tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5262269686887422662011-07-31T03:02:31.467+03:00Photos, random thoughts and musings...Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.comBlogger301100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-46390985045063217132009-06-29T08:33:00.002+03:002009-06-29T08:36:07.863+03:00

I don't really know what to say about this one, which is just as well, since I don't much feel like writing anything today. So maybe this once, it'll just be the photo:

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-34832607754043642122009-06-19T19:46:00.003+03:002009-06-19T20:22:16.160+03:00

I figured it wouldn't be a bad idea to share something in color for a change, so I'd like everyone to meet my mother's unnamed pseudo-bonsai tree:Also, wouldn't you know it, it's voting time again for the Photo Friday challenge. This week's theme is 'Monochrome', and I've submitted The Street as my entry. So if you have a minute and happen to like that particular photo, be a dear and head on to

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-41261933351084161432009-06-15T12:01:00.003+03:002009-06-15T12:38:44.617+03:00

Well... not actually a river and not really rollin', but you get the picture. Apparently I'm continuing the black and white streak with another oldie from Bulgaria, reminding me just how much I miss the sea. Hell, how much I miss being on holiday... anywhere. Either way - boats on a break:In other news (wow, a lot of "other news" lately), I'm seriously considering a major make-over, along with

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-57683367934873129802009-06-12T19:56:00.003+03:002009-06-12T20:06:25.581+03:00

As promised, I'm back with the voting link for those of you who have a minute to spare to make this blogger's day. So here's where you can cast your vote. Scroll through the entries on the left down to #143 - W.A.T.M.C, and hit the "cast your vote" link on the top frame.So thanks a bunch and see you tomorrow, probably, with a new photo.

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-73862475597271152822009-06-05T19:44:00.003+03:002009-06-05T20:20:44.377+03:00

I'm back with the second installment of my small "Vintage" series, another detail shot - that is, until I manage to find myself a decent matte white background, so I can afford the luxury of stepping away from my subject before pressing the magic button.In other news, my last post, Vintage I, has been polished and prettified and sent off to the photo blog equivalent of a beauty pageant over at

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-54665393230493400432009-05-31T10:54:00.002+03:002009-05-31T11:12:37.085+03:00

I was digging through some "old stuff", so to speak, a couple of days ago, and happened to stumble upon what is probably my dad's most treasured possession - my grandfather's old camera, a vintage Zeiss Ikon acquired circa 1948, that got to witness and immortalize pretty much all my dad's holidays while growing up. After being somewhat afraid at first to even touch something so precious, it

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-72076593372316543712009-05-25T20:51:00.003+03:002009-05-25T22:54:37.240+03:00

Soon enough it's going to be exam season again, which, from my standpoint, can only mean more blog maintenance, since it's such a noble cause for which to procrastinate. And during my many recent travels throughout "I'll start studying tomorrow. I swear!" - land, I've discovered some very yummy treats for my many, many readers (enter the cricket sound). And when I say treats, I mean neither

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-57224904268631621992009-05-22T22:01:00.011+03:002009-05-28T12:36:26.848+03:00

I thought I'd take a small break from all the snow (although I seriously wouldn't mind some right now) and show you a quickie I took quite a while ago and completely forgot about.This was taken in the tiny seaside resort of Balchik, Bulgaria, the day after New Year's. The entire day was unbelievably warm and sunny, and I especially liked the warm sunset light flooding this empty terrace.

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-13629695594001507262009-05-13T15:38:00.005+03:002009-05-28T12:37:27.292+03:00

Here's that same place, from a different perspective.

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-76645783789820658202009-05-02T22:18:00.005+03:002009-05-28T12:38:17.846+03:00

I'd like to start a short series of photos I took during my last hiking trip, up to the Malaiesti cabin, in the Bucegi mountains. The track itself was a tad too tricky to stop for photos, not to mention the fact that I obviously didn't have my tripod with me for those long exposure night shots. Oops... I didn't mention we left Busteni at 10 p.m. and got there at 5:30 a.m., did I? Good thing my

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-4868473240940677122009-04-25T12:23:00.005+03:002009-05-28T12:39:16.939+03:00

I happened to find this little fellow sitting right outside my window one fine evening. It proved to be my most cooperative live subject so far.

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-10560042887235586062009-04-18T12:45:00.007+03:002009-05-28T12:40:03.108+03:00

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-56661544569568206432009-04-11T20:07:00.004+03:002009-05-28T12:41:03.874+03:00

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-65580716530835394412009-04-05T19:28:00.006+03:002009-05-28T12:41:59.911+03:00

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-15582556982699446072008-12-27T00:09:00.008+02:002009-05-28T12:43:18.685+03:00

...Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, watch and be amazed!I was quite literally stunned a couple of days ago to find a real-live Ferris wheel just sitting there all bright and pretty, right next to, of all things, a shopping mall. Sadly, I didn't have my camera with me at the moment (indeed, shame on me, I should know better by now), but I did manage to right the wrong earlier this

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-55182550440510027342008-12-25T22:47:00.009+02:002009-05-28T12:45:47.004+03:00

For some strange inexplicable reason, I've always been fascinated by the grungy, chaotic scenery of urban decay, and this town provides plenty of it, as long as you know where to look. The problem, however, is that you're usually likely to find more than just good photo opportunities in such places, and the expensive camera and dorky look don't do much for one's safety.Which is why I was beyond

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-25384031928946001032008-12-25T16:43:00.004+02:002008-12-25T17:08:49.942+02:00

