Thinking Aloud

Rose tipped Succulent

2011-06-21T09:52:00.002+02:00

What is it about succulents that makes them such interesting specimens to photograph?! Not sure if it's the

shape, colours or even the various textures - but they sure make for pretty pics and even greater abstract

shots. This one lives on a friend's patio amidst a whole lot of others from the species...

Wild Grass

2011-06-20T09:00:00.000+02:00

I have a fascination with the simplest of things and how gorgeous they can look

with the right angle, the right light and some patience ....

Gena D Photography for thinking aloud

Golden Afternoon Light

2011-06-01T09:03:00.001+02:00

Late afternoon, golden light, soft, diffused light, puffy clouds...

Gena D Photography for thinking aloud

Old Camera

2011-05-30T20:56:00.000+02:00

One of the old cameras from my collection ...

Gena D Photography for thinking aloud

Two Moms and loads of creativity

2011-05-26T09:20:00.003+02:00

Two Moms - a creative duo who source materials, suppliers and crafters with a certain something, and a definite eco-friendly, sustainable living ethic. These images are from a shoot I did at Kamersvol Geskenke, late last year.

See more about these ladies and view more recent images here

You can also view loads more images from the shoot at Kamersvol Geskenke here

Gena D Images/ Gena D Photography for thinking aloud

Autumn Leaves

2011-05-25T09:21:00.000+02:00

The title speaks for itself - a shoot of yellowing autumn leaves taken in the

late afternoon

Gena D Photography for thinking aloud

Depth of Field

2011-04-21T14:51:00.000+02:00

Another one from a test with sharpness, lighting and depth of field -

a costume ring in sharp focus against a canvas of the Eiffel Tower in soft focus....

Gena D Photography.co.za for thinking aloud

Reading Corner

2011-04-20T16:50:00.002+02:00

Well the title says it all .. a quiet reading corner in our lounge.

I was testing the 50mm f1.4 lens in terms of lighting depth of field, with no particular aim

in mind other than to see what it could do, this is one of the images from this test -

loved it so much that I decided to edit and post it....

Introducing... Coco

2011-04-19T16:44:00.000+02:00

Introducing Coco - she is a cross maltese and long-haired daschund - hence the

wonderful colouring and features. She's our "baby" totally spoilt, totally gorgeous

and gets away with murder. Well with those doggy eyes, hey, who can blame her!!!

Gena D Photography for thinking aloud

Swallows

2011-03-29T11:02:00.000+02:00

I recently captured this image of swallows gathering and preparing for their migration

to warmer climes - a wonderful sight, although not a positive one in terms of

temperature - we are heading towards autumn and winter ....

A Festive Post

2010-12-24T08:41:00.000+02:00

a few festive images from my recent collection .... just in time to wish everyone

a wonderful Festive Season.

Gena D Images and {Gena D Photography} for thinking aloud

Cupcakes... and more ....

2010-12-14T09:27:00.040+02:00

Go on admit it... are these not the most beautiful cupcakes you have ever come across??

These gorgeous creations are made my Lindie of "The Bread Bin" - I met Lindie

briefly whilst taking photographs at the recent Irene Kamersvol Geskenke event.

As I walked around, I was drawn to this stall, by the vibrant colour and texture, and a

certain pretty lacy detail....

My curiosity piqued I hovered closer. I could not believe the beauty of

these cupcakes .... In fact too beautiful to eat, I think ....the fine rose petal detail

and vibrant colour, all simply displayed

on a cake stand and a wonderous lace covered "dome"nearby ...

and then to top it off, they also had an array of fresh breads, displayed in true

European style - bread baskets and little chalk labels ....

This stall completely filled my senses, and in fact for an instant, I felt transported

away to another place, another time. What bliss to photograph.

Wishing you all the best Lindie and Johann

Lindie and Johan of the "The Bread Bin" can be contacted at lindie.crumpton@gmail.com

Previous posts on this event here and here

and a full photographic "journal" over here

Succlent Rose

2010-12-13T08:23:00.008+02:00

To me the gorgeous Echevaria looks like another form of a rose. In fact I'm convinced

that some people refer to these succulents as "desert rose" but, I may be wrong ....

