Burbage Carnival 2009

For the past few years my husband and I have been attending the Burbage Carnival and

remarking to ourselves at how much better it could be. The carnival seemed to be declining in recent years. Earlier this year I met someone (Harvey) who mentioned that he joined the committe. When I asked him why he said he had been remarking that the carnival could do with some improvements. The response he received was rather than complain why don't you join the committee and do something about it. Its hard to argue with that. The following week I found myself, along with my husband, at the Burbage Carnival meeting. And we've been attending (most meetings) ever since.

With this being our first year we didn't want to dive in head first. We contributed where we felt we could but it was great to see that what little we were able to offer still made a difference on the day. We're now very much looking forward to seeing just how much of a difference we can make next year. I just hope it doesn't rain. Its been a while since the carnival has seen rain and it has to come sooner or later.

This year though weather couldn't have been better (for me as a photographer as well - I love

fluffy white clouds and blue sky). Everything ran smoothly, aside from the carnival schedule which fell behind a little when the parade took a little longer than anticipated. But overall I am so pleased with the result. With 10 or so floats and a packed field I think it really shows that the Burbage Carnival is moving up.

As a photographer I just couldn't leave my camera behind, as much as I try on occasion to just enjoy the day. For me though I can't enjoy myself if I think I am missing potentially great images. I am so pleased I didn't leave the camera behind. I had so much fun taking these photos and I couldn't be happier with the results. In all honesty it was a learning experience for me yet again. Bright sunlight isn't the easiest of lighting conditions to deal with and the back of the camera is useless for checking out whether or not the settings were correct in such conditions. So it was a test to myself as to whether or not I could do it without that cushion of being able to preview the image. It turns out I really do know something about photography as nearly every image was exposed correctly.

If you would like to see all of my images please visit my website. You can find the images at http://www.christinalauderportraits.com/ProofGallery/Proof%20Gallery.htm.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say thanks to the Sycamore's (particularly Emma) who allowed me to set up a display in the garden to show off my work. We wanted the chance to show people the type of work we create and give them a chance to see the level of quality in person. Sometimes you just can't tell what you are getting from online images. We thought the Sycamore's would be ideal since it always proves to be a very busy but relaxed place. And my husband thought it was great that he had to spent the entire day in the pub. It wasn't easy but he made it through.

Now I'm already looking forward to next year and the ideas are flowing steady. Feedback was positive and I've met other people interested in getting involved. If you're interested in getting involved please contact myself or visit http://www.burbagecarnival.moonfruit.com/ for more details. Things can only get better from here.

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6 July 2009 at 19:30

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