Being in much higher spirits than the last time I dropped by, and actually quite jolly, I'll take the opportunity to wish the merriest of Christmases to whomever finds a moment to visit this place on this lovely day. On the other hand... On any other day, I'd be delighted to be paid a visit, but it is Christmas, and you should have better things to do than to sit at your computer and StumbleUpon

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-39762367700817380152008-12-22T20:07:00.006+02:002009-05-28T12:46:54.447+03:00

Despite finally being on holiday, after two or three weeks where my life just seemed like one giant homework, I'm still finding it a bit hard to enjoy the Christmas cheer that goes with the season. I was in a profoundly jolly "if I were to put in my two weeks' notice tomorrow, would anyone give a rat's behind?" sort of mood earlier today, so I suppose I should be thankful I'm now in that slightly

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-2421395280776001182008-12-07T11:39:00.006+02:002008-12-07T12:43:43.260+02:00

Once again, I find myself apologizing for having fallen off the face of the Earth. And again, due to homework, exams, and all that. Soon enough I shall begin to sound like a broken record.But now that I'm back here (eventually), we might as well get down to business. In this week's news... I've been getting some new critique, mainly on the soap-bubble photo and the wire photographer (Note to self

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-19266748450876920462008-11-30T23:02:00.008+02:002009-05-28T12:49:03.318+03:00

I must be. How often can you hear a normal, decent person say they single-handedly reduced to silence a highly frequented forum thread of one hundred and forty-six pages, with one post? I should take note and refrain from having my critique requests unleash further death and destruction upon the world.Then again, at times, I briefly think to myself that maybe my photos were so inspiring, that

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-18127729516552620482008-11-25T01:59:00.008+02:002009-05-28T12:50:08.946+03:00

I'll start by saying that I've always had somewhat of a phobia of taking portraits, mostly because I was never quite sure what to do with my subject, and I suppose on some level, because I'm also not much of a people person.But then again, my grandpappy used to say - or someone else's, I forget - that one should try everything at least once. And I, being the good granddaughter that I am, now find

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-74813262350015422982008-11-23T08:51:00.005+02:002008-11-23T22:58:42.954+02:00

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and what a fine morning it is! The sun is shining gleefully in the sky, birds are singing perched up in the trees, and the joyful presence of unique visitor number one hundred was bestowed last night upon my humble little corner of the Internet. Joy to the world, I have an audience! Gosh, I suppose I'd better watch what I say from now on.And we now return to

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-12438087996446683692008-11-22T13:45:00.004+02:002009-05-28T12:51:22.398+03:00

Remember when I told you about my epiphany that maybe I could figure out just what makes a good photograph tick, if only I'd start by taking a good long look at each gear? No? Well it may have been something along those lines.Whatever the case may be, my lesson for today deals with texture. Case in study - small waves on seawater...As with all others that are going to take their place in this

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-14895053285542805242008-11-21T23:49:00.008+02:002009-05-28T12:52:49.109+03:00

...Exactly how triumphant we shall see after the exam results are posted.Yes, my darling audience (do I have such a thing?), I return humble and apologetic after having gone A.W.O.L. for the past few days, due to circumstances beyond my control. Homework and exams, to be precise. Not that I would right now be in the clear, but I reserve myself the luxury of not working on Friday evening.Have I

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-52153842956089221502008-11-18T02:26:00.010+02:002009-05-28T12:53:50.142+03:00

I've decided to start a series of so-called studies - photographs that aren't intended as complete works in themselves, but rather bitesized bits of research into isolated aspects of photography. As such, these should be viewed as no more than simple exercises with a distinct objective.And my self-assigned homework for today is going to be... ...drumroll...A Study In ToneThis photo came to be as

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-7898825753897774772008-11-17T09:01:00.004+02:002008-11-17T09:26:00.455+02:00

For the first time since I've decided to post my work up for critique, this morning (or rather last night) I received some very constructive and "to the point" feedback. Since I have a tendency to forget good advice and keep doing things my own wrong way, I'll include it here for future reference. The critique, by the way, was in regards to "The Street", which I posted a little while ago - the

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-76564160043157813192008-11-17T02:31:00.009+02:002009-05-28T12:55:59.095+03:00

About time or not, I've decided to try my luck with colors this time. Once again, Photoshop stepped forward as my knight in shining pixels. I still get the distinct feeling that so far I've only been exploring the proverbial tip of the iceberg in terms of its capabilities, but I am working on it.So without further ado, I give you... The Photographer.Alright, so I have to admit the idea wasn't

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-82769233325322640112008-11-16T11:19:00.005+02:002009-03-22T11:15:50.634+02:00

I hadn't initially planned on having this type of posts, but just this once I couldn't resist.This morning I stumbled upon the online gallery of Michal Chelbin. To my shame, I had never heard of this artist before, but I find his work truly inspiring. I just thought I'd share.

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-77704617905661528882008-11-15T11:16:00.019+02:002009-05-28T12:57:47.385+03:00

And hello again.I thought I'd start with - what else - the beginning.And in the beginning there was... the camera. In my case, and my humble uneducated opinion - a darling little toysie with smarts, named the Olympus SP-560UZ, perfect for the semi-beginner with high aspirations. Or as I have affectionately dubbed it - Wallie. Needless to say, the debate around the name was beautifully

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526226968688742266.post-65540585799580477222008-11-15T01:05:00.010+02:002008-11-15T13:39:55.100+02:00

I suppose introductions are in order.I've never been a big fan of shaking hands and forgetting the name five seconds later, but how can I resist the quirkiness of introducing myself to a practically empty room? So by all means, let us proceed.I'll start with the part where I let you know that you don't actually need to call me Ishmael, or anything else for that matter. I'll settle for being the

Catalinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214581413621514693noreply@blogger.com0