Tag Archives: iPhone Camera

I Am Free! 😀

A screenshot of my wordpress app open on the reader feed and my voiceover cursor on the like button of a post

Hi WordPress family! I just wanted to update you on the WordPress app and how i can now use it properly on my iPhone!

In case you’re wondering why all of a sudden you’ve started seeing my likes and little picture thingy on your posts…It’s because i can now use the reader on my iPhone using voiceover screenreader. I have waited ages(years i think) to be able to do this as i can’t use the website reader very well at all. So now i am free to go crazy and read all of the blogs i’ve missed spending time on! 😀 

I’m trying to catch up on as many posts and blogs that i can, and i’m also finding lots of new ones…It’s fantastic for me and i have finally been set free on this app!

Transatlantic Sunset Tour: Day 10,11 & 12 ~ Relaxin, Reflectin & Coffin!!

Sea logo

🌴 Day Navigator 🌴

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Sarah & i were feeling really run down, tired and a little concerned about what the rest of our dream holiday had in store for us. But now we had a few days at sea, so we decided to get out there and enjoy the time we had left. 🙂 

Sarah looking out to sea

⇧ Sarah relaxing and reflecting ⇧

During our time at sea, Sarah & i loved standing and looking out over the vast ocean. It seemed to put perspective on how majestic and awesome our God is. Also how small we were in comparison and yet he loves each one of us…amazing! 🙂 

Shopping… 

Handbags on ship

There’s nothing like being surrounded by handbags to put a smile on Sarah’s face! 🙂 

Of all the places…i never thought i’d be in a handbag store, on a ship in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. But Sarah seems to find these shops wherever we go… and if it helps her relax, i’ll be right there with her! 🙂 

Another fave spot…

Sarah on deck

Each day we’d find our way up to this spot and just look out over the pool deck and take in the full panoramic view of blue. There was always a live band playing, giving a great atmosphere and a hot-plate thingy where i could get a fresh burger! Mmmm 🙂 

Hair salon…

Hair salon

After Sarahs last trip to the hair salon she was really pleased with the way the stylist had cut and styled her hair around her eye…. but the hospital adventure had kind of ruined it. So i thought she might like to relax and get it done again. Whilst waiting in the waiting room i took this shot through the window ….That’s the best view i’ve ever seen from a hair salon! 🙂 

The evening restaurants…

So far i havn’t said much about our evening meals. For the first few days we really struggled with the buffet restaurants, as the food was placed in big trays under a glass cover with really long fork/tongs to pick up the food. Sarah had no idea what she was picking up as it was just too far away for her to focus and the waiters didn’t understand we couldn’t see properly, which caused a few problems!

At home we try to stay away from self service/buffet style places …not because we are too snooty, lol …but because we simply can’t find anything e.g plates, food, cutlery, where to pay, which causes too much stress and makes us wish we hadn’t gone out at all! 

After a few days we decided to try the “Orion Restaurant” which was waiter service. On entrance the waiter asked if we’d like to share a table or sit by yourselves. Sarah said “Sharing is fine with us” (I thought is it really… 😦 The waiter then escorted us to an empty 8 seater table. After he passed us our menus (which we had no chance of reading) our table soon filled up with people. After friendly hello’s Sarah said to the lady next to her “I don’t want to be a nuisance…but we are both registered blind and so can’t read the menus. Would you be able to read it to us?” After the confused look on all of their faces (my imagination from the body language) the lady said “Of course, but i’d never have guessed that either of you had sight problems”. (My thought was “You need to be on this side of my eyes to understand the problem :(“) After we’d heard the menu, Sarah whispered “This works perfectly for us…we get the menu read out, and we get to meet lots of different lovely people” 🙂 

Shortly after…we heard the people sitting opposite us say “Did you hear the “Code Alpha” last night?” The others replied “Yes we did, it woke us up…it was after 1am!!” “Yeah i know and there was no need to call it around the whole ship”.

I said “Sorry…that was us.”   “It was you two! what happened?” Sarah showed her bruised and bandaged wrists (from where the drips had been attached) and explained everything that happened. We heard this same complaint for the next few evenings…. and even some different, elaborate explanations of what had happened (even one story where Sarah was said to have died and been taken off the boat by helicopter in a silver bullet coffin????.)  

We also heard that quite a few people had complained to reception about the 1am code alpha (because they thought it was a call to abandon ship) and how they felt they shouldn’t have been disturbed in the middle of the night!!

