Commuting through pictures and video...

Beautiful Sun (morning commute) a video by brown_eyed_dreamer on Flickr.

Did a bit of videography on my commute, one beautiful morning this week. ( You will have to mute the audio from this post to watch this one if you watch this from the homepage)

The song is called Gravity Happens, by American singer and (One Tree Hill) actress, Kate Voegele.

My theme of commuting continues in my first print of my Digital Photography portfolio.

Photography by Zoe Bull 

First semester of University - Over. It seems very surreal and so grown up and sophisticated. I have definitely felt that I have grown up over 2011, but only in the work side. I think I will always be a child inside. 

I will always have the story to tell of how I fell in love with photography. It was yesterday when I was presenting my Digital and Film prints to my course, that I actually fell in love with Photography. Before, it was most likely a Lust or Infatuation - certainly an obsession that I couldn't do much with. It was the day after I left school that I felt this overwhelming lust for it. I had no knowledge of where to go or let alone use a Digital SLR or a 35mm camera. The fact that I have learned so much about Photography in just a few months has made me get to know it and therefore fall deeply and head-over-heels in love with it. They say you can not love a person unless you really know them. I definitely go by that but we are all infatuated to begin with. I feel now that I can start building my skills on a higher level. I am ready to progress and feel so determined to get a career out of this because this is what I want. Photography is what makes me happy. I have never really thought of it as a hobby, but I guess it is. I have always seen it as a little more than that, and now more than ever, I feel like I can work hard and eventually get to being a true professional. 

I shall end this post with a few words of wisdom from Kate, that I find more than inspiring. 

"..I have gathered that the moments that shaped me
Were the ones that have tested my faith
And all that matters is the courage they gave me
I fell down and my fears were erased

'Cause in the wreckage of heartache and hindsight
A new beginning starts to unfold
And if you let it, it just might save your life..."

                                                                -- Kate Voegele, Gravity Happens 

Wedding at number 3...

Yesterday I went to my third wedding shoot. As it is Summer and it's warm as it's ever going to be in England; it is a popular time for weddings.

The wedding took place in Ufton Court, where there were beautiful gardens and a decorated barn for the ceremony.

Stuart and I started at his house and drove down to see the bride prepare herself, and take some pictures of her dress and accessories. I always get a buzz because everyone in the house is always in a good mood and the bridesmaids look forward to wearing their dresses. For a moment you feel like you are apart of the family and it's special to feel like a witness to the bride and grooms special day.

Though I didn't take any pictures at this stage, I paid a close eye on Stuarts photography and he again helped with the tips.

At 12.15 we needed to get to Ufton Court so we could set ourselves up for the wedding. The barn was absolutely gorgeous with it's beams covered in ivory and fairy lights. The chairs were covered in the classic white sheeting and caressed with royal blue ribbon.

My first job was to set up the tri-pod that Stuart was going to need during the ceremony. Like the first wedding, I was to stand at the back and take a few shots, while Stuart would take the main ones. He informed me to not to take so many photos but to pick out the key moments, where they kiss and exchange the rings.

After the ceremony, the guests went to have their champagne, and Stuart and I went around the crowd taking candid shots. I thought of taking a really nice one of the band as Stuart hadn't taken one and he requested for me to do one, just before I told him I had already taken it.

The tips I was really given this time, was to be more swift, such as when the bride is having a photo taken, I should straight away arrange her dress and get the reflector prepared etc. This came in useful when he took the newlyweds to their white ribboned car and had a few photos at the front of the house.

Next we took them to the back of the house and gave them their mini photo-shoot, again I tried to incorporate the efficiency of each element I needed to do. I was getting used to knowing which equipment comes where during the day. There always seems to be a main tree where the bride and groom and asked to lean on and I know then that I have to hold the reflector up and use the silver side as that reflects more light than the gold.

Stuart used his panorama group photo again, where he had said that I could help arrange the people into the line, but by the time we got round to it he just wanted me to set up the tri-pod and unknot the string. I was slightly disappointed at that because I thought it would boost my confidence a bit talking to people I don't know. I think he must have felt I wasn't ready for that as I have quite a quiet voice at times. I just hope that I will be louder in the future.

