Week 30 - River

After the torrents that have flooded through the Scottish streams and rivers over the past few weeks it was lovely to see this calm picture of the Esk trickling under the Lasswade Bridge.  Here's hoping the weather keeps improving for a couple of weeks at least!

Dot

Week 29 - Craft

Meet Fairy Rosie, a wee felt craft fairy doll.  Some of you may think she looks familiar.  If you have been following my involvement as a photographer with Rosie's story at  http://www.nakedinspirations.co.uk/  then you'll see the similarity in the pink dress, tiara and wand!  The little felt fairy was a bespoke order from Jo Porstmouth of Pipers Cuddles  http://www.facebook.com/PipersCuddles   for me to give to Rosie now she has been given the all clear to remind her that Fairy Wishes can come true. Jo was fantastic and was able to produce exactly what I asked for from a description of what I wanted and a photo of the real Rosie.  Thanks so much Jo for being so good at your craft.

Cheers,
Dot

Week 28 - Photography

I could go on and on and on about this subject!  It's not a hobby, it's not work, it is a passion and sometimes an obsession.  

This week I travelled to Cumbria in the North of England to visit Aspire www.aspirephotographytraining.co.uk for an Open Day and I am inspired to go back to do a 4-day course with them hopefully later this year.  Not only do you learn a lot from them but also from networking with other photographers.  (Funny how aspiration and inspiration came into my language together yet again! www.nakedinspirations.co.uk)

Dot

Week 27 - Sorrow

3rd July was the 18th anniversary of my dad's death and still the tears flow.  Nothing ever stops the sorrow you feel in such a situation, you just learn to deal with it a little better with time.  RIP Dad.

Dot

Week 26 - Landscape

I complain about the weather all the time in Scotland.  I just wish we could have a decent spell which was dry and warm and sunny.  However I know that if we didn't have the rain we do that we wouldn't have the beautiful greenery that surrounds us. 

Our countryside is amazing in the UK . . . and I don't appreciate it enough.

Dot

Week 25 - Wildlife

We have plenty of this wildlife in Scotland although I can't say I've seen a dalmation cow before!  They must be loving the lush green grass that we have at the moment with all the rain.

Dot

Week 24 - Celebration

Weddings!  I love weddings and this week I was photographing a couple who had been Bridesmaid and Best Man at a previous wedding I had covered.  Aww, so cute. The Bride's family had all travelled from her home in Australia for the ceremony and to share in the beautiful celebration.

Dot

Week 23 - Architecture

We have some great old buildings in the UK.  This is a photo of a piece of the new extension to Kings Cross Station in London. The amazing 20 metre high metal funnel support fans out over a 150 metre wide area supporting a domed roof assisted by 16 tree-form metal columns around the perimeter.  The exciting bit is that it is attached to a Grade 1 listed buildings preserving the old and introducing the new.

Dot

Week 22: Written Words

It is amazing how a few words can make a difference to how we feel and make us realise that what we do is valued and worthwhile.  Everyone needs to be appreciated once in a while.  Trouble is, we often find it difficult to accept gratuitous praise.  So the next time someone praises you for your achievements, help, understanding or whatever it is . . . . just say "Thank You".

Cheers,

Dot

Week 21: Sky

In 1985 when I was on work experience in California people frequently asked me what we did in leisure time in Scotland. Did we go to the beach?  If it's not raining, I would say.  Did we have BBQs?  Depends on the weather, I would say.  Basically if you don't like the weather in Scotland then just wait 5 minutes!!


When someone says Sky is the theme for a photo most people's immediate thought is to get a beautiful sunrise, sunset or cloud-filled or moon-filled image that has the "Wow" factor.  But. . . this is Scotland . . . and with the forecast this week you could wait a long time for such a spectacular representation.  So since this is Scotland, I will continue with Project 52 no matter what the weather and here is my photo of the Sky today. 

In Scotland we would describe this as 'dreich' which basically means damp and YUCKY!

Here hoping for some better weather next week.


