Tanys Transformations in the Cloisters
Tanys Transformations currently in Wells Cathedral is a remarkable initiative that breathes new life into wedding dresses. Founded by Mayor Tanys Pullin, the project aims to transform wedding dresses into exquisite ball gowns and prom dresses. But it’s not just about fashion; it’s about making a difference. Here are the key points about Tanys Transformations:
Purpose: The project takes pre-loved wedding dresses out of hibernation and gives them a fresh lease of life. These transformed gowns become show-stopping pieces fit for a celebrity red carpet.
Charitable Impact: The magic doesn’t stop there. Tanys Transformations uses this creative endeavor to raise funds for local charities. By turning wedding dresses into glamorous gowns, they contribute to meaningful causes within the community.
Community Engagement: It’s a community-driven effort. People come together to donate their wedding dresses, and skilled artisans work their magic to create stunning transformations.
Celebrity Red Carpet Vibes: Imagine a wedding dress metamorphosing into a gown worthy of the red carpet. The project combines creativity, sustainability, and philanthropy.
Tanys Pullin’s Vision: As the 649th Mayor of Wells, Tanys Pullin champions two incredible causes through Tanys Transformations. These causes are:
Headsup: Aiding individuals facing mental health challenges and other hardships.
Whizz Kidz: Empowering young wheelchair users with equipment, skills, and confidence to reach new heights.
Mature Spirituality
As I've got older I've come to see that, at least for me, mature spirituality is not related to belief systems but rather the knowing encounter with the sacred (the Divine, the Infinite, the Wondrous, the Love) within, among and all around.
Macro Moss
I’m developing an interest in moss, fungi, slime mould and similar things. Here are some initial photographs - with much to learn.
The Newt in Somerset
The Newt in Somerset is one of those places we regularly go to. It is a large working estate with beautiful gardens, apple orchards, woodland, ponds, lakes and a remarkable reconstruction of a Roman villa.
Here are a few late autumn/early winter photo’s which include our friends Pete and Kate as well as numerous hens and a couple of human reindeer I happened to chat to.
Helen, of course, continues her photographic journey…
Autumn Radiance - Stourhead
Stourhead estate is a wonderful place to see the extraordinary colours of autumn.
STUDIO MACRO RIG - SET UP
It’s time to try setting up a studio macro rig. Ultra macro expert Allan Walls has a helpful guide to setting up such a rig so I have followed much of his advice.
https://www.youtube.com/live/LduEAzrXU3U?si=gy8NdTVvJglW8uQ-
I have used:
Heavy wooden block (chopping board)
Two Swiss arca quick release clamps
WeMacro motorised rail
Adaptalux lighting
Stonylab lab jack
Metal bench block
Photography diffuser roll
Raynox DCR-250 Macro Attachment
A Nicholas Sherlock 3D printed objective lens holder (see https://youtu.be/nuZ_JptlqYE?si=24chqpkq1CocsnLZ )
I also have a vintage, late Victorian, brass microscope (circa 1900) with some objective lenses which I shall enjoy trying out with the Sherlock objective lens holder.
I will use the rig with Lightroom camera tether function, Helicon Focus where required for stacks and with camera connected to power bank for continuous power.
I then had a first try with this kit, retrieving a tiny live snail, about a 4mm shell, from the garden - to which it was then returned without harm.
Much practice needed!
I
Lacock, Photography, Bees and Butterflies
We had a delightful visit to the village of Lacock, associated with William Henry Fox Talbot and the birth of photography. It’s a beautiful setting - the village, the former abbey, the garden and the woods. The Fox Talbot Museum at the abbey is a fascinating, informative and changing exhibition relating to photography, past and present.
On this occasion I had inadvertently come out with onlt a macro lens. This inevitably influenced the photographs that I took. But I guess you can never have too many bees and butterflies!
Intentional Camera Movement: Headless Dance
Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) is a photographic technique that involves moving the camera during the exposure to create a creative or artistic effect1. By intentionally moving the camera, the image points move across the recording medium, resulting in varied effects such as streaking, textures, and layers in the resulting image. This technique is often used to add the illusion of movement to a still image by introducing motion blur through long exposures.
ICM photography allows photographers to add creativity and abstraction to their images by effectively painting with their cameras. Instead of recording sharp, lifelike images, ICM enables photographers to create more abstract renditions of landscapes or subjects.
This set of images was my first attempt at ICM while visiting the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. It is a creative rendering of one the sculptures in Erwin Wurm: Trap of the Truth series.
Shapwick Heath
A short walk along the paths of Shapwick Heath in the Avalon Marshes. Dragon flies, butterflies and the distant Marsh Harrier. In relation to the Marsh Harrier the adage “If you want to improve your image quality, get closer!” is particularly relevant! These all taken using a 400mmlens plus 1.4TC.
Montecute Bees
A visit to Montecute House and Gardens offered another opportunity to contemplate the behaviour of bees among the flowers.Nikon Z8 Z24-120 lens.
Montecute Tendrils
Plant Tendrils at Montecute House Orangery -sensitive, responding, supporting, climbing...
A Wander through the American Museum Gardens
A couple of days ago we visited the American Museum and Gardens at Claverton, near Bath. It was a grandson day and I gave him a camera to use, as well as myself, as we explored the house and gardens. Here are some of the photo’s that I enjoyed taking - lots of bees and flowers mostly!
