another new toy

I recently took a holiday to Croatia and the day before I flew I treated myself to a new zoom lens (100mm-300mm) which meant I had plenty to play with whilst away!

I loved visiting Croatia, I’ve wanted to for years and it didn’t disappoint; stunning clear sea, dramatic mountains and beautiful vistas from islands and walled cities alike.

Here are a few of my experiments with my new lens:

But my favourite shots from the whole trip are definately from my brief encounter with this sharp fellow:

Here’s hoping I’m back in the sunshine soon……

a happy reminder

Ahhhh….those peaceful rainy August days, spent inside keeping dry but with the back door open wafting in the fresh wet smell of the rain in the garden.  I realise this should not be the case in August, in London, but I’m coming to terms with the end of summer (the little there has been) and embracing a positive attitude.  That’s my aim anyway! One of the pleasures of the wet long weekend has been an opportunity to read through some of my gorgeous coffee table books which I seem to have inadvertently started collecting and remind myself of some of the beautiful, inspiring exhibitions I have been to over the last few years.  It’s impossible for me to pinpoint the best exhibit I’ve seen; there has been huge variety and different artists have inspired different thoughts.  The colour and shapes at the Sonia Delaunay at Tate Modern recently were exquisite and the innovative offerings at the V&A’s ‘What is Luxury?’ were thought provoking, not to forget the joy I felt at being introduced to Egon Schiele at the Courtauld.  What I wouldn’t give to own one of these beauties for my wall… *sigh*

There is more information about Egon Schiele on the Artsy.net website – and links to buy your own for those of you more flush than I!

Inner workings of a Swiss watch from ‘What is Luxury?’ at the V&A:

Hair Highway by Studio Swine.  This piece is made using human hair and a bio-resin and was accompanied by a film showing the manufacturing process.  I loved the intense colour produced, and according to the curator these pieces were made to “evoke rare and endangered materials such as horn and tropical hard woods” which I think they do, prompting questions about the origins and impact of our products.  

Such great art available for inspiration reminds me how lucky I am to live in London and to see these things. #ILoveLondon

 

 

new toy

I have been very spoilt for my recent birthday but one of the most fun gifts I received is an addition to my photography equipment in the form of a macro lens for my iPhone.  

After a few false starts which resulted in amazing abstract images (read blurry) I figured out how to use this addition and just how easy it is.  Pretty sure I scared this little caterpillar with my clumsy experimenting!

I’m really impressed at the clarity of the images achieved with just my iPhone and an OlloClip.  I can’t wait to use this more.  Check out the latest on my Instagram gallery.