Backing Basics On A Tuesday

Every time I download my photographs for this “project” I get a nasty knot in my stomach, it’s very much like waiting to write an examination.   Today is an ordinary Tuesday. A back to reality day, the weekend’s a thing of the past.  It’s back to doing the laundry, watering the plants and the most tedious one of all, unpacking the left-overs and the weekend bag.  It's a black and white day with just a smidging of colour.

I used my very first lens, my trusty Canon EFS 17-85 zoon lens with image stabilizer and a Macro function (which isn’t really Macro at all, but one can zoom in pretty close to the subject).  It has a fairly good Aperture at 5.6 and during the day in good light it shoots fast enough.   It is temperamental and needs to be handled with care, I’ve had it repaired twice, something technical happens and the zoom goes kaput.   This versatile lens is perfect for street photography and is reasonably inexpensive.

So for an ordinary day I captured ordinary things, but, it was while I was hanging up the washing that I spotted a tiny birds’ nest, with the remains of an egg and a stray feather floated down (which must’ve caught my eye initially) to settle nearby. 

Shadows at midday intrigued me and I thought the dull colours of the dried Aloe and Pomegranate interesting mixed with the textures of the wood.

In yesterdays post I mentioned a beanbag, here’s how to make one.  Mine was inexpensive, it’s light, durable and a must have. 

FABRIC USED:  dark camel coloured Cotton Velvet

SIZE: 20CM x15CM (or according to your needs)

Use two pieces of the required fabric to make the casing

FILLING: Polystyrene pellets (make a soft pillow, do not overstuff as the bag must be able to sit on any surface and needs to be pliable)

ATTACHMENT: attach a strap for easy carrying (I don’t have one and it’s always  missing when I need it)

I also use a WIND-BAG PRO – with a detachable beanbag. Windbag Pro is truly a first, the only light-weight and portable camera stabilizer, 

Email   [email protected]

Facsimile         +27 86 607 0243

www.windbagpro.co.za

 “An ordinary man gets arrogant with beauty, conceited with knowledge and ruthless with power.” 

― Amit Kalantri

It was while doing nothing special that I witnessed 5 lions attack two Rhinos not so long ago.   The trick is to become aware of all the nuances of a day.   I’ll keep on shooting and hopefully the butterflies in my tummy keep me on my toes.

Please feel free to post comments and advice or even criticism it’s not always nice to hear but it’s helpful! 

If you’ve enjoyed this blog and would like to follow please “subscribe”!