Dot

Theme for Week 22: Written Words

Week 20: Sleep

I always seem to need to catch up on mine . . . Sleep, that is.  I always say I'm going to bed early and never quite get there.  So many things to do, read and watch but so little time.  My personal strapline is "God put me on this Earth to do a certain number of tasks.  I'm so far behind that I'll never die" and this week I'm so far behind with my Project 52.  So here it is, over a week late.  A picture of something I have to little of. . .

Til next week.

Dot

This little gem LITERALLY fell into my lap, my son was chilling out next to my husband while he played Star Wars on the computer. One minute he was speaking and the next it was dead quite, he fell asleep mid-sentence and as much as I wanted to laugh, I ran and grabbed the camera instead. 

Theme for Week 21: Sky

Week 18: Music

Music has a huge influence on many people's lives.  Certain songs or singers/bands conjure up loads of memories and often benchmark a particular time or event in their lives.  Since I met my Hubby in 2003 music has had a massive influence on my life as this is his PASSION!  It was music that took us to Nashville, TN this past week as we travelled from Scotland to see Van Halen in concert.  With all the concerts I have been to, it still sends shivers down my spine when I hear that one song - the one that I have heard hundreds or perhaps even thousands of times through a radio or music player - being played LIVE!  I love loads of different types of music and so had a little giggle to myself to think that on the Friday evening we were rocking out with Van Halen and on the Saturday evening we were sitting at The Grand Ole Opry listening to some classic country greats.
Til next week.
Dot

Ah, the California Celts! Based out of Yucca Valley, California they are one of my favorite bands. I haven't been to a show in a couple of years (sad I know) so I went back in my stash and pulled out this picture. They performed at the Irish Music Festival at Deer Valley in Park City, Utah. The Festival was awesome and these guys absolutely kicked ass! If you can, google the California Celts and get their album, trust me you will be toe tapping, hand clapping and grinning from ear to ear:).

Cheers!

Sammee

Week 17: Technology

Hubby and I were on holiday to Nashville for a few days so I'm a bit late in posting this but glad I held off as I took these photos when we were away at Hatch Show Print.  Famous the world over for it's letterpress printing and a style that I absolutely love.  Every print is run through by hand (often a number of times if there is more than one colour).  Fascinating to watch and an excellent example of 15th Century technology.

Next week's pic is ready to post already and the theme is Music.  (Couldn't really be anything else when we've had a trip to Nashville).

Til then,
Dot

Week 17's theme is Technology and obviously, without my computer, I would not be able to do my job:).

Cheers!

Sammee

Week 16: Leaves

Leaves was the theme for this week and I decided to do something a little different from capturing a beautiful spring leaf on a branch.  I have been feeling really tired and decided to have a go at adding some superfood to my diet to see if it would perk me up.  Spinach was the food of choice quite simply because it is easy to get a hold of and I tweaked a Smoothie recipe I got from Vol. 25 Blog  http://vol25.typepad.com/vol25/2012/02/i-love-spinach.html   Everyone else in the house is going YUCK!  But you know what?  It was delicious!  As for being less tired. . . . I'll let you know how I get on.

Til next theme.

Dot

I must apologize, I have been crazy busy between my day job and the opening of my friend's new Acting Academy that I am blessed enough to be a part of. I PROMISE that I will not fall this far behind again, pinkie swear! :)

Cheers!

Sammee

Week 15: Wood

I'm sorry, I'm sorry....this week has been so crazy I finally found the time to post my Week 15 shot. The theme was Wood and I knew exactly what I was going to photograph. This is the back door of my garage, I LOVE this door. It is worn from the weather and the elements and the fact that this door is the SAME door that was hung when the garage was added to the house in the 70's. It is old, it is wise, it has stood the test of time and as a photographer, there isn't a better back drop for me. I can't count the number of subjects I have placed in front of this door for their head shots. This door represents me, that after all these years and all the health issues of mine that have sprung up, I am still standing....a little worse for wear but I am still here. I hope you all have been having a great week and I will see you on the flip side:).

