Sarah Jane Photography | my gallery | My photography resource suggestions | Photography Basics
100 Tutorials for Photographers | Photoshop Actions |

Hey everyone! How are you all?

Whilst sipping a cup of tea and pondering what to write for my next journal, I remembered something that happened to me a few weeks ago. I was at a local nature reserve, photographing the beautiful bushland and exploring the landscape - when I noticed some people bush-walking a few meters away. Without thinking, I snapped away and thought they added a very interesting element to my photos, enjoying the peacefulness just like me.

A few minutes later, a man noticed what I was doing and came over to me in a gruff, and asked me why I was taking his photo! At first I was stunned into silence, but then I smiled warmly and told him that I thought the landscape looked so amazing, and capturing people enjoying it was just purely incidental. I felt like I was almost bracing myself for his angry response, but his face softened and he asked me if he could see the photos. Of course I flicked through my camera to show him, and quite obviously you couldn't see any of their faces - just the beauty of people walking along a bush path. Surprisingly, we chatted for quite some time about photography and it was great that the situation turned out positively!

This brings me to my next journal theme - What are your rights as a photographer?

What can you do if someone demands you to stop taking photos in a public/private place, or of them?

Sometime during your photography experience, someone may abruptly ask you to stop photographing. It might be a random person, a police officer, security guard - whoever it is - they might be confronting, or aggressive when telling you to stop. It's very important that you remain calm, be polite as you can be, be civil when explaining that you have rights to photograph in a public place. There are no laws (in Australia, I am particularly talking about) to prevent photographers from photographing people in public.

If a person demands to see the photographs, or for you to delete them off your camera - you do NOT need to. If they ask questions about your identity, where you are from, why you're photographing them - you do NOT need to give any explanation. You have every right to be photographing and it is your right to have this freedom.

However! If a particular person is harassing you, it's common sense to get away as quickly and quietly as possible. Don't continue an argument because it's not a wise idea to reason with a person whose angry - and you're putting yourself in further danger.

If in worse cases, you have been assaulted, you must contact the police - and, if possible, try capture a photo for positive identification (but not if it'll make matters worse!).

What else can I do if someone says it's their right not to be photographed?

The best advice I can give is to print out a copy of your country / state's laws and rights for Street Photography, and read aloud from it what your rights are, and theirs.

Wouldn't it be polite to ask someone for their permission before taking their photo?

The simple answer is yes - it is more polite. Most of the time I do ask people for their permission, especially if they've already noticed I'm nearby snapping away. I think it's great to make conversation naturally and be very thankful - without these random models, our photos would not be half as beautiful. If I'm taking their photo, I don't usually take a photo of their faces - or only a small portion of their faces - out of respect for them. But that's just my own personal opinion. I rarely tell them what I'm going to do with these photos, unless they seem friendly and genuine that I can give them my gallery website (on a business card). I've also asked random people to model for me before, professionally, when I thought they had a unique look about them that would look amazing in photos.

What are your photography rights?

Arts Law Centre of Australia states;

"There are no publicity or personality rights in Australia, and there is no right to privacy that protects a person's image. Existing privacy laws are more concerned with storage and management of personal information and are of limited relevance to the present issue.

There is also currently no tort of invasion of privacy in Australia, but in ABC v Lenah Game Meats (2001) the High Court did not exclude the possibility that a tort of unjustified invasion of privacy may be established in the future. Based on this view, the Queensland District Court found in Grosse v Purvis (2003) that a tort of invasion of privacy had been made out on the facts and awarded the plaintiff damages. However, this case concerned a long history of harassment over many years and has limited application. As a result, taking photographs of people in public places is generally permitted."

tl;dr? The taking and publication of such a photograph of a person in Australia, is not an invasion of privacy, nor is it in breach of any case or statute law. At present it is quite legal to do so.

Now, I must stress that laws are different all around the world, so I am encouraging you all to research your country's laws and rights surrounding photography on public or private locations.

Street photography rights in Australia

Photographers Rights in the U.S

Photographers Rights in the UK

Photography rights in Canada

Can I photograph people for commercial purpose?

This is more complex to explain. If, for instance, you're going to photograph people for an advertising campaign, you MUST obtain a model release form signed by the people you are photographing, which also gives you authorization to use their image to sell a product. Check this website to download a model release form sample.


It's very important that all photographers know their rights - protecting their photographs, themselves, in any situation. Read and print a copy of your own so you can always have it as back up if you ever need it, you never know when it might come in handy!

Keeping up with photography

Have you been reading the ^Kaz-D's photography weekly editions?? You can find many photography goodies, features, and competitions in her articles!


Want to learn more about aspect, ratio, and composition? *NunoCanha's journal is a must read!


Interested in street photography? *MARX77 has selected and featured some incredibly mind-blowing street photographs in his journal, please go check it out!

Feature: Shades of Green

  




Thank you all for the support! I've been working 7 days a week, teaching at a Primary school and working weekends for extra money, so I apologize if I'm a bit slow to respond! I will eventually answer all comments and notes.

