Getting Lost - December

Back in January I wrote about the 15:3:1 Project.

In a nutshell, this approach is about nurturing wairua and hinengaro - our emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing - by intentionally making time for ourselves in three different ways:

• 15 - something you do for 15 minutes every day to support your wellbeing

• 3 - something you do for 3 uninterrupted hours once a week

• 1 - something you do for 1 full day each month

For me, that looked like this:

• 15 minutes a day journaling

• 3 hours on a Saturday morning doing something creative just for myself

• 1 day a month devoted to Getting Lost

Over the course of the year, both my “15” and my “3” evolved - and I think that’s exactly how it should be. But I’m really pleased to say that I made it all the way through 2025 keeping my one day a month, using the Photography Getting Lost cards.

For December, I chose one of my favourite places in Rotorua: the Redwoods Forest.

I actually ended up visiting the forest twice in one day… because the photos from my first visit were pretty awful.

I was shooting in auto mode (landscape), but the images came out washed out and flat. So I did what many of us do - I started pressing buttons and changing settings to see what would happen. Thanks to poor eyesight, rain, and reading glasses that kept fogging up, I somehow landed on a setting that gave beautiful colour… but when I got home and uploaded the photos, almost all of them were out of focus and completely unusable.

Out of 144 photos, only 58 were even in focus - and most of those still felt dull and uninspiring.

I knew I could do better.

So I turned to ChatGPT (say what you like - AI can actually be pretty useful). I fed in where I was going, the weather, the type of photos I wanted to take, and what had gone wrong the first time. It spat out a set of camera settings for me to try.

Alfie and I headed back to the forest.

This time, I took 157 photos, and almost every single one was usable - although don’t worry, I’m not about to make you look at all 157 of them.

To show just how big the difference was, here’s a comparison:
first visit vs second visit, of the same seat in the forest.
No editing. Just different camera settings.

 

Sometimes getting lost - and starting again - is exactly what’s needed.

So, let’s get on with the December prompts.

Prompt 1: Spell your name by photographing items that start with each letter.

I tweaked this one slightly. Just after we arrived in the forest, I spotted a pile of sticks someone else had left behind. Instead of hunting for objects, I grabbed the sticks and started writing my name on the forest floor - all while holding Alfie’s lead in one hand.

Naturally, Alfie decided this was a game just for him.

He kept stealing my sticks. I was lucky to get as far as “Shell” before he made off with the “ey”.

This photo was taken on the first visit… and yes, you can probably tell.

Prompt 2: Take a photo of a living thing.

I can’t remember ever taking Alfie to this part of the Redwoods before. We usually head to the dog park side where dogs can be off-leash, so this was all new territory for him.

Alfie was in absolute heaven - so many smells, so many things to investigate, and far too many pauses to take it all in properly.

The only moment of drama came when someone had closed their umbrella and leaned it up against a tree. Apparently, this was deeply suspicious. Terrifying, even. We were completely unable to move forward on the track until the umbrella was retrieved and removed by its owner.

Once the forest was safe again, Alfie happily continued his explorations.

Prompt 3: Leading lines or the rule of thirds?

If ever there was a place made for leading lines, the Redwoods is it. Tracks and trails branch off in every direction, constantly drawing your eye forward and deeper into the forest.

This particular photo was taken on one of the boardwalks that crosses a stream - a perfect example of how the lines naturally guide you through the frame and into the scene beyond.

Prompt 4: Drive until you see water, then stop and photograph the reflections.

There was no driving involved for this one - and no reflections either - but there was water, so I’m counting it.

This photo was taken further along the boardwalk, where it crosses a stream. The water here is surprisingly warm, bubbling gently from the geothermal activity underneath. As you walk past, there’s a definite geothermal smell in the air - a quiet reminder that this forest sits on very active ground.

Prompt 5: At the next direction signpost, take a photo - then head that way.

The Redwoods is criss-crossed with an incredible variety of tracks. There are easy paths for those of us who just want a gentle stroll, slightly more challenging tracks for a bit of exercise, and more demanding routes for hikers looking for a proper workout. There are also dedicated tracks for mountain bikers, and even some specifically for horse riders.

Whatever your fitness level or pace, there’s a place for you here. If you’ve never been to the Redwoods, I highly recommend it.

Prompt 6: Stop, look behind you, and take a shot.

