So let's delve into a taste of the art and science behind perfecting your photos shall we!
Processing vs. Editing Digital Photos: What's the Difference?
- Initial Development vs. Artistic Enhancements:
- Processing involves the initial steps to convert raw image data into a viewable format. This includes adjusting basic parameters like exposure, white balance, and contrast.
- Editing goes beyond the basics to include creative adjustments such as retouching, adding filters, or manipulating elements within the photo for artistic purposes.
- Batch Handling vs. Individual Attention:
- Processing often deals with batches of photos, applying consistent adjustments to ensure a cohesive look across a series of images.
- Editing typically focuses on individual photos, allowing for meticulous attention to detail and specific creative tweaks.
- Technical Adjustments vs. Creative Input:
- Processing is primarily about correcting and optimizing the technical aspects of a photo to achieve accurate and high-quality results.
- Editing involves creative input, where the photographer can experiment with different styles and effects to enhance the artistic vision.
A young me working in a photolab.This lab is where I learnt the art of processing photos, my mentor would not let me touch the printer until I first studied light in nature and around town. I had to show the understanding of how light changes, grows and behaves in different conditions and times of day, then I had earnt the right to process our customers photos.
That uniform though - so cute with the red bow!
- Basic Corrections vs. Advanced Manipulations:
- Processing addresses basic corrections such as fixing exposure, sharpening, noise reduction, and lens corrections.
- Editing can include advanced manipulations like removing unwanted objects, blending multiple images, or adding artistic elements that transform the original photo.
- Automated Actions vs. Personalized Adjustments:
- Processing can be largely automated using presets and batch processing techniques, making it efficient for handling large volumes of photos.
- Editing requires personalized adjustments and a hands-on approach to achieve the desired look and feel, often involving manual techniques and creative decisions.
Understanding these differences can help you appreciate the distinct roles that processing and editing play in the world of digital photography. Each step is crucial in bringing out the best in your photos, from ensuring technical excellence to expressing artistic creativity.
A little old school "editing" from my film days.
These photos are from the early 90's when I started my creative boundaries pushing ways.The first image was captured in about 1992 on Kodak slide film and then I processed it through C41 (negative film chemistry), very naughty but hey I was on a path of experimentation. This image was been scanned from the original film and not the photo.
This second photo was taken using Agfa film with a Nikon F90 I used a polarising filter to get extra impact from the colours and sky. This was a tool or "editing process" on camera, today we use filters in post production, back in film days we normally put the filters on when we captured the photo.
Contextual Roles: Artistic vs. Practical Applications
Artistic vs. Functional Objectives:
Processing is essential for creating functional, high-quality images that meet professional standards, such as for print media or commercial use. It ensures that the final image is accurate and visually pleasing according to technical standards.
Editing, on the other hand, is often driven by artistic goals. It allows for personal expression and creativity, transforming the image beyond its original form to evoke emotion or convey a specific message.
Examples in Practice:
In professional photography, processing might be used to ensure consistency in a series of product images for a catalog, focusing on accurate color reproduction and detail.
Dipacci Coffee Company - Port MacquarieCoffee making equipment - basic stock image. Simple processing applied.
Dipacci Coffee Company - Port MacquarieCoffee making equipment - basic stock image. Simple processing applied.
Dipacci Coffee Company - Port MacquarieCoffee making equipment - basic stock image. Simple processing applied.
In expressive art photography, editing could involve creating a surreal effect by combining elements from different images, or applying unique filters to create a distinctive mood.
Understanding these contextual roles can enhance your appreciation of how processing and editing contribute to different photographic outcomes, whether for practical purposes or artistic expression.
5 Tips to Get Better Photos from Your Smartphone for Instagram:
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Master Lighting: Natural light is your best friend. Shoot during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for soft, flattering light. Avoid harsh midday sun that can create unflattering shadows.
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Use Grid Lines: Enable the grid lines in your camera settings to help with composition. Following the rule of thirds can make your photos more balanced and visually appealing.
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Focus and Exposure: Tap on your screen to set the focus on your subject. Adjust the exposure by sliding up or down to ensure your photos are neither too bright nor too dark.