Sarah Jane Photography | my gallery | My photography resource suggestions | Photography Basics
100 Tutorials for Photographers | Photoshop Actions |

After writing a surprisingly successful journal entry a few days ago, I've decided I'll be trying to update this as much as possible - thanks for all the support everyone! You're amazing!

There are so many more topics in photography I think people would find very useful. Years ago, when I first started dabbling in photography, I was always so fascinated by the 'bokeh' effect in backgrounds, and often attempted to get the same effect but to no avail. What was I doing wrong? I had a good Canon slr and a kit lens of 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 - shouldn't that be enough? WRONG! I started again from scratch, researched every possible tutorial existed on the web... I realized I was doing all the wrong things!

How to create beautiful Bokeh

1. Large aperture works best, so use a low f-stop number like f1.4, f1.8 or f2.8.

2. The best lens I ever bought was the Canon 50mm f/1.8, creating soft beautiful bokeh light in the background. I remember I only paid around $100 for it, so it really isn't that expensive as opposed to other lenses!

3. Experimenting with focus - I soon found out that being CLOSE to the subject and FURTHER away from the background (lights) was the most effective way to create bokeh.

4. The obvious - LIGHT in the background! It can't be a consistent kind of background, there has to be some form of lights in the background. I discovered plain yellow/white fairy lights and used them quite often in concept/still life photography for a prettier background. I've also used standard christmas lights.

5. Remember that the shutter speed must be faster than 1/60, otherwise the bokeh won't turn out as well. In past experiments, I've tested this indoors and realized I could still use my Canon speedlite flash and use a faster shutter speed to create an excellent bokeh effect.

6. Want to see my Bokeh photography in action? I've uploaded a simple & quick video to demonstrate my set up: Click here to see BOKEH!


DIY - Create your own Bokeh!


Feeling excited and adventurous with photography? Why not try out some different shaped bokeh effects!

DIY Photography has demonstrated a very clever way to fake heart bokeh lights! Easy, make a lens hood yourself!

In the middle of the filter specific bokeh shape is cut out - in out example a heart is used. But you can check it right away by just looking through the viewfinder. On the 50mm lens @ F1.8 a 15mm heart gives a metering value equal to F3.2, so it can probably be a little bigger (you can use a puncher or cut it by hand).




Beautiful Examples of Bokeh




More Bokeh Resources!

How can I properly set up my camera to create a bokeh effect?

Video tutorial on creating bokeh cut outs

dSLR Bokeh Photography tutorial

Exceptional examples of Bokeh

Hello lovelies! How has everyone been?

I've been overwhelmed with the amount of questions and comments I've been receiving about how I edit my photographs, what Photoshop actions do I use, how I do I get a "soft" effect, etc. I've been trying to keep up in answering them all but I thought it would be much easier if I give an explanation / tutorial / information about my editing in this journal. My only ask in return is that you please "like" my Official Photography Page "Sarah Jane Photography" via Facebook - I do update frequently and give tips on photography & editing. There's even a bokeh video too!

Before I delve into resources to use... I want to say to all photographers and photoshop users that everyone has a unique way in editing, and everyone has personal styles in the way they want their 'finished' photo to look. I am deeply humbled that so many enjoy my photographs; every comment and critique is very meaningful to me. I started using Photoshop when I was 13, and I love playing around with colors and experimenting. The way I edit my photographs changes every few months, so please keep in mind that your own editing will change and grow as you do. If you pour your heart and soul into taking photographs, your photos will already be beautiful. Photoshop is just a way to 'enhance' your photographs, not alter them completely. I've found with experience, that if I change too much in my photograph (i.e edit out a background flaw / spot), then a small piece of me has been removed from the photo. Sometimes a photo looks the best when it's perfectly imperfect. Don't aim for perfection, aim for your photographs to reflect "YOU".

MAIN TRICKS
(Most photographers will know these basic techniques, but for those who are starting out in photography/photoshop and editing, these techniques will be your best friend. If I'm happy with the outcome of a photo, these are the only tools I will use!)

Smart-sharpening. (Filter > Sharpen > Smart Sharpen). If I'm shooting a macro subject, I will use the lasoo tool to 'select' only a small part of the photograph and sharpen the subject for extra focus.
Saturation / Vibrancy. You can lose quality in your photographs if you don't saturate your photo correctly. I prefer vibrancy when editing, as I find it preserves the quality and finer details of a photograph.
Brightening photographs. Particularly if your photograph is under-exposed, this is a great method in brightening your photo without making it look too washed out.
Reduce noise techniques. If you have a photo that has background noise, don't give up! There are various techniques you can use in photoshop to reduce the noise ("smoothing") in the background - and you won't lose too much quality.

PHOTOSHOP DON'TS

AIRBRUSHING - ohh I could write essays on the problems with airbrushing if not done "correctly". I'm not talking about professional, natural airbrushing. I'm talking about using the airbrush tool set at 4% and aribrushing a portrait set on a skin color. You can just google 'Photoshop airbrush fail' to see what I'm talking about! Research different retouching techniques that do not require using the airbrush tool. I'm a firm believer in 'keeping it natural' - unless a client personally asks me to retouch a blemish, or for special reasons (blind in one eye) - I will keep portraits looking very natural. If you know how to soften portraits, it can add a very youthful effect to a photo!

