A Trip to South Shields

Hello All

Last week I went out to South Shields for the day with my friend Chris from the Camera Club.

It was a bit of a funny time for me...just found out that my work is undergoing yet another
re-structure, which means I have to re-apply for my job.

So, a trip out was just what the doctor ordered, and even better, I took my Kodak Brownie out on it's first outing.  Still have yet to get the negatives developed, so fingers crossed they come out OK !  I even tried a deliberate double-exposure !

I also took my little ol' Olympus SLR out with me.  South Shields was very very quiet and the weather was a bit dull.  Having said that, it was good that it was so quiet as it gave me a chance to practice some camera techniques without feeling too self-conscious.

This was a practice of water shots - I haven't really had much experience of capturing waves, but I don't think I did too bad a job on this one.

We then moved onto the fairground - apart from a few people, it was totally empty.  I did spot these women trying to keep warm - typical British Summer !

It's amazing what catches your eye !

Being empty, it gave us the opportunity to get shots we wouldn't normally get :

This is part of a face advertising the Ghost Train 

Moving away from the fairground, I asked Chris if he wouldn't mind blowing a few dandelions so I could capture the seeds flying in the wind.  God knows how many attempts we had before I got this shot !

We also spotted masses of snails on the walls of an old building,,,,

Walking back to the car park, I couldn't resist taking a photo of this stained knackered air vent....

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.

.