The Cough…

If you can remember…on Day 8 there were a couple of people in the hospital waiting room with deep growly coughs. Well today…Sarah’s got it too !! 😦 This deep booming growly cough (reminds me of the Rockford Fosgate subs in the boot of my old custom Nova) is giving Sarah lots of  chest pain, a sore throat and a pounding head. We’ve noticed the unique sound of this cough around the ship as we’ve been exploring! ….As if Sarah didn’t have enough on her plate with no sleep, uncontrollable blood sugar, one eye closed and exhaustion…she now has this nasty cough 😦

Keep smiling… 🙂 

I have no idea how she does it. But no matter what’s going on…Sarah has  a lovely beaming/contagious smile on her face that blesses all who see her 🙂  

Sarah reflection

 The Azores…

After about 4 (or is it 5?) sleepless nights (i’ve lost count) we were looking forwards to arriving at the Azores. Sarah was especially looking forwards to getting off the ship and onto solid ground and having the freedom to explore another fantastic island! 🙂  

Yippee land ahoy!!!

⇍ Previous Day ~ Next Day ⇏

🌴 Day Navigator 🌴

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Happy 5 Years To Our Friends At Sicily Restaurant!

Last night Sarah & i had a lovely evening at our favourite restaurant celebrating 5 years since Sicily Restaurant opened it’s doors. We had no idea how this was going to bless us, and how we would make some loving and wonderful friends, amazing food, and the best coffee, it’s just a beautiful and peaceful place to be! Grace, Francesco, Dora and family work tirelessly everyday, and it was an honour to celebrate this milestone with them. 🙂 

The meatloaf, potatoes and leaves presented like a flower!

⇧ Green & red pepper meatloaf with tomato and pepper sauce, served with fried potato cubes ⇧ 

After tasting the best meatloaf ever (see image above), and if that wasn’t enough…Dora created one of her amazing cakes for the occasion! 🙂  we decided to challenge ourselves and walk home in the dark, not knowing how cold and foggy it was. I attempted to capture just how foggy and spooky the walk home felt. 🙂

The Fog looking spooky as it creeps across a road with a tree on the righthand side

⇧ One of the foggy roads home ⇧ 

An old school building covered in fog illuminated in the darkness

⇧ The school on top of the hill ⇧ 

i C Photo Challenge: Food

 i C Food

It’s been 14 years since i’ve been able to see what i’m eating!! Sarah will often tell me where things are on my plate when eating out, or at other peoples houses. There are also some foods that i stay away from if i’m with a group of people, sat facing a crowded restaurant as they are just too messy, e.g Spaghetti, Full english breakfast (the eggs are just invisible on a white plate!) & salads can be hard to chase around too. So i often order things i can pick up like Pizza, burgers etc.

i chose ‘Food” for the theme this week, and i’d love to sit at your digital table and see a glimpse of your favourite food, favourite places, food that’s really hard to eat or has amazing detail, and of course the messy stuff! 😀

Remember to link back here so i can see what you serve up!

Love heart biscuits

⇧ Sarahs love heart biscuits! ⇧ 

Fillet steak with love heart potatoes

Fave Place: Fillet steak with love heart potatoes at Sicily Restaurant ⇧ 

More i C Photo Challenges:

i C Photo Challenge: Cars & Trucks

I C Photo Challenge Logo“You don’t need sight to see, you need vision”

As a “Blind Photographer” I love taking part in photo challenges and seeing how creative other bloggers can be with their images. This has fired my imagination and prompted me to host a photo challenge of my own!!!

The “i C Photo Challenge” will have a theme each week – To get you thinking about the things you’d miss if you lost your sight and provide a chance for you to be as creative as possible – Taking photos you may never have considered taking before, of things you would usually overlook. I’d like you to show me things you think I’d love to see…. things I’ve missed since loosing most of my sight.

Use any camera you have available … it’s about the thought going into the image not the image quality… although high quality will make it easier for me to zoom in and see. 

And above all ENJOY 😀 taken from my “i C Photo Challenge” page.

Week 1

i C Photo Challenge: Cars & Trucks

Pickup Truck

 ⇧ Looks like Mater ~ Photo taken using iPhone 4s ⇧ 

I chose ‘Cars & Trucks’ as my first challenge, as when i was fully sighted i used to be a panel beater in a body shop, where i repaired, restored and customised cars. I’ve driven many cars ranging from Citroen 2CV’s unto Rolls Royce’s and a lot in-between.  I love american cars and love the sound of a V8! It’s just not the same listening to cars but not seeing them! 

For this weeks challenge, create a new post with a photo/photos of any car or truck you think is interesting or i might not of seen before. This can include close up shots of engines, badges, lights…… anything relating to the theme, be creative!! 🙂

 Please remember to include a link back here so i can see (and not miss) your creations. New challenges every Friday!