Despite the drizzly rain, the forest was surprisingly busy. There were plenty of people out walking the tracks, and lots of friendly greetings exchanged as we passed each other.

For this photo, I waited until someone walked past me, then turned around and took the shot. I did this a few times, just to see what I might capture- and this group, with their bright splash of red umbrellas, quickly became my favourite.

Prompt 7: Find a busy spot. Set a 10-second timer and see what wanders into your shot.

There are a few major tracks in the forest that are always fairly busy, so I didn’t have to wait long for something interesting to wander into frame.

For the truly adventurous, there’s Redwoods Altitude - a treetop experience 25 metres above the forest floor. That’s a firm no thank you from me; I don’t do heights. For those who do, it involves navigating 25 jungle bridges and 3 ziplines, very much in an Indiana Jones style.

I spotted the next group of adventurers gearing up and was more than happy to capture them just as they set off on their own forest adventure.

 

Prompt 8: Use a camera setting you wouldn’t normally use for this type of photo.

To be honest, my second trip was all about using different camera settings, so I could have chosen almost any photo for this prompt. In the end, I chose this one because it felt a little unexpected.

It’s just the end of a tree that’s been cut down - but the circles, the missing pieces of wood, and the contrast between the deep browns and the vibrant greens of the forest really caught my eye.

I remember seeing this photo for the first time on my screen and thinking, I took that photo.

Prompt 9: Get macro and portray the season you’re in using just a leaf or a flower.

I’m not entirely sure that a koru from a fern frond represents any particular season - I’ve seen them year-round in the forest - but I couldn’t go past this image.

The droplets of water, the tightly spiralled koru, and the delicate feathery “hairs” all came together beautifully. It’s another one of those photos that I took purely for myself.

Prompt 10: Find a building. Zoom your lens to the widest angle, then move in close to create dramatic angles.

I’ll admit, I hadn’t been to the Redwoods for a few months - we usually stick to the dog park side, so I was genuinely surprised to stumble across these strange-looking metal “igloos” tucked into the forest.

It turns out they’re part of the latest activity on offer - Redwoods Glowworms. I had to Google when they started, and thankfully I’m not too far behind the times; they only launched in September/October this year.

In the end, I didn’t even bother moving in close. Those igloo-like shapes create dramatic angles all on their own.

Prompt 11: Take as many steps as you have battery percentage left, then frame your shot.

This is always a fun prompt, because you never quite know where you’ll end up.

For this one, I wandered a little off track trying to avoid the crowds gathered around the more touristy part of the forest. Quite unintentionally, I ended up on the other side of the glowworm igloos.

It’s a spot I’d like to come back to - preferably when it’s a little quieter.

Prompt 12: Take a photo from the perspective of a flower.

There aren’t many flowers in the Redwoods, but the prompt said from the perspective of a flower, not of a flower - so I interpreted that as getting low and looking up.

From ground level, the trees feel even taller, stretching skyward in a way you don’t fully appreciate when you’re standing upright.

As with previous months, I needed a title card - and once again I found it hard to choose just one image. This one, though, really stood out.

I love the vibrant greens, and I still can’t quite believe that simply adjusting my camera settings took my photos from flat and washed out to bold and alive. It’s a good reminder that I need to spend more time behind the camera, really getting to know it and what it’s capable of.

So that really is the end of my year of Getting Lost.

Back in January, I wrote: “None of the photos have been edited in Photoshop etc. I just want this to be a fun ‘take it as it is’ project.” (I definitely stuck to that!)

I also said I was thinking about turning the photos into a coffee table book at the end of the year.

Now, with 2025 almost at a close, that idea feels just right.

Apart from January, all of the monthly cards now feature one of my own photographs, so I’ll be replacing that original downloaded image with one of mine. After that, it’s time to collate my selected photos and turn them into a book. 

It’s been a huge amount of fun - taking me as far north as Waitangi and as far south as Whanganui, and giving me the chance to take photos alongside family and friends.

All in all, it’s been a really meaningful and enjoyable part of my 2025 - one I’m very glad I said yes to.

Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the internet.
Until next time,
Shelley 

Getting Lost - November

Last weekend I popped over to Te Puke to spend time with some of my favourite people. It was technically still November (just!), and I was determined to capture my final photos for the monthly Getting Lost project - 11 months in and there’s no turning back now!