HDR sharpening effect on portraits. This is personal opinion here, but again - the over-processing on portraits looks terrible if it's not done right. HDR effect (in photoshop) creates a harsh effect on faces; it will sharpen the details of any wrinkles, lines, blemishes, and highlights any other flaws. Personally I feel HDR can look wonderful on landscape photography if done right, but portraits look best when they're natural - and most clients will want to look youthful, not 10 years older!

HIGH KEY black & white - especially on children - if it's not done correctly, can look far too harsh on little faces. A photo can lose a lot of quality, details, sharpness, when over-exposed. I love black and white photography as it looks so classic and beautiful, but high-key can change the quality of a photo overall. I've never been able to successfully find a "perfect" technique in editing high-key, but I still have a lot to learn too!
If you're really keen on high-key photography, do your research and soak up as much info as you can! Be careful in your research, ensure that you are listening to/reading expert opinions, or with plenty of experience!


FAVOURITE PHOTOSHOP ACTIONS

These are some of my favourite, most used photoshop actions (aside from my own Photoshop actions, which I use everyday).

Ittybitty Actions! Created by one of my favourite Australian photographers, JinkyArt, these wonderful actions create a fairytale-inspired effect to any photo. I cannot recommend these actions enough!



Mama Shan's Retouch Photoshop Actions. If you're going to retouch using any techniques, this is it. I swear by these actions, they do exactly as they claim. I use them particularly in glamor photograph editing, weddings, etc.



Florabella Collection Photoshop Actions. I fell in love with all of these photoshop actions and I've been using them ever since - mostly for children photography - they add such a sweet and soft element to photos! Definitely worth looking into!



Get Totally Rad Photoshop Actions.
These photoshop actions are legendary. I can retouch portraits, edit colors, soften backgrounds, all in one go - so quick and fast for photographers on a deadline. Every outcome of these photoshop actions are of A grade quality.



FREEBIES

Vintage Dark & Soft Photoshop Actions. Yep, I'm promoting my own photoshop actions! I made these quite awhile ago, and I've been using them every day since. With over 130k downloads, people can be assured that they are downloading a professional and reliable photoshop action (which I also use for client's photographs). One day I will review these actions and upgrade them, as I've changed the way I edit my photographs, but for now they're very useful - and free!



Magical Effect 4.0.




PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS & TRICKS

(I use a Canon 450D and 60D slr, this is what I'm basing my tips from!)

Most of the time I have my camera's WB (white balance) set on "Warm" or "Daylight", which is why a lot of my photographs look as though it's a very sunny day - but in fact, many of my photographs have been taken in terrible overcast weather. If you can set your camera's white balance to a warmer tone, you'll be very pleased with the outcome!

Don't use the Auto mode. Step outside your comfort zone and experiment in all other manual modes. If I'm having to work quickly, I'll only use P-Mode (Program) or Tv-Mode (Shutter priority), but I'll never use auto.

Invest in a really good speedlite flash. I use a Canon Speedlite 580exII flash which I researched before I purchased, and I was very happy with the reviews. You don't have to have the "best of the best", but a flash does absolute wonders if you're indoors particularly. You will need to learn how to 'bounce' the light off the roof or walls, so that it fills the room and looks as though it's natural light. I advise not to aim the flash at anyone - not only because you'll blind them, but it won't look good at all.

Natural light photography. There are many examples and well-known photographers who only use natural lighting techniques for their photos. Research natural light for ideas and tips how to achieve a natural light look in your photos. If you're outside, I find that natural light looks best from 7am - 12pm, and from 3pm-6pm. After 12pm, the sun can make the light look too harsh.



Alternatives. Again, you don't have to have the best equipment. In the past when I began my photography business, I used different alternatives than using the best equipment. In one photoshoot, when the light was too harsh, I used a white bed-sheet to dim the light against the model - and it worked beautifully. I also used the same sheet to bounce my speedlite flash so that the light would look amazing, even in low-light conditions.


Whew.. I've typed so much, I will leave it at that and write another journal soon. I wish everyone the best of luck with photography and editing! I don't claim to be a know-all in photography, I have soo much to learn; each time I do a photoshoot, I learn something new. It's all about experimenting and what works best for you!

I'd love to hear feedback upon my tips and ideas. Wish you all the very best!




Love,
Sarah Jane

CSS Journal Coded by ~FleX177

It's so true this quote. Those who don't care at all, once cared too much. I think this now applies to me too, spending way too much time caring over certain things and people, when they were only in my life for what felt like a split second. And another thing I've noticed, is that those who are utterly miserable seem to try make a mess of other people's lives so they can forget their own. I don't mean that in a harsh way... I mean it because I've had it happen to me more times than I care to count.

