We were here

I love taking pictures. To capture the grandest or the smallest of moments, preserve precious memories or attempt to bring a creative idea to life. I'm not great at it, I've always been a lazy student but ever since I got my first Instamatic camera as a teenager, photography has always inspired me. I'm not sure why exactly why we're so compelled to document the story of our lives, come to think of it. Is it about capturing those flashes of beauty in the world, the connections we make in life, perhaps to leave our mark, make sure history remembers that we were here.

In this digital age, we have limitless creative license to experiment. Hello Instagram, I love you!  While I am grateful for that as I learn to use my digital camera properly, I do have a sentimental attachment to film and old cameras. The cameras above & below are some of the manual cameras in our ever growing collection. I haven't been in a darkroom since high school but there was something about processing everything yourself and not having that instant gratification that I took for granted. You had to take more care and time to capture something to film which I love and I miss that now, it's sad to think it may disappear. 

While sticking mainly to digital, Rich and I go out to practice shooting whenever we get a chance. I try to stick the manual settings but I have no confidence in the choices I make so a good photo with all the right settings is mostly down to luck right now, not control. Which is completely frustrating!

This weekend holds a extra special treat. Rich and I have been lucky enough to score a coveted spot at Tim Coulson's, The Nursery photography workshop tomorrow.  If Rich and I were one person ('Belch' as my sister would have it) we would make an awesome photographer. He's got the technical side sorted and I love composition. We need some help rounding out our strengths. I'm rather in awe of Tim's ability to capture the truth in things and people. His are the kind of images that leave you mesmerised by their beauty and spirit, they connect with you. I'm incredibly excited have this opportunity to learn from such an amazing talent, it's going to be a great day!

No doubt, we'll come home with some newly acquired mad skills and, lots of photos.

Because we were here, and we lived.

Have a lovely weekend!

Belinda x