Welcome to Life Images by Jill

Welcome to Life Images by Jill.........Stepping into the light and bringing together the images and stories of our world. I am a photographer, writer and multi-media artist.
Focussing mainly on Western Australia and Australia, I am seeking to preserve images and memories of the beautiful world in which we live and the people in it.

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Sunday 29 December 2013

Looking back over 2013 - and that's a wrap

 The last couple of days I have been sorting through the "flotsam and jetsam" of my life in boxes, cupboards, filing cabinets and shelves in my study. While looking through all these pieces I have been reliving events, cherishing memories, and discarding what I don't need to hang onto any longer. It has been a cleansing experience, and I haven't finished yet!

And so we arrive at the last few days of 2013 - and writing this blog post has been a good opportunity to look back over the year that has past and look forward with anticipation to the year ahead and its new opportunities, new horizons, new places to explore and the spark of new or renewed passions.


Whereas 2012 seemed to be focused around family - with a marriage, a funeral, elderly members moving into a new phase in their lives and the blessed welcome to a new addition to our family; in 2013 there were of course family events, joys and concerns, and life to get on with, but also new ventures and travel within our State, interstate and overseas. 



 Please click on "read more" to keeping reading and seeing more pics from 2013



In January I joined the Photography Group of Bunbury. On their first competition night in January I submitted the photo you see below and was awarded a "silver". Very exciting - but what a start to try to live up to for the rest of the year!
I took this image along the little jetty on the Denmark waterfront in front of our hotel when we visited my Aunt in January. Some slight processing in "Radlab" and this was the result. 
The photography group provides inspiration to strive for better images, the opportunity to learn from others and to have ones work critiqued by professional photographers. 


 I also decided it was time to put my camera on manual settings and to learn more about the technicalities of digital photography - something that I seemed to have missed out along the way. So to this end I enrolled in a 8 week beginners Digital Photography Course at the South West Institute of Technology. The lecturer was Sam Harris - a photographer of note internationally and now residing in the South West. 
I really enjoyed the course and learnt a LOT about manual settings and have never photographed in automatic since! Thanks Sam.
 I know I still have a LOT to learn.  



I continued playing around with food photography and was thrilled to be asked to assist at a Food Photography workshop for the Photography Group of Bunbury in August.  I recently have received some welcome praise and comments for my food photography from a well known Bunbury photographer and may be assisting him at a food photography workshop in May 2014 - so watch this space! Very exciting!
I was awarded "gold" for this image in the "minimalist" catagory at the group's March meeting.


Still on photography - I was amazed and excited that the image below was awarded the the "Viewer's Choice" image at the "60 shots @ 6" photography exhibition and competition at the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery in April. A huge thank you to my wonderful family, friends and supporters who voted for my image - Purnululu sunset.


My writing has continued and I am very grateful for the friendship, support and input from the members of South Side Quills writing group in Bunbury.

Below is one of my travel articles written about our trip along the Holland Track south of the Coolgardie goldfields in April which was published in the August-September issue of Go Camping & 4WD Adventures Australia magazine - including the cover image!
You can click on the link to read more - Following the path of the prospectors on the Holland Track


This was actually my second cover image for the year - and my third ever cover shot.
Below is the other cover shot from this year - taking along the Great Central Road - definitely a case of seeing the shot, taking the pic, and then being at the other end of the email when the editor called out for a cover shot! Please click on the link to learn more about -  Free camping on the Great Central Road, Australia


I also sold several images to the Bruce Rock Shire for their website, to Getty images, and recently to Hema maps - more on that in 2014 when the book is published.
Bruce Rock in the central Western Australian wheatbelt is a place we visit often as it is the home of my sister and her family who own a large a cropping property. Last visit the boys had a great time playing on the "drums" at the farm tip on the rock at the back of the farm house. 