The lesson learned from it all is that I really need to start caring about the right people. I tend to drift towards those that either 'need' me, but only need me for specific reasons and then when that purpose is fulfilled.. they drift away from me. I thought I loved someone, but in the end I realized how depressed he was, and that subconsciously I desperately wanted to help him. I didn't realize that I was with a sociopath.. and charming as he was, he would use me and spit me out like he had done with countless other people. Thankfully I ended it as soon as I realized. For the longest time I was in shock that I could ever have been with someone like that... and how deceiving some people can be. It's definitely made me build a wall so high that not many can get close, and if they really knew why, they may understand.

I'm surprising myself more than ever lately.. realizing that it doesn't really matter if people drift in and out of my life, they stay long enough to teach me a valuable lesson or two, move on and let me breathe again... I have a very close group of friends who have always stayed the same and never judge me.. They know I make mistakes but they don't define me, or make me a bad person. If I judged everyone on every mistake they ever made, I'd end up pushing everyone away and cutting them out. That's not me.

Even the man I dated for months, who treated me so badly... I am forgiving. It's definitely a process, but i'm getting there. Overcoming the shock and the fact someone would ever do that to me.. it hasn't always been easy. It's taught me more about him and myself- how happy I am that I walked away and never tried revenge.. I'll leave it to karma to do it's magic.

I've come out a more 'intuitive' person definitely... those with negative auras, I can sense that energy and usually my instinct is right in most cases. I guess that comes with experience (good and bad). People do fascinate me... those who seem to speak harshly or lie about someone's character, says more about themselves than anything else. It blows my mind that people could say such untrue things about someone and not feel anything. If someone genuinely upsets me, I might tell them what I think about what they did, but I don't ever put them down to other people. Maybe it's because I feel so strongly about karma, wrong speech, the ripple effect it can have... or maybe my conscience would fall on me like a tonne of bricks.

Something else I've noticed... when those negative influences leave your life, it's like being able to see clearly again. How silly of me that I never saw it before - I was too busy listening and caring what other people were saying, even if it was negative.. It was weighing heavily on my mind even days later. Mentally exhausted, I gave up trying to "fix" them and when I let go... I realized I needed to focus on me - not in a selfish way - but how could I help anyone if I couldn't help myself?

(This is a diary entry from a couple of days ago... Thought I'd share it)

CSS Journal Coded by ~FleX177

Hey everyone! Hope you're all doing very well and happy!!

I have a small favor to ask of you. The photograph below is my Original image of "Chandelier".


([link] < Link to Original)


My photograph was STOLEN, EDITED, AND EVEN HAD 'COPYRIGHT' PUT ON IT by a company called HAJS- QTR.


( [link] ) < Link to Stolen


NOW I HAVE SEARCHED AND FOUND HIM ON FACEBOOK. FINALLY, WE CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT MY STOLEN IMAGE, AND MANY MANY OTHERS BY OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS.

>>>THIS IS THE COMPANY'S FACEBOOK - [link] <<<


PLEASE MESSAGE HIM WITH THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE

"TO WHOEVER THIS IS,

YOU HAVE STOLEN LOVE4ART'S PHOTO, "CHANDELIER"  (Original [link]) AND EDITED IT, AND UPLOADED IT AS YOUR OWN. THIS IS THE IMAGE YOU UPLOADED, EVEN PUTTING COPYRIGHT ON IT
[link]

YOU HAVE STOLEN THIS IMAGE, AND MANY OTHER PHOTOGRAPHER'S WORK. WE WILL SPREAD THIS MESSAGE TO ALL, UNTIL YOU TAKE DOWN ALL STOLEN IMAGES ON YOUR WEBSITE. WE WILL NOT STOP."


Don't forget to put those links in too, it's very important he sees BOTH images and understands what he did was WRONG.

I would, from the depths of my heart, appreciate every single message sent to him. I want to keep uploading my photography here and not have to worry about my images being stolen. The support of my photography also means the world to me. And I promise I would do the same for you all too.

If you could please, please spread the word about this! Link this journal on any social networking system, facebook, twitter, etc.

My aim is to group together and try and get this horrible, immoral person/company to take down EVERYONES photographs.

THANK YOU EVERYONE

CSS Journal Coded by ~FleX177

Hi everyone! How are you all doing? It's been awhile since I updated my journal and there is a particular issue I want to discuss...

Art theft. It seems lately, I've noticed, that it's getting worse and worse. Or at least for me anyway... So I wanted to dig deep into the meaning of art theft and explain in detail what it means to us artists trying to make a living, or for any under-appreciated artist.

What is Art Theft?

This is my personal answer to this question. Art theft is the action of a person(s), in which they deliberately copy, reproduce, edit, publish, transmit, upload, etc, in any way, without artist written consent (written consent is far more legit than spoken words, as written can be a binding contract, which can be later used as evidence). Art theft is the action of right-clicking & saving, uploading (without permission). It can also be art theft when deliberately copied, such as painting the exact photograph (if said photograph is NOT a stock photo), and used without permission.

This leads me to my next point.

Does 'Crediting' mean I can use what ever I want on deviantART? (Or external websites).

NO. From FAQ #306: Does "Crediting" let me use whatever I want? states-

You must obtain written permission from the proper and legal owner of any work which you wish to use, credit alone does not replace this requirement.

