When a weed becomes a flower

This is another photo from our wander on Saturday. At the edge of the path that we were walking on I saw some weeds poking out of the bottom of a hedge, and even being weeds I thought that they looked quite pretty. I borrowed Bex’ camera and flicked it onto the macro setting, (I took some using the low-key setting but I thought that this one came out much better). 

I didn’t run it through Photoshop this time- I don’t think it needed it, and I reckon it’s sharp enough already. I think this weed is actually rather pretty and that it should be classed as a flower instead, if only it was in a garden where it could have pride of place.

I think that flowers can make or break a garden, but what do you think? Do gardens bring a small part of the countryside into the cities, or do they just fill up space which could be used in other ways?

Mat

Small details, large effects

I went for a quick wander yesterday with Bex round our local area yesterday. We stopped for a minute so she could climb a tree- not as crazy as it sounds, she wanted to get a good shot. While Bex was out of action I spotted this piece of bark jutting out and thought that it would make an interesting photo. I took it with the flash on, but it was so powerful that the whole background got blacked out!! I’m impressed with this image, and how the bark is incredibly clear and very sharp against the black background. It looks like it's been set up.

I love nature, especially the small pieces of detail that we all miss in our busy day-to-day lives. Maybe we should slow down a little and observe the smaller, finer details of nature around us?

Mat

The wanderer returns

You may have noticed that for a change, I’ve kept myself rather quiet. For this I make my apologies but I haven’t been feeling in the best of health.

I know that in one of my previous posts I said I would try to break away from macro shots, but I’m beginning to think it can’t be done as every time I go for a walk I end up coming back with even more stunning close ups.

This is the latest addition to my favourite macro shots (and to my falling-while-taking collection). Having spent most of the day tucked up under a blanket, I decided to shed the cobwebs and brave this changeable yet stereotypical April showers weather.

This afternoon I walked down to the local nature reserve, where at the moment there are teasels and bluebells in abundance, to get a breath of fresh air and to see what I could find.

I wasn’t hoping for a lot, but I think this shot was one of my more successful photos, and will definitely be joining my creativity wall. I’m sorry for the late post, but I was deliberating over several of today’s pictures.

I hope you had a lovely day.

Bex

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Snapshot to olden times

I took this photo while I was wandering around our local countryside. Fortunately I had managed to borrow Bex' DSLR today. For this photo I decided that instead of using the black and white setting like the last few posts, I would use the digital sepia filter and I think it worked very well! The sepia filter makes the photo look vintage and it really emphasises the old farm buildings. There isn't very much contrast but I think that is a good thing in this particular photo as a lot of contrast would spoil the effect of the sepia digital filter.

I love old farm and industrial buildings, they always look great in sepia. Have you tried any filter effects on your cameras? If not then have a go and you might get some fantastic results!

Mat

Country stop

I went for a trip down to Templecombe a couple of days ago, while I was waiting I noticed the building in the local railway station which I loved! I think the art deco feel of the building is fantastic! Even in today’s glass and concrete world it still looks very classy to me! I didn’t have Bex’ D-SLR this time so I had to use my digital compact (which isn’t the best). Because of this, when I got back I had to use Photoshop to adjust the mid-tones quite a lot; the whole photo was very dull and needed some life put back into it. I enjoy using Photoshop, (even if I’m not any good at using it!) but I do think that this photo came out quite well.

I will always believe that rail is the best way to travel, but what do you think road, rail or another transport system? What’s your pick?

Mat

On Top of the World

Bex and I were taking a wander around our local town again last week, when I spotted these girls who were running along and jumping on the public art instalment as they went. I thought it might make a good photo, so I pulled the camera out Bex’ bag. I managed to get them both as they jumped through the air, I even managed to catch the bags that the second girl was holding as they swung through the air! I’m quite impressed that I managed to capture the shot, using a fast shutter speed to stop the action dead.

Our local town is a loud, colourful and vibrant place to be, and there’s always something going on, what’s your local town like?

Mat

Getting Creative

My life has been rather busy of late so I must apologize for all the 11pm onwards posts, which to some readers may mean the next day. With being busy, there will inevitably come stress. I am one of those people who manage to channel stress into something marginally constructive.

I decided to create a “creativity wall”- quite simply a wall full of my favourite pictures, lyrics, and everyday quotes. This evening I sat down in front of my laptop and began my search for the most smile inducing pictures.

While hunting, I found this picture from a recent holiday in Devon. Mat and I went for a walk around the countryside, and although the concrete underneath shows that it wasn’t particularly rural, I love the effect this gives. Had it not have been for sitting down to soak up the sunshine (which currently seems more of a myth if you live in England!) then I wouldn’t have noticed the interesting set up.