Weekly Photo Challenge: Texture

This week, share a texture found in an unexpected place. It could be made of natural materials, as in these images, or with man-made objects.

A black and white photo of my Taylor Koa K22 with lots of textured shadows

I thought this weeks theme was an ideal opportunity to post a photo of my Taylor K22ce acoustic guitar, which is made from the exotic tropical wood Hawaiian Koa. I just love the textures of this beautiful wood. 

Photo taken today using my iPhone 5s and edited with FX Photo Studio Pro on my mac.

Description from the Taylor Guitars website:

Hawaiian Koa

Origin: The Big Island of Hawaii

As a tropical hardwood, a koa top will initially project a bright and focused tone, especially together with koa back and sides, but as it’s played, it matures into an increasingly warm, rich, sweet sound with healthy overtone “bloom,” especially in the midrange.  resonant tone.

More of my Weekly Photo Challenges

You’ll Never Believe This…. (Part 3)

Wow, Part 3 already! If you’re wondering what i’m talking about pleas see my older posts (Part 1 & Part 2). 
I’ve just sent my exhibition entry form with descriptions of the photos etc and i’m doing my video interview this Sunday in London. Also Sarah & i have booked our Hotel for 7 nights with flights in Florence, Italy for the opening meet and greet. I’m a little excited! 🙂
I thought i would share with you which photos were chosen and my descriptions & aims of the images for this Florence exhibition in December.
Please comment and let me know what you think, as i’d love to hear your feedback on my descriptions, aims & photos! 🙂
 
My Exhibition Photos
 
Image 1: ‘Stormy Bay’ – Ilfracombe, Devon, England

P1020199

Brief description: Photograph taken in a huge storm with my iPhone 4s camera. (I wouldn’t get my Nikon camera out of it’s bag as the weather was too bad). I’ve applied a grayscale effect to bring out how I felt on the day (very wet, cold and shivery). A great memory of the English southern coast on New Years Day.

Aim of the work: I felt the strength of the storm (with howling winds and lashing rain) and wanted an image that captured the moment. Using dramatic black and white I wanted to draw people into the strength and power of the elements so they could feel the strength of the storm for themselves. 

Image 2: ‘The London Eye’

London eye 7

Brief description: Stood close the Eye looks big but through the wide angle lens of my Sony Alpha a100 camera it felt like a huge bike wheel in the sky ….very sureal.

Aim of the work. Looking at life from a different angle.

Image 3: ‘Arches’ – Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace

Brief description: One of my very first photos taken as blind photographer. Taken with a Fugi F10 camera. I was visiting Hampton Court Palace and was struck by the contrast between the heat in the sunny parts and the cool in the the shadows when walking down this corridor. I wanted to reflect this in the patterns made by sunlight playing though the arches. I used black and white in this image to capture this feeling.

Aim of the work. To demonstrate the amazing effects sunlight can have on it’s surroundings.

Image 4: ‘Life on the water’ (canal boat – Heartfordshire, England)

Canal Boat

Brief description: Walking along a peaceful, tranquil path by the canal I was taking shots of different things around me with my Sony Alpha a100 camera. I heard the rumble of this boats engine and took photos as it passed. On returning home and zooming into the images with my computer this one stood out, as when seen in detail there was much more in it than I had first thought. It captures a story of the man with his dog living a laid back lifestyle on the boat … all the materials of his life surrounding him. The photo I felt encompassed this mans life and told his story whilst also conveying the peace of the day and tranquility of my surroundings.

Aim of the work. A single photo that tells the story of this mans life – the more you zoom in the more you see.

Image 5: ‘Portsmouth Cathedral’

Portsmouth Cathedral

Brief description A dramatic image of Portsmouth Cathedral on a hot but cloudy day.Taken with my iPhone 4 camera at a friends ordination ceremony.

Aim of the work. The ceremony was very grand and I wanted to capture the feeling of the spendour and grandeur of the ceremony and Cathedral in a photo. From experience I know that using black and white on architecture creates a dramatic feel, especially on a cloudy day.

The Heights Of Abraham

After travelling up to Derby and spending the day with “Our Friends The Wigley Family”  Sunday came and we woke up to a lovely view over Derby.

Hotel Room View overlooking a road and a landscape

⇧ View from our hotel room ⇧

We then headed to the train station to travel to Doncaster to see Sarah’s family.