...the shape and almost delicate look about them ....

and not only do they remind me of a rose, I think they go well with roses too, even

through technically speaking they are on opposite ends of the plant spectrum ....

I was "playing" around, as I like to do... and put this collage together ..... now tell me

they don't look good together!?

A macro Monday post here and here

Flowers Today post

Mosaic Monday post

"Topiary" creations for Christmas

2010-12-12T09:04:00.001+02:00

As I've blogged about before, I recently attended the Kamersvol event in Irene,

Gauteng (click for previous post). It was haven of creativity and gorgeous things ...

so, whilst there I chatted to a numbers of the vendors who had amazing items on

display. Andrea Topiary creations was one of them. Andrea and Kate run a business

making wreaths, topiary balls and other festive items, all from an Elgin based farm.

For those who don't know, that means it's based in the wonderful Cape.

I simply adore the texture and overall look and feel of these products ... so much nicer

than the fake, tinsel things you get in most stores .....

L-O-V-E.... even words are available - just perfect for that xmas table or other event ....

and lovely reindeer, which are bound to delight any little one.....

Andrea or Kate can be found via their website on which you can view more

product information - here

On the road ... again ....

2010-12-11T17:21:00.000+02:00

We're on the road again... well not literally. I was recently writing a post about time -

that fact that at this time of year it appears to be such a "big issue" - I have a few

perspectives on that thought, but that's for another post.

The reason time came up, was that in looking thru my archives (in fact whilst

"cleaning" out), I came across a folder with photos taken from a road/ country trip we

did exactly a year ago (you see, I told you time flies!!). As I've not blogged or posted

much about this trip and since there are some really scenic shots, I decided, now is as

good a time as any.....

So, we were on the road to Nelspruit (a main town in the Eastern Transvaal, now called

Mpumalanga) and the largest town before heading out to Mozambique. These pics

were of our first stop on the way to Nelspruit, at Milly's just outside Machadodorp. The

area is renowned for it's trout and trout fishing, and it's truly gorgeous, so Milly's was

the place we chose to stop at. The picture above and below give a very good idea of

what the surrounds look like ....

Blue skies, rolling hills of green, lots of water .... to top it off a wonderful mud house

and nguni cattle - this has got to be one of my favorite pictures of rural south africa .....

after lunch we continued onto our destination and stopped by an old friend for coffee. He happens to live high up on a hill, and these two images

are some of the wonderful views he enjoys on a daly basis. There was a storm coming in so clarity was not at it's best. Still scenic nevertheless.....

WelI I hope you enjoyed that ... I'll be posting more of this trip over the forthcoming weeks .....

A skywatch post

a LATSOF post

Scenic Sunday post

Gena D Images and {Gena D Photography} for thinking aloud

Rooms Full of Gifts

2010-12-09T09:34:00.000+02:00

Kamersvol Geskenke started it's adventurous journey about 8 years ago, with a focus on handmade, art and crafts and enabling people to
come together to sell their wares to the public. This is now an annual event in the Cape.

This year, Kamersvol Geskenke (translates Rooms Full of Gifts) had it's Gauteng debut event in Irene, a few weeks back.
They opened their doors, and no sooner than they did, were they overwhelmed with people.   I had made arrangements
to go through and enjoy the sights and sounds, but also hoping to capture images of the detail, the vibe, the look and feel of this awesome event.
Quieter is was, but the vibe was still very apparent.

Let's set the scene ... a gorgeous property with loads of texture (cement, stone, metal, glass), a wild indigenous garden,
loads of handmade artefacts and other goodies on display throughout (indoor and outdoor), wonderful music, wine tasting,
cupcakes, coffee..... Okay - you get the picture?

I have always adored handmade items, crafts and things with an old world, vintage feel. It appears that I have
quite a nostalgic side to me. To top that I adore texture, pattern, colour .... Well needless to say I was in my element - everywhere
I looked there was something else to see, to touch, to enjoy .... oh and by the way, loads of really friendly people too!!!

The vendors really excelled at creating and displaying their wares.... All in all it was a resoudning success leaving the local people wanting more.

I look forward to next year's event ..... In the meantime, I will be blogging about some of the vendors that I interacted with ..... so watch this space!

