in Kerry with a camera (or two)

getting a dog to pose . . .
© Teresa Newham

We've enjoyed a few days' lovely late Autumn weather and some wonderful photo opportunities while staying with friends in Kerry.  My companions got used to me lagging behind as I juggled my iPhone camera and my old Canon digital Ixus compact, encouraging their dog to pose briefly for a scenic shot or two. 

. . . is a doddle compared to a chicken!
© Teresa Newham

I had less success with the chickens, who tended to run towards me in expectation of food every time I stepped out of the door; most of my photos show only part of a chicken as a result.  This is probably the best one, and might end up as a linocut!

ahead is all blue . . .
© Teresa Newham

I enjoy experimenting with photos: on one of our beach walks I turned first one way, then the other, to make the most of the effects of the sunshine and clouds.  These two photos were taken within moments of each other, but facing in opposite directions . . .

. . . behind is slate grey
© Teresa Newham

It's also a good idea to look down from time to time, and not just with a view to keeping your footing; there are some little wonders lurking on most beaches, not to mention some unexpected colours!  Seaweed holds an endless fascination for me, as do pebbles of all kinds.

the beauty of small things
© Teresa Newham

Looking at the photos afterwards, I've been struck by the difference between those taken with the Canon and those where I used the iPhone (all the photos shown here are iPhone shots).  I definitely need to get a new camera; whether it will be another compact or a DSLR-type remains to be seen!

hidden treasure
© Teresa Newham

looking forward, looking back

February is turning out to be a month of forward planning as far as my creative side is concerned.  In the space of one week I found myself filling out forms for the Open Exhibition at Luton Hoo Walled Garden and this year's Art on the Common, and hosting a meeting for those of us hoping to exhibit at Artscape in Harpenden for Herts Open Studios 2013.  Much of it seems a long way off; but time for creative pursuits has proven scarce so far this year so I've started thinking about possible exhibits already. As always when time is tight, I've gone back over my photo albums; last October's visit to Kerry has proved a rich source of inspiration. We were staying right on the harbour at Portmagee, and took a stroll on the quayside early one morning when the tide had just gone out:

 

 

seaweed, Portmagee harbour

Kerry offers the most spectacular views, and it's easy to forget that there are plenty of smaller delights right under your nose if you care to look, such as this little plant growing in a crevice of rock on Valentia Island:

rock plant, Valentia

Back in Portmagee Harbour I indulged my particular obsession with the wooden crates which the fishermen use to catch lobster.  They have wonderful colour and texture both when wet and dry, and are festooned with ropes which also hold a particular fascination for me:

 

old rope, Portmagee harbour

As well as working on some exhibits involving rope, plants and seaweed, I'm also putting aside images which are suitable for cards, such as the one below.  I like this one so much that I've hung it in my cloakroom, which has a Kerry seashore theme to it:

the sign of the cross on the foreshore at Kilkeaveragh

So at the moment I'm looking forward to September by looking back to last October, keeping the memories alive and the creative juices ticking over at the same time!