Krystal had the brilliant idea that I could photograph the festivities while they put up their Christmas tree. That meant ticking off my challenge and getting a whole day of cuddles with the newest member of our family - an absolute win-win!

Of course, as family days often do, the plans took a little detour. But what I did get was even better: a day overflowing with love, laughter, and baby snuggles. Honestly, what more could I ask for?

Prompt #1 - Take a photo of a living thing

Sadie and Alfie are the definition of chaotic besties. They chase each other like their lives depend on it… Sadie nibbling Alfie’s neck or ear in the name of “play,” while Alfie gets his revenge by attempting to destroy every one of Sadie’s toys. They’re wild, hilarious, and tiny terrors wrapped in fur - and we absolutely adore them for it.

On Sunday, Sadie’s beloved pool was set up in the backyard. Sadie LOVES the pool. Alfie… not so much. I stepped outside to “supervise” and found Sadie launching a one-pup mission to get Alfie in the water - splashing, flopping, coaxing, doing her best impression of a sea creature.

Is it a fish?
Is it a seal?
…Nope, it’s just Sadie being Sadie! 

P.S. All water is wonderful according to Sadie… except bath water. Baths are an absolute betrayal.

Prompt #2 - Stop, look behind you and take a shot

I could hear Dave rummaging around in the garage for the Christmas decoration boxes, so I headed out to check on progress. Naturally, Sadie and Alfie trotted after me onto the deck - because supervising the humans is very important work.

When I went back inside, they didn’t follow. I turned around to see them both pressed up against the deck railings, stretching and squinting to get a better look at what Dad/Dave was up to below. Those two are ridiculously nosy - they need to be involved in absolutely everything!

Little detectives in fur coats!

Prompt #3 - Find a busy spot. Set a 10-second timer and see what wanders into your shot

There was absolutely no way I was setting up my camera on a timer with these two around - it would either get knocked over, stolen, or used as a chew toy! But finding a busy spot? Easy. The backyard is basically a non-stop action zone.

So I adapted the prompt a little. Instead of the timer, I simply camped out in the backyard for 10 minutes and snapped away as Sadie and Alfie tore around. They get so completely wrapped up in their play that they forget the humans even exist… unless we dare to step inside, in which case all chaos pauses until we return.

Puppy mayhem at its finest!

Prompt #4 - Cloudy day, head for the coast. Sunny day, head inland

Meanwhile, Dave was still buried in the garage hunting for the Christmas boxes. Krystal had them all clearly labelled… but there were lots of other boxes (also labelled) stacked in front of them - just full of non-Christmas things. A festive treasure hunt, if you will.

With time ticking on (and stomachs starting to grumble), I volunteered to grab pizzas for lunch - plus, a little food motivation never hurts when you need someone to hurry up! I grabbed my camera and my prompt cards on the way out, just in case.

Once the order was in, the wait time was 20 minutes. Perfect! I pulled another prompt card - and it couldn’t have been more spot-on. Cloudy skies make the best soft light, so I headed just around the corner, parked up, and captured my next shot. Sometimes the best photos happen in those in-between moments.

Prompt #5 - Take as many steps as you have battery percentage left and frame your shot

Te Puke has so many hidden gems for photography, and my remaining battery took me straight to one of my favourites - the display of different countries. These installations are genuinely impressive and such a cool part of the Te Puke Heritage Walkway, a 4km trail that doubles as a walkway and cycleway.

Wandering past all the artwork made me think… I definitely need to come back over the summer break and do the entire walkway, camera in hand of course! Alfie can even tag along - as long as he promises to stay on his leash and not try to add “art critic” to his résumé.

Exploring, walking, photographing - sounds like a perfect summer plan to me!

Prompt #6 - Leading lines or rule of thirds? Or can you do both?

This time, I went all in on leading lines. With a little time still up my sleeve, I wandered further along the walkway and noticed a fence curving beautifully around the edge of the park - the perfect visual guide straight into the scene.

A couple of seagulls were loitering nearby (or “bin chickens,” as Chloe affectionately calls them). They were completely unfazed by me creeping closer with my camera - either very chill… or secretly hoping I’d brought snacks. Probably the snacks.

