I was a child of the late 70s/early 80s. I listened to my music via vinyl, cassette and 8-track tapes. I watched films on BetaMax… or at the cinema. TV was only a couple of channels – live as it was shown or, if you could work out how to do it, it could be set to be recorded on to videotape. Phones all had rotary dials… and a lead that was attached to the wall. Mobile meant that the cord was a few yards long, and you could carry the 2lb phone, possibly all the way into the adjoining room.
Cameras were simple point and shoot boxes that you held up to your face, shut one eye and peered through a view-finder with the other before pressing the button. The only option available in those days was flash on or flash off. And you had to wait a whole week to see the photos you took, because that was how long the pharmacy (it was always, and only, a pharmacy) took to process the roll of film you took into them. The roll of film could only hold 24 photos – or 36 if you paid extra. I’ve lost count of the number of times that not a single satisfactory image materialised as I eagerly shuffled through the photos on the pavement outside the shop. Blurry, underexposed, overexposed, superimposed… excitement quickly turned to dismay!
Which brings me on to this week’s On our Radar item – the Camp Snap camera. It has all the good bits of a 1970s camera; the attractive retro looks, the point & shoot simplicity, combined with the useful 21st century technology; it’s digital, you can attach it to your computer to download, share and print the images you want. It’s available in 9 colour options and allows you to take up to 500 photos before it needs recharging. And all at the exceedingly reasonable price tag of £52.00 (as at May 2024).
Personalised photographic gifts make timeless and cherished presents; presents that you give that will capture special moments forever and can be enjoyed year after year.
With the amazing advancements in digital imaging technology in recent times, it’s become easy to transform your favourite photos into perfect personalised gifts. With online printing services, it’s easy to get a high quality print of any photo you choose. You can turn precious memories into stunning, tangible items.
These make perfect presents for any number of special occasions; from birthdays and anniversaries, to weddings, newborn arrivals and Christmas.
When it comes to personalised photographic gifts, the sky is the limit! You can choose from beautiful frames, albums, photo-books or even jigsaws made from your own carefully chosen photos. With the range of professional products available, you can be sure to find the perfect gift to make the day special. You can even have a special occasion such as a wedding or birthday included on your item of choice to make it entirely personal. You can get more ideas on mixbook.com.
Personalised photographic gifts are a unique way of showing someone that you care. With a wide range of options, you can be sure to find something special for everyone on your list. Whether it’s a canvas print, photo mug, or memory album, a personalised photographic gift is sure to be appreciated.
Wall art
Canvas prints – these can take the form of one large statement piece or a group of smaller pictures. They will be on permanent display in your home, cheering you up every time you pass by or get the chance to stop & stare. Landscapes or individual portraits work very well for the larger canvases. Perhaps you’ve captured a gorgeous image of a family member on your phone (or had it professionally done in a studio). It can be reproduced to whatever size you require to fill a specific space – perhaps above the sofa or fireplace. A selection of smaller canvases provides the perfect opportunity to get creative. You could arrange pictures on a gallery wall; in a long row, perhaps up the stairs or along a corridor – or juxtaposition different shapes & sizes. Perhaps there’s a theme to consider – children, pets, wildlife, garden shots, hobbies – the possibilities are endless!
Greeting cards & invitations
Nothing beats getting a letter or card from someone special. It’s become even more significant these days, as much of our correspondence takes the virtual form of email and phone messaging. So a personalised card could be the perfect idea – whether it be to congratulate someone, invite friends & family to a wedding or house-warming, mark a special occasion or just to send your love!
Calendars & diaries
Calendars and diaries are used and looked at every day of the week for the entire year. With personalised pages, each new month can begin with a different photo of family members, snaps of favourite holiday destinations, inspirational recipe ideas, maybe. You’ll look forward to each new image appearing when a page is turned!
Tea & coffee mugs
If you’re looking for something usable and practical, custom photo mugs are a great option – especially if the recipient is a hot drink addict. Whether you opt for a ceramic mug or a travel mug, you can upload any photo for an eye-catching design that truly stands out. Photo mugs are a fun way to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while appreciating a meaningful image.
Cushions & blankets
A double hit of positivity! The comfort of the cushion or blanket combined with the warm glow of a favourite picture – whether it be a favourite person or a memorable place. Perhaps they could reflect the landscape that surrounds your home – think beach huts or shells if you live by the sea, trees or wildlife if you live in the countryside – and perhaps cityscapes or favourite buildings if you live in a more urban setting. They could capture your favourite pets, both past & present. If they’re allowed on the furniture, we’re sure that a soft cushion will get the thumbs up (or paws up) from your treasured pooch too!
Whatever personalised photographic gift you choose, you can make it entirely yours and capture the moment forever.
It dawned on me this week that I rarely feature photography on our Designer Desire series… so I’m remedying that this week by highlighting my favourite photographer, Annie Leibovitz.
Annie Leibovitz is a famous (and infamous) American photographer best known for her portraits of celebrities in politics, sports, the arts, fashion and Hollywood.
It was in 1968, as a student at the San Francisco Art Institute, that Leibovitz purchased her first camera.
I have always thought of my work as art… I really thought I could take pictures in this landscape of magazines.
Leibovitz has created some of the most iconic images of the 20th century; Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA album cover, a naked and heavily pregnant Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg in a bathful of milk and the portrait of John Lennon & Yoko Ono – a photograph that was taken a mere 5 hours before he was shot and killed outside his home in New York.
She also photo-documented many great historical events including the Apollo 17 mission, many of the Rolling Stones tours, the 1972 US presidential campaign alongside the journalists Hunter S. Thompson and Timothy Crouse and Richard Nixon’s resignation following the Watergate scandal.
Leibovitz has had an enduring and successful relationship with Rolling Stone (from 1973) and Vanity Fair (from 1983) magazines. While still a student, in 1970, she approached Rolling Stone magazine – just three years after its inception – with some of her photographs. A few of them were published, thus beginning her long career as a photojournalist and embarking on what would become a symbiotic relationship between the young photographer and a magazine famous for reflecting the American zeitgeist. Leibovitz’s first major assignment, in 1971, was for a cover story on John Lennon.
In March 2007, Leibovitz became the first American to create an official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. They were commissioned by the Royal Household to celebrate the monarch’s official state visit to the USA.
Today has been a rare day; indeed, it’s been a rare week and more. We spent many hours watching the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on the television. Despite us not being royalists, we greatly respect and admire the late Queen.
It was all so moving; the readings, the slow procession of uniformed troops through London, the sound of the massed pipes and drums, the crowds, the Queen’s favourite pony, the corgis and most of all, the lone piper at end of the Windsor service. Who does ceremony and pageantry as well as the British?
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