I love how much detail is in the shot, especially on the leaf. Photography is definitely my favourite way to unwind. What’s your creative outlet?

Bex

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Walking in the rain

Yesterday, I wasn’t entirely sure what to do with myself, so I grabbed my camera and went for a walk even though it was pouring with rain, it was misty and the wind seemed to have a bitter iciness to it. I decided it may perhaps make for good photographic opportunities, and I wasn’t disappointed.

I walked for about half an hour under the shelter of my umbrella when rain stopped, as if someone had cut the clouds with a knife. As is stereotypical of April, there has been what seems as an endless mist of rain for the past week so it was nice to have a break from donning a coat everywhere I go.

The mist was just starting to come back when I noticed the droplets of rain on some of the branches of this dead tree. I think using the macro lens paid off, as every time I look at this picture I notice something different. The most recent piece of detail was spotted by Mat, if you look closely at the droplets you can see the tree behind through the water.

I do miss the sunshine, but I love the odd dramatic photography opportunity,

Bex

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Boots are made for walking

Bex and I went for a walk today, we sat down to have quick break, when I noticed she was wearing her new boots. I thought it was a bit of a gamble but once again I flicked onto the black and white setting in her camera and I took this photo. The camera was in auto mode, and had chosen quite a wide aperture so that the grass behind also remained in focus. I really like the contrast between the boots and the grass behind them.

Bex and I obviously love going for wanders, do you? Do you like venturing out into the great outdoors, or do you prefer to stay wrapped up inside?

 Mat

Naturally Set Up

Recently, I have uploaded a lot of macro photography and feel I should have a change. However, today is not the day for change as I took this photo.

I didn’t have a lot to do today, so decided to go for a walk in a different place to where I’d usually go.

After about 20 minutes of walking I found a small path, so decided to see where it would lead. As I followed the path I came across a small patch of bluebells, with one standing alone in front of a tree. I loved the pattern of the bark acting as a background. I used manual focus to try and get the bluebell in focus.

I’m really pleased with how successful this picture was, and that I didn’t need to edit it. I feel it’s a bit like nature setting up it’s own shot, what do you reckon?

On another note, please bear with us while I update the site, because I’ll happily admit that I’m not brilliant with computers. Give me a few days and we should be back to normal, but until then you can carry on visiting us to see our regular daily posts.

Bex

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Rust Bucket

I went for a walk with Mat in the woods the other day. I love walks in the woods, however some people don’t care as much as they perhaps should.

I really enjoy taking macro shots, and as I was walking through the trees I noticed some abandoned barrels that had begun to rust away. I loved how the light shone through the gaps in the metal to create a more interesting shadow. Also, I was really impressed by how the camera managed to catch the spider’s webs and the light reflecting off of them.

I used an in-built “low key” effect on the camera, which enhanced the shadows and highlights in the picture. I was really pleased with the end result, especially when I didn’t have the need to edit it.

I hate seeing people mess up the environment, but on this occasion it worked to my advantage incredibly well.

Apologies for the late post, it’s been a very busy day and have only just got home!!!!

Bex

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Starting fires

Again, another photo from the weekend, this time of a bonfire being set up. I was still messing around with the in-camera settings so I flicked on the Black and White setting and took a photo, I tried to get the tree in the background to try and gain a bit more interest in the picture which I think worked quiet well. I used an orange digital filter, which means that the trees and the wood aren't discoloured but the contrast between the clouds and the sky is boosted.

I'm really getting into the Black and White landscapes but with large foreground interest. What kind of landscape photos do you prefer?

Mat

Breaking the Rules

This is another of my photos from this weekend; we took so many it may take us a while to get through uploading our favourite photos. I took this picture of a rather interesting cloud formation (or at least I thought it was!). Even though taking photos into the sun is going against one of the major rules of photography, I thought it was worth a try (although I wouldn't recommend looking straight into the sun). I used a red digital  filter with the black and white setting; this boosted the contrast so that it would make the clouds clearer against the sky and as the sun is in the middle of the photo it makes the bottom of the clouds look a lot darker and more moody than it is in reality.

I enjoy taking black and white photos; they emphasise details that the human eye wouldn't normally pick up. What do you prefer, black and white or colour photos?

Mat

Seeing Double

I was looking in a photography magazine I regularly read this evening. A regular feature of the magazine is a section in which they pick the best photos from readers around the world to publish.

