Trip to Jesmond Dene

Hello again !

I went out on Monday 25th February with some friends from Consett Photographic Society for a trip to Jesmond Dene and also a look into Jesmond cemetery.

I don't often get the chance to go out with other photographers, and as I had booked annual leave from work that day, I was really looking forward to it. It was quite cold and there was still plenty of ice at Jesmond Dene.  I remember the Petting Zoo from years ago, but had never really walked along the river before.

The day wasn't great for light, and to be honest, there wasn't loads of things I could take - as I am not known for taking pictures of sweet little bridges and rivers. Just as well I had my mannequin hand with me to make it a bit more fun !

Nevertheless, I really enjoyed going out with other photographers and I did come back with a bunch of pics that I could use.  Here are a few from the day :

"Carrie" eat your heart out !!!

Practicing motion shots - I'm not really keen on river and waterfall shots, so made this a little bit more abstract.  Can you spot the little leaf in there ?

The rock was just emerging from the water and I really liked the textures against the calm of the water.

Just my type of thing to shoot - a rusty old gate :)

Books I am currently reading

Claxography

I'm currently reading a book called Claxography : Art of Jazz Photography which is by the photographer William Claxton.

It's a great book, packed full of black and white photographs of cool jazz musicians from the 1950's to the present day.

Claxton started photographing musicians as people, not just as performers. After decades of award-winning jacket photos, magazine layouts, books and exhibitions, he is the most celebrated photographer in jazz history. 

I'm hoping to get a bit of practice photographing modern-day jazz musicians at the upcoming Gateshead International Jazz Festival.  Still waiting to hear from The Sage if I can take my camera to the event - so will keep you posted :)

Hello and welcome to my first blog !

My name is Tracy Speeding and I am a budding conceptual and creative photographer.

I am hoping to try and blog on a regular basis - not just blogs showing where I have been taking photographs, but also more of an account of my frustrations, highs, lows and feelings about being a photographer !

I've been an amateur photographer since September 2009 - and boy, it really has been a steep learning curve !

As well as the stuff I am doing now, I will probably put earlier photos on here, so you can get an idea of what type of photographer I am, plus you will also get a feel of what my journey has been like ! I will also provide a bit more info about who I am.

I love photography but I don't find all of it easy, not by a long chalk !  There's so much I want to do and my mind is full of ideas BUT I have to learn to pace myself :)

Monday 11th March - a chance to take some urban shots

I took annual leave from work to go and have a bit of practice at taking pics around Newcastle.

I went with my friend Chris, also from Consett Photographic Society.  Had a really good day - and came back with lots of street and people shots.  

It was also an opportunity to get some more of my "motion people" which is becoming one of my styles.

We went to some of the back alleys and streets that I often don't get a chance to visit.  Streets such as High Bridge and the Bigg Market are good locations to get shots of alleyways and independent shops, and to veer away from the big consumer sites. 

This shot was the back alley of a pub.  I went quite a way in and took this shot.  Can you see the ghost ?

I love this photo !  It's actually The Guitar Shop, next to Attica and opposite RPM. Speaking of RPM....

One place to go to is the Centre for Life.  This bench was in Times Square and I just love the shadows and stark contrast of the colours.

.