Link to their facebook page : http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&ref=mb#!/Kamersvol

as well as the link to their website : http://www.kamersvol.com/

Article adapted from a post on {Gena D Photography} - click here

On the way home ...

2010-11-26T07:41:00.004+02:00

Late afternoon on the way home from the country .....

a Skywatch post

a LATSOF post

Scenic Sunday post

Small things made big

2010-11-25T08:53:00.000+02:00

a selection of close up images ....

A Nature's Notes post

Simplicity .....

2010-11-24T11:05:00.000+02:00

Today's title pretty much sums up this post .... just simple images taken in the

country ... they truly speak for themselves .....

An Outdoor Wednesday post

A Wild Garden at Sunset

2010-11-23T07:10:00.001+02:00

These are a few images from a garden photoshoot that I did earlier this year.

The garden is massive and was landscaped to encompass a predominantly
indigenous (African) look and feel ....

I adore these glimpses taken during late afternoon - they are truly african ...
the sky, the golden colour, the grasses, aloes, and more ....

A My World Tuesday post

Dahlias

2010-11-22T10:56:00.000+02:00

Another Monday and time for macro's or close up images - as I adore the fine detail

of flowers and the insects that live in and around them, so this is always a favorite

post for me. Today's selection is of dahlias ...

I adore the shape of the flowers, the petals, the vibrant colours and at times the

'weathered look" and feel about them ...

Wishing you a great week ahead. I leave you with a thought :

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Macro Monday post here and here

A Today's Flower post here

Image(s) All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2010 Gena D Images and {Gena D Photography}
for thinking aloud

A Sky post

2010-11-19T10:06:00.000+02:00

Lone trees and endless sky...

A Skywatch post

LATSOF post

and Scenic Sunday post

Country Farm Scenes

2010-11-18T09:16:00.000+02:00

I cannot believe how many posts I've managed to get out of this one single country trip!

Okay granted it was a whole weekend, but in essence this indicates what a diverese

and truly beautiful part of the country this is (Mpumalanga, South Africa). We were in

Chrissiesmeer in particular, on this trip, and there alone, we had a wonderful guest farm

to enjoy, numerous lakes, endless landscapes, original stone homes (see yesterdays'

post), and so much more .....

I was reading today's post of Nature's Notes (Michelle's blog - Rambling Woods) and

thought how, somehow photography has the ability to open up our eyes, to really see,

even when the weather is dismal, or we are in the less appealing (to most) seasons,

such as winter. So in a way Michele's message echo's my thoughts, that yes, some

places are pretty, some places or seasons have loads to photograph, but in reality you

just need to look and really see to find that there is something beautiful, something

interesting, just about everywhere you look - you just have to see it....

This selection of images is from the Florence guest farm itself.

A Nature's Notes post

Stone Houses of Chrissiesmeer

2010-11-17T09:49:00.000+02:00

one the original Stone houses of Chrissiesmeer, with a newer addition

(note brickwork) and other detail below ...

these are mostly abandoned - at the time I visited I was unable to ascertain

what is intended with these old homes, which surely

qualify for heritage status. It would be wonderful to see them restored and used.

I have soft spot of old homes, buildings, structures - so am inclined to want to a

capture their beauty, even though they look worse for wear - it's as if feel I need to

record a memory in their honour!? These just spoke volumes, still standing

proud and steadfast, with their weathered detail and colours -

amidst wild grasses and solid large oak trees ...

An Outdoor Wednesday Post

More Travel shots

2010-11-16T13:38:00.000+02:00

Images from a road trip - wonderful country scenes with endless views

My World Tuesday post

Pink Orchid

2010-11-15T08:27:00.000+02:00

It's Monday, time for macros and flowers ... so what better than a post that fulfills both

requirements!! Okay so as I've been crazy busy, and am having to resort to archives

to select images (not a bad thing, since there are some gems and some not so great

images - so getting to clean out also!!

These were taken about a year ago ... love the colour and pattern, and fine detail, not

crazy about the composition/ angle etc.etc. etc. Just shows how much one grows

and changes!!

Macro Monday here and here

Today's Flowers here

Country Road

2010-11-12T06:07:00.003+02:00

A country road and woolly sky.