In this month’s issue they featured a picture of a herring stood on a small rock in the middle of a lake with the reflection of the bird in the water. It reminded me of this shot I took this weekend at the lake I mentioned previously. Ok, a goose isn’t by any means as glamorous as a herring but I loved how the colours of the goose seemed to compliment it’s surroundings and how the reflection was disturbed by the ripples that the current created.

Perhaps in the future I might capture something a little more sought after, but for now I’m pleased with this.

Bex

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Keeping watch

I was looking on my computer (again) when I saw a photo of this solitary light house, I cropped it in Photoshop to really put some emphasis on the path leading to the light house. I really wanted to put this picture on the blog, I have a few ideas for another lighthouse photo; I just need to find another light house first! I couldn't lead the lonely life of a lighthouse keeper- it’s too quiet, could you?

Mat

Small things, small minds

They say small things please small minds, which perhaps says something that I managed to get such entertainment from a simple pinecone.

Yesterday, when Mat and I went for a walk, we found this pinecone. I have tried setting up a shot at home and I must admit that I had yet to taste success. Also, I hadn’t used the built- in effects before so I really wasn’t expecting much when I set up.

I used the Olympus E500’s sepia mode coupled with a red digital filter. I used forced flash and a macro lens to try and capture more of the detail in the pinecone.

For a beginner at setting up shots in the comfort of my own home I think this worked incredibly well, and I very much look forward to the next set up!

Bex

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A Lonely Soul

I was wandering in a field with Bex and her D-SLR when I saw this lonely, dead tree. I thought the whole scene looked quite sad so I thought I’d utilise the black and white setting on the camera. I think trees in nature always make great photos, particularly in Black and White and when used with filters. I think the mood in this photo is quite eerie, what do you think of these style photos?

Mat

Hide & Seek

Today Mat & I went for a walk down to a local lake, it was full of just about everything, from geese, swans and herons to this little creature. Take a closer look at the picture and see what you can spot.

We went for a walk quite early in the morning, so there was still dew on the ground. I used a macro lens to try and capture the detail of the water droplets on the grass, but was surprised to see this bug was interested in the droplets too!

It’s a while since I’ve uploaded a close up shot, and I really do think this a great one to add to our daily wanders line up.

Bex

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Sky View

I took this photo on a recent trip into the city centre. At the moment there is a London Eye- style wheel in the main square. On our last trip into town Mat and I had a trip to the top! Before I got on I was admiring the spectacle of this 60 metre high wheel and the glorious weather.

I took a few pictures that day but this is my definitely my favourite because the lens flare really shows how sunny it was.

During this changeable English weather I think we could all do with a little bit of sunshine!

Bex

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Making Tracks

As a follow on from yesterday's upload I thought I should upload another railway photo that I managed to locate in the virtual world of my computer! I liked the way the steam hangs in the air as the train moves underneath it; I also like how the tracks in the foreground really emphasis the locomotive in the background. I really enjoy visiting preserved railways, does anybody else have an interest in the railways of yesteryear?

Mat

Heading for the Hills

I’m back! This evening I’ve been looking through some photos on my computer. I found this landscape photo taken out of the back of a railway carriage along a beautiful lake.

The quality wasn't fantastic so I washed it through Photoshop to make the image clearer. I really love landscape photos like this with the rolling hills in the background. I love how the railway tracks are in the foreground so there’s still some detail in the shot. What type of landscape photos do you prefer?

Mat

Pocketful of Sunshine

I’m afraid today has been one of those days where you just don’t know what to do with yourself. Having attacked my first Easter egg, I decided to jump on a bus into town for a random wander.

I walked out of the main precinct and down a little cobbled street. As I continued my adventure I saw this little scene; a small market sheltering from the miserable weather underneath a glass roof. This small market reminded of a similar setting that I saw when on holiday in Paris.

As I walked between this rank of stalls there were many different examples of a diverse culture we live in. It brought a little cheer to an otherwise gloomy day.

I hope it made you smile too!

Bex

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Jive Bunny

Even Easter bunnies like to shake their tail feather sometimes! Apologies for the musical pun but I’ve just come back from an “Eggstra” special Easter broadcast.

I thought, being Easter Sunday, this picture would be rather relevant. In Thursday’s post I mentioned I had a musically saturated day with Bradley Stoke Radio’s outside broadcast team. I was lucky enough to be offered the role of photographer to which I readily agreed!

As I was walking back from getting myself a coffee to warm up from the freezing temperatures, I saw this seasonal mascot enjoying the music.

Now to get myself some chocolate… I hope you had a great, chocolate filled day!

