My voice

Moments to Remember

Posted in family, kids, life, nature by Linda on July 31, 2009

There’s a lot of good things to be said about photography. I can make you a list if you like.. But I’m sure most people would agree that the best thing is that it gives us a unique opportunity to capture that special moment in time – and keep it forever. Perhaps we don’t fully understand what a miracle this is. Personally, I often wonder how people even survived before the age of photography

Some moments are so special to us that we would never forget to eternalize them. Simply because we know their importance and how we will wish to keep and treasure them in the years to come.

But as we know; our journey through life is also made up by all those small moments along the way. Like today, when I was headed home from the grocery store and suddenly spotted a hedgehog crossing the road just in front of my car.

In less than a second, and without really thinking – I pulled over, opened the door to the back seat and quickly dragged my 4 year old out of the car. He looked somewhat puzzled, but there was no time to explain to him what was going on. I just put my finger over my lips and pointed at the hedgehog that was now approaching the bushes nearby (amazing how fast those little feet can move). And holding each others hands, we silently tip-toed towards him, afraid we were going to miss our opportunity.

Luck was on our side though: we made it. With a smile on our faces, my son and I sat by the roadside, staring into the bushes for more than a minute. Two pearly black eyes stared back at us. We were hardly breathing. It was a magical moment – until mr hedgehog decided the meeting was over; unceremoniously turned his back on us and simply wandered off.

Mr C was thrilled however, having had his first encounter with a real hedgehog. And honestly, although I have seen one or two before – I felt how the experience really brightened my day as well.

My only regret was that my camera… was at home.

Without a doubt, life brings to us lots of memorable moments. Sometimes we get to capture those moments on camera, a wonderful opportunity for which I am truly thankful. And sometimes we get to keep them only within our hearts – which is also good.

But the best thing is, when every now and then.. we are fortunate enough to get both.

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Some hedgehogs have all the time in the world and don’t mind posing for a photo.. those that are made from polyresin, that is

Amazing Planet

Posted in Inspiration, nature, photography by Linda on June 16, 2009

If you – like me – are fascinated by majestic landscapes and beautiful nature scenery; here’s a link that you must not miss out on.

It will take you to a site called Amazing Planet, and that’s exactly the right word for it: amazing. This gallery shows a variety of breathtaking scenes from all over the globe; sunsets, waterfalls, beaches, trees and forests, and more.

It makes me remember two things. One: that planet earth itself is one of our greatest sources of beauty; it surrounds us, we just have to look beyond our everyday struggles to see it. And two: how I really wish to spend a lot more time with my camera close at hand (and perhaps even a few airline tickets in my pocket)

Enjoy!

IbKRrIylClick on the photo to visit Amazing Planet


A Touch of Summer

Posted in nature, photography by Linda on June 5, 2009

Here’s a few more macro photos, this time with a more summery touch.

IMG_1891Yellow – the color of sunshine

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Ready, steady – fly!!!

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With my nose (and lens) well down into the grass, I found this little funny looking guy. He is actually no more than 1/3 of an inch. He looks kind of puzzled don’t you think? I can only imagine what I must look like to him..

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Oh, look! A photographer!!

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Water – something we can’t live without

IMG_1948 IMG_1956-1These were taken yesterday. It was actually quite windy outside. I know, not really a good day for macro shots.. the sharpness probably could have been better.

The summer is long, though (that’s a good thought isn’t it) Hopefully it won’t be too windy, as I would love more opportunities to explore this fascinating world of macro.

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One Year with my Camera

Posted in blogging, photography, reflections by Linda on May 23, 2009

This week marks one year of blogging for me. If you like, you can read my very first blog post here Welcome to My Voice It was written in May last year.

Wow, it seems so long ago! Certainly my writing has turned out somewhat different from what I was planning at the time. But through the writing process I have learned a lot. Hopefully my blog has also brought a bit of inspiration to the world out there. And not to forget: it’s been fun!

Given my love for photography, I was thinking; what better way to remember this past year than through the lens of my camera? I have been wanting to make a slide show like this for a long time, and actually I was planning to add some self-made music as well but.. to be honest I’m a little short of spare time these days. I’ll keep that thought for another day:)

Tell you what; why don’t you put on your own favorite music while watching this, that way everyone will be happy:) Or, you can find one of my personal favorites here.

