Search results for: “creative”
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INVESTING IN MY WARDROBE FOR THE FUTURE. FEAT: THE INFAMOUS GANNI DRESS
INVESTING IN MY WARDROBE FOR THE FUTURE
Feat: Ganni Smocked Seersucker Dress
I often go through periods of splurging and purging when it comes to my wardrobe. I’ll hit a period where I feel fed up looking at a wardrobe of clothes I wouldn’t choose to wear today, and decide to have a ruthless clear out, keeping only those I adore and wear regularly (or for occasions). I’ve been doing this more and more over the years, so gone are the days with stacks of fast fashion clogging my little wardrobe space thankfully. The blessing in this, aside from lots of clothes to charity and space to actually see in my wardrobe, is that I’ve cleared physical and metaphorical space for a considered wardrobe … a moment to think about each item in my clothing collection, space for each piece to shine and have it’s own airtime, and most excitingly (for me, not my bank) space to bring in new pieces that I love and that will not only last this season, but a lifetime. Because not only do i love them, but they fit, they’re quality and their items i’ve chosen to invest in.
In the last 6 months i’ve actually invested in quite a few new pieces that I haven’t had a moment to share with you, mostly new dresses of the midi variety, because you know what, that is my style and I want to invest in pieces that will hold true today and tomorrow. I bit the bullet and made some Rixo investments, and also got some new Ganni pieces. Both brands I love but often withheld from buying, as they’re investments, but i decided with this new ‘space’ and a commitment to a curated wardrobe for the long haul and not an ever rotating wardrobe of ‘cheaper’ fast fashion alternatives, that it was time to make the move.
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This Ganni dress was of course one of my first buys. I actually got this last year some time after buying a few reformation dresses and falling more in love with the style. As soon as I saw it I knew I wanted it, in fact I love it so much i’ve just bought the spring / summer colourway in bright pink too.
The black and grey tone were the ultimate companions for my Grenson Nanettes (again, new to the blog but I bought them a little while back) and my Saint Laurent ‘Talitha’ Bag (which I bought myself at Christmas and have been savouring behind the scenes).
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WAYS TO STAY SANE AND WELL IN SELF ISOLATION
WAYS TO STAY SANE AND WELL IN SELF ISOLATION
Proactively Creating Your New Normal – for now, and the future
Firstly, it feels so funny to finally be sharing these old pictures I took in my old lounge now, when we’re so close to moving into our new space and our lounge will be (aside from furniture) utterly unrecognisable. I often do this, take photos, and have them in my wordpress drafts for years before finally deciding ‘nows the time’ to share them. In fact i’ve even had this post half written for two weeks, which means I keep having to update it as everyday the situation evolves.
As it happens, i’ve not had the mental space to post much these last few months, but with the current state of global affairs, the health warnings around Coronavirus, and of course the move to self isolation / staying home in the UK, it sparked an idea and got me to finally put ‘pen to paper’ as it were.
Given where we are now in the UK (and given my own health situation, living with auto immune disease), i’m fully resided to the idea of being house bound and in self isolation, and in fact finding so many positives in it – a forced moment to stop living 120mph and actually rest, be slow and enjoy some of those things I just never have time for. In fact i’m slowing so much, i’ve not even done any exercise yet – that is definitely one to change when I get the energy back. On top of the general slow living, hopefully we will also be back in our flat soon (assuming contractors are able to finish jobs given the shut down), so if anything it’ll also allow us to settle in and enjoy the space a bit more when we do get in.
On top of my own health, I’m also really aware of other people in my life who are at risk due to health and age, but also friends who are really struggling mentally due to being truly isolated alone (especially those living abroad on their own). It made me think about the importance of staying healthy, but also sane during this time … and I had a few ideas I thought I’d share to help us actually make the most of the time living a little more slowly.
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Overall, whist I know that ultimately there is a lot of bad to come of this situation and many individuals work and companies ability to continue will be challenged, what I do hope is that it allows us all the chance to re-set a little.
The rat race has been forced to stop whilst we’re in self isolation, and so where we can make a positive from this we should. Here are five tips to staying sane, staying healthy and making the most of this time off the hamster wheel, to create positive changes in your life.