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Edit with Purpose: Use Instagram’s built-in editing tools or other apps to enhance your photos. Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to make your images pop, but avoid over-editing to keep them looking natural.
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Clean Your Lens: Seems silly but this will make a big difference. Smudges or dirt on your smartphone lens can affect image clarity. Regularly clean your lens with a soft cloth to ensure sharp and clear photos (unlike myself who uses the inside of what ever I am wearing - do as i say not as I do right!)
I hope this exploration of photo processing and editing has illuminated the distinct yet complementary roles these techniques play in creating captivating images. By mastering the basics and embracing your creative instincts, you can transform everyday shots into extraordinary visuals. Keep experimenting, stay inspired, and remember that every photo is a chance to tell a unique story. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and don’t forget to apply these insights to make your next photo project truly shine. Happy shooting
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It's a question often asked but perhaps not pondered deeply enough. As a multidisciplinary photographic artist, I find myself constantly immersed in the act of seeing. But it's more than just observing; it's about feeling what you see and seeing what you feel. It's a symbiotic (thats a big word for a Wednesday afternoon - after working on "website-y" things all day haha) relationship between perception and emotion that shapes the essence of my work.
In my studio, every day brings a new canvas, a new opportunity to capture the essence of the human experience. Recently, I had the privilege of hosting two fellow artists for mini creative shoots on behalf of Sunset Gallery. They arrived, brimming with their own stories and inspirations, ready to collaborate in the shared language of visual art.
I asked them to "pose" in unconventional ways - I have shared a couple of what I consider more conventional versions of our photoshoot, I urged them to step outside the boundaries of familiarity. It may have seemed perplexing to them in the moment, but I knew that within the layers of discomfort lay the seeds of magic. For me, photography isn't just about capturing a moment; it's about unraveling the layers of perception and revealing the hidden truths beneath the surface.
As a professional creative, my journey extends far beyond the confines of the studio. Today, amidst the chaos of administrative tasks, I will dive into the process of transforming these raw images into evocative narratives. Like many creatives, I wear multiple hats, seamlessly transitioning between my role as an artist and the demands of the "day hat" – whether that be managing the business side of my creative endeavors or engaging in other professional pursuits.
But fear not, fellow self-employed artists, for I come bearing wisdom! Here are five time management tips to help you navigate the tumultuous waters of creative entrepreneurship:
1. Establish a Routine: Embrace the power of routine like it's your favorite cozy sweater. Set a consistent schedule for your creative exploits, administrative duties, and, of course, mandatory snack breaks. Because let's be real, no one can create on an empty stomach.
2. Prioritize Tasks: It's like playing a game of artistic Tetris, but with deadlines instead of falling blocks. Identify your top priorities each day and tackle them head-on. Just remember to save some room for those pesky administrative tasks – they may not be as glamorous, but they're essential for keeping the creative train chugging along.
3. Time-Blocking: Think of time-blocking as the artist's equivalent of a well-orchestrated symphony. Divide your day into designated time blocks for different activities, whether it's editing photos, answering emails, or indulging in a much-needed coffee break. It's all about finding harmony amidst the chaos. I actually Time-block my week now too, each day is set to a certain "hat" with spaces for hat swapping if need be - just to keep my near by humans happy too ;)
4. Minimize Distractions: Imagine this: you're in the zone, channeling your inner creative genius, when suddenly... ping goes your phone. Sound familiar? Minimize distractions by silencing notifications, creating a dedicated workspace, and practicing the fine art of saying "no" to interruptions – unless, of course, it's an emergency supply run for more coffee.
5. Delegate and Outsource: Repeat after me: you are not a one-person army. Recognize when it's time to call in reinforcements, whether it's hiring a professional photographer to digitize your artworks - ahhh that can be me like I did for these artists or enlisting the help of fellow artists for collaborative projects. Trust me, your sanity will thank you.
So, the next time you find yourself juggling a dozen hats and wondering if there's enough caffeine in the world to fuel your creative endeavors, remember these time management tips. Embrace the chaos, find your rhythm, and above all, keep seeing – because the world is waiting for your unique perspective.
