The last of my annual round-up posts sees the best photos we took in 2018 (I’m still resisting the urge to jump on the “best outfits of the year” bandwagon…!
While looking through my 2018 photos I realised that we (unusually) didn’t really go anywhere new last year. I think because of Riley’s illness in February and then moving house taking up the whole year (house on sale in March, offer accepted in April, moved in July, latter half of the year sorting out our new home) we didn’t even get a long weekend away, despite our intentions to do so. Therefore the photos are a little lacking in stunning locations, but we at least made the most of a long hot summer and all its glorious sunshine.
So what they lack in location they hopefully more than make up for in light and composition. My favourites are the light in no.2, the colours in no.10 and the sharpness of no.17. Oh, and not forgetting that face in no.22…!
As always I’m showing a wide variety of outfits (as it’s the #iwillwearwhatilike post I thought I should at least MENTION clothes!) – I’ve worn everything from a chiffon gown to heavy biker boots to fancy dress this past 12 months. And I’ve included a few fabulous photos that don’t include an outfit at all: as it’s my greatest photographic moments I thought why not include some other photos that appeared on the blog that I’m proud of? Of course most of the photos were taken by the Instagram Husband Keith, so 99% of praise must go to him.
HOPE YOU LOVE THEM AS MUCH AS I DO – LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS WHICH ONE ARE YOUR FAVOURITE(S)!
P.S. Do add your outfits to this week’s link up at the bottom of the post – and if you’ve added a link to here or my button to your post you may be featured in my monthly Women Who Wear What They Like post!
Beautiful lighting
1. Soft spring backlighting on a vintage chiffon dress
2. Morning sun on a hotel balcony
3. Winter sunshine casting strong shadows
4. A golden glow of setting sun on my hair
Stunning locations & backdrops
5. The ever-photogenic cherry blossoms
6. A secret cinema London location acting as a dystopian 2019 Los Angeles
7. Ilfracombe in North Devon at sunset
8. All the autumnal leaves with all the autumnal colours
Great composition
9. A bold shape filling the frame
10. Perfectly placed afternoon tea
11. The winding path with perfect converging lines
12. Imposing 17th-century buildings in the snow
13. Damien Hurst’s “Verity” sculpture in the late summer sun
Details, details
14. A beret, sunglasses and statement earrings close up
15. All eyes on the plants-on-pink tote
16. A classic flat shoes shot
17. A stunning cocktail ring sparkling in the setting sun
Captured movement
18. Twirling my birthday party dress
19. Shaking out my new ‘do
20. A swish of gold pleats
Special category: Riley photos
21. A patient boy in the summer heat
22. Snuggling up in the winter
23. Looking proud and regal
24. A “looking sheepish” moment
✷ ✷ ✷ ✷ ✷
Thank you for joining the #iwillwearwhatilike link up! This started as a campaign on Instagram in August 2015 where women over 30 wore everything on a journalist’s list of “inappropriate” items for 30+ women (including leopard print, short dresses and oversized sunglasses. Yes, really). It was so popular that I decided to carry it on weekly where women of all ages link up their fabulous style, never mind what anyone tells them not to wear!
The link up goes live every Tuesday at around 3pm UK time and will stay open for a week. Whilst the original article was of course aimed at the 30+, you can be ANY age to link up. The only criteria is that you’re wearing whatever you damn well like!
Linking up etiquette…
CLICK HERE to read the rules of linking up (and to grab the #iwillwearwhatilike button). Basically it’s just good manners to link back to here – to leave a comment is even nicer!
PLEASE NOTE: This is for linking up WHAT YOU’VE BEEN WEARING ONLY. Non-outfit links will be removed and you might be blocked if you turn out to be a repeat “offender”!
Want to receive an email reminder for the next link up?
Please note that due to the new GDPR laws I’m unable to send an email reminder unless you subscribe to the mailing list of your own accord. CLICK HERE if you wish to be sent an email with a reminder to link up to the #iwillwearwhatilike link up as soon as it’s live!
Do share the love and visit as many links as you can (you never know what other lovely like-minded ladies you might meet) – the original Instagram campaign forged some wonderful new friendships so don’t miss out!
