Proud

I went to Leuchie House on Friday the 17^th of October to watch my other half and his colleague do a fire walk.  This was in aid to raise funds for Leuchie House which is respite centre.  It is set in beautiful grounds and is a truly inspirational place.

I went up not really prepared, just with my camera, I wasn't planning on really taking any pictures but I did take a few.  Some of which I would like to share with you.

(c) Lyndsey Norton

This first image shows Cameron and the rest of group watching as the fire is lit.

(C) Lyndsey Norton

This is right before he is set to walk.  

(c) Lyndsey Norton

Walking across the heated coals, which is four times hotter than the temperature skin burns at, must give you a great dose of adrenaline. 

(c) Lyndsey Norton

This final image is right after the event.  I am very proud of Cameron for doing this.  It was for a great cause. Well done Cameron, and indeed everyone who took part!

Alone with my Thoughts....

Myself and my other half went on the Haddington to Longniddry Railway walk.  It was the best part of 10 miles and although we were surrounded by nature, for the most of the time we were just walking straight through trees with not that much to see.

There was a particular point of interest though that I thought was thought evoking and with lack of a better word; Nice.

'Alone with my Thoughts' ©Lyndsey Norton Photography

The scene is not set up and it made me wonder how long the hat had been there for.  I can just imagine it's previous wearer watching over the countryside, considering his next move.

Edinburgh Close

Normally when going into our great capital you do the usual things such as shopping, eating or visiting many museums or art galleries.  While these are all great things to do, I began to wonder about parts of Edinburgh that you might just walk straight by. 

These two images show a different side to Edinburgh and one which I would like to explore further.  I decided to show them in black and while because it give a more grainy approach to the images.

©Lyndsey Norton Photography

©Lyndsey Norton Photography

Poppy

A lone poppy sits beside a field.  I find the detail around the poppy interesting, some look jagged, almost giving a violent feel, however the poppy sits quietly and serene.  

A trip up Traprain Law

Traprain Law

Recently myself and my other half took on the challenge of climbing Traprain Law.  I know to some it may not be much of a challenge but for someone who doesn't like climbing hills it is and, contrary to some, I only had a moan twice.

 © Lyndsey Norton Photography

 The image above shows our starting point.  A nice flat walk along the road with lovely views of the surrounding areas.  I love the many textures in this image.  It certainly shows you are amongst nature.

 © Lyndsey Norton Photography

Further up the hill I took this image.  I love the distinct colouring of the sky and hay fields.  I also have never seen bails of hay towered like this.  I felt a great sense of peace here.

 © Lyndsey Norton Photography

 Obviously a blog about Traprain Law would not be complete without an image of one of the horses that call this place home.  A single horse eats quietly while the rest of the herd ate a little a way.  Again the peaceful element came into play here.  This with the different textures of the grass, clouds and fields make up what I believe to be a interesting photograph.

 © Lyndsey Norton Photography

 © Lyndsey Norton Photography

 The above two images show different elements that I didn't realise would be at the top of the Law.  The first shows a pool of water, presumably it is for the horses.   I like that throughout my series of images different textures are added which I believe show the many layers that can exist amongst nature.  The second image shows some built up stones.  Having discussed this with my partner, I found out that a fort once stood upon Traprain Law.  I find this sort of history fascinating, I love seeing remnants of what used to be.

 © Lyndsey Norton Photography

While I explored my surroundings, my other half did the same.  I love this image because it puts everything in perspective.  Whilst I perhaps didn't love the walk up Traprain, I did like the views at the top.  You couldn't hear anything other than a spoilt chicken making a riot at a distant farm.

Happiness

Today I went to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  There were lots of street acts that were amazing and while I will upload more photographs later, I had to do a quick post.  Below are a couple of images from an act that I totally loved.  They were called 'Leodo: Paradise Lost'.  They are from Korea and  just blew me away. 



©Lyndsey Norton Photography



©Lyndsey Norton Photography

They are a group of seven performers and whilst all were amazing.  This one woman really caught my eye.  Her passion was a amazing and her smile infectious.  I love going to the Fringe, you can find something new around every corner.

