Welcome to the twenty-fifth week of my 366 Photography Challenge! As a portrait photographer based in Aberdeen, this challenge has taken me on a journey through varied subjects and unexpected moments. Join me as I share the highlights and challenges of this week's photographic adventure, capturing everything from inherited cacti to the stunning sunsets of Aberdeenshire.
Day 161: The Inherited Cactus
When we bought our house, the previous owners left behind some items. It's a rather annoying custom to leave unwanted belongings for others to deal with, turning them into someone else’s problem. This happened repeatedly with tenants as well. Among the items left was this cactus. It originally had a sad shape, probably neglected for some time. Now, it has grown more interesting and developed a complex shape. I used the natural light from a window behind the plant and a translucent reflector as a backdrop to capture this image.
Day 161.
Day 162: Cold and Rain in Scotland in Summertime
We are not accustomed to having a proper summer in the UK. It's so unusual that when the temperature rises slightly, they start talking about a heatwave, and we’re discussing temperatures of less than 25°C. I understand this because, in Argentina (excluding Patagonia), we don’t really know what a proper winter is. So, when the temperature reaches 0°C, everyone panics. It makes the front page news with bold capital letters.
This “summer” in Scotland is particularly bad, making my photography journey more challenging. Discipline is key to continuing despite busy schedules and bad weather. I managed to take this photo late in the day during a break between showers.
Day 162.
Day 163: The Gorgeous Sunsets in Aberdeenshire
I was planning to take a photo that I finally captured on day 165. While preparing the setup, my husband mentioned the beautiful sunset outside. I had been working all day and hadn’t noticed it. Not capturing this image would have been a missed opportunity.
Day 163.
Day 164: Women Connect Networking Group
I have been part of this group for over a year, and I love the relaxing and enjoyable events they organise. The main goal is to meet other like-minded women and create connections and friendships while also building a network of useful contacts. This has been beneficial for me at this point in my life.
You may not know that I used to do event photography and was fully booked, but it prevented me from spending time with my family. I was drawn to events because I love the parties and togetherness, and I did portraits because I enjoy creating beautiful images in a more stylish way. These were my two main businesses in the past: events and all types of portraits. Finally, after returning to the UK due to the pandemic, I shifted to being a full-time portrait photographer for adults because I enjoy mixing portraiture with fashion influences. I needed a quieter and more meaningful experience to offer my clients and myself. However, I missed photographing events because I love capturing images of beautiful places, details, and friendship. For that reason, I volunteer to take some images of the networking events organised by Women Connect whenever my schedule allows.
This image was taken at The Spiritualist Aberdeen. We were taught how to make our own cocktails. I am including some other photos from that day.
Day 164.
Day 165: Screwdriver Bits
I like metals and old factories because they provide a sensory experience of texture in photography. So, I took some screwdriver bits, added some light, and voila! The picture of the day was accomplished.
Day 165.
Day 166: My Love for Backlight
The rain diminished, and I went to the garden to make a quick shot. I like the structure in nature, and the backlight was ideal for highlighting the shape of the fern.
Day 166.
Day 167: Milanesas for Father’s Day
As a typical Italian-Argentinian, milanesas are a staple in our classic menu. In fact, our salaries are often tied to the price of a kilo of milanesas. At home, it's one of the most contentious dishes, as my husband and daughter, both Scottish, engage in tough negotiations over it... Even Brexit wasn't as meticulously scrutinised and debated as my milanesas at home. Usually, if you find this dish in restaurants in the UK, you’re likely to be disappointed if you’ve already tasted homemade versions.
Milanesas are made with thin slices of beef (I am Argentinian… what did you expect? Eggplant?), preferably cut by yourself. You soak the slices in a mixture of eggs, chopped parsley, chopped garlic, black pepper, salt, and mixed herbs. Then you coat this wet meat with breadcrumbs. You do this process twice for a better crust. When you finish, fry them. Stack them up with layers of kitchen tissue to absorb some of the oil. I use rapeseed oil to make it slightly healthier. This is the only fried dish we eat (except for fried eggs). Add a few drops of lemon or lime. It's always good to accompany them with a lettuce and tomato salad—don’t forget to sprinkle some oregano on your salad.
Day 167.
This week’s journey has been a reminder of the beauty in everyday moments and the importance of seizing opportunities, whether it’s a fleeting sunset or a break between rain showers. Each day offers a new chance to discover and document the world around us through the lens of photography. Stay tuned for more of my 366 Photography Challenge as I continue to capture the essence of life in Aberdeen and beyond.
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Bye for now.