Always inspiring Catherine! Thank you for sharing these moments with us!
xx
Suzanne
http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com
All your photos are lovely and especially I like the plants-on-pink tote shot so much. All those shots are just perfect and beautiful. The vintage chiffon dress makes you more gorgeous.
A fun look back. You caught some great shots and also gave some great inspiration for all of us to use. Thanks!
As someone has just started out in the world of blogging, I need all the tips I can get. I am so grateful for these ideas!
Author
Thanks Richa! Good luck 😀
Well, you may not have taken the ” new ” route in 2018 but priceless are the locations and YOU! And well done InstaHubs for your SUPERB photographic skills and eye for a good shot!
Hugs, Mary x.
thepoutingpensioner.blogspot.com
Author
Aww Mary I’ll tell him – and thank you!! x
Beautiful photos. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week
Author
That’s so kind of you, thank you Patrick!
Every one a winner Catherine. Each photo shows just how much skill you and Keith have and without a doubt it’s inspiring. I have to mention your secret cinema shot in particular is just so bloody incredible.
The poses you both strike and the graffiti background are brilliant for sure. But its the absolutely awesome costumes you put together that blows my mind!
Author
Aww MT thank you – I think that outfit was one of my faves from last year, when I put it all on it just totally WORKED and I was so relieved… you never know with fancy dress!!
so happy you dedicated a section to Riley pictures. I kept scrolling going where is the puppy…. he is so regal. The birthday twirl was always one of my favs
Author
Hehe well I couldn’t NOT give him his own feature section, could I Linda…?! 😉 lol
Thank you my lovely xx
I am always in awe over your photography. It is so good. I am glad you showed us there as a line-up. Clicking a camera is not the same as being able to take great photos. I found that out a long time ago. The little knowledge that I have, I have from you, from your tutorials. And I don’t think I will ever have “the eye”.
Hats off to you.
Greetje
Oh and I am linking up to your post next Sunday, when I publish a new post. To give more exposure.
G
Stunning photos Catherine! You have a very talented husband!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Amazing photos! The lighting in your photos is always amazing!
Author
Oh thank you so much Andrea! Quite surprising seeing as I live in mostly-gloomy England…!
Stunning photos all. Loving the diverse shots here too in framing, composition, light and subject. We have to do a shoot together at some point! x
Author
Oh Vicki that would be great – though can you imagine us not talking at any time to get a decent shot?! We’d be talking and laughing the whole way through I bet!!!!!!! 😉
Thank you hon xx
Your photography is always fantastic – so clear and colours perfect. I have learnt a lot from your photography tips being new to it myself, practise is key. I am on the hunt for a 50mm lens as I have an 18 – 135mm and the 50mm may be more suitable. Keep on inspiring!!
Alison xx
Author
Alison the 50mm lens is DEFINITELY the one you want – no distortion to your body that way! Also make sure it’s a “fast” lens – meaning it has a maximum aperture of at least f1.8 or f2. Most 50mm lenses will have a max aperture of that… but do check.
Thank you for the lovely compliments, I’m so glad the tips have helped! x
Author
Of course you *could* just set your 18-135mm to the 50mm setting, but I doubt it can be set to an aperture of f1.8 or f2 (it sounds like you have a kit lens, i.e. the lens they just give you when you’re buying the camera body). Most of these aren’t fast at all, so yes: a fast 50mm is what to go for if you’re shooting outfit photos 😀
Yes, you’re right it’s the kit lens. I’ll keep searching for a fast 50 mm.
Many thanks
Alison xx
Catherine,
Had to let you know I’ve just bought the 50mm f1.8. I got a really good deal on ebay.
I emailed the seller a few times just to make sure I wasn’t buying a dud!!
Thank you for your help. It arrived today so i’m busy reading up on it – it looks in lovely nick – so far so good!
Wish me luck!!
Alison xx
Author
Alison that’s great news – well done you! You now have to make sure you avoid using the auto setting (otherwise it will have been a wasted purchase!) and use the “A” (aperture priority) setting on your camera. Using a large aperture of f1.8, f2, etc. means you’ll get all that lovely bokeh (blurry backgrounds) AND you’ll get better pictures in lower light. Good luck and let me know how you get on! x
So many gorgeous shots, Catherine! I do love the Riley photos. What a special and very handsome guy he is!