New Addition

It has been a busy time for myself the past few weeks and therefore haven’t posted.  However, I am now back in the swing of things and would like to start by showing you this image.

©Lyndsey Norton 

The wee one is called Aysha.  She is a new addition to the family and is gorgeous.  She had a difficult start to life but has come on leaps and bounds and is now fitting in quite nicely.  

Gate

(c) Lyndsey Norton Photography

The Gothic nature of this photograph is helped through not only the colouring of the image but the architecture itself.   I love the tones that have been achieved within the different textures within the image.

Menorca 2014

I am now back from a glorious week in Menorca, which although means cooler Scottish weather, it also means I have lots of photographs from my time there as well.  It is not my first time in the beautiful Cala Galdana and will not be my last.  

(c) Lyndsey Norton Photography

There are different thoughts about what it is like to be alone.  One of which I believe the image above shows.  Wandering through an area where the apartments were either empty or closed (or both) made me think that life goes on even when nobody is there.  The brick work gets cracked and greenery still grows.  However ‘alone’ this images makes me feel, I still love the vibrant colours of the sky and terracotta floor.

On the other hand, being 'alone' could mean this image below and one which people might be able to identify with quite well.  This boat is not very far from the bay of Cala Galdana.  However from this angle there is nothing bar blue sky and sea.  Something quite tempting actually! 

(C) Lyndsey Norton Photography

The locals are very friendly; we have kept in touch with a couple of people from Menorca.  The image below shows that even the animals are friendly.  This little one came right up to us as we passed one of the local bars. 

(c) Lyndsey Norton Photography

 The expression on this little one’s face is very peaceful and, like me, enjoyed a bit of shade in the hot afternoon sun.

My final image follows the recurring themes of being alone as well as enjoying the tranquillity.  

(C) Lyndsey Norton Photography

A boat docks in a quieter part of the bay, away from the busyness of other boats.  I like how the boat is slightly covered by the surrounding land.  I also like the cool colours of the green and the blue.

Overall I had a great time here: beautiful country and beautiful people.

Sometimes you just need a bit of colour!

Sometimes in life, you just need a bit of colour.

Red Hot Feeling of Worry

The below image is titled - 'The Red Hot Feeling of Worry'.  When people worry it can be so suffocating that it overcomes you.  It can be a feeling that burns through you.  This image is trying to recreate the heat that comes with worry.  

Mist covered fields

Usually between Haddington to Tranent you can see the coast, you can see the Forth Bridges and Arthur’s Seat in the distance.  However, today you couldn’t see anything.  The roads were covered in fog.  When I pulled into a lay-by and was looking over the fields, I couldn’t help but think how eerie and, to be honest, a little dull the landscape looked.  However, after sitting for a few minutes it seemed rather peaceful, no distractions and just relaxing.  Usually I need some sunshine to help me relax but this weather had a similar effect (minus the tan).

This photograph depicts the fields covered in fog and also shows a contrast in the vibrancy of shades of green.  It also shows that some things such as the weather conditions remind you of other aspects. For instance, the smell of Dove always reminds me of my Gran and when I look at this image I am reminded of the novel Wuthering Heights.  Although I was by a busy main road shooting this, I could have been some isolated area overlooking some vast manor.  The road was a national speed limit road and you have to think, what other things do you miss when you are driving at speed?

Self Portrait

So this week I have been experimenting with layers.  Normally I don’t like overlaying images on top of each other but perhaps that is just because it is not a technique I often use.  

Playing about, I decided my chosen ‘top layer’ would look better on top of a portrait and although I have a lot of imagery of people mostly they are done in a studio environment and the typical family shot did not suit what I was going for. On that note, I have used a shot of myself (I am not a narcissist, I promise).

Looking at this image, I think it has an almost dream like feel to it. This is a feeling I would like to explore further, so if I ask for models please don’t feel intimidated.  I don’t want people to think that I am hiding the original image.  Instead, I wanted to add something to it and make it something other than a normal self portrait.  

 

(c) Lyndsey Norton Photography

Because sometimes you just like the setting.....

Today my parents came for a visit and we went for a drive.  Going through Aberlady I saw this and just wanted to take a picture.

