So this weekend I had to make some jean oppertunities and this one came out best. Little man C in his cute balck jeans. I love to take these "non-portrait" portraits - a bit of someone that show their personality

For more team - ups, go visit Corey's to see who else are participating.
And also check out these:

Marcelle & Kerstin

Andrea & Claire

Lynette & Stef

Berta & Corey 
Helen & Tania

Megan & Melody
Joanne & Rose

Blue is the colour...

Shayne:
I decided on the theme 'blue' for two reasons.  One, the books i used in last weeks pic were blue, and also, because I knew that Cat was in CT for the weekend and would definately come back armed with 'blue' pics.  My photo was taken last week when we visited our local Lion Park.  After feeding all the animals the kids hit the play area, and i just sat on the grass and snapped away.  I'm slowly learning to use settings other than 'auto' and also that taking photos in the early morning and early evening are definately ones with more 'feel' to them.  I just love how the light from the setting sun is catching my daughters face, clothes and her hair.  everything seems to be bathing in golden light and it is just so soft.  Of course, the absolute look of joy on her face just tugs at my heart!

Mine:
When Shayne came up with the theme "blue" for this week, I was absolutely delighted. What better theme for Cape Town where I was spending the extended weekend. I literally have about 50 pictures I can use, but this one won because I love how the reds make the blues look even more vibrantly blue. This is a fishing boat in the Houtbaai harbour - taken on Friday morning on a cold and breezy morning walk

For more team - ups, go visit Corey's to see who else are participating.

Books.

Shayne's really classy one:

When Cat chose the theme 'Books' (taken from last weeks photo of our rings/Bible) I had a picture in my head (you know those!) and i love how this turned out.  Remember the Reader's Digest Condensed Books - well we have a ton of them and i thought they would be perfect for this picture. And it worked well - i think.  The age of the books is apparent from the colour and it just blends so well with the colour of the piano and the blue of the spines.  Just to tell you all - Cat and I have made a decision to use 'un-altered' photos for our TUT.  It is so easy to manipulate a photo to the way you would like it to look, but not always so easy to take that pic

My , completely the opposite:

For more team - ups, go visit Corey's to see who else are participating.

Commitment.

Gee whiz - can you believe it is the middle of the year already?  A whole 6 months of project 365 and a month of Team up Thursdays. This one was so interesting when we actually realized how alike we thought on this one.

Shayne's pic:

My choice for this weeks theme was the word Commitment.  The reason for this is that today, 1 July 2010 is my 4th Wedding Anniversary.  Soppy i know, but there you have it.  4 years ago today I said 'i do' to my darling husband.  A man of not many words, but of great love and wisdom and care.  He has enriched my life in so many ways and for this I am eternally grateful.  I love him more than words can say.  Happy Anniversary dear xoxo

Mine:

When Shayne suggested "Commitment as our theme this week I immediatley knew exactly which picture I wanted to take. I have seen a similar one on a wedding photographer's website. So I set of to make it happen - first with natural light backlit - it worked, but the contrast was too little. Then I tried with a flash - which gave me double and vague shadows. At the end I got a very "primitive" sollution to getting the hearts just perfect - backlit at night with a reading lamp and taken with a steady hand and no flash. Believe me, I really worked for this one.

Go to Corey's to see who else are participating.

Balance

Hey, Thursday and team-up time:

I chose "Balance " as the topic for the week.

First, Shayne's:

 

I had a few options to use for this theme and I just couldn't decide.  So settled on this.  Very literal interpretation of the word.  But let me explain nontheless.  I could not resist buying this little 'Gardening Angel' from my favourite gift shop in our little dorpie (town).  But golly, she just does not hang.  No matter what I do she falls down.  I don't think there is an distribution of weight.  So i finally decided to put her in this flower pot - but she is very precariously balanced.  The slightest breath of wind and boom, down she goes.  But i refuse to give in and this is where she is going to stay!


Mine:

I had so many other ideas in mind when I chose "balance" as a theme - the princess balancing on one of the garden hedges like she often does, or trying to do a yoga pose. When I just stumbled on this one, impromptu happening on the patio, I decided to snap it. Little man C decided that puzzle boxes make great towers. Balancing them is hard hard work.

