My first blog centres on how the commnity spirit of Eastbourne and social networking (specifically Twitter) have beautifully complimented each other.
I graduated from photography in 1997 and have barely picked up a camera since. Why? Cost and prctiality. I did not embrace the digital revolution and had become accustomed to the colour darkrooms at the University of Westminster. The thought of handing a roll of film to anyone was a non starter, and as you can imagine, the costs of setting up a colour darkroom were completely prohibitive.
I began more and more to capture life events on my iphone, mainly photographing my son. I was then lucky enough to make the acquaintance of Pixels2canvas at a local business event earlier this year and we chatted about some of the apps that were available to iphone users. He introduced me to Instagram and life has not been the same since.
Instagram is an online photographic community (at the moment only available via iphone / ipad) which allows you to upload and edit photos with a series of filters. The best thing about it is people with an interest in photography from all over the world, varying levels of abilities, use it to post their images and attract followers. Additionally there are a number of hosts within the community that give accolades to photos they feel are worthy. It has a very supportive and safe feel about it, so much so, I created an account for my 8 year old son (though obviously you do have to police use!)
I began to use the apps on the iphone to edit my photos and in the space of a year I have gone from what I would call clicking randomnly, to having a combined Twitter and Instagram following of 1200+.
Through Instagram and Twitter (by utilising hashtags) I began to unearth some fabulous local photographers as well as local people who were very supportive of my work. This led to Central Eating inviting me to exhibit at their cafe late November, and I invited the local photographers who I had become fond of on Twiter and Instagram along to my opening.
This has now led to the birth of a photoclub, open to anyone with an interest in photography, which will have its first meet this week at Central Eating.
My photo campaign online has been to champion the beauty of where we live and get outsiders to "change their view"! What has been my best win is the people I have met through my journey this year, and I now have another reason to feel blessed to be living here.
I am happy to be a resource to anyone wishing to start iphoneography and Ebphoto (the club as its known on Twitter) will also be able to give advice and help to anyone sarting photography, digital or otherwise.
my contact details are on www.ditzyladym.co.uk