Bruja's Photo 52 + Night

[Bruja]

lovely abstract feel and fabulous news about the exhibition!

Thanks, I do love abstracts and the exhibition made my day

Well that's a lovely shot from you and works great for this weeks theme...

and I know it's not the most important thing of the shot, but that border makes it look absolutely superb... Well, without the border it didn't look so good as it needed something to define the edges of the white space. So glad yu like it

well done you...

Thanks Marcus, supportive as usual.

 

[Dark Star]

Jill - catching up

Poverty - fantastic portrait - bags of character, bags of detail and that half knowing smile under all those lines from her life - sad but just great if that makes sense

And what a result re the shopping centre! Great image and a great (and well deserved) result!

Your words, as ever, both inspire and delight!

Great to come back to good news and good images !

 

[Bruja]

After my initial reaction of what the :bang::bang: !! I actually enjoyed thinking about this week's subject and which letter meant the most to me. So here it is

OK, you don't get away that easily, I've still got stuff to say.....

Why did I choose X? It's because, depending on its context it means many different things.

X marks the spot
An X is a has-been or a former....
X means I choose this one.
X means WRONG.....
We can come to a Xroads in our life.
It used to be your mark if you were illiterate.
But my favourite meaning is X means a kiss and lots of XXXXXXs means love

And I have a very important learning point to share with you this week. My X is the last letter in my local town's name - ALBOX - and they have just erected a new monument on the roundabout leading into the town and, conveniently for me, used marble letters to spell out the name of the town.

And the learning point is, if you are going to stand right next to a roundabout with your back to the traffic take a buddy with you so you don't get splattered (or booked by the Guardia Civil). Fortunately I took Reg with me so I managed to avert disaster

 

[Toothie]

I think htis fits the theme perfectly, and it can't have been easy to take, big white letter with a difficult bg nicely done

 

[Dark Star]

I think htis fits the theme perfectly, and it can't have been easy to take, big white letter with a difficult bg nicely done

My thoughts exactly and what a cute name for a town - a cross (or is that an X) between All Bran and Radox

Good shot Jill

 

[jeangenie]

That's really clever, Jill.

I spent some time looking at the picture, wondering how you had created the perspective before I read the rest of your post:bonk:

It's a good shot and I like the slight shading in the marble. I like the reasons for choosing 'x', too.

It's a good job you've got Reg there to save you from the traffic.

Jean

 

[maddog.mark]

That's really clever, Jill.

It's a good shot and I like the slight shading in the marble.

Jean

I agree with Jean, especially about this bit, I would have been easy to blow out the detail on the marble, but you've managed to retain the detail and that for me makes the shot.

Mark

 

[adrury]

OMG what an amazing coincidence, Albox is the nearest town to my mum!!!! She lives just up the rambla (Ramblica d'oria)... Imagine her surprise when I phone her tomorrow and tell her I think Albox's new hollywood style lettering looks fab!!!!

As for the picture, I like the thinking behind it as well as the clear, colourful shot.

p.s is thar grass real, or is it astroturf!!

 

[Bruja]

I think htis fits the theme perfectly, and it can't have been easy to take, big white letter with a difficult bg nicely done

Thanks Ruth, trying to get it right to preserve the detail of the marble took some working out but I'm glad I persevered.

My thoughts exactly and what a cute name for a town - a cross (or is that an X) between All Bran and Radox

Good shot Jill

Thanks John, and I'll catch up with yours (and everyone else's) when I get home in a week's time.

That's really clever, Jill.

I spent some time looking at the picture, wondering how you had created the perspective before I read the rest of your post:bonk:

It's a good shot and I like the slight shading in the marble. I like the reasons for choosing 'x', too.

It's a good job you've got Reg there to save you from the traffic.

Jean

Thanks Jean, he really was watching my back

 

[Bruja]

I agree with Jean, especially about this bit, I would have been easy to blow out the detail on the marble, but you've managed to retain the detail and that for me makes the shot.

Mark

Thanks Mark. I used the 70-200, shallow DoF and underexposed about a stop I think. The major problem was the autofocus hunting for a focal point.

OMG what an amazing coincidence, Albox is the nearest town to my mum!!!! She lives just up the rambla (Ramblica d'oria)... Imagine her surprise when I phone her tomorrow and tell her I think Albox's new hollywood style lettering looks fab!!!! Next time you are going to visit drop me a PM and we can meet up and I bet your mum wondered how you knew

As for the picture, I like the thinking behind it as well as the clear, colourful shot.

p.s is thar grass real, or is it astroturf!!

Astroturf

 

[jgs001]

Well done Jill, that's a great shot, the detail in the Marble is all there, and the background positioning is spot on. Love the list of X's too, and so kind of the Town to put that up for you this week ...

 

[Spartacus]

Well done...that's a great shot from you this week...

It's so good, and again a lovely story behind it...

and for some reason I can't stop looking through the X to see the background...

Wonderful...

 

[Bruja]

Well done Jill, that's a great shot, the detail in the Marble is all there, and the background positioning is spot on. Love the list of X's too, and so kind of the Town to put that up for you this week ... I know, they're very accommodating like that

Thanks John, it was a bit of a manouevre to get the background right cos there's a dirty great speed limit sign behind the X.