Cheers!

Sammee

I often look at natural wood on new buildings, when it is fresh and newly varnished, and think how wonderful it looks.  Wood is so beautiful.  But how quickly it changes and fades especially in the Scottish wind and rain.  Unlike Sammee's garage door which has taken on character as it gets older and the paint peels slightly, some of these buildings just look drab and unkempt!

This is how is feel about our natural wood fence and yet the paint to spruce it up has lain in our garage for nearly 2 years now.  Time to get those brushes out and change it for the better.  Well . . . maybe next week.

Cheers,

Dot

Next week Week 16: Leaves

Week 14: Smile

Week 14's theme was Smile.....what does smiling mean to you and what is the definition? Is it someone who smiles like this picture I took of my daughter or is it images that when you see them, they make you smile, like the shot of my daughter goofing off in the corn field? If you ask anyone that knows me, the most ridiculous things make me smile and I am ok with that, because I would rather have a smile on my face then a frown:). Week 15's theme is.....dun dun dun....WOOD! :)

Cheers!

Sammee

A TIP FROM DOT:

How not to smile for a photo shoot?  Like this!

If you are a parent taking your young child to a photo session for a natural, relaxed shot please, please, please can I give you one BIG tip?  Don't shout at them from behind the photographer telling them to smile.  It does make a great dental record but not necessarily a great photo.  Believe in the professional you have hired to do the job and let the photographer control the session even regards smiles.

Keep smiling til next week,

Dot

Next week theme is Week 15: Wood

Week 13: Animals

Oh no, falling behind.  Eek!  It has been another busy week for me and I just haven't had a chance to venture out to the countryside where I was hoping to catch some lambs in the fields.  Instead you have a storyboard of the animals I have taken previously for my 365/366 Projects.  They are all beautiful but I think Pinkie the Piglet is my fave :-)
Enjoy.

Dot

Week 13 has come and gone and I just can't believe we are into April already. It's time to get the horses out and go for regular rides again. There is nothing more beautiful or calming then spending time with these serene beings. Do I spend most of my free time photographing horses.....yes, I absolutely do. Until next week:).

Cheers!

Sammee

The theme for next week, Week 14: Smile 

Week 12: Sport

Ha, Ha! I beat Dot this week, she has been so busy working with the amazing Naked Inspirations that I don't think she will hold it against me. This weeks theme was Sport and I am sure you are looking at my image and laughing but let me ask you this, when was the last time you went bowling? My family and I love it, we don't get to do it as often as we would like but when we do, we have a blast and I am always exhausted by the time we get home. The first time my son bowled without having to use the bumpers he got so excited that a couple of bowling leagues that were playing around us gave him a standing ovation. He was grinning from ear to ear and I can honestly say he was hooked. He is definitely the sportsman in the family, he roller blades everywhere he goes, if he isn't on his roller blades then he is on his skateboard, his wave board or his scooter. He likes Football but loves Soccer and this fall he will be playing La Cross for the first time. Not going to lie, I am a tad bit scared about him playing La Cross because from what I have heard it is up there with Football in the injury department. But I am not going to stop him, I love that he likes to try out all different types of sports to see if he truly likes them and I love that he would rather be outside playing then inside in front of the television or playing video games. I hope everyone had a great week, next weeks theme is ANIMALS.

Cheers!

Sammee

Well done Sammee!  And I definately don't hold it against you.  My image was ready and I was just waiting on permission to post it from the parent of the girl in the shot (which I now have) and I'll explain why I wanted this.  I believe that as photographers we have the duty to consider whether or not the content of a shot is appropriate or inappropriate.  The sport I am involved in is Gymnastics (as a coach, not a gymnast) and am glad to say that Scottish Gymnastics Child Protection Policy gives very clear guidance on images we post and, whether we like it or not, we as coaches have to abide by it regarding the sharing of images taken of the gymnasts.  This straddle shot would be deemed inappropriate had the gymnast been in a leaotard only but because she is also wearing shorts the photo is okay to publish.  Me?  I just like to double-check where possible and hence I asked the parent's permission.  It is a fine line we tread.

