f.Light Photography

What would this world be without music? I don’t know if I could survive without it. Ok, maybe not all music. I’m more than happy to get rid of blues, R&B, rap, techno, death metal, jazzy stuff, house, trance and a few other genres. But when it comes to just melodies, the pure sounds of an instrument picking out the notes and stringing them together in beautiful harmonies, that doesn’t compare to anything else.

Since I was little I’ve loved music and singing. I played a few instruments, but never had enough discipline to learn to play the piano, the one instrument I’ve always wanted to be able to play. Often when my sister played on her piano it was wonderful just sitting there and listening. I loved Mozart and Clayderman, and the worship songs we learned at church.

I was always the one to do the singing, to use my voice as the instrument. But for this week I wanted to focus on the instrument I’ve never been able to play properly, but which will always have a place in my heart…and not just because it’s great to photograph! :D So here’s to the piano and music and harmony!

Because pianos have black and white keys, I love having photos with a piano in it in black and white. So this week I went monochrome. Monochromatic piano. Sounds almost like a piece of music…

The new year has started with a lot of relaxation, boardgames, another house move and some yummy food. If only every week could be holidays. But it’s back to the grind next week. Oh well, time to start the big “Oh-10″ as some people call it.

I wanted to compile a list of my goals for the new year and a review of 2009 and everything I’ve achieved, or learned. It was a busy year, and I am glad about all the experiences I had, even though not all of them were great. Some were really tough to deal with, but if I learned anything from them, then it must have been worth it. So, here’s my bullet-point review of 2009:

Highlights in 2009

• Ben and Jerry’s frozen joghurt and ice-cream
• Living in London
• Visiting Scotland – Awesome!
• Getting into photography and getting my first DSLR camera (even if it was second hand)
• Getting my Nikon 50mm f1.8 lens – Yes, this deserves its own highlight point!
• Star Trek – Best movie of 2009
• Getting the best pasta recipe from a relative – YUMMYYYYYYYYY!!!
• Assisting a photographer at a wedding
• Dubai airport – we only spent 3 hours there, but I loved it
• Jumbo Eats in London, Piccadilly Circus – best place to eat wraps in the entire world
• Costa coffee – and yes, they have Costa at Dubai airport!!
• Chocolate brownies
• Visiting Canterbury on my birthday

Lowlights in 2009

• Noisy neighbours for 8 months
• Leaving London/UK
• House hunting – my pet hate (or at least one of them)
• Discovering dead pixels on my camera sensor

I have no idea what the new year will bring. I haven’t yet come up with any big plans or major goals. And yet I feel that this year is full of potential. (Though probably not for South Africa’s soccer team). Lol. I know that I’m definitely gonna keep improving my photography and my biggest hope is to do more portrait photography and also to photograph/assist at more weddings. I’d also love to see more of Europe and have the opportunity to photograph some European cities and coutryside.

Starting off the new year, I once again had the opportunity to photograph the adorable and cheeky little girl I photographed at Christmas. I love how expressive her face is. Children are really interesting and often challenging to photograph – like beautiful melodies that take time, talent and effort to capture, but a pleasure to listen to.

I still have so many photos to process and work through, so I will try and get through all of them and post updates soon. I wish all of you an amazing 2010 and may the new year bring you lots of joy. Thank you for reading my blog and sharing my journey.