Well done...that's a great shot from you this week...

It's so good, and again a lovely story behind it...

and for some reason I can't stop looking through the X to see the background... I think that's a good thing

Wonderful...

Thanks Marcus, supportive as usual

 

[Bruja]

Phew, just made it. Got back from England late last night and I had already taken a picture as I knew I wouldn't be up to it today. Not my best shot I fear but it certainly challenged me as I was way out of my comfort zone (and don't mean with regard to photography, I mean I was flipping freezing )

Trying to think of a way or interpretation of letting you a little further into my life was a challenge and one of the things I ended up thinking about was how we all need support of some kind in our lives and ended up with the idea of a Supporting Duo (kind of like a second on the Bill act )

In my case I have needed more support than many because I have had a big problem for a lot of my life and without this support I would have embarrassed myself (and others) on lots of occasions This support has helped me be more socially confident, and, where I live now it has helped me enormously. Without putting too fine a point on it this duo has shaped me into the person I am. Can you see where I'm going with this yet?

We all have many kinds of support during our lives (some of which I missed out on). There are our true friends who are always there for us when we need them, family who can give us a sense of belonging and security, partners who understand us and of course our parents who provide us with love and security (if we are lucky). So I give you my Supporting Duo .....

DUO​

​

PS I'll catch up with you all in a few days when I get my energy back!

 

[corky]

haha an uplifting shot I think

 

[Dark Star]

haha brilliant Jill - always a good read and a good shot too

"Ohh Matron - what a duo"

Its almost "Carry On Togging"

Bra-vo

 

[maddog.mark]

Corky and DS have got in with all the best (or worst) puns so I'll just say well done for getting the shot in what sounds like a hectic week for you.

Yet again an interesting back story to go with the shot as well.
Mark

 

[jeangenie]

Jill, I always love your stories and glimpses into your life, and this is no exception. I quite literally laghed out loud.

... And getting the right support in this area is very important, imo.

The subject of the photo's great - love the pattern and colours, and I think it would have been nice to have had the wall a little more oof, but it doesn't really detract from the strength of the overall image.

I hope you're feeling warmer now you're back in sunny Spain and will soon be receovered from the journey. Take care.

Jean

 

[Toothie]

now that is fantastic, love your choice in bra btw

 

[adrury]

one of the things I ended up thinking about was how we all need support of some kind in our lives and ended up with the idea of a Supporting Duo (kind of like a second on the Bill act )

So I give you my Supporting Duo .....

PS I'll catch up with you all in a few days when I get my energy back!

haha!!! this is sooo good!! It is also a good choice of subject with regards to colours, very nice.

Take care of yourself!

 

[Spartacus]

He He He that's a fine shot from you and fit the theme so well...

Good to know your back and feeling ok...

 

[Hyster]

Jill, that's really good. Great take on a tough theme, love the humor but even on its own, it works really well.

 

[jgs001]

superb Jill... John and Corky have nicked the good lines ... but it's a cup or two above the norm ... fits the theme nicely

 

[Bruja]

haha an uplifting shot I think

Thanks Jon, works for me

haha brilliant Jill - always a good read and a good shot too

"Ohh Matron - what a duo"

Its almost "Carry On Togging"

Bra-vo

Giggles a la Barbara Windsor

 

[Dark Star]

Giggles a la Barbara Windsor

Guffaws a la Sid James

 

[SimonTALM]

We've had pairs and now a sling shot.

I really like the cool blue lighting on the wall at the back whilst the white on the scaffolding is still white. Fab shot

 

[dizzy]

Very clever and very nicely shot! It must be a woman thing as the first thing my better half did when I ran to her moaning about the theme was act out a Les Dawson-esque bosom lift!!

 

[Bruja]

Corky and DS have got in with all the best (or worst) puns so I'll just say well done for getting the shot in what sounds like a hectic week for you.

Yet again an interesting back story to go with the shot as well.
Mark

Thanks Mark, I fitted it in around trips to Keswick, Ambleside, Newcastle, Metro Centre (of course ), York, Leeds and Whitby - and I'm not well you know

Jill, I always love your stories and glimpses into your life, and this is no exception. I quite literally laghed out loud. Ooh goody, I love it when that happens

... And getting the right support in this area is very important, imo.

Definitely!!!

The subject of the photo's great - love the pattern and colours, and I think it would have been nice to have had the wall a little more oof, but it doesn't really detract from the strength of the overall image. It was windy so I had to take what I could get, too shallow a DoF and it put the subject out of focus

Jean

now that is fantastic, love your choice in bra btw

Thanks Ruth, a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do

 

[Bruja]

haha!!! this is sooo good!! It is also a good choice of subject with regards to colours, very nice.

Take care of yourself!

Thanks Angela. As always I appreciate the support (sorry, couldn't resist a pun of my own )

He He He that's a fine shot from you and fit the theme so well...

Good to know your back and feeling ok...

Thanks Marcus, and, touch wood, I've had a great week this week. Must be the endorphins after all the shopping

Jill, that's really good. Great take on a tough theme, love the humor but even on its own, it works really well.

