Drawing A Line And Fish Tales

F-A-S-C-I-N-A-T-I-N-G and the usual suspects are in a pickle.  Cape Salmon (Geelbek) caught in the summer is a highlight.  To photograph a huge one like this is fabulous; this is the sort of fish one only hears about. Here’s the one that didn’t get away, and I can prove it.

To continue with the FISHY theme, I decided to visit the local pet shop, which I’ve not done in decades.   Like everything else in Sleepy Hollow, it’s also gotten much bigger, and the range of pets and accessories on sale is staggering.   Don’t children swap or exchange pets anymore? 

What happened to the shoeboxes of Silkworms, the smelly hamsters, and the runt of the little cats and dogs that were “favoured” by special friends?   The only person I know who can’t count the kittens on her two hands is Martha. She has dozens in the palm bush next to the house, and they know a Canon when they see one; they’ll high-tail and scat as only a cat can.

A theme for the day is always useful; it seems to narrow down options, and planning a shoot results in better photographs.  Setting up a tabletop studio allows the photographer to walk around the objects on display, sussing out the best light and angles.   In a small space, I’m like a bull in a China shop, but it’s my kitchen; I can do as I please.    Backgrounds are crucial, too fussy and the shot is ruined, but a carefully constructed one can add to the story being told.  I like to use props, and I have a cupboard full of pencils, marbles, hats, inks, and even hundreds and thousands.

I used a zoom lens, a common photography tool that lets me step back or closer, zooming in on my subject or out.  I had lots of fun.

With fish as a theme, I set up a homely still-life with “comfort food” in mind.   It’s a playful way to tie together the stories of Pet Shop Boys, Pickled Fish, and more. I hope it worked, and hopefully you’ll enjoy today’s catch.

P.S. The fish were bought for our fishpond, where they’ll live out their lives happily and safely.

My Grandmama's funny saying about family and fish always makes me smile, and I hope it brings a chuckle to you too.

The challenge today is getting this blog posted, thanks to Eskom load-shedding and our Wi-Fi acting up all the time. It's frustrating, but I'm pushing through.  See you tomorrow.

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