Lights, movement, flamenco! 365 #11

Capturing movement on the streets of London

I took my daughter to Sadlers Wells this week. It was a first for both of us – I had never been to the iconic dance theatre in 25 years of living in or near our capital city. It was with some trepidation that I booked the two tickets – she is only 9, and it’s serious performance, not the easy, engaging musical theatre that she loves so much.

But it is Flamenco season, and I have always wanted to go. Actually Daddy will openly admit that it leaves him cold, so I’ve been waiting until my girl was old enough to give it a go. I’ve loved Spanish dance since I lived in Andalucía (I even learned a little!) – it is exciting to hear, and to watch; it makes my hands clap to a rhythm they already seem to know.

Noise, lights and traffic at Kings Cross

My photography homework this week was to capture movement. I managed to freeze movement here, but I found showing movement in a still image more challenging. I decided to stop awhile at Kings Cross en route to the theatre, and make the most of the bright, busy traffic. I love the reflection of the moving lights on my stainless steel camera rest, that I had no idea I was snapping! She, on the other hand, was intent on movement of a different kind – in the general direction of the theatre!

Knitted blood cells in the trees at Kings Cross! Give blood, is the message!

I couldn’t resist grabbing this on my iPhone – knitted blood cells hanging in the trees outside St Pancras. Has there ever been a prettier reminder to give blood? In case it wasn’t clear, I’ve downloaded a free font and edited in the message, to take advantage of the tip at Love All Blogs Better Photo Project this week. Font overlays are not something I’ve ever done before – probably because I’m scared of Photoshop – but hey, if I’m taking a course, I’m doing the homework!

First trip to Sadlers Wells for both of us!I needn’t have worried about the performance. Despite being the only child in the audience, my daughter was riveted. “Mum! How on earth do their feet move that fast?!” Turns out Flamenco is her thing too 🙂

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26 thoughts on “Lights, movement, flamenco! 365 #11”

  1. I am glad she enjoyed it as much as you – makes it worth the wait her becoming old enough. You’ve done a fantastic job with your photos, and yes that is a very good reminder to give blood.

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  2. I think you got the age just right for the ballet. I tried to early and took my daughter at 5 to see The Nutcracker thinking it was Christmassy and for children. I was mortified when in a hushed theatre at a moment when the music paused, said daughter announced ” this is reeeeally booorrrrriinnggg”
    thankfully wry smiles were proffered and we left….
    Should try again now she’s 10 🙂

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  3. Sounds like you have a very grown up girl there with a great cultural appreciation. I’m loving the top photo there, really very clever.

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  4. So glad she enjoyed the performance! I’m always amazed at how quickly they can move their feet too! And you captured the movement of the busy streets wonderfully. 🙂

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  5. What a lovely experience to share with your daughter and so glad it was a lovely time. I really like the first picture with the movement in the background…curious what it looks like in colour. Great use of the picture with the saying. Your course really is improving your photography you are pushing me to maybe trying one. #Project365

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  6. Fantastic photos this week.
    What a lovely bonding experience for mummy and daughter too.
    So pleased she loved it as much as you did.

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    • I’m loving picking up tips week by week. It’s a new thing for me, I like to get it all mastered in one session, so this is hard for me to go with, but I love adding to my skills!

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  7. oooo this remind me of me and my mum. she loved and still loves the opera and ballet. my father did too but found the performances too long to sit through. so as soon as i was old enough i used to go with her to the royal opera house in covent garden. i’ve been lucky enough to have seen some wonderful performances. i wish i had my camera then to capture the moments that you have done here. great photos helen, and top marks to the two of us for fonts and photoshop!!

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    • We are so lucky now to have digital photography aren’t we? I bet growing up with your mum would have been right up my street!

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  8. Love your shots and the red blood tree is so cool. How amazing to take your daughter to see the Flamenco! My daughter would love that.

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  9. Awesome, can’t wait till my little lady is old enough to share nights out with me like this. Sounds perfect. Great photos.

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  10. I love this so much and so nice you can do such cultured things together.
    Your photos are awesome, really quite stunning!

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  11. This is an area I’m very rusty on, night time photography scares me! Lol. My photos ALWAYS come out blurred!

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    • Ah, that’s probably because of the light, especially if you’re using the smart option – I’m learning to use my camera on manual and it’s really helping

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  12. So glad GG enjoyed the ballet, must have been a relief for you too. What a treat for you both. Those knitted blood cells are pretty special and I especially love that first photo too – just captures the atmosphere beautiful. Hope your course is going well. That ladybird shot was taken with a 60mm lens.

    Best of luck to you and Penny for Sunday. The Doves are doing the Sport Relief mile with Poppy – hopefully she will actually walk!! I might dust down that red afro and elvis glasses again 🙂

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  13. Hope the flamenco was as amazing as you hoped? I’d love to see something like that, the last time we were in Barcelona I wanted to see a show but they were booked up well in advance.
    Thanks for linking up to Project 365.

    Reply

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