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Exploring Bo-Kaap: History, Culture and Ethical Travel in Cape Town
During my trip to South Africa, I went to vsist the district of Bo-Kaap, tempted by the prospect of some great photos of its iconic colourful houses. It is one of Cape Town’s most photographed and culturally rich neighbourhoods, famous for its brightly painted houses and deep Cape Malay heritage. But beyond the colours lies a history shaped by colonialism, slavery, Apartheid, and a community determined to preserve its identity. Visiting Bo-Kaap can be both fascinating and..
valeriehuggins0
17 hours ago3 min read
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Musings on Mindfulness in Winter
Some days everything seems alright with the world. Take a November day when yesterday's storm has passed through and tomorrow's is yet to arrive. The sky is as blue as blue can be. The sun is low in the sky, and you can see for miles. The air is still. And then go and sit on the beach. Close your eyes. Breathe in the freshness, taste the salt in the air, and listen to that gentle swish of the waves as they kiss the sand and then fade back. Here are the photos that emerged fro
valeriehuggins0
4 days ago1 min read
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Kruger National Park: Conservation in changing times
As I headed to South Africa, I carried with me a host of preconceptions largely shaped by my previous experiences in other African countries. During the two-week trip I found that these ideas were challenged again and again. Our adventure began in Kruger National Park, where we stayed in an exclusive eco-resort — an epitome of luxury amid the wilderness. From our private pool, we could gaze down into the valley where hippos wallowed in the river, a fish eagle hunted for food,
valeriehuggins0
Nov 195 min read
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Autumnal Kaleidoscope
Here in the UK, October marks a turning point when the warmth of summer slips away and the we start the journey into winter. The weather is changeable, with some lingering sunshine amidst the storms and other days of soft, damp greys. There is a quiet urgency to photograph the changing kaleidoscope of autumn colours before they are lost for another year. I usually take photos when the light catches my eye, sparks of colour that stand out. I avoid the gloom of misty or rainy d
valeriehuggins0
Oct 163 min read
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Autumn Paths
In search of creative inspiration, I set out to explore a new woodland: Hembury , an ancient forest nestled between two valleys carved out by the River Dart and its tributary, the Holy Brook , near Buckfast in South Devon. I was drawn by the promise of winding riverside paths, dense woodland, and the chance to spot wildlife. Although summer was drawing to a close and the first signs of autumn had begun to appear, the weather remained fair—perfect for a walk. But almost immedi
valeriehuggins0
Oct 133 min read
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Autumn's Threshold: seeking connections in the woodland
This month marks the autumn equinox—a moment of balance between light and dark, day and night. It’s a natural pause point, a quiet...
valeriehuggins0
Sep 294 min read
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A Day in Plymouth with the RPS
I signed up for a one-day workshop in Plymouth with the Royal Photographic Society, and as I headed down on the train, the rain was...
valeriehuggins0
Sep 133 min read
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Exploring stillness and change: Black and White in the Woodland
I’m really enjoying my year-long photography course with Charlotte Bellamy . Each month, Charlie sets us a new creative challenge to...
valeriehuggins0
Aug 115 min read
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A Sunday Stroll by the English Riviera
An hour to spare. A new phone camera. A walk by the sea. What could emerge? I am enjoying playing around with my new Pixel 9 Pro camera...
valeriehuggins0
Jul 282 min read
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Small details, quiet mind: finding focus in the chaos
Sometimes the 'whole' can be overwhelming to photograph. The vastness of a landscape from the top of a hill. The enormity of a seascape...
valeriehuggins0
Jul 285 min read
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Continuing in Cornwall
The second day of the Beginner's Art course and I was excited to see 'what next' - where would I be going with my creativity? It was a...
valeriehuggins0
Jun 294 min read
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A New Beginning in Cornwall
As this glorious spell of summer weather continued I headed across the border to Cornwall for a creative workshop, with my usual feeling...
valeriehuggins0
Jun 294 min read
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Going back, going over, doing the same, finding new ways forward
The creative journey is one of many starts and stops, pauses and diversions. I find sometimes that I seem to be going back to the same...
valeriehuggins0
Jun 174 min read
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Betwixt and Between
The word for this month's exploration is 'between'. I immediately paired it with 'betwixt'. I wonder why? Both are old English words,...
valeriehuggins0
Jun 133 min read
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A Quest in Cornwall
We set off, very appropriately, in an electric car to make a pilgrimage to Cornwall. We were visiting what has perhaps become a shrine to...
valeriehuggins0
Jun 76 min read
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Experimenting with Wet Cyanotypes
I find it fascinating that once I have been sparked by a new area of creativity, the urge to continue experimenting is so strong. Having...
valeriehuggins0
May 262 min read
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Playing with Cyanotypes
A new adventure for me this month has been discovering the wonders of cyanotypes. After taking an inspiring RPS course on Ecological and...
valeriehuggins0
Apr 202 min read
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Edge of Spring on Dartmoor's edge
As winter is turning into Spring, I returned to a familiar place, the beautiful Stone Lane Gardens, on the edge of the Dartmoor National...
valeriehuggins0
Mar 253 min read
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Heart-lifting Walk in Ausewell Wood
Another day, another adventure with a new woodland for me to explore. Ausewell Wood is on the side of a Dartmoor valley, near Ashburton,...
valeriehuggins0
Mar 84 min read
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Devon's Snowdrop Festival
A little touch of February sun in the forecast tempted me out after many days of gloom. We headed across Dartmoor to somewhere new - The...
valeriehuggins0
Feb 251 min read
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