Until next time, keep creating and may your creative endeavors be as boundless as your imagination. ~ Photographer Cherie ~
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In the labyrinth of life, where choices often lead us down unexpected paths, I found solace and inspiration through the lens of a camera. My name is Cherie, a photographer with a quarter-century of experience capturing moments frozen in time. But my journey extends beyond the realm of traditional photography now; it intertwines with the world of abstract digital art, a realm where natures textures become digital layers to my creativity.
The Roots of Creativity As a student, my heart longed for the canvas, but the brush was replaced with economic theories. While the world of numbers intrigued me, my soul craved the freedom of expression that only art could provide, the closest I could do was photography - and oh what a path that took me on. Little did I know that decades later, the dormant artist within me would awaken via my passion - photography.
~ Young me as photographic printer in my senior years of high school - this was my Saturday morning, school holiday job. It is where my career in the photographic industry began ~
Mindful Photography Unleashed It all began with a mindful photography practice, a meditative dance between the lens and the natural world. The textures that unfolded before my eyes became more than just images—they became gateways to a new form of artistic expression. Each click of the shutter was a step closer to a rekindled passion.
The Birth of Tessellations From the raw material of nature's textures, a new art form emerged—tessellations. My photographs became the tesserae in a mosaic of creativity. The intricate patterns and shapes that unfolded mirrored the interconnectedness of nature and art, each piece seamlessly fitting into the greater tapestry. The creation of tessellations become a new process of mindful creativity and one of my most adored creative processes, the one below is one of my most recent ones - I would love to see them as tiles on a wall or floor - so swoony.
Digital Abstracts: A Fusion of Past and Present As my journey progressed, I embraced the digital realm, breathing life into my photographs through abstract forms. The transition from the tangible to the virtual allowed me to push the boundaries of creativity, turning captured textures and elements, in camera abstracts layered with textures become ethereal artworks. The intersection of technology and art opened new avenues for exploration and I was utterly hooked.
The Texture Box One of my most cherished rituals now involves gathering textures in photographic form—a sensory exploration that transcends the visual. These textures find a home in my "box" of inspiration, patiently waiting for the moment when they will be summoned to breathe life into a new creation. This tactile process has become a form of meditation, a connection to the very essence of my artistic journey.
In the dance between economics and art, I found my rhythm. The textures I've gathered over the years have become not just images but fragments of my creative soul. As I continue to navigate this intricate dance, I invite you to join me in exploring the beauty that lies within the details, the textures that whisper stories, and the moments frozen in pixels that transcend time.
Stay creative my delighters of visual goodness, Cherie
]]>My latest Digital Montage Collage Artwork:
Embark on a visual feast as I unveil my latest digital montage collage artwork. Each piece is a symphony of colors, textures, and stories meticulously woven together. Discover the magic on digital art portfolio (check out more here), where every click is a step into a world crafted with passion and precision.
Captivated By Expectations
Captivated (adjective) : having one's interest or attention held or captured by something or someone charming, beautiful, entertaining, etc.
Expectations (noun) : the act or state of expecting
From the Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Im back baby! My books are open for Wedding Photography in 2024
The shutter clicks anew as I announce the reopening of my books to capture the timeless moments of your special day. Weddings are like culinary masterpieces – a perfect blend of ingredients, timing, and expertise. Let me craft a visual narrative that tells your love story in a way that's as unique as the bond you share.
If you would like to have a little bopeep at my packages for 2024 just click here and you will be taken to all the wordy goodness that explains what you get in each package.
My philosophy with wedding is: "It's not my day, and it's not my photoshoot. I'm just here to capture the natural romance, connection, and downright fun as your day unfolds. It's about you two, not me doing a solo performance." Think of me as the stealthy director, popping up when needed to guide those perfect photo moments without stealing the show"
"Photography is like freezing a moment that becomes your history. How cool is that?" - you can quote me on that!