Official written permission or license is required whenever you wish to use artwork or photographs created by someone else; it is also required if you wish to use screenshots, official artwork from a video game, scans from an art book, or any other source material which is considered the legal property of another person. Permission is still required even if you have planned to manipulate, color over, blend the original with other images, or otherwise digitally work over the original work.

Explicit permission is not required when you choose to use valid stock resources. Please check your sources carefully to ensure that they are valid stock.

There seems to be some confusion in what constitutes as 'correct crediting'. Not only do YOU as an artist, need to credit your work, so does everyone else who publishes art (WITH consent).

This is how I credit ALL my art:

© Sarah Jane Photography
2012

Hold alt, press 0169 to create the copyright symbol.  

Outside person(s) must correctly credit artist's work:

If it is an image that you have uploaded onto a blog/tumblr etc-

ORIGINAL IMAGE NAME by ARTIST REAL NAME/USERNAME found here (link to image)

Eg: "Sweet Delights" by `Whimsical-Dreams (Sarah Jane Photography) found here [link]

This is where I need to stress that you MUST upload the original image link, do not be lazy! If we (artists) have taken the time to create art, the least you can do is give credit where credit is due. Properly crediting means you respect the artist, the original image, and therefore showing compassion for all artists who put so much time and effort into their work.

My next point is that the internet is NOT a free place for everyone to click, save, and upload JUST because images are at their disposal. It really disgusts me that some people think the internet is just there for them to steal work, and give no other thought to the poor artist. I have very very little tolerance for those who steal art. I'm a patience and gentle person , but when I find that my work has been stolen, or even others, I muster all my energy to ensure the person(s) take down my work. My message to every artist out there, is that we MUST support each other when art theft occurs. If it can happen to one person, it can happen to you too.

A wonderful example of artist support - On Facebook I began to 'Like' spiritual groups to search for quotes about Buddhism. I stumbled onto a group called 'Love and Compassion'. To my horror, I saw that this group, which claimed to uphold morals and values such as compassion, were using my photograph 'Not Forgotten' ([link] as their Display Picture on their Profile. Upset, I left a comment on the display photo, patiently asking them to take down my photo as I was the authentic artist and they had no consent from me what-so-ever. The founder of the group had the nerve to respond with "Your photo is circulating all over facebook.. Everyone else has this photo as their profile picture". Just because one idiot uploads it, doesn't mean that others should follow the same disgusting behavior. I asked this person to credit me, and instead he claimed it was HIS photo. What!?
I immediately explained the situation on my personal Facebook page, where to my delight, lots of people supported me and left messages on the group to take it down. Thank you to all those lovely people who backed me up and finally got him to take it down! It shows me that with determination and support, artists are very capable of doing something about art theft.

Now another situation that has been bothering me, I received a message on my image of MYSELF here -


The person who asked me had ALREADY uploaded my photograph onto Facebook as their group display picture, and THEN asked me for permission. That is NOT how it works!! You ASK for permission first and THEN if the original artist agrees (and states that they expect crediting, and link given), only then you may upload the said image. It is incredibly rude to upload first and then ask. I don't mean to name and shame here, just providing an example of the types of behaviors I see all the time.

One last point- a classic example of extreme art theft-

My original image -



If anyone knows how to read their language or get the image removed, I would be forever grateful to you


tl;dr? HAVE RESPECT FOR ARTISTS, GIVE PROPER CREDIT!

If we work together, with a little patience and compassion for all artists, the problem of art theft would reduce massively.

Thank you everyone for taking the time to read

Hope you're all well and happy!

CSS Journal Coded by ~FleX177

Edit: Recently I have noticed on deviantART how badly artists are being affected by art theft. It really saddens me to see that some people are so unoriginal to do something like that! ~kittysyellowjacket in particular (and her sister) have been victims of awful art theft, even selling her work as prints to reap money from it. From stealing art, to copying art or written work is still art theft. No idea is copyrighted, so therefore everyone can take photographs of birds, pocket watches, teacups etc. I myself have been accused of copying an idea, which seemed absolutely ridiculous to me at the time as I had never seen their work before. People forget that objects, nature etc, are accessible to EVERYONE, and we all enjoy photographs of a similar taste.

This brings me to my next point... Art theft doesn't just relate to photographs, digital art pieces, traditional drawings- it relates to written pieces too (poetry, prose, etc). That means highlighting text, coping and pasting. Para phrasing is still copying to me (this means that you alter words and try to make it your own). I recently noticed that someone had copied my "About Me" section on my page, tried to make it their own by altering few words. Every written piece I write, even an "Info" section, has been written with my heart and soul. As "flattering" as it is, it is still in a way, theft! Being original, creative and authentic is not hard at all. You only need to be yourself. Not anyone else.

Writers really do put a little piece of their soul into their writing and offer it to the world to see. It can either be appreciated, or taken for granted. Lets give writers/artists the respect they so rightly deserve! I feel so lucky being able to view their work on deviantART, it breaks my heart to see anything unappreciated!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Hi everyone, how are you all?? I hope everyone is in good spirits, happy and healthy!

