I always blush when I get an email that compliments my photography. I consider myself an absolute amateur and by no means should I be giving anyone else advice on how to take photos. But…a few of you have asked so here goes:

Yes, I do take all of the photos that I post here. Daniel bought me a compact camera a few years back and although it’s a relatively cheap, non-flashy little thing it does have manual setting which means I can adjust the Iso, apature, timing, focus etc. It’s been a gem and I’ve learnt a lot! It also helps to having a partner with a pretty extensive knowledge of cameras and how they work. In saying that, Daniel has only given advice when I’ve asked for it…and sometimes his constructive critisicm, which I detest at first, has been an enormous help.

I usually take about 20 photos before I capture what I’m after. Che has grown up with a camera stuck to his Muma’s face and so he’s pretty used to being photographed. However, apparently it’s just not cool for a three-year-old to be photographed by his Mum so occassionally he will put his hand up in front of his face. I then tell him that I’m actually taking photos of the flowers behind him. Small white lie, guilty I know, but imagine the regret if he didn’t have photos of himself age 3. Just imagine.

Daniel and I are looking at buying the Panasonic GH1 – he’s done the research and it’s fabulous at stills and HD video – I take the stills, he takes makes the movies. I look forward to the day when that arrives.

Ultimately, what I love about taking photos is the appreciation for finer details. You become more aware of the world around you when you carry a camera in your bag. Everywhere-you-go. It’s also incredibly rewarding to take a photo that you’re happy with. And to have on film the day your little boy climbed a tree at the park. Get snapping, I say.