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CREATE A ROUTINE
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A big learning for me almost immediately was the need to still maintain a routine. Yes I sleep an extra 30 minutes every morning, because I now can, but I am still getting up, getting dressed, doing my makeup as I would normally for work (it really didn’t work for me not doing this, and I felt it made my skin get bad too) and having my morning brew before heading to my ‘office’ (the lounge coffee table). I’m also now actually taking a lunch break – a new routine I hope will stick when we go back to work in the office, and i’ve been very strict on closing my laptop after work and transitioning to the evening.
Whatever your day entails, and especially if you’re not working right now, a routine can help with stability, a sense of security and consistency and help you make the most of your day within your new confines.
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START NEW HOBBIES
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Some of the biggest shifts i’ve seen already is a change in our culture around work / life balance, a respect for the need to prioritise family & health, a forced change in pace to how we normally live, more time spent connecting with family and friends, and without a commute more time to spend doing all the things we enjoy but don’t get time for … reading, painting, doodling, journalling, watching movies etc.
Whilst I need to get better at making time for this and actually start my book pile, I’m already starting to feel that I have more mental space for these types of activities.
My urge to you all is to use this time to start new hobbies, practice mindful living and generally embrace that little bit of extra time we now have to feed your inner child / have a bit of me time. That’s assuming you’re not juggling children’s home schooling, work, and everything else – I appreciate you guys probably don’t have more time, if anything less, BUT there’s still an opportunity to get creative and spend time away from ‘work’ and get in touch with your inner child again.
Not only will it be beneficial to your happiness to spend a little time doing what you truly love, it’s also good for easing anxiety and keeping your mind positive.
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AT HOME EXERCISE
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I’m totally ‘pot calling kettle black’ here as I am yet to get a good routine in place – but now is definitely the time to embed healthy habits including regular exercise. For me this should be daily or bi daily yoga (I will start soon), but it could be Joe Wicks morning work outs, walks in the garden, i’ve personally even considered taking up running given how quiet and beautiful it is outside (i’m a team sports kinda gal, never enjoyed a run as they’re so boring to me haha).
Anyway, as part of your new normal & your new home routine, this perfect opportunity to prioritise your health and fitness, so why not put those healthy habits firmly in place now. It’s also, not to mention, incredibly good for your mental health to keep active during this time.
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CAPITALISE ON ‘ME TIME’
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Again, I know for some this won’t be easy, but with less time commuting, more time together as families, and so much time at home, this is the perfect moment to capitalise on ‘me time’. More sleep, a long bath, meditation to keep you calm and positive.
We all know how much we need this for our happiness, mental health and general wellbeing.
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TIME TO CONNECT
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One of the loveliest things we’re seeing globally is so much care and love for others. Whilst we can’t go out and about to see each other while we’re in self isolation, staying connected with video calls, whatsapp, house party apps, virtual drinks, even a simple phone call is incredibly important.
When we get busy things like this slip to the wayside for long days in the office, but right now being connected has never been more important and if anything, feasible – everyone is embracing video calls and more regular check ins with loves ones … even neighbours or the elderly you’ve not met.
Take this time to catch up with all those people you might have neglected over the years due to those demanding days & work commitments.
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And when it all goes back to normal …. take these things with you. Use this time to create your new normal. Generally speaking, whilst there are terrible things happening, there has never been a better moment to re-set your life if you felt you needed to. I did, and for me this time is providing me the time to restore, get off the hamster wheel and actually prioritise living well, speaking with my friends and family more, spending time resting and making moments for ‘me’.
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WHY I AM ENJOYING SHOOTING FILM SO MUCH
SHOOTING FILM
Why Shooting Film Is My New Favourite Things
You’ll have no doubt noticed a lot more film over here and on my instagram. It’s a really interesting evolution, as a few years back i’d see peoples less than perfectly focused and clear film photos and wondered why they’d share something so sub standard (in my anal obsession), but here I am a few years on and I not only love that grainy ‘less than perfect’ feel but I’ve also started to pack my film camera on trips away over both my Canon and my Fuji. As I’ve got into the swing of it, I’ve fallen more and more in love with every roll of film I’ve got back and of course, more and more in love with the process of shooting film. For me, this ever growing love affair, seems to be driven by three key things:
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HASSLE FREE
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It’s fair to say that I’ve been known to be a pain in the butt with my camera. Consistent ‘one more photo’ requests resulting in hundreds of the same thing all because i’m obsessing over the image i’m getting back on the digital screen – let me try a different composition, different location, different pose, eyes are shut so let me go again … with digital you end up taking more and more photos, never quite satisfied and always seeking that ‘perfect’ one. It’s frustrating for the people i’m roping in to take photos, and in turn I get wound up because I worry I don’t have what I need. Film has completely revolutionized that agonising trap and inevitable argument.
