And here we are - London! And we were greeted properly with wind and rain and miserable weather. That didn't stop us from getting out for a little outing on the first evening in town. I wish we could have stayed at this spot a bit longer, as right after they turned on the lightning on the Big Ben and the whole scene turned into a proper postcard. But I just couldn't ask my kids to stand there in cold and rainy weather while I am waiting for the lamps to turn on :).
On a more general note - I am finding myself not wanting to take pictures while exploring the city. I guess, for me, photography has been a pretty solitary activity, and I just can't focus on anything beyond the postcard-like snapshots if the family needs to stand around and wait for me.
I know what you mean. I focus better alone (pun intended) I love this though and i'm glad it's not lit up.. I lik the light on the brdige, the sky and grey tones. Very London. Welcome to England, hopefully the weather will cheer up soon x
This looks like a postcard to me! I love the soothing, cool colors. I have the same problem when traveling with my husband. He likes for me to take photos, but doesn't like to wait for me to fuss with settings!
I agree with your thoughts - having the time with your family is more important than grabbing a photo just for the sake of it. Sometimes a good photo just happens. What a shame its raining but it makes a wonderful scene here! fav
Oh, lovely! We were just there in November, so I can see just where you are standing for this shot. Enjoy and make memories with your family... that is what matters. Super shot, this. Nicely lined up. :)
This is a great picture und very moody. Acutally I love it, that Big Ben is not in full lightning. I can relate to your sayings. For me too photography is a lonely business and I have difficulties to find my "conversation with the object/subject", when I'm not alone. So enjoy your trip with your family and I keep my fingers crossed, that the weather improves. Have fun!
Oh dear. I knew we were on the brink of a holiday yesterday when it started raining. And we've been having such nice spring weather. Lovely shot though. Hope you have a lovely holiday.
Wonderful view, but I think your family should indulge your passion . Their little wet coats can make good weights to stabilise your tripod, they can have lenses ready for you, and of course you need somebody to carry all that gear. I jest of course
Interesting to see so many of us agree with your thoughts on taking photographs., same for me too.
Great shot, hope the rain stays away. There's so much to see and do in London, enjoy!
Lovely shot, hope you got to enjoy London in the sun today. Know what you mean about taking photos when you are with a group of non-photographers... you just need to indoctrinate the kids into the joys of photography - cameras for birthday presents?
Thank you all so much for your wonderful and generous comments! I am glad I am not alone who feels like this about photography. For me, it's not only the presence of non-photographers, but also the need to constantly be worried what the kiddos are doing while I am looking through the lens. Because when I do, I don't notice much else :)
John - @jack4john - it would be a good idea, but I am rather a no-fuss hand-held single lens kind of girl. I could rather use them to hold my coffee :)
@lizhammond - They do have them already, but haven't gotten the full photography bug yet. I think if they do, it would be me who is standing impatiently around saying - can we go now? can we go now please?
I am happy to report we had a wonderful sunny day today and went to the London Tower where we spent the entire day and had to be usher out by the guards who were shaking the keys and locked up right after us - and even like that, it was hard to get the kids out of the Tower. My bigger problem to today is - what picture out of ..... to pick.
Oh Vera this is a great shot, and I hear you! It's hard to be engrossed in the moment AND try to take shots while having to keep an eye on the kids. And you have a very young one too. I'm glad you're having a hard time to find what pic to post ;) that's better than the alternative! Have a great holiday.
beautiful capture - and i know what you mean about photography with family in tow... one thing i've done is planned myself some solitary shooting time at dawn and dusk/night... works especially well in the summer as no one else is nutty enough to get up at 5am ;p obviously you can't get into places, but it's great for shooting landmarks in glorious light...
Great shot, hope the rain stays away. There's so much to see and do in London, enjoy!
Thank you all so much for your wonderful and generous comments! I am glad I am not alone who feels like this about photography. For me, it's not only the presence of non-photographers, but also the need to constantly be worried what the kiddos are doing while I am looking through the lens. Because when I do, I don't notice much else :)
John - @jack4john - it would be a good idea, but I am rather a no-fuss hand-held single lens kind of girl. I could rather use them to hold my coffee :)
@lizhammond - They do have them already, but haven't gotten the full photography bug yet. I think if they do, it would be me who is standing impatiently around saying - can we go now? can we go now please?
I am happy to report we had a wonderful sunny day today and went to the London Tower where we spent the entire day and had to be usher out by the guards who were shaking the keys and locked up right after us - and even like that, it was hard to get the kids out of the Tower. My bigger problem to today is - what picture out of ..... to pick.
enjoy