.inspiration

Life as a creative type is not always bright colors and pretty pictures. In fact, often times it's quite the opposite. Some days the world just looks a little dull, and I lack the desire to even pick up my camera. And that is perfectly ok; sometimes you need a break.

On days like this I often turn to the Internet for inspiration. With Pinterest and the millions of blogs floating around the web, it's never been simpler to find inspiration. Be careful though, the Internet has an uncanny ability to make you feel oddly inspired and wholly inadequate at the same time. Don't let that be the case. Even the best of the best will say there's always room for improvement.

Appreciate good work for what it is, and use it as motivation for yourself- a virtual kick in the pants, if you will. ;)

This summer, a couple of weeks after I got home from London, I struggled with this feeling of inadequacy. I didn't touch my camera for an entire week, but when I finally picked it up, I never wanted to put it back down.

Here are some fun pictures I took of my friend Emily when we were at the beach. The beauty of being an "aspiring" photographer is that you can set up random photo shoots whenever you want and just pass them off as "practice."  :)

Here's what I saw one sunny day on Hutchinson Island:

Happy Friday & and Go Noles,
-C.

.hey, stranger.

In London, one day for class we met on the Southbank, near the Eye. Eileen (one of my instructors) brought along a white backdrop and told us to find some subjects. 

There were about 15 girls in our class and the most daring of us each took turns approaching strangers and asking if they'd be willing to pose for a bunch of eager photography students. We got a lot of no-s, and a few yes-es. Those who agreed were quite friendly and comfortable in front of the camera, considering the number of American girls crowding in front of them snapping away like horses chomping at the bit. 

Here's what I saw:

It was a little tricky to get good shots considering we were all bumping up against and elbowing each other (note to self: don't become a paparazzi!), but I enjoyed the challenge of capture unique yet accurate angles. 

It was impossible at times to take a shot without getting the real background (not the white sheet) in the image, but reflecting on these images I actually really love the context that is provided by this slight mishap.

These two girls in black were on vacation from Spain. We had trouble understanding their broken English, but their exceptional placidity and kindness was evident. 

They say a smile is a universal language.

Have a lovely Monday, friends.

-C.

.strawberry hill farm. south carolina.

We're taking a break from the London posts today. Instead, we're rewinding all the way back to June when I went on this roadtrip. 

On our way to North Carolina, my parents and I made a pit stop at Strawberry Hill Farm in South Carolina. Wanna know a secret..? People always talk about Georgia peaches, (and I mean it is the Peach State) but the truth is, the best peaches grow in South Carolina. They're fuzzy on the outside, sweet and fleshy on the inside, and when you bite into it the perfect amount of juice drips down your chin. But don't ever say that to someone from Georgia..them's fightin' words. ;)

Here's what I saw at the farm:

Happy Monday, y'all!
-C.

london. rainy london.

.london. the back side of life.

.london.strike a pose.

london.queen's guards.

london.espresso edition.

The best cappuccino I've ever tasted in my life. If you're ever in London, hop on over to Belgravia and visit TomTom Coffee for a frothy treat. You won't regret it.

london. parliament by night.

.london.tower bridge. 2012 olympics edition.

.london.quintessential london.

The truth is I have so many photos from my 3 week venture to London and so many thoughts about possible blog posts and am so overwhelmed about posting them... that I have just completely avoided even signing into blogger.

So in an effort to show you my adventures and to relieve some bound up stress, I have decided to post one photo a day for the next, welllll....I guess until I run out of photos to post.

.fashionable youngsters

Hello friends!

I am back in the States... it definitely feels very bittersweet. 

I have so many images it's a bit overwhelming to go through them. But for now, here are some photos to wet your appetite.

In recent years, London has established itself as one of the world's most notable fashion hubs. This was evident in people of all ages, but what struck me the most was all the young fashionistas. 

Here's what I saw:

Cheers mates!

-C.