My Couple of Words

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

The Cliffs of Moher.....

We recently spent a few days in Clare where the sun actually came out.  One of the evenings we headed off to the Cliffs of Moher.  Here's a few pictures.





Monday, August 27, 2012

A Day at the beach....

When we were in Clare we spent a couple of days on Fanore Beach near Ballyvaughan.  The weather was glorious so we took full advantage.  I'm looking out the window now at the rain and imagining lovely clear blue skies.....and wishing we were back at Fanore beach.





Thursday, August 23, 2012

The Burren Perfumery........

Spent a lovely morning in The Burren Perfumery in the heart of the Burren, Co. Clare a couple of weeks ago.  A tradtional soap and perfume making centre where you can visit the soap making and still room where soaps, creams, oils and herbal teas are prepared using traditional methods.





They also have an extensive native herb garden with information on their traditional uses.  The garden also contains a number of small areas where people can sit and relax in the quiet of the Burren.




After our ramble around the gardens and perfumery, we then relaxed in the rose covered Tea rooms, which serve a mouth watering selection of organic cakes, scones and pies.







Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Create with Kate.....

Had a lovely day on Sunday in Athlone Springs Hotel with Create with Kate.  Kate had her shop with loads of lovely goodies - got some 12 x 12 Crate paper, a Dear Lizzy 6 x 6 pad and Stamp (to die for), some mistables and other bits and pieces.  Kate did a lovely make and take using the new Tim Holtz distress markers (must not get hooked!!!).  She also did a very simple and quick Bookmark (forgot to take photos).  I had a chance to make a quick Mini Album for my God-daughter Roisin using Prima - Sun Kiss Papers.  I kept it very simple and used very little embellishments. 









Clickin Moms.......


I've been a member of Clickin Moms for a few years now and have never really got actively involved until recently.  Clickin Moms is a community of artists, hobbyists, and professional photographers.  It includes a blog, forums and Workshops.  There are various different forums including Tutorials & Articles, Photographer's Chit Chat, Photography type, Business Matters, Contests, Challenges & Exercises and CM (Clickin Mums) Workshops.  At the moment I am spending a lot of time on the Forum - Tutorials and Articles, which features 300+ comprehensive how to guides and informational articles.  These posts are organized by subject area such as Shooting, Lighting, Processing, Colour Management and Business.  There is so much valuable information and it is great that some many people willingly give of the expertize.




www.ClickinMoms.com






I've also recently signed up for a breakout session "Finding the Frame" by Allison Zercher of Snippets from Suburbia.  "Finding the Frame" is a 40 page PDF where Allison will show you new ways to photograph your subject.  You'll learn to use what is around you, indoors and outside, to help frame photos, add interest to your composition and draw the eye right to the subject of your photograph  You also receive a recording of Allison's answers to questions from the breakout session.  Allison goes through ways of framing your subject with loads of ideas and examples.  All I need to do now is get out there and put what I am learning into practice!!


Sunday, August 5, 2012

People Pictures........






In this book, photographer Chris Orwig offers 30 photographic exercises to renew your passion for capturing the people in your world. This is not a traditional portrait photography book. The goal isn’t flattery, but connection and depth. Whether you are a student, busy parent, or seasoned pro photographer, these exercises provide an accessible framework for exploration and growth.


With titles like: Be Quiet, Turn the Camera Around, and the Fabric of Family, each of the 30 exercises encourages you to have fun and experiment at your own pace. With step-by-step instructions and using natural light, you will explore everything from street, lifestyle, candid, and environmental shots. The projects are small artistic endeavors meant to change how you see and the pictures that you make. All that’s required is a camera, an intrepid attitude, curiosity, and some imagination.

Two members of Clickin Moms, Dawn and Christy have now set up a private Facebook Page for members of Clickin Moms who are interested in working through these 30 photographic exercises.  We will be able to submit and share our assisgnments.  So I'm hoping that this will motivate me to get out there and try and take more pictures.

The first assisgnment - Pictures in 10 minutes.

You have to select a subject who is an acquaintance, family member, or a friend.  I decided to select my darling hubby - who loves having his photo taken!!!!  I feel that was a challenge in itself.  The idea of this assisgnment is going back to basics - using manual focus, choose an f-stop with a shallow depth of field and keep it simple.

So here's a few of my attempts:








Friday, August 3, 2012

AHC Syndrome........

On Saturday, my husband will be taking part in a 100k Charity Cycle to raise funds for Friends of AHC Syndrome Ltd.







Meet 20 month old Tadhg Carroll from Doon, Co Offaly. Tadhg is literally one in a million! He has been diagnosed with a condition called Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC) which is estimated to occur in roughly 1 in 1,000,000 births.


A group of friends and neighbours of the Carroll family have joined forces to support Tadhg and his parents. We have formed FRIENDS OF AHC SYNDROME CO. LTD., a company founded with the purpose of generating funds that will directly support the Carroll’s in securing the best possible quality of life for Tadhg. Finances raised will also support a new Irish Branch of the AHC Foundation, an international organisation founded by, and comprising of, parents of children like Tadgh.


AHC is a rare neurological disorder in which repeated attacks of paralysis occur. Children with AHC exhibit a wide range of symptoms. These include lack of coordination when performing voluntary movements, eye disorders, developmental delays, and seizures. Every person with AHC is unique, and they can be mildly or severely affected. However, as children get older developmental problems between episodes become more apparent. These developmental problems may include difficulties in fine and gross motor function, cognitive function, speech and language, and even social interactions. Early intervention for such children is extremely important.


AHC's primary fundraiser is a 100km Charity Cycle on Saturday 4th August that takes cyclists through west Offaly and south Westmeath, beginning and ending in Doon. Each of the 200 cyclists must raise a minimum of €200 in sponsorship funds.