LeiaMartinPhotoGraphics

a beginning, an end and a ...re-location...

2009-06-16T20:51:00.007+09:30

My heart obviously wasn't in my 2nd attempt at project 365. I have re-located all the works to this post. I enjoyed it, mostly, and actually really love some of the works, and I'm extremely modest about my photos. Looking back, I see some real gems and loving what Flickr does for the overall quality of my images. So enjoy, and I will be attempting more mini-projects and keeping the posts here more regular.
(and just for Nikki..and others interested in what a little point-and-click camera can do...photos taken on my new cam, the baby Olympus, have a * underneath)

So I present
39 to 66
which hadn't quite made it to the blog anyway...

* I'm quite happy with this lighting, and the gorgeous Autumn colours..

*

* ...Ballarat was awash with beautiful Autnum colours...our street looked like it was on fire with bright red trees lining the entire length ...flame trees will blind the weary driver...

*

*

* I'm enjoying mucking around with photoshop more...

*

*

* my baby olympus has a great macro lense...

There will be more on this wedding and another that I did..

*

*

* train ride home.. actual picture vs in my head...

*

*

*

*...again actual vs inner

*

*

*

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And I present the rest of the alphabet...

You can also view the entire alphabet series as a flickr slide show

38/365

Z is for zig..or zag..

37/365

Y is for yellow

36/365

X is for Xipe Totec, the Aztec god for, among other things, agriculture and vegetation. (it nearly was a photo of the xbox)

35/365

W is for weeds..

34/365

V is for vortex

33/365

U is up-close

32/365

T is for Tala's feet

31/365

S is for seeker, which is the title of the painting by our friend Kain, one of our prized possessions..

30/365

R is for rose hip

29/365

Q is for quirky

28/365

P is for prelude

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You will notice that I have only continued the alphabet theme with #19 and #20. A very close friend lost her brother the start of this week, and my mind just wasn't in it, it was enough just to take a photo.

27/365

I really like the colours in the tree against the sky.

26/365

My new macro lens, just on the happy-snap cam, but pretty good.

25/365

25/365

25/365

25/365

Coming home from the funeral... sun setting, a little blurry, a little distorted...like my mind on the drive home.

24/365

Thursday was a better day...

23/365

22/365

21/365

I'm a wreck tonight from hearing the news. So many thoughts running through my head.

20/365

O is for open road

19/365

N is for No through road

18/365

M is for moon, using the moon and long shutter to write 'moon'...

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17/365

L is for Lucy

16/365

K is for knitted (mobile ph pic), which is what this clock is, as seen at Stitches & Craft Show...see Leia Cont'd

..15/365

(mobile ph pic)

..15/365

(mobile ph pic)

..15/365

(mobile ph pic)

15/365

J is for journey (mobile ph pic) and for some reason, this area and these pictures seemed to fit that word, possibly something to do with moving to Ballarat being a 'journey' and I'm discovering new things and places along the way - like this pine forest 2 mins from my house...

14/365

I is for illuminate...

13/365

H is for hue... bit of pop art, a kinda Andy Warhol/Marilyn Monroe thing..

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Presenting Alphabet Month

As March begins, so does my first themed idea. Fairly self explanatory.
Here is A to G...

12/365

G is for grass - just a simple, elegant shot. Although I'm loving the colours, the tones of grass against the grey sky.

11/365

F is for Fonts - I am totally obsessed with collecting fonts and this presented an opportunity to use a lot of my faves.

10/365

E is for the elements, and the best/favourite/most needed on this day is water.

9/365

D is for dream, distant etc.. I've been making little lists of words for each letter, and here I've just added my list, thought it was intriguing/interesting enough.

8/365

... a little photo doco..

C is for candid. I set the camera on a timer and placed it randomly around the house one morning.

7/365

B is for bizarre orange fruit growing all over the side of my shed.. I'm pretty sure its banana passionfruit..??.. Like I said - Bizarre.

6/365

A is for adore/addiction.. the line can get blurry and is often crossed.

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Project 365 #2 is here...

Things are going to be a little different, with the scope being widened to allow more than just photos - I guess its more than a photo-a-day project this time around.