Thanks for that

 

[Bruja]

We've had pairs and now a sling shot.

I really like the cool blue lighting on the wall at the back whilst the white on the scaffolding is still white. Fab shot

Thanks Simon, it was shot in my brother-in-law's back yard and was a cloudy evening (and windy) and that's not scaffolding that's my emergency parachute

Very clever and very nicely shot! It must be a woman thing as the first thing my better half did when I ran to her moaning about the theme was act out a Les Dawson-esque bosom lift!!

Tell her 'great minds think alike'. Although the equivalent support for a man wouldn't be nearly so photogenic

 

[Bruja]

superb Jill... John and Corky have nicked the good lines ... but it's a cup or two above the norm ... fits the theme nicely

Oops, sorry John, I missed you out Fits me nicely too )

 

[jgs001]

No worries Jill... good to hear it... Probably better that way

 

[Bruja]

What do I long for? If I allowed myself to dwell on it it would be to have a body that behaves as it used to.

Legs that don't go into spasm after I've walked a little way, a better sense of balance so that I don't bump into things and end up with bruised arms and legs. Hands that allow me to write more than a few lines and that don't tremble when I bring food up to my mouth, and a nervous system that no longer causes anxiety and depression without reason. An end to the facial (and occasionally) body neuralgia that resulted in me having all my top teeth removed because of 'toothache' 16 years ago, and which I still get A brain that can concentrate like it used to, a short term memory that lasts a bit longer, and, most of all, one that doesn't feel cream crackered for no reason.


But, like I said, I don't dwell on it because it's not going to happen.


I could long for many things I can't change, like being 30 years younger (well at least having the body I had 30 years ago ), not being so saggy and baggy (clothes are a marvellous invention ), having more money, or a better childhood. I could long to change the past, to undo my mistakes, and I could long for the future but that kind of scares me.


So, I thought 'what if I could be someone else?', who would I long to be? Now I could go on at this point about world leaders, 'celebrities', and other icons but I decided to choose someone fictional, someone who has a great 'devil may care' attitude to life. So here is who I long to be ......

LONGING
​

Capt Jack (Jill) Sparrow​

Learning points

1 Having a great idea at the beginning of the week doesn't mean you are going to get the picture you want

2 I hate self portraits :bang:

3 In the words of Daysleeper 'natural lighting' is a nasty word that wouldn't be allowed on TP

4 Take the picture when you think of it instead of leaving it until the Saturday by which time I was worn out, couldn't be bothered and swore a lot at the camera, tripod and husband when he 'tried to help'

 

[jeangenie]

Jill, as always, the story behind your image is powerful and moving. It's an interesting thought, too - who would I like to be instead of me? You've set me thinking (you usually do!)

As for your learning point #3 you didn't give yourself an easy task - bright sunlight, white shirt, black hair/waistcoat. The very reasons some people won't do wedding togging.

Having said that, I think you've pulled it off very well. It's a good pose, too, and the spirit of the fictional character comes out in your sheer determination not to let life's knocks defeat you.

Jean

 

[Spartacus]

He He He...Capt Jack (Jill) Sparrow....you could be twins...

That's such a great idea....

and you pulled it off with some real style...

lovely build up to this week photo...

I think your amazing...

 

[Bruja]

Jill, as always, the story behind your image is powerful and moving. It's an interesting thought, too - who would I like to be instead of me? You've set me thinking (you usually do!) Thanks Jean, and don't forget to let me know who you decide on

As for your learning point #3 you didn't give yourself an easy task - bright sunlight, white shirt, black hair/waistcoat. The very reasons some people won't do wedding togging. And the 'hair' was synthetic so is a bit shiny

Having said that, I think you've pulled it off very well. Took me ages to get all the black make up off though It's a good pose, too, and the spirit of the fictional character comes out in your sheer determination not to let life's knocks defeat you. I think that's why I chose him. He's gets things wrong but wins out in the end

Jean

Here's a from me

 

[Bruja]

He He He...Capt Jack (Jill) Sparrow....you could be twins...

That's such a great idea.... Thank you

and you pulled it off with some real style... Thanks for that Marcus

lovely build up to this week photo...

I think your amazing... I try my best and it's great to have your support

 

[jgs001]

Superb Capt. Jill, wonderful image, and moving story behind it too. You've pulled off the exposure brilliantly, I don't think anything is clipped or blown.

 

[adrury]

As someone who dresses up on a regular basis, I often get to be other people, so this shot is a winner for me.

The clarity colour and composition of the picture all work too, well done!

 

[Bruja]

Superb Capt. Jill, wonderful image, and moving story behind it too. You've pulled off the exposure brilliantly, I don't think anything is clipped or blown.

Thanks John, it was flipping hard work though in 30 degree heat and bright sunlight (although I'm not complaining about the weather )

As someone who dresses up on a regular basis, I often get to be other people, so this shot is a winner for me.

The clarity colour and composition of the picture all work too, well done!

Thanks Angela. I wore this at a fancy dress party at New Year the year before last and it took people a while to figure out it was me . I won first prize

Now Dark :bang: I want an easy week :razz: