No words can express what we felt…

Never have i seen so many people at a funeral sharing the same heartach in real life like this before.

Over 100 close relatives and friends, were in pain, watching the man that brought one of the purist, kindist, most beautiful  souls into this world, move on.

Not one person, man, woman or child, could believe what took place at the funeral. I am in tears as i type this, the memories of that moment, may haunt me, and every person there, for years to come, the pain, the heart ache, all was so overwhelming. His two sons stood there, one in tears, the other, staring, not a word, not a tear shed, in disbelief, the look on his face, carved was nothing but pain, and anger, confusion, I could only imagine how Michael felt, i can only imagine what was going through his mind.

David, his older brother, helps up their uncle, who was also in tears, and walks him away, he could not stand it anymore. Michael left there, standing alone, people stared at him, wondering how he could suppress so much pain, which was visible on his face.

An hour went, he did not move, everything was over, and everyone started to leave, we turned around and walked away, and our hearts sank, a scream, yell, tears just rushed from my eyes, i couldn’t believe it, everyone, everyone there, turned, to see Michael on his knees, looking up, it was a sight I had never seen, the pain expressed never felt. You can not imagine, the effect one mans pain had on a hundred people, he brought others half way to their knees, everyone was in shock and tears, his screams, a man so strong, one that has been through this before, his loving mother passed away when he was barely a teen, but nothing prepared him for this again.

I froze there, as men and his brother, Corey, Erik, friends from all over ran towards him, I felt like I was in a bad dream, I was dizzy, I felt sick suddenly, hearing only his screams of pain, saying ‘Why…” just shouting out amidst all his tears, his mouth would open, nothing would come out, but that’s how hard he was screaming, only seconds after would the sound of his heatbroken screams follow, he was paralysed, he could hardly breath, his brother to his knees now, friends around him, pulling him away from the last physical memory of his father,  then more screams “no…” people holding him down as he lashed out in anger, people with their hands over their mouths in disbelief, the one person everyone depended on, the one person who was bigger than any challenge in life, the one person everyone there looked for, for support, was on his knees, screaming, expressing pain I have never witnessed.

I’m shaking as i type this, but I have to, people who cared for Michael need to know this, his friends all over the world, need to know, he helped everyone he could, he was there for everyone in time of need, he never hurt a soul, treated strangers as friends, that’s how good a person he was.

 Michael, if we could take your pain, we would.

I recently read in an offline message a close friend of your say;

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Michael, your mother and father love you, they look over you now, proud of the man you have become, we all love you, that will never, EVER change, never…

Sometimes it’s best…

He loves me, he loves me not…does it really matter?
I’m, still young, and i have my life ahead of me, time to move on maybe?
I’ll always love him, always have a place in my heart just for him…
With time, who knows, maybe we could…maybe not…

Taking Photographs of Animals

Animal photography is challenging because it’s difficult to get your subjects to do what you’d like them to do, well, if you had a well trained dog, you might get him/her to sit still, otherwise you’re out of luck.

So, these are some things I’ve learnt over the years, and from classes, to help you take that ‘almost’ perfect photo! Hope they help

Get ready to say cheese:

If you have a cat or dog, or another animal, and you’ve had a go at taking a photo before, you might have noticed how they fear the camera. This could be because of it’s size, shape, the sound it makes, or flash, so it’s always best to introduce the two. By that I mean, when you’re not using the camera, let your pet sniff it, to break the ice if you like. Mose housepets can be trained to have their pictures taken, but it’s always good to give your pet a treat after taking a photo.

Know their personalities:

Most pets have, habbits, do things at one point or another every day over and over. Some get tired at one point, others get playfull, hungry. Whatever it is, if you know the moods of the animal, you’ll be able to tell if they are about to do something playful, funny or interesting, and that will hel you take that perfect shot.

Get closer: Another trick for good animal shots is to get really close to the subject. Try to get as close as your camera will focus and see if your pet looks interesting from that angle. Sometimes the texture of a pets fur, or even the details in the wings of a parrot are great subjects. Now don’t take this as, an ok to jump into a lions cage and get really close! that will get you in trouble, might even get you eaten, but zoom in as much as you can or even use a telephoto lens to make you picture appear close.

Clear out the clutter:

Like a lot of pictures, shots of animals sometimes have really distracting backgrounds. A problem that’s particular to animal photography is that animals are generally much shorter than people. As a result, a lot of photographs are taken from above the animal, which isn’t the best angle. Move around the subject to get that perfect angle, move up down, sideways, tilt the cam even if you must.

Freeze your subject:

If you’re taking a picture of an animal when it’s moving quickly, it’s good to use your camera’s flash. Even if it’s a bright day out, if the animal is moving quickly (and it’s not something dangerous like our friend the lion), turning on your flash will help freeze the animal in motion. Take a Frisbee-catching-doggy to the park and the little boost from your flash will help keep shots of your pet sharp, right down to the fur. It might be a little harder to get good pictures of animals, but using some of these tricks will get you some great shots of your furry, feathered, scaly, or curly-haired friends.

(Hope these tips help some of you, and happy photo taking )

Some photography tips for anyone who cares

So, i always get asked, how do i go about taking the best photo’s.
First, there’s no such thing as the ‘best’ photo, a photo simply captures a moment, now if it’s personal, it’s just great however you look at it. If it’s one you took for other reasons, usually what is meant by the best photo is a ‘perfect’ one, in which you show your idea or tell your story the best way possible.

5 Tips

1- When taking a photo of a child or pet, it’s best to get down on their level, say on your knees, to simply capture that magnetic gaze and the mesmerizing smile! Remember, your subject doesn’t ‘have’ to look at the camera, the eye level angle by itself will create a personal feeling.
However if you do wish to take it standing above your subject, it’s best to have them look up for the best possible outcome, unless there is a certain style your going for by taking a ‘birds eye’ photo

2- Always take a look behind the subject. Make sure there are no trees, poles, or even people sprouting out of your subjects head lol Worst thing is to get a cluttered background which will only achieve one thing, distracting whoever looks at the photo. Go for a plain clutter free background to emphasize your subject.

3- Having whatever you’re taking a photo of in the center of the picture, is not always the best idea.
To bring to life whatever you’re taking a photo of, lock the focus on your subject (most new cameras have this feature) and then re-frame the shot. Have the subject to one side off centered in the photo, or in a corner. This will help bring life to your photo.

4- Don’t be afraid to take a vertical photo. Turning your camera sideways will NOT tip you off the edge of the world, remember, the earth is round It’s safe lol Sometimes taking a vertical shot makes all the difference.

5- Great lighting makes great pictures! Always try to study the lighting in your pictures!
Avoid the harsh sunlight that casts dark shadows across a persons face. Also move an object around, say your daughter is holding a balloon, sometimes moving the balloon to her right hand instead oif her left, depending on where the sun is could make your photo all that much better.

These were not secrets lol Just tips some people overlook or forget while taking photos of special moments.

Hope this helps someone

All alone for a while…

His arms used to wrap around me and hold me tight.Whisper words of love in my ear all through the night. 

He’s free to do what he wants, i just want him to be happy and fine, want him to feel good and always keep that wonderful smile. 

What’s meant to be, is meant to be, time will tell of what’s to become of him and me.

I won’t let go of what we once shared, i won’t let go of what’s so dear to me. Loving him is all i want to do for now and for all eternity…until then I’ll sit alone, going through the memories, sweet memories…of him and me, him and me….

 

He’s all that’s on my mind

Rape

I had to do a still life with ‘legs’ and three shocking objects and create a mood from it, so I took this picture of my friends legs with a bra, scissors, and underwear around her feet to depict somewhat of a nonconsentual sex scene (the scissors were intended to demonstrate that)
I did not get the highest grade, but i’m happy with it.

Poem below the image fits well here I think

What’s happening here I was once so alive!
But now I’m so full of dread and almost dead
show me your wounded head that has led
to communion with the father…
But where did he go?
His presence seems farther and father away each day,
and I’m trying so hard to steer his way,
yet still lonely and confused on this
cold,
hard,
ground, I lay.
Speak to me wise mouth and say
that ‘its all good kid’, its nothing that you did
and through it feels that I’m not here with you right now,
just be still and listen for that sound…
did you hear it, listen again,
did you hear it?
that silent voice that just spoke nothing,
that was me listening to your plea with open ears,
counting all your tears
flowing from your irritated eyes,
searching the skies,
looking for that hope that beyond there lies,
you,
young worrisome sparrow,
find rest,
lay your battered head upon my omni-present breast
and make it your nest.
No strong, cold, wind, could ever carry you from this your home,
look around see the life springing up from the ground,
spring colours springing fourth
in celebration, of your trusting.
It’s a constant process this is,
growing you into the person that you are to become,
but when you sense the setting of the sun
know that its only rising
and has just begun,
now go fourth sing songs of faith
and lift up others in this race
and if u cant keep the pace,
or loose sight of my face,
know that I am always near
so you need not fear
but don’t worry about that right now…
just sit here and enjoy the peace I offer in my silence,
when I am silent, I am listening
and not abandoning.

- Bradley Hathaway, silence

Break Dancing

Blitz and Trevor both good friends.
I love break dancing, can’t do it but just watching how athletic people are and the moves, sometimes it’s almost breath taking.

Blitz loves the subway! I don’t know why, he has a perfectly good new car, but he just loves taking the subway every chance he gets! Two days ago he heard some hip hop music, and told me to take his picture, and he started swirling around on the floor ! lol
So I did!

I thought it was great, but people looked at Blitz as if he was mad

I had Michael Kane edit the pictures with Trevor in them with Photoshop, and I just love the outcome! Trevor is an attention seeker, he just likes all eyes to be on him, and after flipping in the air, diving over a car and tap dancing with his hands, he garbed the attention of a lot of people!

A couple people actually flipped coins at him, he got up and shouted at them! Lol

Took a snap!

My and Mia a close friend were at this cafe, just talking and drinking coffee.
She started laughing I ‘can’t remember why, and I took this picture without her even knowing.
Well she knew when she noticed the camera flash, and was a little annoyed till she saw the outcome! lol

Thank God it turned out ok!