5/365

Day trip to Geelong.

4/365

Jon had knicked the camera and I was feeling a little buddha-ish(..mm..).

3/365

A camera toss - this is always fun, scary, but fun, a good strap is always helpful. I will be exploring this more after seeing the awesome ones on flickr,

2/365

my blogger banner

1/365

Starting off where No.1 finished, with a self portrait

odds and ends...

2008-11-27T19:37:00.005+10:30

Just a few little bits and pieces. I haven't really been doing any dedicated photography, although a few gems have appeared amongst my random photo taking. I have a strong pull towards black and white at the moment - I'm craving their simple elegance, but I still have my eyes open to colour - although I am also steering towards something different, trying things that are unconventional.

Firstly - is a series on Lavender...

and the rest (..extremely random..)

and the colour..

...and in colour....

2008-08-01T21:56:00.003+09:30

Continuing with the digital design style of work, and as promised, I have some examples in colour. Fairly simple designs - yet effective for the same reason.

Digital Designs..

2008-07-02T11:31:00.009+09:30

I have been playing around with a little photoshop art. All the designs below have been taken from my photographs. For photoshop enthusiasts - I have developed my own brushes - this is a simple way of having a stockpile of design elements such as birds, trees etc. I have also had a friend request a canvas design in this simple way and wanted to provide an array of choice, without the influence of colour, although I plan to post some coloured designs next.

Echuca Rod Run 2008

2008-03-24T16:12:00.009+10:30

Echuca Rod Run would be my favourite event in Echuca's extremely busy calender of events. My family were involved for a few years, and growing up with a brother and father who were so enthusiastic about these beautiful machines, it was hard not to develop an appreciation for them. Its so easy to photograph them, although this year I tried for a few different angles and with good results. Also, I was able to photograph many in the streets which gave different photos as the Show 'n' shine which is always under trees - interesting/annoying reflections, shade/light issues - but I'm always up for a challenge.

Enjoy...

weeds...

2008-03-12T10:21:00.005+10:30

This blog has totally be neglected since project365 so now....
I return and with a revamp.
Something more subtle so my work can stand out more.

It does however, provide an opportunity to isolate some pictures with common themes from the photo a day project. Sometimes images can be lost amongst the clutter. I've chosen some of my 'weeds'. Everyone knows how beautiful a lily or rose is, but I want to show the unknown beauty, the forms and intricate detail that also applies to other less noticeable plants.

new stuff soon...

2008-01-05T10:37:00.000+10:30

watch this space...

common thread gets sewn together

2007-11-12T08:16:00.001+10:30

With the exhibition around the corner, my poor blogs will be even more neglected. Thought I'd share an example of some works that may be used in the exhibition before I get too busy.

Simple picture of my little Buddha statue, outside at night...

....put him into photoshop and isolate just the statue, then use like a stamp. Technically its a 'brush'. I made this image out a while ago...

....but recently used the Buddha 'brush' again to create a birthday card for my mum... loved the result, that i think it'll be used for exhibition. We're putting all images to fabric and i think this would look great as a fabric piece.

See more examples on the Common Thread blog.

blog action day

2007-10-15T22:32:00.001+09:30

Living in this part of Victoria, you don't have to go far to see the effects of global warming...

Its just up the road from your house, its your drive to work...
its all around you...

the effect on peoples livelihoods and communities...

this whole was once filled...

there isn't any water here anymore...

will there ever be again..??...

not a lot grows in this dried, hard ground...

but a lot dies...

think locally, act globally

see more on my thoughts on the environment for blog action day on cont'd

Winery

2007-07-21T20:51:00.000+09:30

I work at a winery and we have these huge barrels, and we're housed in a big tin shed that is heritage listed. Lots of red gums beams, big barns doors, lots of dangley, old cobwebs, a fire place. Great atmosphere and great to photograph. Here is my first real attempt, but I hope to get another chance to do more there.

Mobile Phone Camera experiment...

