Tuesday 10 July 2012

HostelBookers 7 Super Shots

When my friend Kim of Becoming Sevillana nominated me to take part in the HostelBookers 7 Super Shots little game, I thought it was an exciting and cool idea for a new blog post, being a photography lover xciated by a friend for themyself!

My love for photography has always been there, even unconsciously. Or at least my love (almost obsession!) for taking hundreds of photographs everywhere I go and even in my daily life. I ‘see’ photos everywhere. I am sure that if I had my camera with me all day, I could not walk a few steps without pointing it somewhere! Photography can do everything, from treasuring a special moment to transforming the ugliest of sights into a beautiful image, and it is this power that has recently awaken my interest in the art of photography itself.

I have never done any courses or workshops, I do not have any technique whatsoever and I still only own a little digital camera that takes the most basic photos, as all I can do with it is zooming in and out! So technically speaking and from a photographer’s point of view, my pictures may not be of the best quality, but I am of the opinion that photography, as much as any other type of art, should be something subjective whose value depends on the eyes of the spectator. When I take a picture I like being as creative and artistic as possible; still, nothing can beat a photo that captures emotion.

And emotion is exactly what the HostelBookers 7 Super Shots challenge is all about! So here we go...

1. A photo that takes my breath away:


The fireworks at the Manchester Xmas Lights Switch-on are one of the most impressive things I have ever seen (seriously!). The fireworks come up from behind the Town Hall and, as they fall down, paint the façade with colour light. The colourful explosions create a unique and trascendental atmosphere – you will find yourself staring at them open-mouthed!


2. A photo that makes me laugh or smile:


I had a laugh when I saw this baby watermelon in its pram in some festival in a park near Manchester. Awww, so cute!


3. A photo that makes me dream:


Spooky as it is, this Tudor dress is a beautiful memory of what the past once looked like. It belonged to a female member of the Radclyffes, the owners of Ordsall Hall (Salford). We have seen old costumes like this so many times in films that we forget that one day people like us used to dress this way. I have always been fascinated by the Middle Ages and the Tudor period – if only I had a time machine to see how life was in the old times!


4. A photo that makes me think:


These are the remainings of Belchite, a Spanish village that was bombed during the Spanish Civil War. You can still walk through its streets and contemplate the skeletons of the houses and the churches. It is a distressing view and you can almost feel the panic and the tragedy of the moment. This photo just makes me think of the horrors of war.


5.  A photo that makes my mouth water:


It may not be a 5-star dish but the Spanish omelette (tortilla de patata) is much tastier than some luxurious meals – especially if it is cooked with a little onion! Besides, you can create your own tortillas the one in the photo includes chopped courgettes!


6. A photo that tells a story:


More than a story, this photo tells history. It shows the silhouette of the castle and one of the churches of Uncastillo, the Spanish village I am from. Entirely made of stone, Uncastillo is a beautiful village that was named Historical and Artistic Heritage by the Spanish Culture Ministry. Dating back from the Celtic era, thousands of stories could be told about its past and its various settlements along the centuries, including the numerous battles against the Arabs.


7. A photo that I am most proud of:


My little camera did a good job here! To me, this photo almost seems like a painting. The light and dark shades create a beautiful contrast, embellished by the sun reflections on the water surface. I believe this is an elegant picture that captures the swan’s majesty as it swims.

I hope you have enjoyed this post! And now, these are my five nominees:

Christina of Curious Christina
Laura of Laura Em
Rebecca of The book of scrap

4 comments:

  1. There are some good pictures there Andrea, you do have a good eye for photography.

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  2. I think they are all great images and can imagine why you so love that last one

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    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot Joanne! I've had a look at your blog and I must say that your 7 Super Shots are amazing!

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