Sarah Portrait

⇧ Sarah sat in the train station café ⇧ 

Little did we know that the Tour de France was in Yorkshire on this day, but to our surprise the reservations were overloaded and the train was full so we got upgraded to first class (for free) which was empty! 🙂

Sarah s First Class

⇧ SARAH’S FIRST CLASS!! ⇧ 

We arrived in Doncaster for Marshall’s birthday dinner at Cosmo’s where we met all of the family. We had a lovely meal and it was great to catch up with them all! 🙂

Marshall on left, Sarah in the middle and Alfie on the right

⇧ Marshall (left), Sarah & Alfie ⇧ 

After arriving back in Derby that evening, Sarah & i went to our fave italian Zizzi’s for a lovely meal. I also got to have the lovely chocolate, banana & ice cream calzone, which Sarah stole most of! 🙂 

Sarah  the calzone

Then it was Monday 7th July our 7th wedding anniversary where we would enjoy “The Heights Of Abraham” at Matlock Bath.

Cable Cars  Sarah 2

Cable Car View 2

We we arrived at the top we found a tower (which was too dark for us to climb) but it looked nice! 🙂

Tower  Cable Cars

And i met a new friend…….

Me and Donkey

⇧ My new friend (i love donkeys in case you didn’t know!) 😀 ⇧ 

And after my amazing driving in the bumper cars (see here) i found another vehicle i had to drive……..

Me driving school bus

⇧ Getting the chance to drive yet again! ⇧ 

Cable Cars  Sarah

⇧ Descending back down to ground level ⇧ 

Cable Car View 3

Cable Car View 4

Cable Car View

⇧ Views overlooking the villages from the cable cars ⇧ 

After a fantastic (and exhausting) weekend we finally checked out and headed home!

The Hotel

⇧ Sarah outside Jury’s Inn, Derby ⇧ 

All photos taken using my iPhone (i left my heavy DSLR’s in the hotel)

My Sisters Wedding

Sarah & i travelled back up to Derby over the weekend for my Sisters (Charlotte) wedding. It was a blessing to be there for her & Marcellus and share their special day. We loved being around family and also got to catch up with others i’ve not seen in years! 🙂 All photos were taken using my iPhone.

C  M Wedding 10  Charlotte  Marc

⇧ Marcellus & Charlotte ⇧

Marcellus  Charlotte 2

⇧ Marcellus & Charlotte 2 ⇧

Marcellus  Charlotte Kiss

⇧ The Kiss ⇧

Me Marc Charlotte  Ambber

⇧ Me, Marcellus, Charlotte & Ambber (my other Sister) ⇧

C  M Wedding 3

⇧ Family & Friends ⇧

Friends

⇧ Marcellus & Tony ⇧

C  M Wedding 17

⇧ 🙂 ⇧

C  M Wedding 7  Taylor

⇧ My Niece Taylor (right) & friend ⇧ 

C  M Wedding 4  Saff

 ⇧ My Niece Saffy ⇧ 

C  M Wedding 12  Saira

⇧ My Niece Saira ⇧ 

See also: Weddings Page

Visiting Family In Derby

If you’re wondering why i’ve been so quiet for the last few days…..…Sarah & i have been visiting family & friends in my hometown of Derby, Derbyshire,

It was amazing to catch up with as many as i could as i don’t get to see them very often, and it was sad not too catch up with my brother Paul. Below are some great memories of my trip. Hope you enjoy! 🙂

Me stood in our hotel window

⇧ Surprised to find this great window in our hotel room! 🙂 ⇧ 

Sarah next to the river with the Cathedral in the background.jpg

 ⇧ Sarah & i had a lovely riverside walk ⇧ 

Derby Cathedral

  ⇧ Derby Cathedral (i proposed to Sarah inside, 9 years ago ⇧ 

Me  my 2 sisters Ambber  left  Charlotte

 ⇧ Me and my 2 sisters, Ambber (left) & Charlotte ⇧ 

Ambber Sarah Me Charlotte  Marc

 ⇧ From left: Ambber, Sarah, Me, Charlotte & Marc ⇧ 

A photo of me with my beautiful niece Saira

 ⇧ Me with Saira (one of my beautiful nieces) ⇧ 

Saira (one of my beautiful nieces).jpg

 ⇧ Saira ⇧ 

Saffy (one of my beautful nieces) .jpg

 ⇧ Saffy (one of my beautiful nieces) ⇧  

Taylor (one of my beautiful nieces).jpg

 ⇧ Taylor (one of my beautiful nieces) ⇧ 

Me, Eileen (step mum), my Dad, Sarah, Saira, Saffy & Taylor 1.jpg

 ⇧ From back left: My Dad, Eileen (my step mum), Me, Sarah, Saira, Saffy & Taylor “”

Ben  brother in law my Dad Eileen  my step mum Me Saira Saffy  Taylor

 ⇧ From back left: Ben (my brother in law), Dad, Eileen, Me, Saira, Saffy & Taylor ⇧ 

All photos taken with my iPhone 5s

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