We also managed a weekend getaway south of Margaret River at delightful Harmony Forest - a perfect place to relax and unwind. You can see more by clicking on the link here - Time out weekend at Harmony Forest 


In July we had a week in Singapore with our sons and my eldest son's family. Below is our view from our balcony at The Swissotel The Stamford - spectacular eh!
You can see more of our trip by clicking here -
High Life at the Raffles, Singapore
The breaktaking world of Gardens by the Bay 
Take me under the sea - world's largest aquarium
 

Also in July we remembered my Mum on the anniversary of her passing by visiting her resting place in the central wheatbelt.



Then in September we took off for a camping trip around South Australia - our first trip across the Nullarbor and our first to South Australia - 10,318 kms and 5 weeks 4 days..... Perhaps you have seen some of it on my blog - you can click on the link here to see more - I have finished bringing it all to you yet - but I will - here is the intro link - On the road through South Australia



Between all this I have continued with my Spanish dance classes with Sol y Sombra Spanish Dance Company - and performed at my first public performance at the Bunbury multicultural festival in March, and was part of the group that won 1st place for the "25 Years and Over Open Theatrical Style Dance Troupe" at the WA Performing Arts Eisteddfod at the Bunbury Entertainment Centre in June. Here is a photo of me (on the left) with my beautiful daughter-in-law who started Spanish dancing 8 or 9 years ago and was happy to have me join last year. 


Whilst I still have a LOT to learn I sincerely thank our teachers Nicole and Susie, my daughter-in-law and the other members of Sol y Sombra for their support, patience and encouragement.
Spanish dancing is not easy to learn and is great for fitness, balance and memory! I also have the opportunity to take photos from time to time. This mirror reflection is one of my favourites - 


I have been a follower of my friend Jo Castro's travel and lifestyle Zigazag blog for a few years, and I was excited to hear she was starting a new blog in July - Lifestyle 50 - for fun, feisty, funky women over 50.  I was also thrilled to be one of her first guest posters - you can see my contribution here - Life after 50 seemed so far away in 1973

I also won a fabulous giveaway in August from WLane and Airlfex shoes through Betts in Bunbury - Funky new look for spring 
And while you are there check out Jo's fabulous blog  - Lifestyle 50

PicMonkey Collage 1

  The year finished on a high - I was reunited with a long lost overseas friend through the power of social media, and we received news of the joyous occasion of the engagement of a young friend. A true gift indeed at Christmas.

And I had 11 of my campsite reports published in the latest edition of On The Road magazine Free Campsites 2014-2015.   On The Road Magazine

Photo: It's finally here!!! The 2014/2015 Guide to Free Campsites is on sale now!!! At almost 400 pages with 1,000 Free Campsites and 150 Reviewed Campsites, it's great value at only $19.95!!!


It is interesting to look back over the year - and to see in retrospect that 2013 has been very good to me.  I continue to work four days a week in paid employment, spending my Mondays concentrating on my writing and photography. I am grateful for beautiful family who support me in this.  

This year my mantra has been Ruth Tearle's quote - "Be true to yourself and the world will come to you".  Her little card with this quote that came with her book "Blackboard Wisdom" has been sitting on my mantlepiece all year.


I thank all my family, friends, fellow bloggers, blog readers and supporters for encouraging and supporting me throughout 2013 and helping me continue to "step into the light",

I am looking forward to some exciting projects coming up in 2014 so I hope you will stay tuned!
Have you looked back over the past year? Do you have new projects to look forward to in 2014? 



Thanks for stopping by. I value your comments and look forward to hearing from you.

I am linking up to Mosaic Monday, Travel Photos Monday, Our World Tuesday, Wednesday Around the World, Travel Photo Thursday, What's It Wednesday, and Oh the Places I've Been. Please click on the links to see fabulous contributions from around the world - virtual touring at its best!