Prompt #7 - Put a frame around a landscape using whatever you find around you

Just a little further along from my last prompt, I found the perfect makeshift frame - the entranceway to the pathway, complete with a sign marking the Heritage Walkway route. It even included a bit of local graffiti. Not exactly my favourite kind of “art,” but sometimes it’s good to keep things real and capture places exactly as they are - quirks and all.

Prompt #8 - Get macro and portray the season you’re in with just a leaf or flower

We’re well into late spring now, and these little violas are some of my absolute favourites. I love using them to decorate baking treats - though maybe not the ones growing in the local car park! Still, they add such a cheerful pop of purple, brightening up even the most ordinary corners.

Prompt #9 - Find a building. Zoom your lens to the widest angle. Move in close to make dramatic angles

On my way back to the car - just as my phone dinged to say the pizzas were ready - I spotted this prompt in my hand and thought, “Perfect! Let’s see what I can find.”

The little art gallery near where I’d parked immediately caught my eye. A small side building, securely locked up, provided just the right lines and angles for a dramatic shot. Wide-angle, close-up, a little tilt here and there… suddenly, even a tiny gallery outbuilding felt like a statement piece.

Prompt #10 - Use a camera setting you wouldn’t normally use for this type of photo

After all that exploring, Krystal, Dave, and I finally settled in for pizza lunch - complete with garlic bread and onion rings! By this point, it was already 2pm, and the Christmas tree decorating hadn’t even started… though at least the tree was up.

Alfie and Sadie were eager to join in on the feast, but sadly for them, the humans decided pizza wasn’t on the menu for pups. After all their chasing, pool splashing (for Sadie, anyway), and general mayhem, they were completely worn out.

I switched up my usual camera settings, zoomed in close, and captured a few shots of our sleeping fur babies. A quiet little pause in the middle of a lively, fun-filled day - but definitely not the end of the adventures yet! 

Prompt #11 - Close your eyes, spin, stop and shoot

I didn’t actually close my eyes - far too risky with two playful dogs and stacks of Christmas boxes all around - but I still managed to capture something truly special.

Our newest family member was placing her very first Christmas decoration on the tree: a tiny, delicate Christmas angel. Such a precious moment. After all, one of the greatest joys of the season is spending time with children, and a new granddaughter is certainly someone to celebrate!

As always, I like to create a title card for the month, and this time I picked something I’d normally never use - but somehow it felt just right. While looking through some of the Christmas ornaments, I spotted the deer tags I had made for Krystal and Dave last year. I propped them up on the tree and snapped a few photos “just because.”

Funny enough, I didn’t realise that the camera had focused on the tree rather than the deer, leaving them slightly blurred. Surprisingly, I quite like the effect! That soft, dreamy look has earned this photo pride of place for November.

What a truly wonderful day it was - filled with family, laughter, and the simple joys of spending time together. From chasing, splashing, and playful chaos with Sadie and Alfie to exploring Te Puke with my camera in hand, every moment was a little adventure.

The absolute highlight, of course, was getting to share precious time with our newest family member. She brought so much joy to the day, and capturing her first Christmas decorations on the tree was a memory I’ll treasure forever. Out of respect for how some people use AI, I’m not showing her face here - it’s entirely up to Dave and Krystal if and when those moments are shared.

This day reminded me how special family time is, how little moments can become lasting memories, and how photography can help capture the laughter, love, and life that surround us every day.

Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the internet.
Until next time,
Shelley

Getting Lost - October

A couple of weeks ago, I headed to Waitangi for the SEPANZ Conference (Special Education Principals’ Association of New Zealand). My Principal and I were on the 6:45am flight out of Rotorua, so it was a very early start! We arrived in Auckland to pouring rain, and after a quick stopover, we boarded our second flight of the morning - landing in Kerikeri bright and early to beautiful sunshine.

My Principal had organised our flights, so I took care of the rental car. It didn’t take long to collect our luggage, sign the paperwork, and locate our vehicle - a lovely car with all the bells and whistles you could want.

We made our way into Kerikeri for brunch, then spent a bit of time exploring the local shops (which may have included a little retail therapy). I couldn’t resist buying a couple of small things, including a fabulous set of wooden mushrooms emerging from a piece of driftwood.

 

The next three days were full of connection and inspiration - mingling with other school leaders from the 27 specialist schools across New Zealand, listening to insightful guest speakers, enjoying delicious meals, and taking part in some great local activities.