That aside, this is a fantastic shot of one of our gymnasts on our new inflatable Tumble Run.  What an asset it is, giving the kids confidence to try and perfect moves they are hesitant to do on a matted floor.  And it is even in our Club colours of black and pink!!

Hope you'll pop over next week to see Week 13.

Dot

Theme for Week 13: Animals

Week 11: Flowers

This week's theme is Flowers and my image is in support of Marie Curie Cancer Care http://www.mariecurie.org.uk   It was an easy theme for me but one with LOTS of meaning and memories.  During my childhood my family had  fruit, veg and flower shops in Edinburgh (oh, and one sweetie shop!)  It meant really, really busy times of year like Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.  For those of you who don't know it, today 18 March 2012, is Mother's Day in the UK and I received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my kids.  I adore them (Thanks, you two xxx).  Yesterday I received a beautiful bunch of flowers from my friend as a Thank You and the day before I had photographed these beautiful daffodils in the local park.  It has been a busy week for flowers!  I never tire of them, I wish I was given them more often and I love the things they remind me of - both happy and sad.

I think you should buy someone some flowers - even if that someone is you.

Until next week,
Dot

Spring has sprung....although in Utah Spring and Old Man Winter go hand in hand. What happened the 1st day of Spring? It snowed, that is about par for the course here. Yesterday I was walking the dog and saw three Robins hoping from branch to branch in my neighbor's yard. Yep, Spring is here, I love cold weather but I am definitely looking forward to a bit of a warm up.

Cheers!

Sammee

Theme for Week 12: Sport 

Week 10: Gratitude

I Support People Affected By Breast Cancer.  This is for Rosie.

It has been another busy week.  Manic in fact but loads of fun.  Just over 2 weeks ago I was asked by my friend Rosie, who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, if I would shoot a Calendar Girls type calendar which she was putting together as a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Care Scotland.  The reply, of course, was YES!  It has now expanded into 2 calendars - one for the girls and one for the boys.  It staggers me how many people are prepared to get their kit off for their friend and a great cause.  I have therefore been photographing scantily clad  men and women all week so when it came to this week's photo I just had to do it again!!  The photo is of me and you may be wondering what this image has to do with Week 10 theme which is Gratitude. Well, I'll tell you.  I have realised this week how grateful I am.  I am grateful for my health.  I have minor ailments but I don't have breast cancer.  I'm grateful for my family.  Nobody is more special to me.  I'm grateful for my friends.  For the support they have given and continue to give me.  And I am grateful to Rosie for inviting me in to her journey because without looking in on her situation over the past fortnight I would not have taken stock of my own life and remembered what matters.


Wishing you health and happiness in your life.


Until next week.


Dot


PS If you are interested to follow Rosie's story please visit her website at http://www.nakedinspirations.co.uk/index.html or Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Naked-Inspiration/199935553439394

This weeks theme was Gratitude, I didn't realize how much I missed having a dog until we began dog sitting for my Mother-in-Law. My Mother-in-Law and her husband left on their mission to Navuoo, Illinois and didn't have anyone to take their dog Jacque. He is my Mother-in-Law's buddy and she had a really hard time leaving him. From the moment Jacque came into the house he has brought a calming effect over the entire house. My blood pressure has leveled out, I don't yell as much because he came from a quiet and calm home. He is always under my feet, following me to the door, the kitchen, the bathroom. He keeps me company when I run errands and pick the kids up from school and he cuddles at our feet when my husband and I go to sleep. I am grateful to my husband for telling his Mom that for the next 18 months we will give Jacque a loving home. I am grateful for the kisses, the cuddles and nudges with his wet nose. But most of all I am grateful for the unconditional love that he has given me, without want, without question. We are grateful for each other and I know when the 18 months is up I am going to be a snot spewing, tear soaked wreck. Next weeks theme: Flowers

Cheers!

Sammee

Theme for Week 11: Flowers