2007-07-12T21:04:00.000+09:30

If anyone has been looking at my project 365, then you would have noticed that I fell off the wagon a little. It was suggested to me that part of the problem may have been not having my camera with me all the time. I decided that I should see how my mobile phone camera stands up. Below are the results of my first real mobile phone camera shoot. They were taken at the local Laundromat, which I've been visiting since our washing machine died. I find it a kooky kind of place, sort of bright and almost sterile.. yet dreary.. with a retro feel. anyway, hopefully this little series depicts what I'm trying to explain. I'm really happy with the results. The mobile ph cam is well suited to these types of pics as they can be simple looking, without a lot of detail, bold colours and a well lit setting.

Smoke

2007-05-31T21:42:00.001+09:30

I was doing some abstract shots for my project 365 and did this series of smoke shots. I'm quite a modest person, but I absolutely love these shots, although the size here doesn't do them justice.

Then the images have been inverted in photoshop, but its basically a negative image. They're in the same order.

I couldn't actually say which is my favourite out of the 2 looks. They are both quite dramatic and there's a richness, whether the smoke is dark or the background is dark.

Sunday Fun

2007-05-28T17:05:00.000+09:30

Playing around, hanging out on the grass, simple fun. I love the colours in these shots and some different angles make them a bit special, a bit quirky even. There's a few more on Continued...

Altered Hair Show shots

2007-05-21T14:21:00.001+09:30

Had a bit of a play with the hair show pics. I think fashion shots really lend themselves nicely to being changed, and mucked around with.

Hair Show

2007-05-15T16:54:00.000+09:30

My good friend Jess, below, asked me to do some photos at a hair show she was modelling for. It was great fun and gave me a chance to do a different style of photography, although in my early uni days Fashion Photography was my main interest.

But what a great hair style and colour!! As a photographer, I don't think it would get much better than this.

Although an awesome, big tattoo is fun too...

Some of the girtls had full costume make-up (i guess thats what you'd call it) and DC was the products used on the night - hence the stencil on the girls.

Laura was such a photo-genic model, it was pretty easy to photograph her.

But Marnie was fantastic, from a photographers perspective. She just wasn't self-conscious at all and gave me some great shots.

I've been having a play in Photoshop with a few of these, so stay tuned...

Succulents

2007-04-18T19:24:00.000+09:30

This series was actual taken for my project 365, but decided that I liked more than just the two images. Which I guess is one of the reasons I do the project. These are of succulents, my absolute favourite plant,and the best plant!! They need little-to-no water, little-to-no maintenance and look fantastic. They even get pretty flowers, which I photographed for my very first pic in project 365.

What an awesome sky!

2007-04-03T22:08:00.000+09:30

I'm living out some kind of graphic designer wannabe dream. Its lots of fun anyway and the 'project' is keeping my photography creativity fairly busy. This is actually an image I had taken for it and i've added the text and corner graphics.

More LIME...

2007-03-18T17:01:00.000+10:30

In between my 'Project 365' I'm going to create these 'ads', following on from last post. Its something that I can completely muck around with, not only with photo shop, but taking silly pics.

credit where credits due...

2007-03-13T21:18:00.000+10:30

Like the last.. the background is something abstract, this time dish washing detergent. I took the photo as is and didn't abstract it in photoshop. Thought the colour was appropriate for an 'ad' (or something) for my LIME photo graphics.

These latest creations of mine wouldn't be possible without certain photoshop tools and little extra bits/pieces, that I was able to download via freeware, from the following links. Just wanted to give these talented folk a mention.
beyond affinity
Nohl
inobscuro
seishido
obsideiandawn
Ca-pris
Magurno
Design fruit... especially, love there stuff!
daughter of snape
foxxie chan
violet electric
Castitas
Hypnotic stock
fotologue
Appendix squared
These are illustrators and graphic designers etc etc. who allow people like me, who have no idea about computer programming, to use their great designs. If you're into photoshop or design etc. take a look at some.

Design

2007-03-12T20:48:00.000+10:30

I sometimes ponder whether I should have done graphic design over photography. I've often added elements to my photography well before I was introduced to Photoshop type programs. I have often incorporated text or made up montages and used photograms, which produce a similar idea to the pink over this image. I enjoy expanded upon an image to create a new one.

