Second Place

Surprised and happy to get an email from the editor of 'The Leader' saying my photo came second in our national for front page of the week.

Articles

I got an awesome surprise last week when I checked my emails. There was an email from the editor of 'The Leader' telling me they were happy with my writing (and photos) and would start paying me for them. Yay! It's not huge money - but it's a start.

Also, I was thrilled to see a couple of my articles published in the latest 'Motor Caravanner Magazine'. Plus my photos made the front cover!

Cancelled Due To Rain

Finally we have the truck and fifth wheel all ready to go with the shed built and current COF's. We planned to go to Mapua for a night, leaving Saturday morning. Graeme had organised a dinner party on Saturday night to celebrate the installation of his 'Little Cracker' fireplace in his rig. Bernie had been chopping bits of manuka during the week to give him. But guess what? We woke to rain with the forecast predicting heavier rain for Sunday. We decided what was the point in going away for a night in the rain. We'd have to wait another week.
I went for a drive instead to take some photos. 

In Print

This week I sent some of photos to 'The Leader'. There's a section where reader's can have their photos printed. Yesterday, I got an email from the editor saying my photos would be published next week.
So, tonight when I got a text from my friend Jane, saying a photo of mine was in 'The Nelson Evening Mail' I was surprised (and rapt).
Maybe the editors of two papers are in touch? Whatever the reason, it was a great way to end the week.

TV One Weather

Last night one of my photos got on TV One Weather.

Friends of ours 'Julie and Trevor' from Westport saw it and emailed us a screen shot.

New Camera

After lots and lots of research and many hours spent comparing numerous cameras, I finally took the plunge and bought a new Nikon d7200 from Harvey Norman. I was determined to do everything by the book (literally). So I took it slowly and read the instruction manual carefully and I watched 'You Tube' videos on the Nikon d7200. I started the set up, step by step. However I came across a hicc-up when the battery didn't seem to be charging in the time the manual suggested that it should charge. I left it for an extra 4-5 hours and then put it in the camera. Nothing! I tried re-charging it again. Still nothing! So I packed the camera and battery charger up and took it back to Harvey Norman. It turned out that somehow, someone had mysteriously put the wrong Nikon camera into the d7200's box. So, I got the Nikon d5500 instead of the Nikon d7200. 
The sales person said they'd replace it, however  there were no d7200's in store. After many phone calls,one was found in Gisborne. Now, I am eagerly waiting for a phone call to say that my proper d7200 camera has arrived from Gisborne!

Right packaging but wrong camera!

Garden Shots

I love watching the bees collecting pollen and birds feasting on cherries in the garden.

Lightroom

I've just downloaded a free 7 day trial with Lightroom. It definitely seems more user friendly than photoshop.
Here are a few photos I played around with.

Two More Photoshop Attempts

I need to learn to do something with the background???

Playing Around With Photoshop

Here are some before and after photos ... I am sure I'm not doing 'Photoshop' justice. I will try and find a course to take before I decide whether to purchase PS on a monthly basis. Maybe a new Macbook Pro will be able to offer all that Photoshop can???  I have think I have some research to do before I make that decision.

Early Roses

I love looking at the roses in the garden burst into life. From bud to full bloom...they are absolutely stunning.