Oberammergau

Oberammergau was THE most peaceful place to just rest and relax in some of the most breathtaking scenery. They host the passion play every 10 years after the villagers pledged to re-enact the crucifixion of Christ if the black death spared their village - it did. And they still have the play true to their word. It's also great that all the villagers make up the cast so the friendly chap who was pouring my weissbier was probably lined up to play Jesus!

Imperia

Check out this raunchy lady! Her name is Imperia is she is a rather huge statue on the bank of Lake Constance. There to represent corruption she holds the pope in one hand and the king in the other - supposedly a prostitute...probably a bit unfair but she was a bit of a shock i have to say.

Raging

Looking back over some pictures from last year touring around Bavaria i realised there we so many pictures i should do something with - maybe i was feeling particularly harsh at first. Isn't it great to relieve those memories of an amazing holiday! Spending time with amazing friends and seeing some truly magical things! The picture below was taken at Linderhoff Castle nestled in the bavarian alps and it was a truly amazing place...surrounded by so much natural beauty and yet the palace itself filled with all the riches that money could buy.

Symmetry

There was so much opulence within the many, many churches we visited in Bavaria and Austria - it was all very decadent and were more works of art than places of reverence but beautiful all the same.

Atmosphere

There are lots more castle pictures from today but this is the other favourite...with no actual castles in sight. A very atmospheric walk to the castle, would be great at night....if i'm feeling brave!

Heritage

I visited a beautiful castle today in a very peaceful and rural location - which was great not to have swarms of people! There were also some amazing trees and so it was a great opportunity to practise with the wide angled lens. I'm really pleased with the effect of the branches really filling the picture.

Webs

I wanted to add these few pictures for the really delicate nature of them. The intricate details are really beautiful.

Summer Blues

Just another lovely sunset to admire!

Glitter

I was almost convinced this petal was fake by the amazing texture and the almost sparkling colour. It really was quite lovely against the blue sky!

At Work

I almost got stung taking these pictures...they were some busy bees on a mission!

It's In Your Hands

Not a picture of photographic genius i have to admit but more of a random crazy idea. The summary will say it all: It's In Your Hands! We have control over our own lives and it's our responsibility to appreciate every moment, every bit of beauty around us and to make the most of the life we are given......WOW deep for Saturday evening sitting watching Indiana Jones...must be Harrison Ford!

Me

These are my self portrait pictures and i do feel a little self indulgent taking and posting these but what the hell! Again all very natural and no posing whatsoever.

True Love

I've had a go at some self portraits today when i was having a break from chasing insects!!! It was also a good time to practise with my camera which i've been a little lazy at doing recently. These are some lovely pictures taken with my lovely husband. Whilst not the most traditional style picture they are very relaxed and natural which is surely what it's all about....capturing a moment and all that!

Barely There

Today started of pretty gloomy i have to tell you but by this afternoon was the most amazing sunny day and my doesn't everything feel better when it is. It seemed all the butterflies emerged today to make the most of the sun and i've spent most of the day trying to track some down...it took a long time and a lot of patience. This is about the best image i managed to get...better luck tomorrow maybe!

Rules Of Photography

What is that saying never work with children or animals? Blatantly ignoring that advice i attempted to take some nice pet portrait pictures and they came out really well i think. When i say that i mean a. no animals were harmed when taking these pictures b. i was not harmed taking these pictures and c. they came out more than a blur!

The tongue picture isn't serious of course, but quite funny all the same!

And finally the other attempt.

Sunny

Taking full advantage of the sunshine (including inducing ridiculous sunburn) i was taking lots of pictures trying to make full use of the amazing blue sky! And spotting these vibrant yellow flowers just cheered me up no end.

Halo

I really loved the effect of the sun glistening behind these flowers.

Grain

I've actually been much more disciplined at adding pictures on Facebook lately which is probably a lazy way of doing it but nevertheless this is one of the pictures that i uploaded there ages ago.

Pink Skies

The improvement in the weather, mixed with some stormy evenings have produced some stunning sunsets. I've been quite lazy in chasing them down actually but have managed to capture a few!

The clouds make the picture almost 3D which is pretty cool!

Velvet

As i mentioned the weather has been sooooo much better the last few weeks....what am i talking about you really have probably worked that out for yourselves and with the burst of colour all of a sudden i was quite taken with some lovely petals on the roses in the garden. They do remind me of the ruffles you'd see on a wedding cake...so delicate and poised!

Where Have I Been!

Wow...how long has it been since i updated my blog - jees louise! That is representative of one BUSY month i can tell you. Despite not being a diligent blogger i have been taking pics here and there trying to make the most of some decent weather.

So here's a little taster and i'll try to get on a roll and do a bumper upload!

I lent a macro lens from a very good friend a few weeks ago - i didn't go too mad but had a little practise. Needless to say this is on my wish list now!

I love the effect of the water....and well the wetness (it's been a long day!)