Photographs

I've had quite a few compliments about my photography recently, which has made me smile. Smile a lot actually. I certainly don't consider myself a photographer and am not particularly skilled or technical. I definitely belong to the point-and-shoot school of thought. But through Flickrville and Blogland I have learnt how wonderful photos can be, how the every day stuff of life can be elevated somewhat by a decent photo.

The camera I use is a Canon Ixus 65. J researched it all, read reviews and lots of geeky photography forums before we (he) decided which one to get. Its easy to use and I have the measure of it in so far as I know how to get the pictures I want. I was especially amazed when I discovered that the little tulip symbol allowed me to focus on closeup stuff, wow, that was a eureka moment for me last year (I now know this is called macro but I am not one for jargon, it bores me). I never use flash (it distorts the colours too much) and I never use a tripod (I don't have one). I have the shutter speed on auto. Erm....thats about it as far as technical stuff goes!

The camera does have some nifty settings for different lighting conditions :: cloudy, sunny and the especially good indoor setting which adjusts the yellowness of tungsten lightbulbs and corrects it automatically. There is also a fabulous setting I use called V for Vivid which perfectly suits my subject matter. Without this setting on, I find my photos are disappointingly dull and lucklustre, using the V  has a way of bringing things to life and making bright colours true, if that makes sense.

I do love taking pictures for my blog, love focusing on the small things. These pictures I'm showing you today are all random shots from around the house this morning. No styling, no faffing, just point-and-shoot from the living/dining room to the hallway to the bathroom.

Buttons, ceramics, fruit, napkins, clothes, bags, soap. Strong colours like a heartbeat throughout the house. I know it's not everybody's taste, but having colourful things around is essential to my wellbeing. If you've got time, just hop across and glance at my "Home" set on Flickr, isn't it just a riot of colour? Mad isn't it?!

Our house is still a majorly long way from being how I want it as we have done very little since moving in seven months ago. There are big things I really don't like (blue hall carpet, most of the kitchen etc), so for the time being I focus on the small things.

The small, everyday kind of things that I photograph and share with you.

 Its an absolute pleasure, the sharing part, you make it so enjoyable xxx

Comments

[corine24]

It made me laugh when I read J researches before HE desides which camera to buy. My man does always ExaCtly the same. When I need something new, like a camera, he does research for days, reading all the test websites and compares all cameras. No way I can go to a shop and say: "Ow, that pink one looks nice, I'll have that one."

Corine

[Annette]

I am doing research as I got a gift card with a fat amouint to spend in a electric supplies store and I instantly thought "A new camera". So I read about your camera as I think you take great photos. And I saw that colorful happy cardigan on the door knob! Did you make that? It is lovely. Would love to make one for my Baby girl. Do you have any link to a pattern or info on where to find it? ALl teh best and hope Bump24 is doing good now when CHristmas is around teh corner.
Ciao
Annette

[Carolina Elizabeth]

I wish I would have kept reading. THank you so much!!!!!

[Catherine]

I'm so glad I stumbled on your blog and others like yourself. I'm a garden blogger, but it's so refreshing to read about something other than yet another flower. I've enjoyed your photographs and stories.
Thank you,
Catherine

[Jen]

What is that clock in the picture with the sweater? I love that! Details, please!

[Maddy]

I have the Canon Ixusi which sadly does not appear to have V setting. It really does appear to make a huge differance. I agree with you about the flash distorting colour and try to get a natural light shot when ever I can.

Love the colour blast on Flickr.

[alchamillamolly]

I love your patio/yard/courtyard/place!!! I would go for the fence - how about some trellis - you can get fancy curved pieces, curving up and down they would look nice with plants climbing up them as well. I have gone from the corner of a cul de sac house with noone behind to being surrounded by houses and gardens. Its certainly different! I love your idea for the bed etc that gets my vote

[Toni]

Thank you for the lesson on the canon...I too use a canon and never bothered to learn what the tulip was for...now I know! Love your colorful crochet sweater, just beautiful!

[Debbie]

I agree with the other comments - I love the colour in your home. I have not long been in my home either - just over a year and as it is me and my boyfriend's first home together we have a lot of stuff to buy and a lot of decorating planned! Each room at a time though or else it is just too overwhelming. Our house is quite 'bland' at the moment and definitely needs some colour. Maybe I should start a blog to show the transformation!! Anyhow I find your blog very inspirational! Keep the photos coming....please.

[French Knots]

I wish I had a vivid button on my camera - I used to have a polarising filter on my SLR which did a similar thing I think. That explains why your pictures are so punchy and saturated with colour!

[julia]

sorry........meant scrumptious weekend!
Julia x

[julia]

Well you know my opinion on colours, the more the better, just chuck 'em all in together and hope for the best. Thanks for the camera tips.
Reading your last post made me giggle, our houses are another similarity between us. We too live in a tall victorian terrace with attic rooms. I am a true Northern lass and love having people either side to chat to, although when Ian and I are having one of our "discussions" in the garden or the children are being a pain in the a*** I sometimes wish our neighbours weren't quite so close.
We had the problem of being overlooked on both sides but one of my lovely neighbours planted a passion flower two years ago and it's now amazing, particularly on our side!
Have a truly scrumtious weeken, fingers crossed for sun!
Julia x

[Diana]

So much colour...it's a delight.No chance of feeling the blues in your house!!

[simone]

I like the fact that you also wash and bath with colours!!!

[Lisa]

I also enjoy your photographs. This is an area I need to work on. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Funkymonkey]

I love all the bright colours in your house. Don't worry about your house not being the way you want it yet. I've been in mine so long I'm waiting to have it all done again.

[Lynn]

How I wish I had a "vivid" setting on my camera -- that's the BEST! Of course, it would also help not to live in a cave-like house. That's why I take so many pictures of my garden! Thanks for all of this cheery colo(u)r!!

[Ruth Letourneau]

Love all the summer colors
I've tagged you to find aour more

[kathy]

Love all the bags...and love the peek through the door to the kitchen. Your photography is great; it certainly comes across that you adore colour. Last night I made your frittata...and I have posted about it! It was very, very successful so thank you..it will become a firm favourite. Have a lovely weekend. Kathy

[Anna]

Your home looks incredibly inviting, I love your old pine doors and bag collection! Thanks for the camera tips- my photos are generally appalling but we are due a camera upgrade soon!x