It's late autumn, lovely colour tones, hazy sky with woolly clouds building in

anticipation of an impending storm. Note how part of the landscape is in shade

and the rest in sun.....

A Skywatch post

LATSOF post

and Scenic Sunday Post

Snippets of Farm Life

2010-11-11T07:15:00.000+02:00

Over the last few weeks I have been catching up on some old photoshoots ... these are

from our trip in May 2010 to the South African Lake District, Chrissiesmeer. Literally,

snippets and glimpses of farm life .... Enjoy!

A nature's notes post

In honour of a great old building

2010-11-10T09:16:00.000+02:00

I decided to go with architecture today and creative digital manipulation, so the first
three images are all the same, just different effects.

These are some of the photographs I've taken of the facade of the old Post Office
Building in Johannesburg. It has a very interesting history - built in the late 1800's

and situated in the first market square of the then up and coming city.   It's built in
various architectural styles and has had some structural changes through the years,
including the change from bell tower to clock tower (see images below).

It was declared a national monument in 1978 and continued to be used as the Post
office up until 1996. The idea was to restore the building and continue to put it to
good use. Sadly it remained empty and was subjected to extensive vandalism.
Then about a year ago it burnt down and it's future still remains inconclusive.

the same image - 3 different creative effects .....

a view of the building whilst awaiting restoration - late 2008

and here - detail of the clock tower after the devastating fire of late 2009.

A MidWeek Blues post

and Sepia Scenes post

Never Ending Views

2010-11-09T08:47:00.000+02:00

A natural reserve in Chrissiesmeer - gorgeous rock formations, some weathered in

strange patterns (see last image) and other's cracked with time ...... endless sky and

space - just love it!!!

a That's My World post

and Outdoor Wednesday Post

Crab Apple Blossom

2010-11-08T04:31:00.024+02:00

Although Spring is on it's way out here, and has yet to come for the northern

hemisphere, to me it's one of the most beautiful times of the year. Before it's too late

I decided to post some images from my collection of blossoms -

this time Crab Apple blossoms... and the odd insect

And a quote from Robin Williams :
"Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"

A Macro Monday post here and here
Ruby Tuesday Post
Today's Flowers post
Image(s) All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2010 Gena D Images {Gena D Photography} for thinking aloud

Sky Views

2010-11-05T05:53:00.013+02:00

Sky view over Chrissiesmeer, above over the large lake, below

early morning colour

and sunrise ...

And some words from Kenko Yoshida
A certain recluse, I know not who, once said that no bonds attached him to this life, and

the only thing he would regret leaving was the sky.

a skywatch post

a LATSOFpost

and Scenic Sunday post

Trees... and wide open spaces

2010-11-04T09:43:00.000+02:00

A man has made at least a start on discovering the meaning of human life when he

plants shade trees under which he knows full well he will never sit.
D. Elton Trueblood

I adore trees. In fact I adore wide open spaces with gorgeous trees and the odd hill

or mountain. I think it's a childhood memory from living on my grandfather's farm.

Here are three images from various outings in the country.

Even standing on their own, one or a few, they have such presence,

they demonstrate such strength ...

A Nature's Notes post

Sunrise Over Stone Barn

2010-11-03T09:51:00.001+02:00

A selection of images taken at sunrise over Stone Barn (yes, that's what it's called)

at Florence Guest Farm, Chrissiesmeer. See more pictures in previous posts on

this area and guest farm.

a My World Tuesday post
and Outdoor Wednesday post
Image(s) All Rights Reserved

Bottle Brush

2010-11-01T22:25:00.000+02:00

The bottle brush flower is truly amazing .... it starts off as these little "balls" tightly

wrapped, on a 'stalk" and slowly they start opening, stretching, as it were, in order

to open up into the specimen above.

Below are a few images of different stages of growth and of the detail.

A Macro Monday post here and here

a Flowers today post

Ruby Tuesday post here

Gena D Images and {Gena D Photography} for thinking aloud

Sunset from Northcliff Hill

2010-10-29T10:21:00.021+02:00

These photographs were taken just at the end of our "winter" season,

in late August, from the top of Northcliff Hill. There are amazing view over parts

of Johannesburg and it's suburbs from this vantage point.

