Getting Back into Photography

2017 was the year I really got into photography. Since then, I have still had a love for taking photos, but my 'Triptych a week' project came to an abrupt end only a few weeks into 2018- life took over. 

How to Maintain Ash Blonde Hair

I'm a brunette who started to go blonde last Summer and haven't looked back yet. I love my natural brown hair, but I wanted to try something new and have found being an ashy shade of blonde suits my colouring quite well after admiring it on others with similar a similar skin tone to me.

My original salon experience to add highlights was a disaster. Despite having gone lighter before with no issues, the bayalage I had done was not the greatest and the warm tones in my natural, un-dyed hair just didn't lift, even with a cool toner applied. I appreciate that going blonde is a process, but I was surprised how far from my goal colour I was due to my previous experience with bleaching.

Not one to give up, about eight weeks later I tried another salon and was really happy with the results. I used Olaplex as part of both my colours which stops the bleach damaging your hair as much. With fine hair like mine, I didn't want to take any risks of my hair breaking off which it no doubt would without the Olaplex. My new colour had some lowlights with an ashy blonde to create some texture to the colour. 

I've been getting highlights every three to four months since last Autumn and I'm really pleased with my current colour- most recently done by the lovely Emma at Kate Preston salon in Fareham. 

See my blonde evolution below and read on for how I try to maintain my colour at home.

Post-Summer/ Autumn Skincare Favourites

As the hot weather dwindles and there is the suggestion of colder spells ahead, I felt inspired to share some of my favourite Autumn/ Fall skincare products. I'm a strong believer in learning to 'read' your skin when choosing products or routines. Many of us are left with areas of pigmentation post-sun and perhaps drier skin types need a bit of nurturing as the temperature changes. These products help to brighten and nourish my drier, freckly complexion and make me feel ready to face those beautiful, chilly September days.

Triptych of the Week #10

Snowcat

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As a follow on from last week, here are some high contrast black and white shots of our cat, Maisie, in the snow. 

At two years old, she has never seen anything like this before and although she bravely explored, she didn't really like the freezing cold on her paws for very long.

As we haven't had proper snow in this part of the country for years, I was holding out for a time when I would get to photograph Maisie in it. She looked majestic contrasted against the white and I brought this out as much as possible in the bookend photos of the triptych using the black and white shoot mode on my camera.
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Review: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Nectar

I have a confession to make. After years of loving to wear the original Flowerbomb and rating it up 
there with the most glorious fragrances I've come across (even owning the body lotion), I've fallen out of the love with it somewhat... It's still a comforting, sensual, beautiful scent, but it's so popular that I seem to be smelling it everywhere. 

When the flanker, Bloom came out last year, I purchased it with my Boots Advantage points. This sweet, airy rendition of Flowerbomb is, I have to say, very lovely. I reviewed it against the original here, but needless to say, it is an enchanting Spring/ Summer scent which is not just a poor imitation of the original masterpiece. Nectar is equally as well done and I had to have it after I sprayed it on myself in a department store and was left with the ghost of it for many, many hours afterwards. As I had sprayed quite a few different things on myself that day, I was charmed to find that the distinctive Flowerbomb jasmine sambac and patchouli marriage at its heart shined through. It was a comforting, warm blend which made me realise that despite the original being frustratingly overplayed, I still absolutely love the blend of heart notes.

Cold Weather Skincare for Sensitive, Dry and Irritated Faces

My skin has been really feeling sorry for itself of late. Just before the snowy weather hit the UK, I started to suffer a backlash from the chemical exfoliating I had been doing. Usually, I'm quite in tune with how much my skin can take, but I didn't factor in the cold weather which had sensitised my face. When I started having flushed red cheeks and dry, flaky patches, I knew it was time to whip out my old faithful: La Roche Posay's Cicaplast cream. 

Triptych of the Week #9

Snowday 2

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Its now all gone, but in the South of the UK we had the most amazing couple of days of snow on Thursday and Friday. Fancy it being Spring and having snow! It caused havoc nationwide on the roads and many businesses struggled to open. We just aren't prepared for snow in this country; it's such a rare occurrence, particularly in Hampshire. Every time there's been snow over the last few years, we've failed to see any lay where I live, so this was very exciting.

We got two days off work as the schools can't open when the site is unsafe. We frolicked in the snow, went walking about and even made a roast dinner! It has been the most amazing gift. It made me feel so thankful for life- and particularly grateful for the privileges I have. Some are not so lucky.

Black and white mode was used a lot in my snow photography. As you may know, we have a gorgeous black cat, so she looked amazing in contrast with the white. I used 'pop colour' mode for the roast- and doesn't it look like the most delicious dinner you've ever seen. It was hot and delicious and we felt like kings being off work and eating the type of meal we usually reserve for special occasions.

What did you do in the snow?
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Triptych of the Week #8

Twosomes

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As a follow on from last week, here are some more photos from a trip to Lulworth Cove in Dorset a week ago. 

The hill pictured in the first shot felt like a mountain! It's a steep incline and a great workout. You can walk down to Durdle Door, which is what we did. The ducks in the second photo are shot in 'colour pop' mode on the Sony A5000. I love ducks in general and I often photograph them; this image is particularly pleasing in terms of composition and colours- I say this because sometimes the camera doesn't do these beautiful animals justice.

The final picture of Lulworth Cove was taken whilst waiting for cheeseburgers at the mobile van nearby. We'd done our walking and were about to get on the road. This father and son were a lovely subject matter against the backdrop. I wish I'd got more skyline in.
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Triptych of the Week #7

Coastal Trip

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We had a lovely day trip Lulworth Cove in Dorset this half term break. Here are some coastal-themed offerings from the day.

It was a surprisingly sunny February day, but still with a chilly edge. I composed this triptych of colourful offerings and some texture shots. Shooting with my wider angle zoom lens was probably not the best for the middle photo which would have been a bit crisper with a wider aperture. Nevertheless, the overall triptych is pleasing enough.

I'd highly recommend a trip to this area, whether you're a family or with friends. It was the 'pick me up' we needed at this time of year and the walks offered some much-needed exercise and challenge (expect to be climbing steep hills for the most beautiful views). Tourists are well catered for and it was very busy even at this time of year. There are some also quaint cottages leading to the beach which are fantastic photo opportunities; a fish and chip cafe; a nice gift shop and other little places to buy souvenirs. I took some more shots of the views and Durdle Door, so more to follow next week...
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Triptych of the Week #6

Riversides

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I took these photos on Christmas Eve 2017 on a walk around the park. They are all shots of the River Medway in Tonbridge, Kent. 

I brought out the colours by shooting in 'Colour Pop' mode and managed to capture some reflections in the water.

These images capture a stillness and silence, revealing something about the secret lives of those who live by the river.
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