We were due to finish at 4, so the guests have the wedding breakfast and that was how much the bride and groom had paid for.

It was a good day, though it was long and hot but I did enjoy myself.

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

one year....new beginnings

One day for someone can be completely different to another. I have seen two points of view of Weddings but it never occurred to me, until now, that there is in fact a third. I have been thinking about it recently, as this time next year my sister will be getting married. None of my immediate family has been married yet, only some of my cousins so this really exciting for all the family. I have my bridesmaids dress and Sarah has her ivory gown and it made me realize that a couple getting married have their own view point of the day. Of course that is obvious but philosophical moments just are.

They have been engaged for seven months now, since Christmas day and it will be interesting going to a wedding where I can just relax. I remember at my cousin's wedding last year where my Photography dream was concieved and it is defintly a different story to what I know about it now. I'm happy with it though, even though I have to keep reminding myself that it will take time to know all the in's and out's.

I get impatient about progress and I've probably mentioned before about how I am a perfectionist and want to be able to do things without too much learning. I know for a fact that doesn't help at all and practise does really make perfect and that is the boring part. It shouldn't be boring but whenever you see people doing their perfessions, such as a Photographer they make it look so easy, when in fact they have probably learned a lot too. This is probably why I would never want to be a dentist or surgeon who have to work years on courses to earn that status. It is not just this hobby that I feel impatience about progress, it is almost everything I try. I'm learning how to cook at the moment and bought a student cook book the other week. It has definitely been useful and my Mum has been guiding me through. Every week I pick out a few recipes, write them down and buy the ingredients. I then come to recognise the techniques and the order of sequences and it seems easier. I think there is more to learn with the Photography and I have been disappointed that I haven't been able to use my camera at Wedding Shoots with Stuart. I need to use the learnings skills from the cooking and transfer it to the Photography.

Is life ever fair?

[Photos from the Engagement Photo shoot]

Epiphany

Hmm I think I know what my problem is. I look at these photos I have taken and feel proud but that is because I have been on my own control and used my own ideas. I hate being told what to do but I the thing is I need to listen to Stuart so I can be better than I already am.

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

Angle and Position...wedding take 2

Is work ever suppose to be easy? I don't think so. I guess having a dream job is like waiting for the right person to come along into your life. You may have a vision of what you want to achieve when you first meet them and how you would spend your lives together. Whatever happens it is always going to feel like hard work,even at the best of times.

Nothing is perfect of course and just as I was observing Stuart on my second Wedding shoot, it came to me that there is a lot more to the job than you think. Obviously that was bound to happen, but not in the way that it struck me today.

He wanted to make my experiences in Photography more interesting, than just watching and taking the odd photo or two. He started feeding me all these tips and techniques and the realization hit me, that Photography is not just point and shot, its composing a piece of art that gets treasured for lifetime. It sounds as if I had known nothing about Photography but sometimes the things you thought you did know, are not quite what they seem.

Todays Wedding was at the 16 century Abbey in Great Missenden - somewhere in South East England. It was odd day that started mid-afternoon with the ceremony beginning at 4.30, complete with photo shoots that ended at 6.

Now, when I think of a Wedding, it usually begins, say around 12 or 1 and continues for the rest of the day and night. Well today I appreciated the uniqueness and the bride and groom were very friendly.

Everything was all in one place which was nice. There was a mini chapel in the building, where Emma (bride) would walk down some stairs and then down the isle. I was in charge of getting a few shots, here and there, though I'm not sure how they turned out. It felt a bit alien using Stuarts cameras. Although they are Canons' like mine, they have different buttons and settings and its just to confusing for me. As we didn't have much time to prep, it was pretty much;here is the camera, use the flash when she walks down the stairs, then off in the ceremony and off you go.

Err, right, okay, sure I'll just do it. Also what was odd, was when I looked through the lense everything was blurry. "Oh my God, what have done?!", I panicked in my head and I couldn't ask Stuart anything because he had another camera with him standing on the other side of the room - the ceremony had started. I came to realize, however in the middle of the Wedding that once a photo had been taken it was then preview itself back, all in crisp condition. My worry was over.

