'Tis the Season

So, it's that time of year again when we all feel a little rushed, thinking who else do we need to get a present. Should we buy a frozen turkey or order a fresh one? There are many more thoughts but you get the idea.

When you're very young, it can be excused that you don't fully understand the reason for this forthcoming celebration. Once you begin your journey into adulthood, learning about the sentiments of the season becomes a little more important. With today's multicultural communities, its not all about religion but good will to others. We know Jesus may not have actually been born on the 25th of December and the guy who wears the red and white suit, didn't really wear those colours.

It is not so much as what others do, but what you choose to do. If you don't understand that, perhaps you need to question yourself as to why you do things that you do and who for.

I'm rambling I know. I'm just feeling I've reached that point again when I have to refer back to the phrase I picked up from a great photographer, Chase Jarvis, Create - Share - Sustain.

I have the need to want to do something just to be able to share it. For me this feeling isn't a seasonal thing, more of a 'about time' thing. I know I've written about Create - Share - Sustain before. Generally this phrase comes to mind when I'm doing ok, giving me the feeling of sharing what I do well, with others that may appreciate it. Rewards aren't always monetary ones.

So, I've got a few ideas, which hopefully will end up being one good one which others will be able to enjoy too.

I'd like to leave this with you. If you're able to do something you really enjoy doing that is accessible for others to enjoy too, is the spirit we all should have, and not just for Christmas.

DK.

Our Latest Addition!

Please welcome our newest addition to the family. Madison. 6lbs 11oz at 3.01pm. Lauren has made us all so Happy!

Our Shining Star

My Little Princess was this morning awarded an award at the special assembly. A Shining Star. Unfortunately, the school notified us too late for me to be able to attend, luckily Karen was and took the picture you see above. Again, I am so proud of our Mia.

Out and About

We had decided to got into Islington to get a bargain in the Gap sale and then get some dinner. On our way, Mia was too engrossed with the iPod to notice me capturing her here.

My little darling Mia is 8

I still struggle to cope with the fact that Mia is getting older, closer to the day I hope never comes, that I won't be cool enough in public. So I enjoy every single moment I can being silly with her and making her as happy as I can. I'm truly blessed having the most fantastic family.

Ross and Kiesha's Wedding Day

It was a lovely day for a wedding. A lovely church, nice service and a beautifully sunny day. Here are the newlyweds.

Pre-wedding shoot/ church rehearsals

Today I attended the Trinity at Bowes church, just off the North Circular. An extremely friendly place. A culturally mixed congregation, all seeming to be of the same family, something which appeals to the notion of a greater community.
The building was relatively new, as churches go, but it did have an air of pleasant welcome. A very nice refreshments area with comfortable seating. Hot and cold drinks as well as cakes, biscuits or scones available for a nominal purchase price.

A few pics of the intended couple will follow soon.

Special moments

This is an image from a recent wedding I had the pleasure to work on. The marriage ceremony was at a Roman Catholic Church, very nice indeed.

As usual, a bit late.

Mia's First Day back at school, now in Year 3!

 

 

Now with a proper tie. Which she is now able to tie herself, not quite a Windsor, but it's only for school Give her till half-term at least!

Who remembers visiting Woolworths just to use the photo booth for fun?

This is from a couple of days ago when I spent the day with my little princess, just me and Mia!

There once was an ugly duckling....or three?

The children are off school now for their summer break. So expect more images which are not on my usual subject list.

The above image was taken at Hollow Ponds, Whipps Cross. I took Mia and Olivia to feed the birds.

Maybe I should have been at a lower angle, used a faster shutter speed, but hey, next time.

Enjoy!

The state of the economy -

Now I know I've been a little quiet here. The link below isn't to my writings, but is enlightening enough for me to want you too to read it. Click the link below.

Has your design job gone overseas

Dave

Mums handywork

Floral arrangements by my mum.

Help for Heroes

Dress up as a favourite super hero, making a donation to 'Help for Heroes'.
A worth while exercise for good fundraising. Beats it just being an ordinary 'non-uniform' day.