This image was created for my project 365 using an image of a tap which I have completely abstracted... with little effort and by accident... the image was created from there.

Project 365

2007-03-03T16:33:00.000+10:30

Whats that?? Well I was cruising around some other photography blogs when I started seeing all of these 'photo a day' or 'project 365' blogs. Basically, you make a commitment to yourself that you will take a photo everyday for a year. There are actually drawers and painters doing it do, and many other artist.
Why? Why not!? Imagine having a year long photo album. And time seems to move along so quickly these days... what a way to slow it down!! They suggest you do at least one photo a month with yourself in it too , so you can see how you change over the year. More so, it can make you into a better photographer and develop your creativity... you have to think of something interesting everyday, or make everyday things interesting. By using your camera everyday you'll learn more about your camera. You'll also learn whats important to you, and how you spend your time. As will everyone else, if you chose to publish it as I will.

So Day 1...

This is photo #1

I want to use this project as a way to diversify my work. Hopefully over the year this will happen and by taking my camera with me, to more places.
But today, while Bain's asleep, I didn't venture far for my first shot.... Some succulent flowers slowly drying/dying in a vase...

I will also be using a separate blog (see links..) called Leia's Project 365 as I want to leave this sight for other photography that I do, more specialised, more developed work. And it would get very crowded...

My favourite subject

2007-02-18T13:57:00.000+10:30

Yes its Bain. But who could blame a mother, however, I am really proud of these and believe that they're more than just snaps of my son.

I guess the idea for my last post must have worked on me. Please have a look if you haven't already.

Inspiration

2007-02-16T22:17:00.000+10:30

Seeings as there's a shortage of my own work, I thought maybe a look at some real photographers work would keep some of you entertained.

This work is by a Canadian artist Gregory Colbert. I stumbled upon his main body of work titled 'Ashes and Snow'. I was captivated by his images and very humbled, as I feel ashamed calling myself a photographer. This is the type of work I would only dream of doing. There is NO photoshop, its mainly 35mm film, it features many of my favourite animals, such as whales, a lot is based in Africa and I just love the tone he uses , which is sepia.

I have seen some beautiful photography before, but I would rate his work as by far my favourite and in my opinion, some of the best I've ever seen, and remember I did study art for three years! I sat here in awe looking through his work. But it was also his philosophy on man interacting with nature, which is the main theme of his work, that had me intrigued

If you wish to see more work by him
Please click here > ashes and snow <

Once there click enhanced version, then click explore.
You''l need volume on and a spare 10mins.
the exhibition that features these works is worth investigating too...

Landscapes

2007-01-28T17:19:00.000+10:30

I use to think landscapes were a boring subject manner... but I guess like anything, its what you can make of it. I really like these photos, although I love any scenery that involves the ocean, and the surrounds.

These three images are of the same tree on the black rock.

This would be my preferred one, but I also think it shows that something simple can be photographed in varying ways, to produce fairly different images.

These were all taken at Fraiser's Reef, a beach at Iluka, NSW.

New Stuff

2007-01-20T15:04:00.000+10:30

Thought I'd better add something, its been awhile. I took these photos a while ago. I know blossoms been done a million times... I guess that's why I've done this montage thing, which is actually about 50cm long, 20cm wide..ish.... Although I do quite like the photos anyway.. and blossom itself is great, the way it comes during such a stark period for nature.

Details...

more family stuff...

2006-12-19T08:29:00.000+10:30

Here is another work, similar to the last post. I have again used a photograph of my Dads. These works are quite personal, so I almost find it difficult to post them. But also feel when you have a strong connection to your work, its often better. For some reason I like the symbol for "and" &. I like the way it looks.. is as simple as I can describe it. Similar the the symbol for infinity.. So "&" features again and will probably remain a theme throughout these works.

Details

This is a family portrait.. or as close as we get to one!! But I like to think that there would be other families that would also like this style. I hope to be able to do this for other families.