So, if you want your wedding documented with a touch of whimsy, a plenty of professionalism from years of experience, and a whole lot of heart, then I am your happily-ever-after photographer! CONTACT ME HERE
A Trio of Mana ~ Surface Patterns:
Immerse yourself in the visual symphony of my latest surface patterns. Like a palette of flavors, each pattern tells a story through its intricate design and vibrant hues. Check out a sneak peek if this trio set called Tainted Mana below (click on them to see them bigger):
Tainted Mana 1.3Embracing Control and Serendipity
As I craft these patterns, there's a dance between control and serendipity. Some days, I meticulously guide every element, while on others, I let the creative winds carry me. It's a bit like a chemical experiment, where the process is known, but the result always carries a hint of nature's unpredictability. That's the beauty of it!
Beyond Paper - Think Fabrics
While my surface patterns look amazing on paper, they have the potential to transform fabrics into works of art as well. Whether it's for commercial use or personal projects, these designs have endless possibilities.
Tainted Mana 3.3 Embracing Control and Serendipity
As I craft these patterns, there's a dance between control and serendipity. Some days, I meticulously guide every element, while on others, I let the creative winds carry me. It's a bit like a chemical experiment, where the process is known, but the result always carries a hint of nature's unpredictability. That's the beauty of it!
Beyond Paper - Think Fabrics
While my surface patterns look amazing on paper, they have the potential to transform fabrics into works of art as well. Whether it's for commercial use or personal projects, these designs have endless possibilities.
Tainted Mana 2.3Embracing Control and Serendipity
As I craft these patterns, there's a dance between control and serendipity. Some days, I meticulously guide every element, while on others, I let the creative winds carry me. It's a bit like a chemical experiment, where the process is known, but the result always carries a hint of nature's unpredictability. That's the beauty of it!
Beyond Paper - Think Fabrics
While my surface patterns look amazing on paper, they have the potential to transform fabrics into works of art as well. Whether it's for commercial use or personal projects, these designs have endless possibilities.
A little visual delight via my Mindful Photography Practice:
Pause, breathe, and immerse yourself in the art of mindful photography. Classes are gearing up to commence soon, offering a space where capturing moments becomes a meditative practice. It's a recipe for inner peace, blending the art of seeing with the mindfulness of being.
"For me the art of mindful photography was about being at peace, finding a way to be in a world that is so big and full in a way that feels calm and in the moment. For you it may be about slowing down, or reconnecting to yourself or maybe it’s a way to skill build in your photography journey."
This image was taken while out and about with the crew getting a coffee, when I remember to take my camera on such outings I always find something to rest my lens on for a few seconds of calm creativity. This was taken at Blackfish Coffee in PMQ
This image was taken from our backyard, there was something about the rounded form of the bird singing his song on the rounded yet very straight formed tv aerial with the dark and moody clouds with pops of bright colour behind it that just held me for a little while - so I took a photo of it, there is plenty of mindful photography to be found in your back yard.
This was taken at my Dads farm, we were up there having a BBQ and the chatter and excitement can sometime be a bit much for me so I grabbed my camera and took a few moments to just chill out through my lens, the backlight hitting this little flower that was way up the top of the tree was so angelic I just had to breath with it for a little bit.
Something about Me:
Who's the culinary artist behind this visual feast? That would be me – Cherie Morton. With a passion for blending pixels and capturing moments, I find joy in creating art that resonates. Join me in this visual journey, where every frame is a brushstroke on the canvas of life.
This quote pretty much sums up a huge part of photography for me: “To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
— Elliott Erwitt
Let "Visual Serendipity" be your guide through a world where art, photography, and mindfulness intertwine, creating a harmonious symphony of creativity. Stay tuned for updates, classes, and a continual exploration of the beauty that surrounds us. Cheers to the art of seeing and the joy of creating!
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There we were just two tired biz owners heading away to take a moment or two to contemplate that we had been loving each other for 10 years. We didn’t have time to head off in the camper so as a treat we booked a room at a local accommodation venue. It was called The Med - we will be back it was such a delight to stay at, the vibe in the rooms was swoony, the near by food so tasty and just a little saucy (wink wink) and do not even bring up the Margarita's oh my lord! The pool was a total minx and had so many pockets of enchantment that are still playing on my mind.
What a treat we got, the room was so beautiful, simply styled and very relaxed ..or was us that become relaxed because we got to stay in the room. Anyway here is a little of the visual delights in the forms of light, texture and colour that I found while on our stay at Crescent head.