Knowing I’d be up north, I made sure to pack my camera - and I’m so glad I did! I came home with almost 300 photos to sort through. Some were for specific prompts, some for a little arty project I’ve been thinking about, and others simply to capture memories of the trip.

And now… onto the October prompts!

#1 Get macro and portray the season you are in with just a leaf or flower.

While out exploring, I came across a very healthy Bird of Paradise plant - its vibrant orange and blue petals glowing in the sunshine. But what really caught my eye wasn’t the flower itself… it was the googly eye that someone had cheekily stuck onto it!

A closer look revealed that a few other things in the nearby area had also been “eyed.” Whoever did it clearly had a sense of humour - and it definitely made me smile. It was such a fun and unexpected detail to discover while focusing on the beauty of the season.

We left Kerikeri and took a short 24km drive to Paihia, where we’d be staying for the rest of the week. Our home base was the Copthorne Hotel — a beautiful spot right on the waterfront. Once we’d checked in and found our rooms, we caught up with a few of the other participants before I decided to slip away for a bit of exploring (and, of course, some photos).

#2 Take the number of photos you’ve taken today and head north that many kilometres.

Thankfully, at this point, I hadn’t taken very many photos - and since I didn’t want to venture too far, I decided to swap kilometres for walking steps instead. That little stroll took me out through the hotel gardens and onto a beautiful grassed area where the sun was shining, the sky was a stunning blue, and the palm trees made it feel more like a tropical island than a corner of New Zealand.

#3 Put a frame around a landscape using whatever you find around you.

As it turns out, I didn’t need to find anything to make a frame — the Copthorne had already taken care of that! Wandering through the gardens, I discovered a perfect wooden frame positioned to capture the stunning water views beyond. It was made for exactly this purpose… and who was I to look a gift horse in the mouth?

 

Later that day, a group of us headed into Paihia for dinner. I can highly recommend Zane Grey’s - the food was fabulous, the service excellent, and the views absolutely spectacular. I had the Panko Fried Goat Cheese Salad, which came with mandarin segments, edamame, mixed greens, candied beets, fried shallots, and caramelised walnuts. It was every bit as delicious as it sounds!

While we were waiting for some of the others to arrive, I decided to tackle another prompt card:

#4 Take as many steps as you have battery percentage left and frame your shot.

Nice and simple - and perfect for filling in a few minutes before dinner. I had a bit of a wander along the waterfront, and just as I reached my target number of steps, I spotted some beautiful wooden dolphins along the walkway. I’ve always loved dolphins, so stumbling across them felt a little bit special.

 

After dinner, my boss offered to be the designated driver for everyone, which gave me the perfect chance to look around a bit more - and squeeze in another prompt or two!

#5 Take a photo upside down (you or the camera).

While I was wandering through town, I spotted the perfect photo opportunity for this prompt - a vintage bike perched on the roof of the CBK restaurant. It’s not every day you see a bicycle sitting proudly on a rooftop, so of course I had to capture it (right way up and upside down!).

 

#6 Cloudy day, head for the coast. Sunny day, head inland.

How easy! The clouds had started to roll in quite heavily near the restaurant where we’d eaten, so before my ride turned up, I took the opportunity to capture a few photos of the sky. Most of the clouds were soft and fluffy at first, but before long, a few greyer ones drifted in — adding a slightly moodier vibe to the shots. Thankfully, the clouds never turned into rain!

 

As we were driving back to the hotel, I had the chance to look around - and out the car window, I spotted several waka (canoes) near the bridge we’d just crossed. I mentioned to one of the other Principals, Shirley, that I was going to head down to take a few photos. She was interested to hear about my Getting Lost project, so we decided to pull another card and do a prompt together.

#7 Take three photos of the same thing with shadows or light changing how it looks.

Oh my goodness - I couldn’t have picked a better prompt if I’d tried! Shirley is also quite keen on photography, so the two of us spent a while experimenting with angles and chasing the changing light. Between us, we captured quite a few shots, but here are my three favourites for the prompt.

The light was getting really interesting as the sun began to set, so we decided to do “just one more” prompt card before calling it a day.

#8 Stop, look behind you and take a shot.

The obvious choice was the bridge - the sun was hitting it beautifully, casting warm tones and reflections across the water. I had a feeling I was going to love this photo even before I pressed the shutter… and I was right!