I got there a little later than I had hoped for, nevertheless managed to get a

few worthy captures.

The first three images were taken towards the setting sun over the West Rand

The last two images, are of the water tower, taken facing east, where I was

fortunate enough to be able to capture the rising full moon - how wonderful

to be able to capture both the setting sun and rising (full) moon in the space

of 20 minutes!!!! Timing is everything after all!!!

A Skywatch Post

A LATSOF post

Scenic Sunday post

The Horses of Florence Farm

2010-10-28T09:48:00.000+02:00

The beautiful horses of Florence Guest Farm ... captured during our trip to

the region in May this year... the first three images, were captured early morning,

whilst the "gent" below was trying to work himself free of the paddock

(and he did too!!)

The last 2 images were taken in late afternoon.

See more images of the horses in Monday's post, as well as other images

of the gorgeous Florence guest farm and Chrissiesmeer

a Natures Notes Blog post

Prison Door

2010-10-27T02:18:00.004+02:00

Details of an old prison door at Constitutional Hill,

photographed in May this year....

and a sneak image of the staircase ...

Wordless Wednesday post
Windows & Doors
Image(s) All Rights Reserved

Sights at Florence Guest Farm

2010-10-25T04:25:00.022+02:00

I've been doing a number of posts over the last week on the area of Chrissiesmeer

and Florence Guest Farm, which we visited in late Autumn (May 2010).

Due to my occupational "hazard" of taking too many photos, this is an attempt

to catch up on some awesome views and captures.

Florence Guest Farm - Horses in the fileds

See previous posts for more pictures and details.

A My World Tuesday post

More Scenes from Florence Guest Farm

2010-10-24T05:08:00.001+02:00

The last few posts have been my attempt at catch up ....

These are photographs captured in mid May this year (Autumn time in South Africa)

during our visit to Chrissiesmeer and Florence Guest Farm.

These few are more of the late afternoon scenes on the farm:

above, a farm worker on his way home, below, the cow, also on her way to the

sheds and finally a gorgeous African sunset!

Refer to preceding posts for more on Chrissiesmeer and Florence Guest Farm

Late Afternoon on Florence Guest Farm

2010-10-22T08:05:00.002+02:00

These are some of the reason's I love to capture the moment .... gorgeous landscapes,

wonderful lighting, crisp blue skies, texture and pattern, the list goes on and on....

Views of the gorgeous landscape around Florence Guest Farm in Chrissiesmeer.

See yesterday's post for more pictures and more links.

A Skywatch post and

LATSOF Post

Road Trip

2010-10-21T06:52:00.001+02:00

I've realised that as an avid photographer, I shoot away in any setting, place and time ....

The problem, you ask?

Well it's that I end up with too many pictures, which need to be previewed, at

times editted and "used" in some format, otherwise what's the point???

All of which, I might add, takes time..... So why am I telling you this?

This selection is from a country trip I did in mid May this year, (point in case) to

the wonderful area of Chrissiesmeer - South Africa's lake district. Not a very well

known place and normally only noticed if you are on your way to Swaziland,

(which is how we found out about it).

So without further ado, here is a selection of images taken in and around this

small, but breathtakingly beautiful, country place

I will post more on the actual venue that we stayed at soon!!

Previous Posts on Chrissiesmeer:

Old Stone Church - click here

Dawn over Stone Barn click here

Stone Church - click here

Beauvais II: More detail shots

2010-10-20T09:02:00.003+02:00

On Saturday I accompanied the Parktown Heritage Trust and a vast number

of other members on a tour of one of Johannwsburg's iconic homes, Beauvais,

or also known as Tracey's Folly.

It's an amazingly beautifully constructed home, standing testimony to the

craftsmen who worked on all it's fine detail.

It's been restored and renovated and is currently home to a corporate company.

The irony of this beautiful home is that it was not built to be admired

from a distance, hence it I found it extremely difficult to get decent shots of the exterior

and it's grandness. It was built to look out upon vast open spaces and wonderful

views over the suburbs.

I choose then to focus on detail shots of the lovely cast iron radiators, door

and window handles, parts of the building which can only really be viewed

from an internal window, the vast number of fireplaces, and awesome woodwork ....