After some readings and the " I do's", we took the bride and groom around the grounds for their special photo shoot. It was nice to know this time what was going on (from the first wedding) and predicting the poses Stuart asked them to do. Again I had to lay out the train of the brides dress and hold up the metallic disk of torture. Okay, not really torture, that just sounded like a dramatic word to use. The reflector is light and easy to use, as long you can get the light right - often Stuart directs me.

Next we took some group photos and Stuart did his wide angle technique with his piece of string. I think I mentioned this before, but it is a really genius idea.

It had been a cloudy day and then sun began to shine through by the time the photos had been taken ( bit of a shame really). Then it was time for me to go home.

So it was only a couple of hours but least I got some more experience in behind the scenes at weddings and the main important thing the photography, but what did I learn.

I learned today:

- When working with wedding photography there are three main modes.

*church mode: uses ISO 600, that gives a good balance of aperture and depth of field.

*central mode: uses ISO 200

*outdoor mode: uses ISO 800

- When using a subject outside (ie. tree) make sure the light is even on both sides, as one side will be darker than the other.

- Plan your composition.

-You don't always have to point and shoot.

- Change angle and position( you can move around)

- When taking candid group photos, either take a wide scene of everyone or

focus on a small group of two or three.

So yeah, they were the main things. Hope these tips have been useful for any photographers out there.

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

Past...Present...Future....

Sometimes I feel like I want to punish myself for not keeping up with this blog. Since when has it ever been update and parallel to my events etc.

Since I have last written I have been to another Wedding, snapped my sisters engagement photos and been on holiday to France and been on a five mile walk in the countryside. Another thing is that I have completed one year at college. It's scary, and as a future orientated person I'm constantly wishing my life would move to the upcoming events quicker. They move too fast. Selfish?

I am lacking motivation again. I shouldn't. I have been asked by two people, that doesn't include Stuart to do photos for. I should be happy and grateful. Somewhat I am, but I don't feel like I am a good enough photographer. I am an amateur still, and I want to get to the part where I become professional and know what I am doing. I should know how to use all the gadgets on my camera by now, I am still unsure. Is this right?

Well I've got to keep track on what I have done before it gets whipped right under my feet, so here are some pics from my recent life.

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

On my travels...

Why is it when i'm stuck in the library on a rare warm day, supposed to be doing work, where I get the inspiration to write to my blog. It's been a while and it always has been.

Fortunatly you will be happy to hear that I have been doing alot of photography as I have been away - that is another story. Over April I was to go away to Florida for my birthday. I didn't realise that I would be staying away for another two weeks. Now, everyone has been saying that there could be worst places to get stranded, which is true, but maybe i'd be selfish saying that I wanted to be home more than away. Ok, I need head back to my photography, this isn't a travel blog!

In these extra two weeks, we got a Trans-Atlantic cruise around Europe. Yes, it blew most of the money that my family have but we needed to get back due to family affairs. What I did get out was a trip down nostalgia lane to Rome and Florence. They are such beautiful places and amazing photography oppertunities. If you have been on my Flickr recently then you would have seen some photos I have taken. It was a bit of a shame though because seeing as I thought I was just going to Disneyworld I didn't think I would need my beatiful SLR - Canon 500D. Luckily I still keep my little digi camera, so that was ok, but imagine how much depth and quality was wasted. I guess I will never know....

So, I havn't been to couple of photography events with Stuart, the photographer. He has been away too so we had to cancel some weddings etc. I'm a bit dissapointed because I really want to learn, and dispite the fact I missed a photography day course he was holding when I was away. It's a shame because that would have been another tip filled post for you to share and I would have had the chance to meet young teenagers with dreams like mine. Kinda annoying.

This Saturday should hopefully be heading on the right track again, as long its not cancelled. With having this almost job is that its starting to collide with my social life and my friends and I are starting to go out more. I think I will need to learn how to balance everything out, but it is really time for some more photography...

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

Fresh Start...

Apart from yesterday it has been a while since I have really written anything. At the moment I'm currently in the Student Learning Centre at my college (I have a free lesson) and waiting for an I.T exam at ten thirty.

This post isn't really much photography based but its just about a new start - Its a new year, I've updated my blog theme as we also welcome this new decade. I think I'm going to try and track my progress more and write down any useful tips I'm given, while I learn. Also this year on my Flickr account I'm aiming to learn more skills and only going to upload my best photos. In the past I've only uploaded random photos that I took, without an interesting angle or whatever, but it also shows that I'm currently progressing.