(C) Lyndsey Norton Photography

Sitting taking the picture I felt very much at ease and although the weather was rather windy, it was very relaxing.  I took this picture because I was happy.

A walk on the track.

Over time places obviously change.  You just have to look and compare maps from previous years to see this.  For example, houses being built in disused fields and new roads being routed through areas that were once unseen by man.  We also have to take into account things that disappear over time due to modernisation.

The Pencaitland Railway walk is a seven-mile walk which now takes you through the countryside where flowers and animals have made their home since the railway was closed in 1965. 

There are elements still visible during the walk that were used in past times.

This image is titled ‘Walk on the track’.

(C) Lyndsey Norton Photography

Things passed down to us....

With today being Mother's Day, this post is one which could be described as bittersweet.  A day celebrated for those that nurtured us throughout our lives, it also bring sadness for people that cannot be with us.  My last post spoke of the little things that we might miss in our day to day lives.  Today I want to focus on a little thing that is important to me, especially on a day like today.

Years ago my Mum got my Gran a piece of jewellery, which eventually got passed to me.  It means the world to me.

(C) Lyndsey Norton Photography

 This picture is titled 'Passed Down',  I believe is shows that the simple things can often be the most important to us and without them we could lose a piece of ourselves. You should treasure the people that are with us and remember the people that cannot join in in today celebrations.  Remember this is just one day and that in reality you should be grateful for those in your lives everyday of the year.

Exploring Water

(c) Lyndsey Norton Photography

This week I was working with water.  It is something that I want to explore further as the effects shown are quite interesting.  This picture was shot at a fast shutter speed to capture a drop of water falling into a bowl.  While shooting, I began to wonder about the small things that we miss because without concentrating on them, they may seem unimportant or rather uninteresting.  However this image, I believe has many elements that are attractive.  The rise and fall of the water gives the water a look of different textures; however my favourite element is the droplet.  I believe it draws your eye to the photograph.  

Man's Best Friend

So this weekend myself and Cameron are looking after two of his parents' dogs.  Whilst Freya was sleeping, Sergio and I had a little impromptu photo shoot.  It basically consisted of me making strange noises to try to and keep his attention focussed on the camera, which at times he wanted to chew.

I took this image with Crufts in mind.  I watched a little of it and the gent off the TV was explaining what the standard was for breeds, what judges look for.  It all seems rather complicated to me, whether eyes are too big or their ears do not sit right.  Dogs are classed as man's best friend because of their personalities, because as children we grow up with them.  As for Sergio's personality, he is a big fun dog that doesn't particularly like people walking by him.  I think he is rather photogenic.

A day in the sun

Today was a wonderful day.  The sun was shining and after I hung out a washing and done some still life out in my back garden, I decided to explore the new area that I just recently moved to.  With my house just minutes away from the beach I travelled inwards towards Haddington. 

Haddington is a lovely town.  It is full of history and in time I will explore there and hopefully take some interesting shots of the buildings as well as the people that stay there.  However today I was just stopping for a couple of messages.

Driving along the road I saw Hopetoun Monument.  Although it’s up a hill (which I don’t like) I took my camera bag and started trudging my way up the hill.  When I reached the top, the views were incredible.  I could see all around, I didn’t climb up the monument (thought I’d leave that for another day) but I sat and enjoyed the views as well as the sunshine.

(c) Copyright Lyndsey Norton

(c) Copyright Lyndsey Norton

(c) Copyright Lyndsey Norton

On the way back from the monument, I decided to take the coastal route through Aberlady.   I stopped at Longniddry Bents and watched the people on their deckchairs and sitting on the beach enjoying the weather as much as I was.  The view was quite hazy but I could still see Cockenzie power station on the horizon.

I sat there for a while watching the horizon, thinking to myself, what will the skyline look like when the Cockenzie Chimneys disappear…..

A New Start

9th March 2014

When creating my blog, I wondered if it was worth it.  I began to post things just for the sake of posting and honestly it became boring.  I have decided to start again!  I am going to keep this up-to-date and actively use my photography!

(c) copyright Lyndsey Norton 

The above image was taken in Belfast.  The underpass could be so mundane however the graffiti brightens this space.  It makes the space welcoming and an interesting place to be.