The light on the hill just played over the curves, the man on the hill walked then paused and said his prayers, then he walked some more, both flowed over and with the curves of the hill like they belonged together.
Oh the delight on seeing this beautiful texture and contrast between smooth and sharp surfaces, a little like life really, you have smooth moments and you have a few jagged bits that make up one amazing life of texture.
This image is going straight to the pool room aka my texture library for my mixed media artworks.
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.... if by some chance you are interested in the mixed media I create with the gathering of such textural delights then please join me on my creative Instagram page by clicking here I must warn you though there is also a fair wack of crafting on the same feed.
It was the light and shadow, the solid angular lines of the Surf Club against the bright blue sky with the softest almost not there clouds.
Busy going somewhere that is just a moment of being nowhere but at peace.
The way the morning light created shadows on the edges of the texture was drawing me in ...
I like the soft glow against the hard, angled bricks.
Its little elements that often pull my eye, I have no control over it sometimes. I just keep coming back looking at it until I take a photo, sometimes if I walk away and don't take a photo it sits with me for ages as unrest.
All the lines created chaos but the colour ..ohhh my!
As a colour palette it had me! Those bikes against the warm timber tones behind them and the warmth in the seat colours - it was visual delight.
Again the texture and colour of the walls was teasing me with potential then the palm frond dancing on top of it just tipped me over the edge, I had to have it.
ohhh my gosh the light that played with this cactus making it pop against its background was to good to leave behind - can you feel it ..the light that is?
Can you see the similar angles within the cactus that repeat what is painted on the wall behind it, do you think they did that on purpose ..oh I love those moments of visual serendipity.
Ohh I just had an idea - I think that I should call this blog Visual Serendipity ..mmmm yep that feels good, almost exciting within my whole body, like an energy that is zipping from my head to my toes, tell me you have moments like that too.
So much repetition here and light that was just tantalized me the way it fell across the scene it just made my soul sing, I wish Id had a tripod to get a better exposure, but sometimes you just have to make do to catch the feeling otherwise you may miss it. I mean this was just taken as we walked to our dinner booking I had to remember that it was a weekend of being connected and not about my photography...I will HAVE to go back at some point and make it about my craft.
These two tanks and our two shadows, both there but separated, connected yet apart.
I could have spent quite some time getting something magical here but again I had to keep reminding myself I was not there for photography, it just pulls me in, like an addiction to light, colour and texture .. I did get a couple of sweet snaps I will into my Mid North Coast Image Library later this week I hope. If you want to know where that is Then click here
If you want to see pics of things like our room and the food we ate, some of the sites and treasures we found then head to my "personal" insta by clicking here
Now its time that I get going, did you enjoy our virtual visual stroll, its been nice putting a little of the feeling behind why the photos have ended up within my collection of visual serendipity moments (I really have fallen in love with that term now).
Till next time we stroll, Peace, Love and Happiness Cherie
Oh game of life how you do like to spin the wheel and play your cards with surprise!
On the 22nd of March we received a termination of lease notice due to some major foundational building repairs that had to happen to the house, like many on the Mid North Coast we had to get on the home search, to say it set us in a spin would be an underestimation! We got lucky our leasing agents wanted to keep us as tenants and they had a house that worked for our brady bunch crew and on the 14th of April we got approved for a home.
My father-in-law made this chess board from pallets, pretty clever I think.
So began the game of moving pieces!
But first we coffee (naturally right)
Have you come across this local treasure yet? Its nestled under the trees of Roto House they have some wonderful events and groups, wish they were around when I was a new Mum with bubs that loved to be outdoors.
From a distance - so cute!
Somewhere in the start of moving we had morning tea with the in-laws, coffee from Round & Round and tasty treats made with love by my M.I.L, we are so lucky to have such a nurturing and maternal M.I.L as she is always keen to help, host, cook, drive or provide any help she can to the whole crew.
I'm a farm girl still at heart right so when there is left overs or a big event going on ..what do you do? You cook up enough food for an army in preparation!