Droplets

 

You know, sometimes you'll see something interesting an think to yourself, I've seen 'this' as an image so may times I should have a version of my own (well, I do, often enough). Well, here's my version. I was about to place this plastic bottle which had water in it, into the recycle bin, but saw that interesting droplets formed on the inside of the bottle. I thought the thought I just mentioned.

Hope you like it. Let me know if you do.

Dave.

I thought I'd better make a start

I had an idea about using common objects to use in an abstract fashion. So, in keeping with the 'shoot every week' policy, here are a couple from my entry into 'abstraction'.

Not sure where it's going yet, just playing around, until something looks a little interesting. I'm lucky we're in a digital world. I couldn't afford this if I were shooting traditional film.

Hope you enjoy these two.

My Sporting Nephew

For all those who haven't seen my nephew in action.

These were taken at a game on Sunday 10th. His team won, and apparently the league champions.

Mia 'The Poet' Kesarisingh

Mia's poem was chosen to be published in a childrens book of poems. You can see her holding the certificate of merit they had awarded her. Can you imagine how proud I am.

What's going on in my head today.

I think I'm starting to slip a little. My head has begun to hurt. Too many ideas at once. The Orbis is burning a hole in my head me thinks. Having trouble focusing on what I want to be doing or perhaps what I should be doing. No, I'm doing what I should be doing. Photography is really a 'BA flight upgrade'.

Huh? You might utter. OK, let's see....

When you're going on a trip, flying may be the best way to get there. But your budget has you flying coach. It's cost effective, does the job. You'll arrive to your detination. Still with me. Good. Well thats the job. Getting you there. No frills, but youknow when you'll be there.

Now, what if when you get to the check in desk they ask you if you'd like to upgrade to First Class. Do you decline, being happy with flying coach? Or do you think, hey I deserve a break, so thank you very much. Which way to the First Class Lounge?

Thats how I see my photography. I have to do a job. I'm lucky I'm able to enjoy it so much.

Oh, the upgrade happened when the Art Group went belly up leaving me high and dry. I was doing a little photography, I just got the opportunity to do more.

I guess it is time for a fresh 'to do' list.

Red Nose Day

 

 

 

 

Orbis Ring Flash

Mia's school decided to have an optional pyjama day to help raise money for the charity. Mia was so excited about the oppotunity. Even the teachers had made the effort, wearing their PJ's. What a sight, all these grown women in clothes they'd wear in bed!

Orbis Ring Flash

 

 

Oh yes I have!
My extremely good friend just bought me an Orbis Ring Flash. I got so excited by the news when he told me I could meet up with him to collect it I did a little 'Mia wiggle'.

Now I know most of you folk out there won't be able to appreciate what it means, so let me tell you. The ring flash offers a look which is specific. The shadows fall evenly around the subject, almost like a shadow halo. Very 'fashion' like photos. As a strobist, a bazooka to my arsenal of lighting tools.

The above two images are the first two taken, at a Nero coffee house on Tottenham Court Road W1.

So, guess what look I'll be having in the next batch of portraits!

Thanks again Bernie.

My Little Princess

 

Here's yet another image of my little pride and joy! Another school award to add to the set. Yes I was grining like the Cheshire cat.

By special request...

Thank you for having an opinion and feeling comfortable to tell me. You know who you are. Just hope you like this version.

Crack into something whole

DSC_0617-Edit.jpg, originally uploaded by dnlk66.

Continuing the theme.

The Adstream Party 20-01-11

Still feeling like the newbie, not knowing everyone at the office, I couldn't resist the opportunity to be the unofficial 'tog for the evening. I was hoping, because most of them didn't know me, they wouldn't feel as though they could tell me to..., well you know what they'd might have said.

Trying to get relaxed images, not too many 'deer in the headlights' pics, I tried to be as unobtrusive (sneaky) as possible, even though I had to use the popup flash. I was using My Nikon D90 with a 50mm f1.8. Had to push the ISO to get the F-stop and Shutter speed to an acceptable level.

This is only the second time I've used this camera for such an occasion, but I'm thoroughly impressed with its performance.

I did manage to have a very enjoyable evening.

I like it, I hope you do too.