Other teams participating:

Megan and Melody

Corey and Berta

Marcelle and Kerstin

2010 Soccer World Cup fever.

 I chose 2010 World cup soccer fever for our theme this week as tomorrow will see the opening ceremony and match.

First Shayne's:

When Cat suggested Soccer Fever as this weeks topic - i thought great topic, but where do I capture soccer fever in my small dorpie?  I had a whack of plans, non of which materialised.  This shot did though, which was by fluk (accident) and I'm completely thrilled with it!  My eldest daughter was obviously having a Soccer moment, and I caught her loafing on the couch, completely mesmerised by whatever was on the TV, with all her soccer paraphenalia around her.  I just love the vibrancy of the colours and her idle fiddling with the flag (on a pencil!).  So altho there may be no Soccer Fever in our small farming town - there sure is in our house!

Mine:

 

I really took so many pictures over the week for this one - flags, kids in soccer shirts, vuvuzelas etc, but this one somehow remains my favorite as the colours are just so vibrant. This street seller apparently only sells South Africa supporters items and no other country's but you can literally get anything for any country for sale on your local street corner.

For some more Team up Thursdays have a look at:

Joanne and Rose

Andrea and Claire

Megan and Melody

Corey and Berta

Marcelle and Kerstin

Lynette and Stefanie

Team up Thursday - edition 2.

Our theme of team-up Thursday this week is "Happy". Today, I am certainly happy as my big proposal went of so well with our client today - if they say "Well done, that was great" you know that it's in the bag!

First Shayne's:

When I decided on 'Happy' i thought that the pic would definately include children and laughter.  But my mood has been grey, thanks to my headache, so no such luck.  Instead I have used this pic - an absolute favourite of mine - who can resist a chip sarmie?  Honestly?  They are my best - lightly salted crisps on fresh white bread with lashings of butter.  My oh my.  Yummy.  And of course anything that is 'yummy' in my eyes in turn makes me happy!

Oh my, I can taste that farm butter.

Mine:

When Shayne decided on "happy" as a theme I had a very specific picture in mind involving 3 kids, a bubble machine and sunlight. The weather this weekend had other plans though and it was gray and raining. So, this one form The Lil Miss' Sports day early in May immediately came to mind. Their team just won the teddy-bear relay and I capture this spontaneous moment. To me, it's just happy.

 I took a huge amount of pictures at the sports day - of kids, teams, kids with parents - just the general mayhem of 50 toddlers with parents. I then offered them to the school to sell prints for the development fund - we calculated a 100% profit per picture and the school made R800,00 profit on my little effort. That means a huge amount of pictures (about 250) were sold and that really makes me so so happy because it is the very first pictures I have ever sold.

Want to see some more Team-up efforts?

Joanne and Rose

Andrea and Claire

Megan and Melody

Corey and Berta

Marcelle and Kerstin

Team up Thursday

So this is the power of blogging - Marcelle at last convinced me and Shayne to team up on this one and I can see it will be great to get the creative juices flowing.

Our first subject: Colours (yes, and I know how to spell, but the Americans actually spell colour wrong - we in the Commonwealth of nations know how to spell like the Queen)

Shayne's:

When Cat decided on Colours for our theme, i knew exactly what photo i was going to use.  I took it earlier this month.  My littlest was playing with her blocks on the coffee table, and the light and reflections were just stunning - so i snapped away.  I love this shot.  I suppose it does help that the table had been polished earlier in the day!

Mine:

For our first Team- up picture we talked about several subjects and mentioned that we can do the different colours, and then I said, why not do "colours" as our first topic. This set of fineliner markers are one of my constant companions - always in my handbag and very much part of my life. You see, there is no black one - I gave it away. I like to write in colour, it brightens my day every day. So I took them outside late yesterday afternoon and in the fading light took a low light shot on the patio table. Of course I like the colour, but I also love the line and the perspective.

Why not start your own Team Up Thursday with a fellow blogger?  Other bloggers playing along are:

Joanne and Rose

Andrea and Claire

Megan and Melody

Corey and Berta

Marcelle and Kerstin