Picnic in the Park

Photographers are usually regarded as solitary creatures. However, as the Visionaries Unite picnic proved, we love meeting and socializing with other photographers just as much as any group. Organized by Kitty Gallanaugh, the meeting was held on May 5th at Hyde Park in London. At least that was the plan. In typical English fashion, rain had us diving for cover at a little Italian bistro for an afternoon of coffee, photo talk and portfolio sharing. Topics included: the ever controversial copycats, creepy Flickr stalkers and self-promotion on Facebook. The motley crew of photogs included: Cat Lane, Katie Eleanor, Emma Hope, Nicollete Iles, Ella Ruth Cowperthwaite, Aistė Tiriūtė, Sevgi Ky, Elmo Williams, Thomas Cole Simmonds and Hattie Day. Kitty was unfortunately not able to attend due to an emergency surgery. She is doing well now and is already planning the next meet up. After the rainy start, the sun finally peeped out for a couple of hours and the photographers descended en masse back to Hyde Park for an impromptu photo session. The odd sight of so many cameras attracted the attention of tourists who in turn photographed the silly tableau. No meet-up is complete without an official mascot and this was no different. Watch out for a cameo from Carlos the Aphid on the exclusive meet up video. For more photos head over to Cat Lane’s and Ella Ruth’s blogs.


























©Nathalie Donado

The Addiction Diaries

Small portrait series I improvised for a University project. Four self-proclaimed addicts tried to go a week without their fix. Going to start making more mini-posts.




©Nathalie Donado

Spring + Summer 2012: bits I love

Despite the fact I got caught in a HAIL STORM yesterday I am optimistically looking forward to slightly warmer temperatures and a bit more sun peeking through the English clouds. In preparation for that wondrous time I have compiled a list of nine trends I will indulge in this year:

Numero 1: Tribal

Tribal is a mish-mash of ethnic influences from around the world, including aztec and African prints. It's also about colour. Lots of it. Aside from the Mexican/African vibes, Peruvian and Navajo prints have been trending as well. As a pop of originality I look to my native Colombia, for hand-made Carrieles, the bag of choice for jinetes (cowboys) and the traditional mochilas made by indigenous tribes and each unique. 

Numero 2: Freckles

This might seem like an odd choice for a trend, but freckles where a mayor make-up trend for the upcoming summer. Natural or DIY, they add a touch of youthful playfulness and memories of childhood trips to the beach.

For a DIY tutorial on a cute freckled look, check out Pixiwoo's youtube channel:

Numero 3: Flower prints

The spring cliche. 

Make them original by choosing less cutesy prints and stronger colours. 

Numero 4: Bright Eyes

Bring out the neon eye shadows! 

The key to this look is making the eyes the central focus and keeping the rest of your face bare. The bright make-up trend isn't eye-exclusive, try bold, pink lips or have fun with nail polish

Numero 5: Americana

This is a melting pot of American staples, from 50's feminine silhouettes, to baseball jackets, cowboy boots and Florida chic.

Numero 6: Geek Chic

This is a personal favourite and a timeless choice. It's more than big frame glasses (which I own, and have a prescription for). Think Dino jumpers a la Sophie Hulme, brogues, and blazers. For the adventurous, try a swimsuit in a galaxy or R2D2 print. 

Numero 7: Pink Hair

I've been wanting to try out this trend since last year. I will probably settle for a less dramatic dip-dye. It's an automatic splash of girlie that will clash wonderfully with more masculine pieces like blazers and tailored shirts. 

Violet Paths

Finally photographed, the very beautiful Wenjing Fan, a course mate on my Masters. She's not just a pretty face, she was a natural in front of the camera. It's always a pleasure to photograph someone who isn't self-concious and enjoys the process as much as I do. It feels like I haven't been progressing with my photography the way I did when I was doing my 365, where progress was really easy to map. I don't have time to keep up a 365 properly despite having a flickr set where I am supposed to upload everyday, but I rarely have to time to shoot once a week. Which is silly because there's no better feeling  than when I get a perfect shot. It's frustrating. I need more photo-fixes.


























All images ©Nathalie Donado

Pemberley Meanderings

images ©Nathalie Donado