We’ve travelled together from the beginning.

We’ve journeyed to the stars and back… next stop…. THE BEACH

Now you will recall from my first post, that I am neither a nature lover NOR an outdoorsie type. But when choosing a place to go and take photos it’s usually the sand and surf that beckons me.

Maybe it’s the calming sound of the waves breaking on the shore, or maybe it’s the fresh air gently caressing my face (except of course when it’s blowing a gale and raining!!)

But I think its more the peaceful feeling that standing there alone brings.

Standing on the edge of world, just breathing in the beauty.

Now who wouldn’t love to soak in the beauty of a place like this?

Who wouldn’t be drawn to capture it on film?

But it’s become more than that to me. Yes my photos are “lovely” and show a gorgeous piece of my corner of the world…. but now I want more!

I have an insatiable desire to better my photography. Not so that I can impress you (although that would be a nice bonus!). Not so that I...

So after my earth shattering realisation that I was definitely NOT a photographer, you would think I threw my hands in the air and retreated back the security and safety of my computer…. well, as tempting as it was, I have kept at it.

Taking a long hard look at my efforts made me decide that I was going to have to get some help – with photography that is (anything else is a whole ‘nother story…lol).

So back I went to Paul to pick his brains, lucky he has a few and didn’t mind sharing his knowledge. Now he’s a get down amongst it type of photographer, and loving his photos as much as I do I had to shed a little of my rigid way of thinking.

Advice #1 was get myself a tripod. My photography was “shaky” enough without the added noise of my unsteady hands being added to the picture. So off I set to find a “bargain”. Very proudly I announced to Paul the next time we spoke that I had found one for $30…. if I was expecting praise… I was not going to get it. Instead he “explained” in famous Pa...

So I have been bitten by the photography bug … what now?  Will my life EVER be the same again?

Will I ever just want to lay in bed and enjoy the electric blanket? Or am I now destined to be tormented by the dawns breaking light or star trails and super moons?

So, seeing as how I am now a “photographer“, I take my newly charged (and dusted) camera up to my favourite vantage point (Table Cape, Wynyard) in the pitch black.

I AM GOING TO TAKE AMAZING PHOTOS OF THE STARS!! 

(cough, cough, splutter, choke….. please excuse me while I wipe the dribble from my chin and the coffee off the screen)

So, in thin jumper I set out on my first night photographic venture. Took the youngest son with me to show him how to shoot an aurora (of course… didn’t you hear me say I was a professional)!  Park the car, get out – OMG IT’S FREEZING!!!  No-one told me I would get COLD being a photographer! Grab my camera (tripod? what’s a tripod?) and set off to stand beside the other “professionals“.

Turn the...

Let the Journey Begin…

My journey started out like any other…. a trip, a visit, a holiday… a short look at something new. Well not quite.

A wise man (let’s call him Paul, cause that’s his name…lol) suggested that I needed something for myself, something I enjoyed, something relaxing, something grounding…. but what?

I had spent my whole life doing what others wanted, what others needed. I didn’t even know who I was let alone what I enjoyed. And how to find out what this thing was I liked. Was there a special formula for working it out? Where would I find the answer? How would I know when I found it? Relax? How can I relax when I am supposed to be working out what I enjoy???

…………………..aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

STOP!!!

OK, I get it now. Just start living, start feeling… just do what comes naturally and feels right. So I picked up my camera and headed straight to the beach.

“Ah she loves the beach, outdoors, nature”, I hear you thinking. Nope, sorry. I am about as non nature loving...

Welcome to my journey… whilst I will be talking a lot about Elysian Photography, it’s origins and what it means in my everyday life, we will also be stopping off at other “stations of life” along the way.

Elysian Photography is more than just a photography business to me…. it represents my personal journey, and it’s one that I invite you to take with me.

I’m hoping that by sharing my thoughts and photos with you, it will help you reignite your own passion for life.

I started this journey in July 2013 (as Kim Ogden Photography) and have undergone a life changing metamorphisis from within which, Elysian Photography was created. I’d love you to feel free to share and invite others onboard, and your comments are always welcome.