Shelbee
Author
Hehe he’s certainly not shy of the camera, Shelbee!! 😉 Thank you hon x
Your photos are always so beautifully clear and well laid out Katherine. I really enjoyed this round up of your looks and photograph styles. Happy New Year lovely xx Maria
Author
Aww thanks Maria – HNY to you too x
Your photography! Such beautiful shots – very impressive. You are such a role model – thanks for hosting. And yes, Riley is gorgeous!
Author
Oh that’s really lovely of you, thank you Penny xo
So many beautiful photos and outfits! It’s impossible to select a favorite, although the ones with your pup are very cute!
-Katie
Author
Thanks Katie – I have several faves myself (the Riley ones perhaps being my fave faves, lol) x
You are so lucky having a great photographer but the subject material is pretty stunning too dear Catherine.
Author
Oh bless you Anna, thank you!! x
Your photos on the blog are always so beautifully composed and you always make the most of the lighting at the time. You are such a talented and creative team. Impossible to pick a favourite but as a dog person the Riley ones speak to me.
Many thanks for hosting Catherine.
Author
What lovely compliments – thank you Jill!! x
It’s always so educational to hear you talk about the photography and what to look for. I remember when I was first starting out…I didn’t like all the glow and shadows from the sun, but I’ve grown to appreciate the different looks!
XOOX
Jodie
Author
Thanks Jodie – full sun is much easier to work with than no sun as you’ve probably found!
It is quite the task to pick just one of those photos, but if I *have* to, the autumn leaves would be #1, followed by the cocktail ring. Of Riley, the “sheepish” one gets my vote. We are putting our house on the market Feb. 1, I hope we can move along as well as you did.
Author
Weren’t those leaves amazing, Kim?! And good luck with your house move – we were lucky to get an offer so quickly… it was the rest of the process that was so painful, I hope it isn’t for you!! x
So many great shots, but I think my favorite series were the ones taken indoors at the hotel in London. Lighting like that is like a gift from heaven, and you’re positively glowing!
Cheryl Shops
Author
Ugh yes the light that day – and in that room in that hotel – was a godsend. Thank you Cheryl!!
Your photos are always incredible; there are so many good ones here I can’t choose a single favourite. All the Riley ones, chiffon dress, birthday dress, tartan coat, sun setting in your hair, and OF COURSE Secret Cinema would all be at the top of the list. You are a masterclass in blogging lady, honestly. I learn something with every visit.
(posts comment whilst humming Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the Best… better than all the rest…’
Author
Well of COURSE you’d say the Riley ones are the best Lisa, I wouldn’t expect anything else!!! 😉 Thank you sweetie xo
Very………well actually I’m drying green here. Great job Keith! And what about that afternoon tea!!! Whaaaa, need that next time I’m in the UK!
Author
Thank you Nancy – yes the afternoon tea at the Berkley was incredible, you wouldn’t regret going!! They have a glass roof so pictures will always look amazing 😀
No 4 has to be my favourite photo – what a fabulous shot Catherine, you certainly achieved plenty of beautiful shots. Please share the settings you used and preferably with a remote and tripod I’m struggling!! – please. xx Jacqui Mummabstylish
Author
Thank you Jacqui! I’m afraid I don’t use a tripod (well we do but it’s when Keith needs it in low light) – best thing to do is to check out these posts for improving your outfit photos, hope they help:
https://www.notdressedaslamb.com/2017/08/7-easy-ways-to-improve-your-blog-outfit-photos-shooting-tips.html – this is part 1 which are SHOOTING tips…
and https://www.notdressedaslamb.com/2017/09/6-easy-ways-to-improve-your-blog-outfit-photos-part-2-editing-tips.html which is part 2, EDITING tips 🙂
Love each photo…..I just need your wardrobe!
Author
Hehe thanks Kareema… as you can probably tell it’s bulging at the seams!!
They are all lovely. The cherry blossoms shot is wonderful. I learn a lot from watching what you do on your blog, Catherine. Thanks for that.
P.S. Still love the sheepish Riley one the best, though. 🙂
Author
Thanks Sue – he steals the show every time 😉
Your photography and lighting is always fantastic (and the outfits of course) so it’s good to pick up some tips.
Author
That’s lovely of you to say, thank you Gail! x