My photography journey so far...

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

An Almost Dream...?

When you want to achieve happiness it doesn't always come easy. You may be blessed with that once in a life time chance to live up to your aspirations and dreams.

On Saturday the 23rd, so two days ago, I was given that opportunity. My Dad knows a photography, and we had a family portrait done four years ago. Back then I wasn't interested in Photography, I didn't know a family friend would be able to give me the chance to make my dream come true.

My Dad and I went along because I needed a new passport photo and Stuart provided this in his home studio. After the mini shoot, we sat down and had a cup of tea and chatted about my interest in becoming a photographer. As I haven't been around to update my blog lately I haven't mentioned that a ten day work experience is required in my course. In our tutor session we wrote down what area of work we would like to work. I of course, chose a photographers studio. At the time I had no idea that just within five days I would get an offer and a one day Photography Course that goes back the basics and covers the essential skills you need. This sounded like a dream come true, and the tiny condition could cause a problem was the least out of our minds on our way home.

The thing is checks may be acquired such as health and safety. I received a reply to my email that I sent yesterday about thanking and interesting in working for Stuart temporarily. The reply was one of those heart-sinking, loss of hope kind of emails. Something along the lines of that if the checks have to go through then it will cause a hassle and the work experience not probable.

So I am stuck in that stage at the moment and lost as to whether I should keep up the optimism or lay low and be patient.

I will have to wait and see what happens.


Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

Once in a lifetime memories...

As I have a bit of time on my hands, while in the middle of packing for my latest holiday I thought I might as well write, seeing as my holiday is photography related.
I am going to Liverpool. My family and I are big Beatles fans and we are going to see the whole Beatles history in their home town. Perfect oppertunity to snap those photos for a photo diary that will be remembered forever.

Thats the thing about photos. They help define a memory a special moment in time that you never want to forget. What would we do without them. How would those wedding couples really remember what that speical day was like? What you looked like ten years ago or the first ever picture of you when you are newborn. We can't remember that, and even when we do remember things, memories fade and that moment is lost.

So go out and capture a one in a lifetime oppertunity pic that you can have with you through life.

Magazines and Competitions

As a beginner I only really knew the simple things about photography but in May I decided why I don't I collect a photography magazine. I sort of felt lost about what I was doing and had no idea about some things in photography at all until I came acorss Practical Photography Magazine'.

There were many magazines to choose from on the stand but they didn't seem right to me. I would look on the covers and think they may be too complicated right now or thats not what I am looking for, but Practical Photography I felt that I could easily understand what was being showed and that I could learn efficently.


So I read and found some useful tips abot shoots, types of cameras, photoshop ideas and ways to enhance your photography that have really helped. Annoyingly I don't have enough money to buy a professional looking camera, so when I read about "shooting raw" etc I can't use that with my tiny digital camera. Although I am keeping each months magazine for when do eventually own one and can use the tools to my advantage.

One thing that bothered me when I began photogprahy was the lack of views and comments on my Flickr page. I wanted feedback and to be noticed. I began to feel that no one wanted to look at my photos, as if they wern't important. The thing was, they hadn't been discovered. Even so after 14 months of Flickr, comments, feedback and views are on the gradual increase. It is a good feeling to be noticed, so I put my photography to the test and have entered two competitions in my magazine.
The first one was the topic of Action with the photo oppersite. I didn't win or become a runner up, but out of the seven stages i got to the fifth, with a feedback card. "Technically good but lacks impact". I was slightlly dissapointed as I thought maybe i had the chance of winning, but i had no idea of the range of photography there was, so in last months competition "Creative Colour" I sent in this photo. I havn't got any feedback yet as the closing date is on the 15th of August so next month i will found out. I am not getting my hopes up too much but i tried to add some more depth into my work so hope it goes well.

Competitions are an acheivement, whether you win or not. You never know what impact it will have on your career. So have you entered any photography competitions? Get very far? Or do you read a photography magazine. I would be interesting to see which ones you do read.



[both photos used are for competiton use only and cannot be re-entered into any other competition]




Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/