Water under the Bridge

Here we are, ready to bid farewell to yet another year. Around the same time last December, I remember reminiscing back at 2013 and being horribly disappointed about how the year had turned out – both economy-wise and at a personal level. It certainly was an all-time low but the eternal optimist in me always knew that once you hit rock bottom, things can only get better.

Thankfully they did. For me, 2014 was certainly a much better year. It was a year of self reflection and new beginnings – both personally and professionally. I’ve managed to fulfill one of my life long dreams by driving across the US and I’ve made an important career move, which will present me with new challenges and opportunities in the new year. Most important of all, both my family and I are in good health. That’s certainly all one can ask for.

So let me take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, full of happiness and health for you and your loved ones. If 2014 didn’t treat you as well, then cheer up, aim high and let this year’s bad memories flow away, like water under the bridge. See you all in 2015!

Water under the bridge - 1920c

Shot with my tripod mounted Canon 60D and my Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 DC HSM lens, at ISO 100, F13, at 2.5 secs using my B+W ND 3.0 filter.

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Year in Review (2013)

Don’t know that many people (at least in Cyprus anyway), who will remember 2013 as a stellar year. From my point of view it was pretty horrible all around. As I glimpse back over the last 12 months, my only escape from the depressing events that occurred (not just economy-wise, but also at a personal level), was my love for photography.

For this last blog post of 2013, I won’t bother you with the details of how well I did against my New Year resolutions. Suffice to say that I succeeded to a great extent, somewhat failing at my goal of further exploring Cyprus. Ironically, the image below attests to just that – the ease with which one can find great photo opportunities when travelling abroad (in this case Venice) vs. within their own home country. Something that definitely needs to be addressed next year!

I want to wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2014, with happiness and health to you and your loved ones. See you in January!

Venice Boat  - 1920c

Shot with my Canon 60D and Canon 24-70mm F2.8L lens at ISO 400, F8.0 and 1/80sec.

Light Paintings turns a year old!

Wow – it’s already been a year! Never really thought this blog would make it this far. Chances were I was going to lose interest after the first couple of posts, but 44 posts/pictures later here we are. Looking back at this year I must say that keeping the blog up-to-date with new pictures has really helped me stay motivated, and dedicated in my hobby. As to whether I’ve improved as a photographer, only you can be the judge of that, all I know is that there is still a lot of work to be done.

On the occasion of this anniversary (which also marks the first half of 2013), I have decided to reflect on my New Year’s resolutions, and see how far I’ve gotten against the goals I’ve set at the beginning of this year.

  • Explore Cyprus (take 3 pictures depicting life in Cyprus): Technically not doing so well here. I’ve taken a couple of shots (Oak tree, Protaras Pier and the Windmill), which with the exception of perhaps the Windmill, the rest have been of places that were a bit too familiar to me. Still need to get out there and explore!
  • Long Exposures (2 pictures particularly in B&W): Done! Started off experimenting with my trip to Petra tou Romiou,  and then managed to get a decent pic of the Protaras Pier. I am really growing fond of this technique, so I will definitely keep experimenting.
  • New Types of Photography (try out 3 new types): Getting there. Managed to try out Studio portrait photography and I’ve taken a crack at deep space photography (not posted anything yet cause of my initial failed attempt), but some work still to be done here.
  • Frame a picture: Surprisingly done! My picture of the Lake Boat is now proudly hanging in my bedroom. Still need to place a floating frame around it to better fit the size of the wall, but its a done deal and here is the proof!

Overall not a bad first half of the year. Looking forward to the next 6 months, hopefully managing to exceed my goals!

On this occassion, I’ve decided to post an old picture that I’ve taken about a year ago in the old part of Limassol, of an old house window.

Old Limassol Window - 1920c

Shot with my tripod-mounted Canon 60D and Sigma 18-200mm 3.5-6.3 OS lens, at ISO 100, F11, 1/15 sec and bracketed at -2/0/+2.