by Fiona Rossiter on April 4, 2012
- Spend the cash, it’s worth it! If you can get some great photographic equipment from the beginning it makes all the difference. Start with the basics but get it right, I chose Nikon but it’s your personal preference. Once you have invested in a good camera body you add to it as and when you can. It is great to have a few lenses – I have a kit lens that came with my Nikon when I purchased it, I also have a 55-200mm zoom lens (which I use most often) and I have just ordered a prime lens, 35mm f/1 18.G.(which is great for low-light or indoor shots) What lens you buy is greatly determined by the type of photography you chose to do, get some professional advice if you are unsure.
- Never leave home without your camera, especially when you go on holiday. There is nothing worse than missing the ideal photo opportunity merely because you forgot your camera! Although thanks to modern technology most cell phones come with an awesome camera functions, I have an iPhone 4 which takes great pics! So if I am ever stuck without my camera that comes in handy!
- Be daring take your camera off auto function and experiment. Doing a camera course would be the best way to learn but I have found as time is an issue for me, the best way for me to learn is by teaching myself. It is always handy to have the camera manual at hand when trying the different functions out.
- Let editing software be your friend, I know that some people take Photoshop a bit too far but I feel that editing software has its place and sometimes we need to think outside of the box and make use of all the tools available to us! A very useful tool I came across recently is Faststone Editing Software, it is open source and free, it is basic but perfect if you just need standard editing done. Most importantly remember to have fun, photography is an art form and art should be fun!
For great photographic equipment and advice these are my top suppliers: Orms Direct and Exposure Gallery
Images: ©FAR Photography
by Fiona Rossiter on April 2, 2012
- Children truly are better off without too much stuff! After spending a weekend away, with friends, in a rather remote area approximately 4 hours from Cape Town, I have realised all children really need, on vacation, is the company of other children and open spaces! This allows them the freedom to just be “children”! (After all children do not remember the accommodation “star” rating but they do remember the fun they had!)
- Expectations can often obscure your experiences. This may be a tricky one to understand but I have found if you go into a situation expecting too much you are often disappointed – so my solution this weekend was to not expect too much and I was pleasantly surprised! I think it also allows you to make the most of any situation you find yourself in.
- If you give someone the opportunity to achieve a goal, outside of their comfort zone, most often they will surprise you and themselves by actually achieving success. Allowing 11-year-old girls the opportunity to drive a boat by themselves proved that you can in fact do anything you put your mind to. (We may have created a few “river rats” in the process!)
- Last but certainly not least, I proved that I can survive without both my cell phone and laptop, I am not saying that it was easy but it can be done! Did I miss having these things – most definitely but let me tell you something interesting – I slept much better at night!
Images: ©FAR Photography
by Fiona Rossiter on March 23, 2012
There is definitely a trend, as far as the common shade of colour, that runs through most of my favourite fashion items at the moment, tangerine is big this season and I could not resist adding a bit of tangerine to my own wardrobe!
- Top of my favourites is my latest purchase, a fitted dress, with a tangerine stripped cowl-necked top and a black pencil skirt (it is all in one). It is fun and a bit sassy and I feel wonderful in it!
- The shell bracelet I am wearing was a gift from brother and my new sister-in-law for Christmas! I am loving it, it’s great with most colours but works exceptionally well with more earthy tones.
- The beautiful geometric print scarf was also a gift, from good friends and it is so pretty and soft. It looks beautiful with white linen trousers and a white T or vest.
- My old faithful suede wedges have been out and about quite a bit of late, as well as being super comfy they work well with a skirt, a dress or jeans. The colour is neutral so you can get away with wearing them with just about anything, day or night! Oh and the added bonus is they make my legs look awesome!
What are your favourite fashion items? Please share them with us we would love to see what they are!
Photography by ©FAR Photography
by Fiona Rossiter on December 6, 2011
What do I want for Christmas – I have my two front teeth – check . So what else is there?
Well I know what my eldest daughter is wishing for – a Land Rover Discovery 4, but I think that may be too big, for Santa, to sneak down the chimney.
- I guess I want, what we all want – world peace, an end to all violence and suffering!
- On a less serious note, perfume – I love perfume; my favourites are: Alien by Thierry Mugler, Gucci II and Armani Code.
- A Nikon, wide angled camera lens – they are not cheap but maybe Santa is feeling generous! (Well I have birthday coming up as well!)
- Last but not least – a new handbag, my shoe fetish is followed closely but my bag fetish! I am loving the new range in Accessorize at the moment or anything from Kath Kidson would also do! Hint hint….
Images: Pinterest “My Bucketlist Board”
by Fiona Rossiter on December 1, 2011
Today my featured blogger is local lass, Ché – ”just Ché” as she is known by her beloved blog followers. She is proudly South African and has a Bachelor of Journalism and Media Studies Degree, specialising in Graphic and Communication Design. Ché has spent the last three years teaching English in South Korea. At present she is packing up her life to leave Korea and return to South Africa.
Ché writes one of my favourite blogs “indieBerries” which is unusual, fresh and extremely witty – a great mix of fun and inspiration! It has put a smile on my face on many a bad day, not to forget her truly inspired cartoons.
[quote style="1"]“indie Berries” is the perfect combination of all things lovely. I hope you enjoy the feast…[/quote]
Ché loves to laugh, make others laugh and loves red wine (red wine mmm….something we definitely have in common!) She spends her time taking pictures, blowing up stuff in the microwave and drawing epic cartoons. 
4 Things I will miss about Korea…
- The delicious Korean food.
- The awkward English which is EVERYWHERE.*
- The beautiful stationery and art stores on just about every corner.
- The complete and utter randomness of Korea.
Thank you Ché for sharing your “4 Things I” – with us! I wish you safe travels back to South Africa and look forward to many more inspired posts on indieBerries!
Images: Ché from indieBerries
I am Fiona, a Capetonian with a passion for all things beautiful and creative. Inspired Living, is a melting pot of things that inspire me from beauty to fashion & photography. I love to cook & family is super important to me! I hope you stay a while & please do come back! Thank you for visiting my blog! Please follow me on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with future posts... 