Mosaic Monday
Travel Photo Mondays
Our World Tuesday
Wednesday Around the World  
What's It Wednesday
Travel Photo Thursday
 Oh The Places I've Been




28 comments:

  1. Wonderful photography. A very Happy New Year to you and yours...

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  2. What a great year you've had Jill, and so many achievements. I am really impressed withhow much you've managed to pack into 2013, and hope that 2014 is just as memorable it's been wonderful being a small part of your life especially via our blogs, and this year Inhope that we get to meet up more in real life too. Thank you so much for Linking to my blogs, ZigaZag andt Lifestyle Fifty, and guest posting too ... Look forward to more this year perhaps ... But mostly here's wishing you health and happiness and all good things for your blog too in 2014

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    1. thank you Jo for your support through the past year - it has been a win win situation for us both I think! All the best for Zigazag and Lifestyle Fifty in 2014.
      Happy travels and I too look forward to catching up for that coffee very soon!

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  3. Jill you have had an amazing year. Continued success with your photography. Happy New Year. Valerie

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  4. Food photography is product photography. Start with a good D SLR Camera. I use a 17 to 55mm Wide angel lens for this. A light box will help light your food. You can buy a expensive one or make one out of a cardboard box and some gauze and some cheap lights. Here is a link Use a tripod on your camera. Good luck!

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  5. I'm exhausted just reading about what you've achieved this year!! Congratulations on so many memorable moments and I look forward to more 'catching up' in 2014!! Happy New Year!!

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  6. Jill, you have had a wonderful year of photography and adventures. I will look forward to see more of your work in 2014..

    Wishing you all the best in 2014, a Happy New Year to you and your family!

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  7. Jill, it occurred to me that in all the photos on this blog that I've enjoyed this year, I had never seen a photo of you until today! It is nice putting a face to all these fabulous photos and adventures you've provided this last year! Looking forward to more in 2014. Happy New Year to you and your family!

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  8. What an exciting and varied life you've lead for 2013 Jill...congrats on all the amazing photography and winnings, you are on the map with your compelling work...best on 2014 with your crafts!

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  9. What an amazing year for you, with so many accomplishments and interests. I enjoy your photography and your blog. Best wishes for a Happy New Year, 2014.

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  10. What an exciting and interesting year you've had. Look forward to reading about your next exploits in 2014.

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  11. Your photos are just fabulous - hard to choose a favourite! Here's to another feisty year ahead!

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  12. Wow - what a fabulous series of captures Jill. I am encouraged by your stepping out of "Auto" setting mode; the results speak for themselves. Those gold awards are well deserved! Wishing you more photographic adventures and sharing throughout 2014.

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  13. Oh gosh I had left a comment this last weekend but it went poof! I loved the picture of the dock and all of our best wishes and Happy New Year to you and your family in 2014, Jill! :)

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  14. What a year! Great collection of images:)
    Happy New Year to you!

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  15. A Very Happy and Marvelous New Year Blessing for you Jill. I so enjoy visiting with you and sharing life from afar. It is all total joy, You are always so generous with your kindness and I so appreciate it. Hugs, Mary

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  16. Hi Jill, congratulations for an impressive photography and blogging year! It's amazing how much you accomplished this year. I enjoyed virtually following you on your road trips this year and look forward to where you're taking us in 2014. Happy New Year and all the very best in 2014.

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  17. Great photos :) Thank you for your support and comments on my blog this past year.

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  18. thank you all my wonderful blogging friends. I appreciate every one of you, your support and comments. Happy New Year!

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  19. Great selection of images to show for your year. I love the wooden pier one and the dancer is excellent

    Mollyxxx

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  20. Wow, what a lot you accomplished in 2013. I love all of your shots. I can see why your photo won viewer's choice - superb capture of light.
    I love the white food photo and the ending flower photo. Happy 2014.

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  21. Happy New Year, Jill! You had a fabulous year, congratulations!

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  22. Sounds you have a great remarkable year 2013!!!
    Happy new year 2014...Jill!!



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  23. Your photography is fantastic. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year!

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  24. Such wondrous photos.Thanks so much for sharing it with us at "Oh, the PLACES I've been!"

    - The Tablescaper

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  25. congratulations on your 2013 achievements! great wrap up

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