19/52

Bank holiday bliss with hubby. And we found a little bit of paradise at Buscot Park.

Back to school... An update!

 

Well, I am half-way through my 10 week photography course... where the heck did those 5 weeks go!? I've already learnt so much but I still have a long  way to go.

 

My one downfall? I just can't seem to find the time to get outside and practice.
But as my lovely Nan would say, "There is no such word as can't!" So I need to start making the time, otherwise I simply won't get anywhere.

This morning, I had a quick look through some photos that I've taken this year... And I must admit, I'm pleased with my progress so far.
I just hope the rain stops soon!

7/52

 

I'm feeling a bit delicate today after a night out with the girls, so Mr H and I ventured to Wholefoods in Cheltenham for some serious comfort food.

A word of caution- a small fortune could easily be spent in a very short space of time.

The Great Interior Design Challenge.

 

The Great Interior Design Challenge- an elegant combination of Changing Rooms meets Great British Bakeoff, with a bit of British Sewing Bee thrown in for good measure. What could be better?

I don't want to frighten you but the last episode of Changing Rooms aired almost 10 years ago, so a brand new interior programme was well overdue! And this show really delivered- wetting the appetites of aspiring designers (myself included!) and demonstrating that anyone can have a gorgeous home, with a little bit of knowhow.

I found the show such an inspiration and so motivating. I purchased the book straight away and it is wonderful- bursting with beautiful photography, simple projects and nifty tips for styling and decorating your home.
If you see me around, I will most probably have my head buried in this book.

P.s. I also had a little delivery of some new washi tape this week- it didn't take long before it went to good use!

6/52

(Ok, yes I know this week is just a photo my legs- you'll have to bare with me on this...)

 

Mr H 'celebrated' his birthday on Tuesday, but ended up working all evening. So not much fun.

This weekend has been lovely- quiet, restful and calm. And the highlight was stumbling across these beauties.

5/52

A girls day out in Bristol- scrummy food, a much needed glass of wine and a fantastic show.

A well deserved house-hunting free weekend.

Back to school

…Well college actually. Almost five years (yikes!) after leaving my old college, I am a student there again and it feels like I never left (I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not? I may have regressed slightly...)

After the recent impulse purchase of my swanky new camera, I thought I should probably learn how to use the thing!

So I have enrolled myself on a ten week evening course in photography. It’s actually a course on how to use an SLR but I thought my camera would be up to the challenge.

This week I had my second class. We jumped straight in with apertures, shutter speed and exposure.
There isn't much to show you just yet but I can assure you, I am learning a lot!
I’ll keep you updated and share my newly improved photos with you.

Snap chat.

I am quite ashamed to admit that I do not know the first thing about cameras. I’ve muddled my way through life, taking photos with my phone and my little digital point-and-shoot but, as good as they are, they just don’t quite cut it.

Luckily, my father-in-law is studying a degree in photography, so when I mentioned that I was on the lookout for a new camera, out came a hoard of magazines and a lot of technical words I didn’t understand! ISO who? Aperture say what?
I was given the top 5 shortlist and, typically, I picked the prettiest one.

So after a spontaneous trip to go and 'look' at cameras, I am now the very proud owner of a shiny new Samsung NX300.

So far, I've shot less than 50 photos with it but it is simply brilliant and exactly what I was looking for.
Now I just need to learn how to use it properly!

52 weeks.

 

Last year, I adoringly followed blogs taking part in the 52 portraits project.

This is where parents took photos of their children, every single week throughout the year, then chose the most emotive/funny/captivating/ photograph to share with the world.

I don't yet have children and I must admit, I was a little envious of all these beautiful photos of even more beautiful children.
(You lot really do have the most gorgeous kids!)

So I have decided to start a little personal project of my own- to improve my photography skills, to challenge myself to actually stick to something, to cherish the moments I spend with my loved ones and to simply keep a record of the year.
(I'm yet to think of a catchy name so 52 weeks will have to do for now!)

If you're doing something similar, or know of anyone who is, I would love to know!