Step one in the prep food cook up- breakfast. So i cooked up a big batch of frittata to pop into the freezer at work so we have some good fibre and protein filled breakfast that I don't have to think about while we move.
Next on the list was a Slow Cooked beef and pumpkin curry.
This was pretty good, threw it into some take away tubs, on beds of turmeric rice and bitter greens for extra goodness and into the freezer they went for "heat n eat" meals.
If you want the recipe for this one I got it from the Taste website and its got a good health rating - mind you I did ad extra spices and chilli because we like it with plenty of flavour bang in our house. You can get the recipe right here.
Next up was Chicken Lasagna a family fav, I cant tell you what went into this other then plenty of grated veg, chicken mince, philly cheese and lasagna sheets because its always different ..oh I know with this one I never made a proper white sauce as some of us in the house are avoiding flour at the moment so instead I made a mix of ricotta cheese, sour cream and parmesan cheese instead and it was delish...this one certainly went faster then the other frozen meals made. I think we ended up with the beef curry, lasagna, chicken casserole and beef stroganoff.
Now the last food related photo was these bad boys for the moving weekend, I cooked of some snags, chopped them up and popped them into some silicon muffin trays, cracked an egg over the top, sprinkled a little cheese on top of the egg then baked them at about 180 until the eggs were mostly cooked then i took them out of the oven and let them finish cooking from the residual heat.
Then when it comes to eating just zap it in the food fritzer (the microwave) for 20 seconds, wack it on a toasted english muffin and tada you have breakfast, even the removalists enjoyed a couple of these between loads.
In between packing and moving we went to the Dawn Service and showed our respect to those who did what they had to do, with no mindset of agreement or disagreement just a show of respect. My father wore his fathers medals and my Godfather word his own and together they stood in solidarity and support, both where young men at the time of the war and both felt it in different ways, one went to war and the other was to young and was not drafted but both along with so many other young men from what I understand had no real idea what was in front of them.
I am proud of both these men, they have both been rocks for me at different times and to see them standing together on such a sad, yet proud day was very emotive.
Two very hard working Australian men who I am proud to call family.
This little guy was so devoted to his owner, eyes only for his human, I could not resist a photo.
Then as the speeches fell onto our ears and into our hearts there was something really moving about the way the sky started to soften and the birds started to fly about, contrasted with the old bricks, the new lights and the Hotel sign that again I had to "snap" not a technically correct photo however the feeling is still there.
Again another technically incorrect photo but I don't care because sometimes its more about the feeling then the structure. As we stopped for a quick coffee from another local fav, Breakwall HQ. The softness of these clouds complimented and opposed the rocks of the breakwall and it had me all whoo whoo and my camera was out and up to my eye again.
It seemed to reflect my contrasting and mixed feelings of moving, it was a bit yaay and a bit bummed out all at once, yet overall for the best.
This is my Mums beloved Pavlova plate, she was renowned for her pavs, the things you find when you move. I love the shade of blue in it, this was going to be the colour of my dream car - a VW convertible beetle.
ohhhhh lala the textures that had me completely side tracked while I was meant to be packing, I use texture images in my digital mixed media art, if you want to check a few out here is a quick link for you, see if you can spot this texture in any of them
Mixed Media Artwork Gallery
...and back to moving ..ohh wait I found more textures ..honestly I may have A.D.D!
This glassware, the light and me had some quality time together while packing, shhhhh dont tell the family ;)
Then after all the food prepping this is what I had for dinner on ANZAC day, slice made by my MIL and a glass of wine...no I didnt eat all that slice, most of it disappeared when I was not looking. Meanwhile how is the cool light play between the shadow and reflection of the wine in the glass and the texture of the paper ..whoops distracted again!
As I walked into our new home with box after box this beauty gave a supportive hug, my body is booked in for a little overhaul (we found out the date mid move after waiting for so long and having injections for months and months) as the course of life has left it with a few scars that have been giving me grief for several years now and every now and then when the pain was getting to high and yet I couldn't let on to the family or they would have made a fuss, this amazing and wonderful tree filled with life gave me a moment to pause and breath then keep putting one foot in front of the other.