These are some of the detail images.

See also Monday's post and click here to view a lot more images on

my facebook page.

A My World post

Windows and Doors Post

Beauvais Close-ups

2010-10-18T08:49:00.001+02:00

Hello everyone I have, admittedly been neglecting my blog, although by the same
token, muts say that's it's not on purpose ... I'm busy with a lot of background work
in getting {Gena D Photography} off the ground, and sadly at times, certain things
need to take a back seat.
Anyway .... onto the task at hand ... here is a selection of close-up shots taken
this weekend ....

A Macro Monday post here and here

and Today's Flowers here

Fresh Market: Fordsburg

2010-10-11T12:09:00.000+02:00

Images taken at the Fordsburg Fresh Market.

a Macro Monday post here and here

Gena D Images & Photography for thinking aloud

Quinta da Bacalhoa, Portugal

2010-10-06T12:30:00.001+02:00

Quinta da Bachaloa in Azeitao, Portugal

this estate dates from the 1500's and is obviously much smaller in size

now, but still highly impressive.

I've wanted to visit this palace for quite some timw now, and this year

when in Portugal finally got there, only to discover that you need to

prebook in order to access ... oh well, still got to enjoy the vineyard part of the

gardens, although the building and formal gardens are something to behold.

a Wordless Wednesday post.

Portinho Beach, Portugal

2010-10-05T09:26:00.001+02:00

Images from my trip to Portugal this past June.

These are of the beach area adjoining Portinho da Arrabida - it's
secluded and very scenic. I love the fact that it's surrounded by a huge
mountain as a backdrop, and the sand dunes are covered with
very different vegetation... see below ...
You might want to check out my previous post on this area here

a My World Tuesday post and

Watery Wednesday post

Wonders from a vegetable garden

2010-10-04T10:03:00.000+02:00

would you believe that this selection of images were all taken in

mom's garden in Portugal (June this year)

I am always in awe of how the simplest things in the right lighting

can create an amazing image.

{simple things like onion, garlic, parsely, cabbage and green beans...}

This is a Macro Monday post here and here

and Today's Flowers here

Signs from the Gen

2010-09-29T07:02:00.000+02:00

a few of the signs from the Old Johannesburg Hospital precinct, taken during our

heritage walk there 10 days ago (see last week's posts for more fascinating

pictures and great detail).

a Wordless Wed post

and

Midweek Blues post

A tribute to times gone by ....

2010-09-28T08:49:00.000+02:00

a selection of images from a heritage trip which I did (together with a number of

others') to the SAA Museum at Rand Airport (South Africa).

It's one of those amazing places that many don't realise exists.

Rand Airport is still very much a functional airport (for light aircraft mostly),

and on weekends there are a number of interesting aircraft out and about -

either in the skies, doing aerobatics, or parked waiting for lift off.

apologies to the fundi's, as I cannot remember the names of the

two exquisite "specimens" above and below.

the control tower (below) is built to resemble the "front" of an airplane with

Art Deco detailing.

These are some of the old planes that have been retired into the

open air museum space.

and finally some detail of the Harvard Cafe - a vibrant cafe/ restaurant that

serves great food at reasonable prices and overlooks part of the runway.

A Ruby Tuesday post

and

That's My World post

Wisteria Blues

2010-09-27T08:45:00.003+02:00

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.

Live the life you have imagined.

Henry David Thoreau

a number of weeks ago, I was lamenting how I find it so difficult

to capture a decent image of westeria. in frustration I picked a piece,

placed it in a glass vessel, and then tried again.

the pics above are the product of the effort - at least now

I feel one can see the detail little more clearly.

A flowers today post

Macro Monday here and here

Playing with Light

2010-09-23T09:49:00.001+02:00

another3 images taken on the old Jhb General Hospital heritage walk.

Ventilation Spires

2010-09-22T10:59:00.002+02:00

two views of the ventilation spires on one of the old Jhb General Hospital

precint buildings

- see yesterday's and Monday's posts for more info and pics.

a Wordless Wed post

and

Sepia Scenes post

Worn and Weathered

2010-09-21T09:48:00.003+02:00

More images from my downtown trip to the Old Jhb Hospital precinct

(see yesterday's post for more info).

