Nostalgia

Ever since I got my very first camera, I've wanted to be able to shoot those pictures with that really really gorgeous bokeh. Of course, my first camera could do nothing of the sort. It was a simple point and click thingy, and it was back in the day when we still used rolls of film. My, how shooting has changed since then. I remember how carefully you chose your subjects, counting down the number of shots left, and the impatience, when you were waiting for the photos to get developed. They never turned out quite the way you imagined haha. You'd find out that the camera actually shot one meter to the right of what you saw through the viewfinder, or that all the pictures were leaning slightly to the left. But it was fun nonetheless. Ah, good times!

Don't get me wrong though, I would never go back there! I love the options we get with our new improved digital cameras. And, since I have a DSLR camera, I can finally get those bokehs I've dreamed about! They can really add mood to a shot, don't you think?

/MrsHjort

Solitude - doing the grunge

Originally, this picture had a lot more color. But the old wicket really didn't fit in with the happy colors. It's not often that I find subjects like this interesting, but this... this worn and weathered gate, in the middle of nowhere, with no fence to justify its position, really caught my eye. A piece of the past, persisting in spite of the ware and tare. With no purpose what so ever anymore, but to remind us of its long since past glory days. It seems I'm waxing nostalgic haha. Maybe because we're currently in the process of making new stuff look old for the wine cellar we're building here at home.

So, as I said, the grungy feel of this photo really didn't fit the wonderful lime green grass. And, so, I've done something so unusual (at least when it comes to me) as desaturating and darkening a colorful photo. The gloom fits it much better though, and as a matter of fact, it even made Mr go "Oooooh, that's a nice looking photo, did you shoot it?". Awww! Dear Mr! He's just too sweet sometimes ;)

/MrsHjort

Queen of Drama

I've always admired those who aren't afraid to show who they are, those who aren't scared to be different and who choose their own paths in life. They have always been my heroes.

It's never easy being different. Society has always been hard on those who are, which is sort of paradoxical when you think about it, because, we are all different. I find it hard to understand why some differences are harder to accept than others.

Very often people take things way too personally, whether it's about your religion, your diet, who you love, what you wear or what sports team you like. And when it boils down to it, what does our differences really matter as long as we are respectful to one and other? The way I see it, it's our differences that keep things interesting, that move the world forward and pave the way for change.

The free thinkers... may they always be there to challenge our convictions, to bring some drama into our lives and make things interesting! It would be so boring without them.

/MrsHjort

Chasing the Action

A few weeks ago, I once again had the pleasure of shooting my ex-colleague at a football game. This was the third time, and I must say that I am growing more and more comfortable with shooting action.

The first time I was an eager beaver! I, literary, watched the game through my lens, snapping all the way through. I'f you've ever done such an intense session, you'll know what I'm talking about when I tell you that I developed a severe case of "Camera Eye" haha. It took... maybe a half an hour before my vision was back to normal.

The second time was easier, I was more used to the way of thinking and composing. The first time, I had pretty much followed my friend, throughout the game, the second time I followed the ball. That way I got more interesting shots in general, and the number of shots with my ex-coworker in them were the same.

The first time had been a try-out for lenses as well. I had brought two of them with me; my trusty Nikon 18-105 mm lens, and my fairly new Sigma 70-300 mm macro lens. It turned out the Sigma was vastly superior. I got much closer to the action, with no drawbacks.

This third time was the first time I had a clue about what was going on around me - I was experienced enough to know when the real good shots were coming up, and that way, I could enjoy the game itself as well. I actually knew the score this time haha! I was way to distracted and busy before.

An other bonus was, that this time, the game was set on real grass! That made for prettier green colors and less glare. However, the sun was a bit of a problem. The contrasts turned out quite pronounced and left me with quite a bit of tinkering in post-ed. If only I could do HDR shots haha! That would really be
something :)

/MrsHjort