I have been neglecting my little blog lately, so I thought I would finally upload lots of photos from my recent camping trip at the Murray River. My family stayed with friends, just past Strathmerton, alongside the Murray river... and all the beautiful wildlife too. I was so excited to capture everything around me! As soon as we arrived, I noticed koalas around our campsite, they were very friendly! Later at sunset, we would go for car trips around the dirt tracks in the bushland and find lots of kangaroos.. During the day I would disappear for hours in the bushland, just me and my camera (and of course sometimes my little bro!), just to get even the glimpse of something wonderful. 4 days later, I was very attached to the nature and land, and didn't want to leave! (Alright I lied, I missed my shower hehe). I am most happy when I'm surrounded by the peaceful and blissful nature, no cares in the world...

Tell me, what makes you most happy? Is it people, a place, music? I would love to know! And whilst you're pondering... have a looksee at my latest blog entries...  I would love you forever

[link] < SoftlyWhispers

Last but not least, a HUGE thank you to everyone for the on going support here on deviantART! I was so shocked to see I received another Daily Deviation a few weeks ago! Such a lovely surprise! I am always critical of my own work, but everyone is so encouraging and positive here, it really makes me want to take as many photos as I can every day.. So thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Hope you all are enjoying the beginning of 2012!!

Lots of love,
Sarah xx

CSS Journal Coded by ~FleX177

CSS Journal Coded by ~FleX177

Hi everyone! I hope you are all very well, happy, and in good spirits? I have missed being so active here as I once was. But in good news I have started a new blog to upload the "extra" photos that I haven't had time to put here on dA. Each blog entry will tell a new story of my photography travels, and adventures. I would love to read/view your blogs if you do have one!

Here is my latest blog entry: [link] (Softlywhispers)

Have a wonderful Christmas / Festive Season, bless you all

Love Sarah

CSS Journal Coded by ~FleX177

CSS Journal Coded by ~FleX177

So I stole this little quiz off ~LiffyRose, and thought I'd have a go!! Feel free to copy/paste and do it yourself! (Also check out her gallery, tis awesooomes).

I also wanted to bump off my last depressing journal. Thanks for everyone for their beautiful comments.... really warmed my heart knowing so many people care about me. And it also took my mind off me, knowing other people are going through the same thing, I felt a little selfish for writing so much about my own problems... I know there are worse things out there...

ANYWHO back to the quiz!


1. I've come to realize that my hair:
takes a lot of work to look after it. most days it's a messy frizz..


2. I've come to realize that when I talk:
I like to ask lots of questions about other people... I find people fascinating...

3. I've come to realize that I don't want:
to be unhappy, like I was a few months ago..

4. I've come to realize that all I really need:
is my family and friends, and support of people who care about me. <3

5. I've come to realize that I've lost:
a sense of confidence in myself, but slowly finding it again..

6. I've come to realize that I hate it when:
my best male friends get into relationships and then forget their female friends. :

7. I've come to realize that if I'm drunk:
I tend to be really out there, I'm not myself!!

8. I've come to realize that money:
can be very frivolous and stupid. I'm so in debt with medical bills right now.

9. I've come to realize that when I get old:
I will be a very happy and horny old lady with a charming young hubby. Hehe.

10. I've come to realize that I'll always be:
true to myself, and never change for anyone else.

11. I've come to realize that I have a crush on:
too many douches. I should put that attention onto someone who deserves it..

12. I've come to realize that the last time I smiled was:
every minute? Well, mostly.

13. I've come to realize that my cell phone:
is a piece of crap that I rely on waaayy too much. It's nothing fancy.

14. I've come to realize that when I wake up in the morning:
I avoid mirrors like the plague.

15. I've come to realize that before I go to sleep at night I:
I always have green tea to relax me. I can't sleep without it.

16. I've come to realize that right now I am thinking about:
Someone who upset me, and I feel silly for letting them do so.

17. I've come to realize that my life:
is just at the beginning of something exciting.

18. I've come to realize that my favorite drink is:
green tea. Hydralyte (yeah, odd). Apple cider /beer.

19. I've come to realize that today I will have:
have gotten out of the house, which I need!!

20. I've come to realize that tonight I will:
be happy in the company of friends.

21. I've come to realize that tomorrow I will:
probably go into the city to take photographs with a friend, and shout dinner to my close friend.

22. I've come to realize that I really want to:
be happy in myself, and not have to depend on anyone else to make me happy.

23. I've come to realize that the person who is most likely to re-post this is:
Who ever wants to <3

24. I've come to realize relationships are:
too painful to talk about.

25. I've come to realize that love:
can be shared with everyone, and those who know how to love back.

26. I've come to realize my best guy friend:
has always been reliable, caring and someone I consider to be my 'brother from another mother'.

27. I've come to realize my best girl friend:
is a sweetheart, and tries too hard to hide how lovely she is, when she should share it with the world.

28. I've come to realize food is:
amazing. I haven't always had a good relationship with food, but cooking brings the passion back into my life!!