Firstly I can’t see what’s been taken, it is what it is. Secondly I don’t want to waste half a 36 film roll on the same thing, let alone a 120mm which only takes 16 on my medium format fuji. Thirdly, it’s often more fun to shoot than digital, the process of using an old film camera is somewhat charming and a novelty, making it enjoyable even for those who don’t really want to be stood there taking photos of me as I prance around. And finally … compared to my Canon 5Diii and prime lenses, my god is it light and easy to carry around.
I’ve found myself seeking convenience a lot more lately, a blend of wanting to take more photos and wondering if something more light weight, smaller in size and without gigantic interchangeable lenses might help that. I’ve even been researching the Fuji X100F as a camera I can keep on me at all times becomes more appealing than scheduling a ‘shoot day’ with my canon – whenever I feel the urge to get creative, it often coincides with an urge to buy something new to try and facilitate what I want to be doing (my brain works in clever ways). Right now my film camera feels like the perfect balance between the two, and in part that’s made me opt for it more and more.
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THE EDIT
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The edit, or the lack their of, is another thing I love. I shoot entirely on Porta and the colour tones are always pure magic. The film and film process adds so much character, warmth and charm to each shot that you barely need to do a thing before sharing each snap. That character and vibe you work so hard to bring out in digital editing, is almost unnecessary on film, and the more I shoot the more I adore that warm, grainy somewhat soft focus visual my camera produces each time.
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MORE MINDFUL
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Of course the other benefit of not taking 100 images of everything, is that you spend more time in the moment, more time simply enjoying what you’re doing and what you’re seeing. The film camera doesn’t take over the occasion, instead it provides a simple, subtle and enjoyable way to capture just one moment, you take time over that shot because it has to be the right one. Film is really expensive (I pay about £49 for a pack of 5 film and around £14 per film for development) and so you really do have to be choiceful, stop and think about what you want to capture, and really spend time in the moment appreciating every detail.
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Below you’ll find a whole host of film photos i’ve not shared with you yet, dating back to early summer. As they weren’t created with a blog post in mind, they’re random and they didn’t really have a ‘purpose’ in mind. I thought sharing them in a little diary format like this might be an enjoyable thing to look back on, and hopefully nice for you to see too?
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I hope you enjoyed the film, I’ve got film from both Greece and Mallorca to share next. In fact some of my film from Mallorca is my favourite yet x
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THE GRAPPLES OF MODERN DAY BLOGGING
THE GRAPPLES OF MODERN DAY BLOGGING
Meaningful Content Versus Everyday Musings. What Works Today and the Grapples of modern day blogging?
Sorry for the radio silence over here, i’m not sure what’s happened lately but it’s fair to say despite having loads to share with you, i’ve struggled to put the proverbial ‘pen to paper’.
It’s actually down to not having the time to make every post ‘meaningful’ and the shackles of wanting to only producing meaningful content creates for me. I’ve asked you time and time again what you enjoy, and I know the mix of purpose driven content (tips, guides, advise whether it be styling, career, photography etc, and informative posts) with everyday posts with little to know meaning or purpose is what you say time and time again (let me know in the comments?). I often just feel like ‘why would anyone visit’ if I wasn’t sharing something useful?
It’s silly really because half the blogs I love and read daily actually often post a blend of content too, and I’m as interested in a random style post with no tips or structure as I am an in depth article on their blogging careers or photography tips.
I think because the industry has changed so much since 2011 when I started, it often makes you feel bad going back to those ‘basic’ roots of simple diary edits and non-perfect, non-editorial style photos. But perhaps more than ever, that’s actually what people want, seek out and find appealing about the bloggers they choose to engage with. The strive for editorial quality, perhaps took the personal touch away, and that ‘realness’ is what drove the industry in the first place.
The grapple of modern day blogging!
That all said, the positive feeling of sharing a post (like my last one for example), can soon become overshadowed with my worries that i’ve ‘let myself and my site down’ because the imagery / content wasn’t truly my best. Like I have let it slip with something of no value or with images that aren’t ‘perfect’. A constant grapple …. be more real, share more, get back to basics versus content i’m proud of, editorial with meaning, visuals worthy of vogue.