 

The next day was another early-ish start. We were all privileged to take part in a pōwhiri at Te Tiriti o Waitangi - such a special experience. We walked across the bridge (yes, the same one from prompt #8) from the Copthorne to the marae, and while we were gathering outside, I pulled out a prompt card that felt perfect for the morning.

#9 At the next direction signpost, take a photo and head in that direction.

Once the pōwhiri was finished, I knew we’d be walking back across the bridge - in the exact direction the signpost was pointing! It couldn’t have worked out better. I even managed to capture a few photos of our group still making their way over, which felt like a lovely way to round off the moment.

My next real photo opportunities for the October prompts didn’t come until the following afternoon. While all the Principals were attending their AGM, the AP's and DP's were treated to a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Having grown up in Northland (Waipu, specifically), and returned many times throughout my adulthood, I had visited Waitangi more than once - but this experience felt truly special. Our guide was a delightful mix of humour, knowledge, and warmth, which made the tour even more enjoyable.

I knew immediately which prompt to tackle (so I handpicked this one) - because honestly, one photo was never going to be enough!

#10 Stop at the next signposted attraction and take 10 photos.

That evening, we headed over to Russell via ferry for dinner at The Duke - officially the Duke of Marlborough Hotel. They had created a bespoke menu for our group, offering three delicious choices for both entrée and main, plus two tempting desserts. I went with Te Ika Mata (a raw fish salad) to start, followed by the most delicious lamb, and finished with tiramisu for dessert. Absolutely perfect!

With more than 70 of us to manage, it was quite a challenge getting everyone through the door at the same time. I took a moment for myself to soak in the stunning scenery in front of the hotel - no prompt this time, just a quiet moment worth capturing.

After catching the 10 pm ferry back to our hotel (singing loudly all the way!), I had a wonderfully restful night - just as well, because the next morning we were up bright and early for the drive back to Kerikeri, followed by two more flights to get back to Rotorua.

We had a little wait at Kerikeri Airport, so I decided to tackle two final prompts.

#11 Find a building. Zoom your lens to the widest angle. Move in close to make dramatic angles.

No problem - I was already at the airport, so why not make the most of it? The weather was still gorgeous, so I wandered outside to explore. I even spotted a wonderful vertical garden along the way. I took a few photos, but I didn’t quite get what I wanted until I noticed the batten wall out front, proudly displaying the airport’s name. I loved the mix of wood and metal - it created the perfect combination of textures and angles for this prompt.

#12 Time to start editing all those photos - head for home.

I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when I pulled this prompt from the pack. It doesn’t come up very often, but this time it appeared at the perfect moment. I decided to make the airport my subject once again - this time focusing on a model airplane. It felt like a fitting way to wrap up the prompts and mark the end of a wonderful trip.

 

Of course, I needed a title card for October - and what could be more perfect than a photo of Te Tiriti o Waitangi Marae, taken just after our pōwhiri on Wednesday morning. It felt like a fitting image to capture the spirit of the trip and set the tone for the month’s prompts.

 

Reflecting on the trip, I feel so grateful for the rich cultural heritage we experienced, the amazing food we shared, and the wonderful people we met along the way. It was a fantastic opportunity to gather ideas and inspiration for both professional and personal projects, and to see familiar places with fresh eyes. Now that I’m home, it’s lovely to take a moment to reflect on all the experiences, the photos captured, and the memories made - a truly unforgettable journey.

Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the internet.
Until next time,
Shelley

Getting Lost September

This month’s Getting Lost adventure had been quietly waiting in the wings for a while, but the right moment finally came last weekend. I was off to Whanganui for a crafting retreat with friends - a whole weekend of creativity, conversation, and catching up. While everyone else set up their scrapbooking pages and cardmaking supplies, I unpacked my quilting and settled in.

Whanganui felt like a trip back in time for me. The last time I’d been there I was just a girl, visiting Uncle Merv and Auntie Flo, and Uncle Bob, my Nana’s brother. Driving back into town all these years later, I couldn’t help but think of those visits and how different the city feels now that I’m exploring it as an adult.

The retreat itself was everything I’d hoped for: long chats, plenty of laughter, a gorgeous venue, and food so good it deserves its own mention. By Saturday afternoon, though, I felt the pull to head out with my camera. After lunch I slipped away, following that little spark of curiosity that always comes with these prompts.