29. I've come to realize that this summer:
I would absolutely love to travel - whether it be on a road trip or overseas.

30. I've come to realize heartbreak:
is not something I deal with at all... I try run from it.

31. I've come to realize that the person I like:
is very down-to-earth and makes me feel like a better person when i'm around them.

32. I've come to realize that my brother:
is very protective and sweet, though he tries to hide that. He's always been the little adorable brother- even if he towers over me.

33. I've come to realize that crying:
is awesome. I do it quite often. I always feel so much better.

34. I've come to realize that death:
is too depressing to think about.

35. I've come to realize that if I'm sick:
I should stfu and get on with life anyway, I'm never going to have perfect health.

36. I've come to realize when I'm bored:
I tend to get arty farty and take photos or watch psychological thriller movies.

37. After answering every question I realize that:
...I don't like talking about myself.


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[link]

If you have a fanpage, link me, and I'll like it! <3

Thanks for all your support

CSS Journal Coded by ~FleX177

Have you ever felt so alone in the world? It's almost as if you can be surrounded by hundreds of people- at a party, a concert, a restaurant, in a lecture- yet you feel like the only person in the room is... you. Totally, and completely alone. You can have everything you've ever wanted; a wonderful job, a prospective career or vocational job, an amazing boyfriend or girlfriend, having incredible friends, and knowing that you have people who love you unconditionally. At times I have to pinch myself because I wonder how on earth I came to be so lucky.

Some days when I'm sitting on the train on my way to uni, I feel so nauseated that I have to get off at the next stop and sit down. I thought it was motion sickness. Now I realize that I feel physically sick because I don't feel like I deserve anything. How is it that I can feel so consumed by what I have? Then I begin to feel selfish to even think such things. I remind myself again, I am lucky. What the hell is wrong with me? Millions of thoughts and questions racing through my mind. Stop thinking, stop thinking, stop thinking.

I've always been a really positive and uplifting person. These are the only two qualities about me that I am 100% certain of. Having these two qualities literally helped me get out of the bed in the morning. I would think about all the positive things I could do in the day. I would think about all the exciting new people I could meet. I looked forward to sharing my positivity with someone, and have them share their radiant happiness with me too. What happened to that girl? I am left with the shattered pieces of what was once an incredibly happy and enthusiastic girl.

I pick up some of the pieces, and frantically try to put her together again. If I can just glue a few pieces of her together, I might be able to get through Uni, or go out tomorrow night, or go to work. If I can't fit the pieces together, then I sink into the darkness of my mind. Endless feelings of helplessness. Don't burden your shit onto other people, bottle it, keep it in. Do anything you can to hide it. You have no real reason to be unhappy, remember? You have the very things in life that you always wanted.. Now you have it, what the hell is wrong with you?

Crying yourself to sleep won't make it go away. You're only feeding your misery even further. So be silent. Avoid people.
Don't cry. Be angry with yourself. You did this to yourself. You are the only person who can make it better. No one will understand.

Don't you dare even think about being happy, you know something will happen and it'll take it all away again. You can prevent this from happening, you just have to avoid everything you ever really loved. Sink back into that hole again.

Just about anything can make you feel like you want to cry. Something as stupid as forgetting your uni book, something as frivolous as a customer telling you to pack their food faster in the bags, something as big as having a crap heart. Do you remember that girl who used to say "I have a shit heart. But at least it's full of love and I wouldn't change it for the world". All the things that never bothered you, suddenly take over you. Your mother told you that all those things you hated about yourself, made you special. What is so special about me anyway? People have far worse health problems than me. I should be grateful I'm about to walk around and breathe.

The operation on my deviated septum was meant to help me breathe. But it hasn't yet. People say, give it time, give it time.
I go back to work and carry on like normal. I recovered for two weeks, I should be able to get back into work with no problem.

You need to get out of your room. Get up, get dressed, and go to work.

I'm swiping cans of food. My nose starts to bleed and gush everywhere, whilst I serve customers in a shopping center. People stare and whisper. I quickly hide my face and shove a tissue up my nose. Feeling so ugly and unattractive. You shouldn't have gotten out of bed. This was a mistake. This is hopeless, you can't even get through a shift without this happening.
A random young man watches you in sympathy, and buys you a box of tissues. How could a stranger be so sweet? Gratefully thank him a few hundred times. He tells you that you can't help it, and you shouldn't feel bad. He smiles warmly at you. Damn, I think to myself, what happened to my invisibility? You should never let someone see you at your worst.

A thought occurs to me. There are people out there who actually care. A complete stranger did something nice for you. Maybe you really should talk to someone. You can't keep on living like this. You're only hurting yourself. Maybe there is a way out of that hole you created. I finally decide to do it- it takes all...or what is left of, my self-esteem to do it.

