Hi, Welcome to the forum!

Hello everyone!

Remember me? Unlocker's other half? As you may know I stupidly broke my ankle whilst we were on honeymoon back in February (please see numerous photos of my foot in the Photos section if you're unsure!)

For months, I have either not been able to get out and about to take photos, or haven't had the mobility to get into the right position to take a shot (crouching etc.) This has been very frustrating for me, and as such I have stayed away from the forum. It's nothing to do with you guys (you're great!) I just haven't felt that I could contribute because I couldn't take the photos I wanted to take.

Anyway, enough depression - yesterday Unlocker and I went to Claydon House (Bucks) where I walked without crutches for the first time, and also managed to take the photos I wanted to take. So, I feel confident enough to share my thoughts and photos with you now. So I'm back... I'll count to 10 so you can run and hide!

P.S. I will post some photos that I took at Claydon when I get home from work tonight!

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and wishes during my difficult recovery, I may not have been on here actively, but I have read your comments and it's been a real encouragement.

Fiona

Ahhh. Memories of being on both feet! I'm really glad we got to see the Cloud Gate, or The Bean as the locals call it. My personal favourites are no. 1 (as I'm in it with no plaster cast!) because it shows the shear scale of the sculpture, and no. 4 for the unusual angles of the reflections. I think Danny will agree that dispite the cold we could have spent a lot longer in Millennium Park!

Fiona

Thanks everyone for all your kind words! Sorry I haven't been here for a while, when the ankle's better I'll be back with some photos! Oh, and yes, I do have great legs!

Thanks again everyone, and I'll be back soon (that's a promise)

Fiona x

Well, I was thinking of going down to the south coast and trashing it in the sea, but if there's somewhere at the meet that's interesting (climbing a tree or something) then I'll definitely consider it. It'll be good to see what kind of images other people get of it too!

It's just an idea anyway. It'll be nice to meet everyone even if I don't bring the dress, especially as I've been away from the forum for a while.

Sunday please!

What a cheeky lot you are! My map reading skills are excellent, and I can read out directions just like that annoying woman on our sat nav!

Just an idea, but I'm thinking of trashing my wedding dress after the big day - if anyone would like to take photos I can bring the dress along. That's provided the wedding goes ahead and Danny doesn't leave me in the shop on the 9th!

Fiona x

Thanks for the comments. I had great fun taking these shots, and as cars really aren't my thing, wanted to try and look at them differently. My aim with the Suzuki was to highlight the pink areas (after all, I am a girl - "sexy headlights" really?), so I was trying to show the indicator light and pink in the wheels in the same shot. I personally like the abstract flavour to that shot.

I too, was disappointed about the brabus headlights not being in focus. Showed it to Danny on the mac before putting up here and he said it was a cracking shot. Personally I find the oof headlights a distraction, but I liked the composition so that's why it's here. I loved the silky look of the matte paint job - a lovely idea!

The only shots I took outside were of Tow-mater (Danny posted his shot of that) and my boat (yes, one of the bigguns!)But those shots didn't make the grade with me, actually had better results indoors!

Fiona

I really wanted to say fdcgfdsgfds gsdf, but I thought I'd be honest! For me it depends on the situation. If I'm handheld and want to get the picture fast then I use autofocus (centre or selective point). If I'm doing my flower macros with the tripod then I go manual. To me, it's all down to what you're taking, where, when....

So I opted for both in the end, not fdcgfdsgfds gsdf

Fiona

Sorry to make this the millionth post on the motor show, but as you probably know I went with Unlocker (Danny) on Sunday and had great fun using the K10D without the grip and just with the 50mm Ltd on!
Here are my favourite 6, C&C more than welcome:

That's made it a lot easier to view. And not resizing the images is a godsend. One thing I've noticed though... I've been taking a look at the new Competition section in the Gallery, and I like the layout and the Gallery idea, but how and where will the judging be posted?