In a few weeks this tree and I are going to spend some quality time together as I recover from an op that may slow me down for a week or it may slow me down for 6 weeks, we wont know till the surgeon makes his cut.
On that note I must say farewell as I have a months worth of work to get done just in case. Hopefully you have enjoyed the images, maybe you have read the words with them and maybe not but either way thanks for being here, thanks for allowing your gaze to pass over a few of the things that found themselves in front of my view and my lens.
Till next time we stroll, Peace, Love and Happiness Cherie
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Oh the delight of a sky that holds blue.. a bit like a heart that stays true!
Here is a little cloud gazing for you, what can you see?
As we walked along the beach ravaged by big seas and flood debris we found ourselves in a game of eye spy .. the bountiful and sometimes unexpected visions kept us in a state of both shock and delight.
Our lovely Shelly Beach with soft sands and long clear stretches of clean sand has been brutalised by the force of the ocean recently, all the soft sands just gone with chunks of grass areas also gone .. this part had us in shock... like so many others taking a stroll on a Sunday afternoon.
Its amazing how the beaches change with weather cycles and life, the rocks come and go, the sand shifting with tides and seas.
One of the beauties was all the textures, colour and pattern left in the sand as water passed over it, both the ocean and the run off seeping out of the hillside. Natures abstracts are everywhere.
This water trickle came out of the rocks at the Northern end of Shelly Beach, it was like magic ..it just trickled with a determined pace and then the sand swallowed it right there, its journey no longer visible to the eye.
It just kept coming like a never ending supply fighting for its way sometimes it gained further distance and sometimes less a battle of elements, it just kept disappearing into the sand, as the flow and volume changed the trickle path moved from left and right leaving nothing but little feather like marks to hint at its existence. A truly magical little moment with nature and my tall, dark and handsome.
Do you ever feel like you could just hide and blend into the background of life so you can just do "your thing" without judgment or being questioned? Well this little gut did a wonderful job of doing just that, I think that his presence was sensed before it was seen and then he was just scurrying here and there trying to get away from my lens, from my view so that he could just get on with what he was doing.
Such a busy and fast little creature and so easy to miss if you are not aware.
Another statement of contrast by nature, the sand pale and soft in its appearance, so tiny if seen by the single grain yet put together becomes binding and strong and encompassing holding forward the dark and strong in sight piece of seaweed attached to the hard rock, sitting beside the wood that was once hard and grounded in earth, the seaweed, rock and wood all at some point sturdy, strong and fixed in their original settings have all been displaced by the force of nature, now lost and sitting exposed to all and any.
We can learn so much from nature and its elements.
These clouds held us for several moments, leaving us wondering what was creating the shadow that was cast across the sky, the sun was behind our backs no longer touching the water and this angle of changing light appeared to hold our gaze and thoughts.
Leaving you here just where we started, with clouds to gaze at and see what you can see.
See you next time for another stroll through the delights found in front of my lens.
Peace, Love & Happiness Cherie
A blissfull way to start the day is watching it wake with the sounds of waves sliding into shore.
A mix of local produce and pantry/fridge items thrown together on the BBQ while chatting over the balcony as neighbours walk by talking of the sunshine meanwhile the sun is caressing my soul.
Nothing like a chilled bottle of ginger beer on a warm Autumns day, we found these ones at the Know Your Producer Festival, basking and waiting for us at the Grumpy's Ginger Beer stall, the tall and handsome man of the house may of had one with his bourbon later the same day and was very impressed.
We found ourselves at a delightful Patissiere at Flynns Beach with the funkyiest wall display, the contrast between the soft green plants, the round metal vessels and the rich wood paneling was a delight to my photographic eye.
This little delight was screaming to be taken home to a certain 18 year old foodie. Thanks Cocoa Cartel the coffee was delish and the Lemon Meringue muffin was very photogenic and delightfully enjoyed.
Mag + coffee + muffin + lush throw = Sunday chill
This new cup feels like perfection in your hand, and the flat white that got poured into it tasted like delight in my mouth, thanks again Cocoa Cartel at Flynns Beach, Port Macquarie.
See you next time for another stroll through the delights found in front of my lens.
Peace, Love & Happiness Cherie