I jump into a taxi and tell the taxi driver to take me to the nearest doctors. He gives me a warm smile and asks how I am. I don't answer straight away, but I manage to mumble "fine". I change the subject and ask if he has had a good day. He tells me about his 10 hour shift and says he misses his children and wife. I ask him what gets him through the day. He replies "Knowing I have people out there who really love me unconditionally. And of course, talking to strangers and listening to them. I'm like the new-age psychologist, 'hail-a-shrink'", he laughs. Just before I get out of the taxi, he turns around and gives me a strange look. "You know, nothing is hopeless. I bet everything you want, will eventually happen. You'll look back on everything you went through to get to it, laugh, and feel stronger than before it happened. Hope never abandons you. I can guarantee that."

Maybe that's exactly what I needed to hear. That's the beauty of random strangers. They always have incredible timing.

You are alive. That is more than enough to be grateful for. Let's start with that. Baby steps, baby steps. We'll fix the rest later.


_{If anyone reads this- please note that this is incredibly personal and I have not share this..side of me, with anyone. If you are overwhelmed by what I have written, don't comment, just appreciate what you have. If you are going through something similar, or similar feelings, then please, do leave a comment. I would sincerely appreciate knowing that I'm not alone. I don't know if I can help you, but let me tell you that your feelings are genuine, and no one should ever make you feel like you're a fool. There are people out there who want to listen- even strangers. Don't ever let go of hope. It keeps me going every day.}

CSS Journal Coded by ~FleX177

P.s A mate shared this with me today,  absolutely hilarious [link]

CSS Journal Coded by ~FleX177

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Valentines Day

For me personally, Valentines Day isn't just about having a "Valentine" to share it with. It's more about spending it with the people you love; friends, family, etc. I've never really understood why only 1 day is devoted to someone, when every day of the year should be about sharing love with those you care about. Roses, chocolate boxes and lovely dovey stuff aside- I will probably be spending it with my closest friends and family, but remembering it's just another day for me.

Never the less, I can appreciate when someone does something very very sweet and thoughtful for me... I was sent this poem this morning, and it really made my day!

I'm often short of words to say
But I won't stay silent on this day
For someone wonderful like you
There's nothing I could say or do
That would just adequately show
Just how amazing you are, so
When all is done and all is said
And you lay softly in your bed
Tonight, please just spare a thought
For this poor fool, who you have taught
More lessons to than life itself
Whose smile I'd frame, place on the shelf
To look upon each blessed night
To know that everything's alright
You may get millions of these
And most may trump these rhymes, but please
Just bare in mind one simple thing
That's from the heart, and all its strings:
Whatever day, I guarantee
That you mean everything to me...

I'll leave this lovely poem as anonymous- but I wanted to share it with you all.






I would love to see some art about love / friendship etc Share please!!!

P.S You don't have to be inlove to enjoy Valentines Day, it's good to keep your heart open to everyone and appreciate them for who they are in your lives.

CSS Journal Coded by ~FleX177

Very quick post to let you all know that on Saturday (22nd), Javier and myself were the photographers at a friend's wedding- and we had so much fun! The bride was absolutely STUNNING, and so easy to work with. I was in awe of her, and how easy she was to work with!

Check out some of the photos on my Flickr Account here!



Thanks for all the support guys!

CSS Journal Coded by ~FleX177

CSS Journal Coded by ~FleX177

Firstly I just want to say I hope everyone has an amazing New Years Eve and have a wonderful 2011- I mean that from the bottom of my heart I wish only the best for everyone and hope you all stay healthy, happy, and safe!

Today I am on my way to Queensland (Surfers Paradise) with my lovely sister and good friends for New Years, I am so excited at the chance to spend time with the people I love- I can't think of a better way to spend it


Now onto the serious stuff....


Recently, I have had a LOT of notes from people on deviantART asking to use my photographs on different websites, such as Gaiaonline or something to that name. A lot of people want to edit, publish, and basically use my work on these different websites. I have to be VERY forthright in saying that I put my heart, soul, and creativity into these photographs, and though I appreciate that others like it enough to want to use it- I am VERY upset that so many people would edit them when they are ALREADY finished products of my work- and they, in my eyes, are beautiful to me. Why should I allow anyone the right to do such an awful thing to my photos?

So I ask you Artists out there, be creative enough to MAKE YOUR OWN WORK. Don't use other peoples FINISHED products. My work is NOT STOCK!!! Please, I am asking you all to create your work like I have created mine, and so have other artists here on dA. I am so tired of finding my work stolen or edited on different websites, it is astonishing. I have no problem with my work being on Tumblr (if they are the originals), or on blogs (with me credited), but I will refuse anyone permission to just "take" my work with a simple click of a button. CREATE YOUR OWN UNIQUE PIECE OF WORK PLEASE. This is an ART site, so be creative in your own way.

I have spent hours taking photographs, editing and overall- putting all my heart into my work. So please, do the same.

Thank you for reading, and I wish you all the very best on your creative endeavours.

CSS Journal Coded by ~FleX177

To the 3 winners, it is VERY important that you ensure your address details are updated so the print will arrive at your house! WINNERS MUST ADD THEIR CHOSEN PRINT TO THEIR WISHLIST SO I MAY SEND IT TO YOU. You may find the available Prints in the following link HERE, please choose one print and add it to your wishlist. Thank you!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

CSS Journal Coded by ~FleX177

CSS Journal Coded by ~FleX177