This collection of of the worn and weathered - an old door, worn brick and

plaster work and painted down pipes ..... I just adore the brick red colour,

contrast and textures.

bugweed growing against a weathered wall

bugweed is on the invasive list, but here, it just fits in

so well - tenacious and determined, like the building ....

peeling paint, breaking plaster and still the fine detail of

years gone by stands out....

A My World Tuesday post and

Ruby Tuesday Post

Unexpected Finds

2010-09-20T08:35:00.002+02:00

This past Saturday, I attended one of the Parktown Heritage Trust Walks - this time of

the old Johannesburg General Hospital precinct. It was sad to see decay and run

down buildings, but at the same time, amazing to see what great work is being done

to restore most of them. Photographically this was a truly an exciting time - the

contrasts, the details and the unexpected were around every corner.....

So the image above is part of the Johannesburg Hospital building with wild flowers

growing around it and just for a Blue Monday, offset against a gorgeous blue sky.

These two images are close ups of the the wild flowers and of a dried seed head

- growing abundantly amidst apparent chaos and decay.

Blue Monday here

Macro Monday here and here

Flowers for today here

Views and Reflections of Newtown (Jhb)

2010-09-18T07:09:00.000+02:00

Yesterday I posted a skyline view over Newtown Johannesburg, today a few more

images from this historical and culturally rich area of Johannesburg. Above

reflections on the sky scrapers which oversahdow the older buildings of

Newtown and below

a view of the building which now house Museum Afrika,

and another view with graffitti'd artwork of famous musicians of days gone by
(Miriam Makeba on the right hand side).
A Reflection post and Scenic Sunday post

Newtown View

2010-09-17T05:47:00.003+02:00

glorious blue skies over the Newtown Precinct, downtown Johannesburg

A Skywatch Post and LATSOF post

Lisbon Balcony

2010-09-16T08:15:00.000+02:00

a balcony in Lisbon, framing the entry to a local store

A Windows & Doors post

Blue Beads

2010-09-15T07:41:00.001+02:00

Blue ceramic beads hanging on a doorknob - just love the

texture and detail.

a Wordless Wednesday post and

MidWeek blues

Poppies

2010-09-14T08:36:00.001+02:00

I simply had to buy poppies, wait for them to open slowly, coming out

of their rather unappealing "shells" and watch in amazement

at the beauty and delicacy of each flower.

They remind me in part of soft crinkly paper, in in others others of a

creased taffetta or even silk (fabric).

These are some of the images captured - enjoy!

a Color Carnival post

and

Ruby Tuesday post

Springs Blooms

2010-09-13T09:11:00.001+02:00

I am amazed at the number of flowers, plants and trees that have

crawled out of hibernation in the last week or two ..... suddenly a shrub

that looked half dead is covered in flowers or leaves. This is why Spring

is such a time of renewal, not only in nature but I think within ourselves too

..... there is a palpable energy in the air that I find so inspirational. A time

to do things, try new things, stretch our limbs and our minds ....

The picture above is of the Wild Garlic plant (Tulbaghia) indigenous to South Africa

the tiny white blooms of one of the Spirea shrubs above, and, below tiny white Erigeron daisies.

when I took this pic, the wind up up slightly, hence this image is not 100% sharp,

but I love the effect created from the subtle movement.

I wish you a great week ahead!!

A Macro Monday post here and here

and Today's Flowers here

Hennops River Valley

2010-09-11T15:50:00.000+02:00

a view of the Hennops River (South Africa) as seen from the

patio deck at River Place.

Weekend Reflections and Scenic Sunday

Airport in the Bush

2010-09-10T07:26:00.001+02:00

this picture is taken from a road that overlooks the SAA Museum (near Rand

Airport). I loved how through the lens, it appears like a number of

airplanes parked amidst the trees in the middle of nowhere.

And then of course, don't you just love that wonderful bright blue sky?

Have a great weekend everyone.

This is a Skywaytch post and a LATSOF post

Rusted Bells

2010-09-09T08:27:00.000+02:00

a black and white of old rusted bells .....