Two hours later - and 110 photos heavier - I wandered back with the kind of quiet satisfaction that only comes from chasing light, colour, and texture until you know you’ve captured something special.

So here we are - this month’s prompts, shaped by a weekend of friendship, memories, and a little wandering in Whanganui.

Prompt #1: Early birds head east, night owls head west

I’m very much an early bird, so when it came time to choose a direction, I turned out of the driveway and headed east. Not long after, I found myself down by the Whanganui River, and the moment I saw it I knew I’d found the shot I was after - the wide stretch of water framed perfectly by the railway bridge.

The sky was heavy with clouds, soft and overcast, and it turned out to be the perfect backdrop. Those moody skies gave the whole scene such atmosphere - exactly the kind of detail that makes a photo come alive.

Prompt #2: Take 3 photos of the same thing with shadows or light changing how it looks

When I’d driven into town on Friday for a look around the shops, I couldn’t miss the massive pencil sculpture - it instantly caught my eye, and I knew I wanted to work it into the prompts somehow. This challenge turned out to be the perfect excuse.

There’s something wonderful about its sheer scale, these oversized pencils towering playfully above everything else. I loved how the bright red of the pencils popped against the greens and blues of their surroundings, shifting in mood as the light and shadows moved across them. It felt whimsical, a little unexpected, and so much fun to photograph from different angles.

 

Prompt #3: Use camera blur to make something appear different to what your eye can see

Just across the road from the pencils stood a beautiful old building. In fact, one of the things that struck me about Whanganui was the architecture - so many character homes and historic buildings that give the city such charm. It’s one of the reasons I’m already planning another trip back.

I’d snapped a few shots before I even pulled out the prompt cards, but this one felt like the perfect chance to experiment. I played around with camera blur, curious to see how it might transform what I was looking at. The result surprised me - in the best way. The final image didn’t really highlight the architecture itself, but it captured something softer, more abstract, that I never would have seen with the naked eye.

Prompt #4: Camera in manual – head north, in automatic, head south

Back in the car, I carried on south - or at least I’m fairly sure it was south! My wandering eventually brought me back into town, where something unexpected caught my eye: an old telephone box.

You don’t often see these around anymore, and spotting one felt like stumbling across a little piece of history. A reminder of how quickly things change, and how objects that were once part of everyday life have quietly slipped into the past.

Prompt #5: Head in the same direction as a car the same colour as your last photo

Red seemed to be the colour of the day. After a quick wander through a few shops, I hopped back in my car and waited for a red one to pass. Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait long - though I couldn’t help but think how tricky it might’ve been if my last colour had been purple!

The red car only made it about five blocks before turning a corner, so I pulled over nearby (without feeling too much like a stalker). That’s when I noticed the sweetest little park tucked right in the middle of the buildings. It felt like a hidden gem - such a perfect spot for a picnic lunch in the middle of the workday. And, as if that wasn’t lovely enough, there was even a coffee cart nearby.

Prompt #6: Find a building. Zoom your lens to the widest angle. Move in close to make dramatic angles

I’ve tried this prompt a few times earlier in 2025, usually focusing on more modern buildings. But Whanganui offered the perfect chance to capture something with a bit more history.

I was drawn to the lines and curves of this particular building - the way its architecture seemed to stretch and twist when viewed up close. Even the small bits of vegetation pushing their way out of the concrete and brick added an unexpected layer of texture and drama, making the image feel alive in a way I hadn’t anticipated.

Prompt #7: Find a busy spot. Set a 10-second timer and see what wandered into your shot

Not far from the last building, I stumbled upon the perfect spot - an historic roundabout, complete with stunning lighting that made the place feel almost cinematic. Across the road, another old building hosted people enjoying drinks and snacks in the afternoon sun.

I set up my camera, hit the 10-second timer, and waited - ten seconds feels like an eternity when you’re trying not to look obvious! But it was worth it. The final shot captured a little slice of life, the movement and energy of the place weaving naturally into the frame. I was really pleased with how it turned out.

 

Prompt #8: Leading lines or rule of thirds?

I’ve done this prompt before, but I wanted something a little different this time. As I started walking back toward my car, the movie theatre was just letting out, and a stream of people poured onto the pavement. I stepped aside, and that’s when I noticed a little alleyway tucked nearby.