It’s no doubt a common feeling, whether you’re a blogger or not, it’s that self doubt in your delivery. Is it good enough, should I have done more, is this what people want, will people like it, did I fail. It’s a rather boring and cyclical mental grapple. It holds true of instagram too … although whilst I worry about what I’m doing there, I’ve learnt that it doesn’t matter anyway, whatever photo I put out it never ‘succeeds’. Images i’ve spent hours on, the perfect photo in my eyes, could get barely seen in the mass void that is instagram. Equally an image I ‘hate’, that took no effort and that in technical terms is pretty poor, will still fail, but might fail less than the image I thought was better. It’s a very confusing thing.
It makes me worried for future generations. For young people and their mental health. I have a full time career i’m proud of outside of my blog and instagram, and i’m 31 years old, but even for me I can see how the ‘social approval’ impacts me, my self assurance and drive to create and share.
Recently i’ve taken to producing and sharing anyway, letting go a bit I guess (like my last post I mentioned). But like I said, then we go back to the shackles of worrying i’ve let things go too much, that I should have kept things editorial.
You see the grapples? Exhausting.
Regardless though, I still adore having my space on the internet. I’m more obsessed with photography and broadening my work than I’ve ever been before, it’s something I am hugely passionate about and my blog is, if anything, a chance to share my visuals. I’ve definitely started to share more ‘diary style’ content and not just editorial style features, i’d love to know how you find the blend? Whether you prefer the editorial focus or welcome the balance. I shan’t be stopping any time soon, and always love to hear what you want to see more of.
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I’d love to know what you think? As a reader of mediamarmalade, as a blogger perhaps yourself? What content do you enjoy reading these days? Do you prefer the perfect tutorial, or sometimes just an emotional download like todays post? I’m forever interested … and want to continue sharing here and on my instagram.
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BACK TO BLOGGING BASICS: LIFE LATELY
IT’S BEEN A WHILE …
Back To Blogging Basics: A Little Note, From Me, To You.
Hello.
Remember me?
I used to once write to you daily, we’d talk travel, I’d share my daily fashion, i’d even share some tips with you about blogging or work.
It was excellent. I loved sharing my life and recommendations with you, I loved your comments and hearing your thoughts too.
Somewhere along the way, ‘life’, got a little in the way of my updates to you. It started with a few busy weeks here or there, and I managed to juggle things and keep up our contact, but then it got more frequent, the busy patches that is, and they got longer. Before I knew it weeks had passed at a time, I’d check in here or there, but we lost contact a little. I didn’t stop thinking about you or longing to write, but I couldn’t find the time to put pen to paper. When I did have a spare moment, I was so exhausted the thought of writing something meaningful was too daunting, and I always felt like you’d want something meaningful versus a sporadic hi once every few weeks, and so more time passed …
You know how it is right? We’re all so busy these days.
I’m working hard to get some balance and make some time, not just for us but for myself too. Time to rest, think, be creative and most of all to LIVE so that I have more stories to share with you.
I’ve got some great trips coming up, Greece, Mallorca, NYC and LA are all on the cards, and I just cannot wait to have time to be creative, to get inspired, and most of all ‘brain space’ to sit and write to you about it all.
We’re also about to start our renovation which I’d love to share with you, I don’t know about you but all I think about these days is interiors, and I’d love to share our ideas and our home with you. I’m nervous to have my ‘safe space’ pulled apart ready for something new, I know it’ll be better and incredible when it’s done, but there’s something a little unsettling about the process all the same.
In the meantime, i’ve been busy at work. I got promoted, did I tell you? I’m so pleased, but naturally works been taking up more time and i’ve been a busy bee on that front. I’ve been keeping up my acupuncture and yoga, I absolutely love them and am so pleased to have some routine there. I’ve been spending loads more energy on my film photography and am loving the spirit of it all, I even bought a new film camera when I got promoted. Any excuse. You know me. And finally … I had a bit of a wardrobe clear out and made space for some new investment pieces I decided to buy, one of those pieces is this amazing frilly skirt which I literally adore. It’s very me, don’t you think? As always, i’m styling it down with trainers and a tee, I much prefer wearing things in a slightly more toned down style plus it’s more comfy. And comfort, as we know, is key.