Bex

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Gloomy Waters

Well, I’m still on holiday and I thought I should take some more photos so I went for a walk down to the local canal. I saw one of the canal boats exiting the lock while a second boat was waiting at the top. I borrowed my sister’s camera to take the shot and sent it through Photoshop to tone it down and make it more moody as the weather wasn’t fantastic so I fancied a darker effect. It’s a bit more arty than my previous upload, what do you think?

Mat

Postcard from somewhere....

This morning I opened up my email to find a sort of postcard. Not to me however, but to our dearest readers. It seems that even though Mat's gone on holiday, you aren't just stuck with me- oh no!

Now onto the more interesting bit, our postcard...

As I’m on holiday (more of a busman’s holiday) I thought I should send a photo or two to show you what I get up to. Today is the first day of my holiday, so I thought I would go for a wander to see what the local wildlife is like. I spotted this cute squirrel hiding in a bush. I managed to creep up close enough to the bush to zoom in and focus on the squirrel. The quality wasn’t fantastic so I ran it through Photoshop to boost the contrast and fiddle with some other settings. I think this one’s rather cute, what are you thinking of our little grey friend?

Mat

Community radio- at it's best!!!

I am lucky enough to live in a community where there’s always something going on! I’m part of a community group called Bradley Stoke Radio (BSR). We are all volunteers and have our own roles but generally happily help out wherever needed. I’m one of the presenters but I like to do a bit of everything if I get the chance!

Today I joined our Outside Broadcast team at a promotional event, I mostly accosted people with BSR leaflets and it wasn’t the sunniest of days, but it was a lot of fun and the bubbles were a nice touch, even if I’m not at the age for which they are intended!!!

Mat’s off on holiday at the moment so I’m afraid for most of the next week you’ll have to put up with me!!

Oh, and if you fancy a listen, Friday nights at 6pm is a good time…. ;)

Bex

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What's up?!

Mat and I went for a walk today in the centre of our local city. We were walking back from an indoor market and saw a small church as we were crossing the road. An old woman, the kind that seems to belong in a Mary Poppins film, was sat by a tree feeding the birds. She threw some bread on the floor by a tree and all was fair game. This lazy bird decided hopping to the bread was best until the smarter gull tried what birds do best and scooped the prize! I was only aiming to take pictures of the gulls flying but I couldn’t miss the look on the bird’s face. If only they could talk, although I think it may not be the most polite conversation….

Bex

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Coffee Under Glass

This is my first proper post on our blog, and while wandering around our local town today I noticed this coffee shop so I spun the camera on it’s side, focused just above the door, waited for a gap in the flow of people and took the snap. As I don’t have my own DSLR yet, I borrowed Bex’s Olympus to take the snap. Nothing special or amazing but I thought it would make a good picture. Maybe next time I’ll take something more creative?

Mat

Start Off Small

Well, it’s day two and nothing broken yet! I must admit, I am the clumsiest person I know. Today, having fallen over (again), I was sat down and noticed the ground had cracked as a leftover from this week’s sunny spell. Sitting on the floor, you begin to notice things that you would normally walk straight past.

Risking my usual clumsy tendencies I balanced the camera on my bag, meaning I couldn’t look through the viewfinder, so just hoped for the best.

They say you need to start off small before you can move on. Perhaps this is what it means in photographic terms?

Bex

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Hello World!

This will, with any luck, be our first post of many!!!

Allow us to introduce ourselves- two lucky idiots who have managed to acquire an SLR. We normally fill our days by wandering round our local area and hopefully getting lucky with some shots jumping out at us. We’ll try to bring you some close ups of the world around us and perhaps a few random pictures like this!

First off, I’m Bex, I have a strong passion (perhaps obsession!) for photography. I’m in love with my camera, an Olympus E-500. ­My favourite shots are the ones that show the most detail, showing things that you wouldn’t often see at first glance. However, I do love the odd spur-of-the-moment picture.

Secondly I’m Mat. I enjoy taking photos of just about anything, from machines to close ups of swans! I’m one of those patient people that don’t mind waiting to set up the perfect shot before taking it. I don’t have my own camera just yet, so for now I borrow Bex’s when I’m allowed! I plan on purchasing my own camera soon, preferably a Pentax K-r.

I (Bex) took this picture today while on the way to our local woods. I sat down on the floor trying to gain a different perspective for another shot when I saw this opportunity. This inquisitive dog lumbered towards me, ears swinging so I took the chance.

We hope you’ll join us tomorrow and futher into the future for another wander shot. See you soon,

Mat & Bex

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