The Gallery: A photo I’m proud of
My photography has fallen a bit behind. I used to be a good photographer and have had an SLR since I was 18, but the rest of the world caught me up and then overtook me (I think I can still hold my own in the general population, but in blog world I am WAY behind). I have a standard lens which does a decent job, but not a fabulous one. I can’t justify the expense of buying a new one, when I can take good enough pics of my kids with the one I’ve got.
My kids are, of course, my favourite subjects. I like to take portraits that capture the essence of them (preferably when they’re not looking) or nice group shots of the three of them together. And I LOVE action photos of them looking all fit and strong as they charge up the rugby or football pitch or do some cool dance moves. But that standard lens doesn’t serve me so well. My camera has a ‘sport’ mode, but the photos often turn out blurry.
I also like taking close-ups of flowers and blossom. Sometimes I take a photo I’m really proud of, and then I look at one by PODcast and I die a little inside. I will NEVER be that good. Whatever sort of lens I might get one day in my dreams.
I’ve tried landscapes, but forget it! They look like such a poor imitation of what they’re supposed to be – smaller, greyer, more dull. Why does the camera see them so differently from my eyes?
So I’ll stick with photographing what I know and love best – my kids. Because in years to come, will I really want to look at a view from a hill? Probably not. But I will want to remember my kids when they were 8, 10 and 12 – their smiles, their hair, how tall they were, how many teeth they had and didn’t have, which glasses they had, which outfits they wore.
This is one of those photos. Taken all those years ago in 2007, when my younger son was 3. Even after all this time, it is still one of my favourites. It was a candid one and it captured his essence and confidence. He’s wearing yellow, his signature colour and an England cap, a sign of the football obsession to come. I had no idea the reflection would be there or the sky would be so blue, but it just adds to a photo I’m proud of.
This post was written in response to a prompt at Sticky Fingers. Pop over to see how others have interpreted the theme ‘a photo I’m proud of’.
That’s a gorgeous photo. The sky and all the lines in the background really give it a good effect!
Thanks very much, Notmyyearoff. It was one of those ones which turned out way better than expected! It was when I used film too, so it was weeks before I even saw it!
Lovely photo, gorgeous blue sky xxx
Thanks very much, hard to believe that was flood year! We picked a good week between all the floods that year 🙂
I love the colour yellow, so bright and cheery. I reflection in the water is brilliant, great photo. #thegallery
Thanks very much, Hellies Corner 🙂
Such a beautiful photo! I am trying to get into photography but am struggling, I love your photos though!
Thanks very much, Kelly. I think it’s all about practice! I get a fair amount of practice, but don’t try anything fancy!
A great shot. Don’t be too harsh on yourself, love your photos 😉
That’s a lovely thing to say, Mirka, I really appreciate that 🙂
Thanks very much, Laura, he’s always been a happy boy! This is my super-strong rugby player, how was he ever so little?!
Such a sweet picture and story xx
Thanks very much, Susan 🙂 x
Gorgeous picture and definitely one to treasure. I like your conclusion: that in years to come you won’t want to look at a landscape but you will want to remember your children when they were younger. I try to explain this to my landscape-loving husband and he just doesn’t get it!
We’re the opposite in our house, Suzanne! I like the idea of taking pics of landscape (although they always end up rubbish!), but my husband says it’s a complete waste of time.
A wonderful photo to reflect upon from a sunny day gone by #TheGallery
Thanks very much, Coombe Mill. Do you recognise the beach? It’s not a million miles from you!
So cute – really love the contrast between the yellow and the blue 🙂
Thanks very much, the colours really are vibrant, aren’t they? 🙂
It is indeed a beautiful photo. The colours are absolutely fantastic.
Thanks very much, Helpful Mum 🙂
I can see why you are proud of it, the reflection is excellent and you really captured a moment
Mollyxxx
Thanks very much, Molly. It was one of those really lucky photos. I took it before I had a digital camera, so it was several weeks before I even knew how it had turned out!
It really is a lovely photo with colours that really blend yet stand out. You have captured a lovely moment of concentration.
I hear what you’re saying about your eyes taking different pictures from the camera lens – frustrating at times. I was on a total photography roll then my little one broke my camera. *sigh* Can’t justify paying out for another one at the mo, so the mobile phone has to do for now.
Sorry to hear about your camera, Mama Elsie 🙁 Phones are good for some things, but not everything! I find mine is pretty poor inside.
I love that photo Sarah, its just fabulous especially the contrast between the blue and the yellow. Fabulous post and don’t be so silly you’re a great photographer – thank you for your lovely words though 🙂
Thanks, Charly, that means a lot to me! It’s been so long since I took this photo, but I still love it 🙂
That is a lovely photo, really vibrant and bright 🙂
That definitely is one to be proud of, I love the reflection of his yellow sunshiny shirt in the water! I know what you mean about dying a little when you look at other people’s photos, there are some amazing photographers out there, but if it’s any comfort I die a little looking at yours!!
Thanks very much, Learner Mother. That’s one of the nicest things anyone has said 🙂 Really appreciate that.