The First Signs of Spring

Posted in nature, photography by Linda on March 19, 2009

There has been quite a few days since my last blog post. Among other things, I have spent that time – you guessed it – getting to know my new macro lens a little better. Here are some results.. so far. There will be more to come. I promise.img_9581-3

Melting ice.. almost like diamonds in the sunlight

img_9613The moment of rebirth. When everything is frozen and covered with snow, it can be hard to believe that we’ll ever see this sight again. But every year, no matter how long the winter may seem, life is born anew. That is the miracle of spring. It never fails us.

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Ice is a true master of art, creating amazing creatures in miniature. Like this one – a bird ready to spread its wings and fly off into the blue sky?

img_9582A sitting teddy bear, enjoying the sunshine (this photo really illustrates the importance of enjoying the moment, don’t you think? ;) )

img_9609This one just wants to say a friendly hello!

img_96301A detail from a garden chair

img_9631But wait, I can do better than that! Closer..

img_9628Yep, now we’re talking :) wow – this is fun!

More to come..

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A Whole New World

Posted in nature, photography by Linda on March 3, 2009

A while ago I got the chance to borrow a macro lens from a friend. That was my first time of trying out macro photography, and I quickly decided that this is something I’ll have to explore even further. It really opens up a whole new – and very fascinating world; one we may not notice at first. Still it’s there, only waiting to be discovered. So finally, today I bought my own macro lens – a Tamron 90mm (now I’m just waiting for it to arrive!).

img_8989-12This photo was taken just a few days ago. I tried to capture some trees with the sun shining through their branches, reflected inside a water drop. But this was about as close as I could get with my 50mm..

And here’s a couple of photos I took with the macro lens I borrowed

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In a few days, I’ll have the chance to take all the macro shots I’ve been dreaming of. I’m really looking forward to it! I’ll probably be running around taking pictures of everything then ;)

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Winter Skies

Posted in nature, photography by Linda on February 13, 2009

The thermometer hit 15 Celsius below zero – again. And with the recent snowfall, it seems we’ve gotten real winter in southern Norway this year.img_8668-14And what else is there to do then, but to grab the camera and just get out there? ;)img_8687-1Something is hiding underneath the white carpetimg_8720-13Silence..img_8707-15Boats asleep on the river bank.. dreaming of summerimg_87152Shadows on the icy river

Here’s a few more photos (and some duplicates.. sorry.. is there any way to avoid that?)

Great photo moments on a sparkling day like this do come with a price however; some very frozen fingers – and toes! img_8776Nothing that cannot be fixed with a warm foot soak and a cup of hot chocolate. Highly recommended - mmmm )

In a few weeks from now, we’ll be seeing the first signs of spring.. I can’t wait. L


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Frosty Morning

Posted in nature, photography by Linda on January 5, 2009

img_8115-3Woke up this morning only to discover two things; the temperature outside was really cold (15 Celsius below) and of course, that my car – which sometimes seem to have a mind of its own – didn’t feel up to the challenge..

So I set out for a pretty cold, early morning walk with my kids. And even though we all dressed up like we were headed for a polar expedition, I had to put my feet in some hot water when I came back home, to be able to feel them again ;)

Below are some photos of nature’s own winterly works of art: Ice.

It’s fascinating; the surface of the ice was so glassy-smooth that somehow, it almost felt warm against my finger tips. Isn’t that strange.

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Winter Roses

Posted in photography by Linda on November 5, 2008

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The world turned white overnight. And the roses were taken by surprise just like the rest of us. Still, for a little while longer, they’re holding on to their beauty – allowing us one last opportunity to enjoy their colors before taken away by Mr Frost.

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I decided to capture some indoor beauties as well, found at a friend’s house. The white winter light comes in from the side, bringing an almost transparent softness to the orchids, don’t you think?

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Thought I’d make an attempt to bring out my artistic side with these :) img_7800-1

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Although I never did count orchids among my favorites (I find them a bit too “cold” and fragile) I must admit this one is a true beauty.

Along the Beach

Posted in nature, photography by Linda on September 2, 2008

I got the chance to borrow a 100 mm lens from a friend the other day, so I headed off to a nearby beach for an hour of fun and appreciation of nature.

The results can be seen below. Comments will be appreciated! :o )