This one below is another version, tweaked a bit in Corel Paint Shop pro. Studying photography, I loved the old style processing and the results, this replicating a Daguerreotype, used around 1840's, which used a piece of silver-plated copper and they were a once off image. In Corel paint it even adds the photo edges.. its just too easy though...

art..??? work...????....

2006-12-13T14:18:00.000+10:30

I recently visited an exhibition at my old uni, the graduates exhibition, and it inspired me and made me miss the days when I was being more creative or more artistic with my photography. I haven't until now missed it, as I was fairly over the 'art for art sake'.. blah blah...
I've really enjoyed creating this piece. I have used a photo that my Dad took (yes thats me as a bubba) as he was the one who was my first inspiration and really my first mentor, long before uni. I love his approach to an image, it might be the simplicity, the B&W and that their our family photos, but I especially love the ones of us kids. I find my approach quite similar. This piece is completely digital, its actual size is A3, thats why their are some more detailed images below, showing the actual size. I'm pretty sure that I'll be doing more images like these using my Dads pics as their such great images and I really enjoy it. Hope everyone else does....

Details....

My First Wedding

2006-12-08T18:40:00.000+10:30

Here are some pictures from my first official wedding. I was going to just pick out a handful to post but that was way to hard... and this way it gives an overall feel for the day and how I shot it. And a wedding is really a folio in itself. There is so many elements to the day and so many photo opportunities...from the getting ready, to candid shots, family, portraits, formal, inside the Church and outside at locations. I used montages also, and these would be similar to a page in a wedding album.

So the background info on this wedding, it was in Echuca, so the Murray River/ bush features. The ceremony was in a school chapel. And the couple are into great old cars, the Blue GT being the grooms car, and the black Galaxy, which was the official bridal car, is one that they use to own and still love!

Getting Ready... Hair and Make-up

Into the dress...

Boys getting ready...

Arriving at the Church...

Ceremony...

After the Ceremony...
This is still at the church, which had lovely gardens for more photo ops

The three guys with the wedding cars

After the church, the wedding party headed down the river for more photos, with a much needed stop at the bottle shop on the way...

At the River...

Leaving the River....

The Reception...

Sunset Storm............And Kids!

2006-12-01T21:56:00.000+10:30

I'm attempting to get most of my folio of work up fairly quickly, as I'm constantly taking new pictures.

This is a great Sunset Storm.

No photoshop..

Children are so much fun to photograph. They don't tend to care about getting there picture taken as some adults do.

Rods...

2006-12-01T21:17:00.000+10:30

I think my Dad and my brother have a little to do with my liking for hot rods, street rods, etc, and they are awesome to photograph. These were all taken at Echuca Rod Run 06'.

I enjoy creating montages, but only where I feel its necessary and where it will create an overall better image of the subject.

As mentioned, my photos are digital so I take full advantge and often use Photoshop. Sometimes its subtle and other times its completely obvious.

Dogs... one of my favourite subjects!

2006-12-01T15:20:00.000+10:30

I just love taking pictures of dogs. I have a true love for these animals which helps and I know my two are really part of the family. I try to capture their personality, whatever side of it that may present itself to me, as any dog owner will tell you, they have many sides to their personality. Here are a few of my favourites...

This is my baby girl Josie. And she really is a big baby and a big mummies girl!

This is Tala our other family member. She is just gorgeous is all ways. She is so gentle and so very intelligent.

Ally...she is a friends white boxer which you don't see often. She is adorable and great fun.

This is their other boxer... Clyde, who is Alley's son and he is huge.. not even a year old, so very playful, although very serious looking here... don't let it fool you though.

hello from me!

2006-11-30T19:41:00.000+10:30

This is all about my photography work.

A way to get it out there! Its less about me and more about my pictures! I'm not 100% certain what my style is... I like to take pictures of everything...black and white, colour and I quite enjoy a dabble in Photoshop. Whether it be bumping up the contrast, fiddling with colour balances, adding coloured sections to a B&W or just taking out that annoying little unknown mark. I like to think I can take an interesting photo of just about anything. However, I do believe the magic happens when I have a connection or an interest to the subject... be it a pet dog, a child, a wedding or even an inanimate object like a flower. So thanks for looking, enjoy and theres more to come....