I waited until the crowd had moved on and then took my shot. I love how it turned out - the lights strung overhead, the textured brickwork, and the iron gate all came together beautifully. I can already imagine how magical it would look at night, the lights glimmering against the dark sky.

Prompt #9: Take as many steps as you have battery percentage left and frame your shot

With 73% battery left, I took 73 steps - which brought me to a bustling little stretch of the street. At first, nothing really jumped out at me as photo-worthy. But then I turned around.

It’s amazing how a simple change in perspective can transform a scene. Suddenly, the view before me felt entirely new, full of angles and light that weren’t obvious from where I’d started.

Prompt #10: Drive until you see water and then stop and take a photo of the reflections

Not far from my last shot, I found myself back at the Whanganui River. At first, I wasn’t too sure about getting reflections - the water looked a little murky - but then I spotted the Wairua River Boat floating at her dock.

It made for the most lovely reflections on the water, and I couldn’t help but pause for a moment to take it all in. Sometimes the simplest scenes, with a touch of luck, end up being the most rewarding to photograph.

Prompt #11: Stop, look behind you and take a shot

Honestly, I hadn’t even noticed this big building at first. But when I turned around, I was so pleased with what I saw - the stark blackboards set against the old brickwork.

It’s clearly a fruit and vegetable market, though I’m guessing the boards had been wiped clean, ready for the new week. That unexpected combination of textures and shapes made for a simple yet striking shot, one of those moments that reminds me to always keep my eyes open.

Prompt #12: Get macro and portray the season you are in with just a leaf or flower

As I walked around the other side of the fruit and vegetable market, a stunning kōwhai tree in full bloom caught my eye. The bright yellow flowers were absolutely gorgeous!

Instead of crouching down on the ground like I usually do for macro shots, I was able to get right in close while standing. I love how going macro blurs the background completely, making the kōwhai flowers the undisputed focus of the shot. It felt like the perfect way to capture the season in a single frame.

Prompt #13: Take the number of photos you’ve taken today, head north that many kms

If I’d followed this prompt literally, I would have ended up all the way in Taihape! Instead, I took a more flexible approach and headed to Kōwhai Family Park - how perfect, given the focus on kōwhai flowers in the last prompt.

Apart from memories of visiting my aunt and uncle’s houses in Whanganui, this park is one of the few other spots I remember from childhood. Some areas are brand new, while others have clearly been around for decades. When I spotted good old Humpty Dumpty, I couldn’t resist - sometimes a little nostalgia is exactly what a photo prompt needs.

Prompt #14: Take the hour of the day your last photo was taken. Head south that many kms

I couldn’t help but laugh when I pulled this prompt card - it basically sent me right back to where I’d started! I parked a little further up the street and soon heard something familiar in the distance.

A short wander later, and I stumbled across a kapa haka group performing in one of the parks. A crowd was gathering, and it was wonderful to be part of the audience while still remaining anonymous. I love listening to kapa haka, so I stayed for a while. With so many people snapping photos and videos, it didn’t feel intrusive to take a few of my own. It was one of those moments where being in the right place at the right time just feels perfect.

Prompt #15: Last photo an action shot – head east, if not head west

By this point, I wasn’t entirely sure where east, west, north, or south even were, so I just set off in the general direction of the retreat. I even considered calling it a day and turning off the camera.

And then I came across this - the Whanganui River and the very same railway bridge I’d photographed for my first prompt, but from a completely different angle. The clouds had darkened, and I loved the stark contrast of the pavement and fencing against the natural environment. It felt like the perfect way to wrap up my photography session - a full circle, yet entirely new.

 

As always, I like to choose one of my photos to serve as the title image, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the finished photo book at the end of the year! While I was down near the riverfront, I also spotted a massive sculpture called Bearing. I took quite a few shots of it—not for a prompt, just because it caught my eye and I thought it might make a striking image. I had plenty of photos to choose from, but this one ended up being my favourite.

 

All in all, it was a wonderful day of wandering, photographing, and rediscovering Whanganui. From nostalgic memories of family visits to unexpected discoveries around every corner, the city offered so many little moments of beauty and inspiration. I’m always amazed at how a series of simple prompts can lead to such a rich, creative adventure - and I can’t wait to see how these images all come together in my photo book at the end of the year.

Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the internet.
Until next time,
Shelley