AbstractII

2010-09-08T08:48:00.001+02:00

~ an abstract of a dried agapanthus flower head ~

a Wordless Wednesday Post

Wisteria Dilemma

2010-09-03T04:24:00.020+02:00

For some reason I battle to capture a decent image of Wisteria. I deleted most images

from last year and don't think I have used one pic to date. This year, no real

satisfaction, so far, no "aha" moment yet ....

I'm not sure if it's the detail (too much) of the hanging flower, or the fact that they come

out in Spring at that time when the wind is still around, making it difficult to capture

perfectly. Anyway, I managed this shot yesterday and have "played" around with

exposure to make it less dark, and hopefully show up more detail in the process ....

I love the simplicity of it, but am still not 100% convinced that this is it, so have picked

a branch, which I can now manipulate and am going to try a few other captures,

let's see what that brings!?

Spring is in the Air!!!

2010-09-02T08:40:00.000+02:00

Spring is definitely in the air .... finally!!!

Everywhee you look their are blossoms, blooms and fresh new growth.

Just happens to be my favorite time of year, too!

These are but two of the pics taken in our garden, there are a few more

posted on Flickr ... click here for more

Walls & windows

2010-09-01T08:00:00.000+02:00

On the the walls and "windows" from the St. George Castle (Castelo S. Jorge) in Lisbon.

see another pic from my trip to the castle in yesterday's post here.

A Wordless Wednesday and Wndows and Doors post

Contrasts

2010-08-31T07:33:00.004+02:00

I entitled this picture "contrast" because I loved the look of the

fragile poppies and wildflowers growing on this embankment against

a rock solid (literally) wall and old olive tree.

The contrast is also in relation to new life and growth vs. the old, ancient and

established - the ancient walls of the castle and the very old olive tree

under which the poppies were growing.

This image was taken during the recent trip to Portugal outside the

St. George Castle in Lisbon. We were in a rush and a snapped a few images

in a hurry, wish I'd caught more of the olive tree... alas!!

A Ruby Tuesday post

and My World Tuesday

Blue Daisies

2010-08-30T09:38:00.001+02:00

a couple of weeks ago I posted some pics taken of the vibrant African Daisies

which abound just before spring .....

I "played" around with colour settings and came up with these as a

different version.... perfect for a {blue} Monday .....

Have a great day and an awesome week everyone

a Macro Monday post here and here

and a Blue Monday post

A Favorite Spot

2010-08-27T12:24:00.000+02:00

One of the pics taken during my trip to Portugal this year - it depicts the beach area at

Portinho da Arrabida - a little piece of paradise!!! Heaven on earth ....

It's a little port/ marina/ bay area, surrounded by mountain. I first went there in my

teens and to this day it remains one of my all time favorite places!

This time we visited during a week day, before the crazy holiday season and it was

awesome to be able to enjoy the space and quiet...

In this shot Portinho (the actual marina and little port) is behind me and ahead,

in the distance is Setubal - a major town and port.

a Skywatch and LATSOF post

Arched Walkway

2010-08-25T18:56:00.000+02:00

The wonderfully arched walkway at the Terreiro do Paco buildings in Lisbon

showing part of the fine architectural detail of that era.

a Sepia Scenes post and a Windows & Doors post

Three views

2010-08-25T09:18:00.002+02:00

These are more of the pictures taken whilst I was "lost" on Sunday ... hehe!!!

see two previous posts (above) also.

Coming down one little side street in Brixton, I noticed that the view

of the imposing Sentech tower looked different from each house,

so to speak.... above, through modern concrete walls, and olive trees

this one, through shades of pale pink and turquoise gates

and lastly through a gorgeous fever tree ....

this is a Mdiweek Blues meme post

Aloe (Flower)

2010-08-24T08:00:00.002+02:00

These gorgeous Aloe flowers are at the end of their flowering season - this

was a lucky find, one because you don't often see the yellow variety

(well I don't anyway) and these flower spikes show the more

advanced flowering phase, something we generally miss,
as at this stage the spring blooms, tend to be more interesting.

As a bonus, I managed to capture an ant (above), and a bee (image below) !!!

the bee was intentional, the ant? well just luck I guess

Macro Monday here and here
a Mellow Yellow post
a Colour Carnival post