Anyway, i’ve rambled on at you enough. What have you been up to? Would you like me to keep writing and be in touch a little more regularly? Ask me any questions? And stay in touch with me too, i’m always sharing more of the mundane stuff over here.
Speak soon, I’ve missed you
Mel x
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SHOP MY LOOK
. WHISTLES SKIRT . VEJA TRAINERS . COS TEE . ZARA BLAZER (OLD) . SAINT LAURENT BAG .
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Speak soon x
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INSTAGRAM’S GONE TO SHIT, NOW WHAT?
INSTAGRAM’S GONE TO SHIT, NOW WHAT?
I don’t want to say I told you so, but I mean, I really did tell you so.
Dear instagrammers, I don’t want to say I told you so, but I mean, I really did tell you so (three years ago to be precise).
That said, I still slogged away at it myself for the last few years in hope of growth (none) or some turn in events that made it a more positive and inclusive place to succeed (no chance), ignoring my own wise words that this social platform was only going to go to pot.
I did a personality test recently and two of my strongest attributes were hope and perseverance, and truly that explains a lot. Despite missing the wave back when instagram launched (and forever feeling bitter about my ‘low follower numbers’ compared to others that started blogging when I did – all on 100k minimum now), despite never growing and staying stagnant for years (no matter what I do or how much love I put into my content), and despite feeling shit most the time about the content I worked so hard to create going literally nowhere (and other accounts with seemingly low quality visuals flying?) … I persevered. I really did. I really hoped ‘luck’ would come my way, I hoped finally it might shift gear and the algorithm might go in my favour. I hoped maybe people would discover my account, and follow along. I hoped, I persevered (and ironically now more than ever really I kinda like the visual style I’ve created) but do you know my reward? 5% of my followers seeing my posts. 26 likes despite 14,100 followers, and genuinely what feels like a big old ‘you can’t sit with us’.
It’s not just me, even the ‘big dogs’ are moaning now, perhaps there 26 likes is 26,000 but it’s still 1/5 of what it used to be, perhaps their 5% equates to 100,000 followers, but its’ still 5% .. everyone’s feeling trodden down, deflated and generally … perhaps … over it?
If you’re a long time reader here, you’ll know I’ve harped on and on and on about the value of owning your own platforms, the risk of a business built on social media, why I still back blogging (over a social first strategy) even today and I’ve not really talked much about the emotional / self esteem side of a platform built on virtual likes, but I’m super aware and not a fan of that either. Now more than ever I feel instagram has lost it’s way, it’s origins in creativity no longer exist, it’s a business now and in turn the algorithm feeds off that shit. It wants money, not creativity. It’s a clique, not an inclusive platform for all. And worst of all, it’s gone from a platform fueling positivity, to one that now genuinely seems to be driving a nation of low self esteem, comparison and virtual social gratification … not to mention consumerism.
Don’t get me wrong, I see the positive movements out there, gaining their voice and galvanizing support. But if you’re honest with yourself, the underlying social currency Instagram operates on isn’t healthy. For every positive movement, there’s a 17 year old sat devastated that her latest bikini photo isn’t getting likes, doubting her self, her body, her worth …
There’s been chat about ‘ditching the likes’, it might have even been Kanye who broached the topic (heaven forbid, it could be the first bit of sense that mans ever talked, I even I couldn’t help but listen) … and this could help, perhaps. But the problem is the platform has been built on likes, followers and engagement driving success, to take it away won’t necessarily eradicate the addiction to checking those stats for yourself, comparing the opportunities you get (or don’t get) to those of others and for being a numbers driven platform (lets not forget all the brands and advertisers STILL basing their campaign partners on those numbers). I wonder if really the damage has been done?
The algorithm changed the game … it stopped you seeing the content of people you follow, in the order of which it was posted, into some kind of undefined popularity contest where if you didn’t’ cut it in the first 10 seconds your work was sent to the bin, there was no hope of anyone seeing it, not even all those people who actively signed up to you and pushed subscribe. The single and most prominent act of stating you WOULD like to see someones content. The algorithm took logic out of the way, it created disorder, comparison, competition and just a total lack of consistency for content creators and followers alike.
If you want my two pence, the only way to restore order at this point in time, is to go back to the origin. If you subscribe to an account, you want to see that content. It’s the whole point of ‘following’ someone. On that basis, I don’t need an algorithm to decide which order I see those peoples content, or indeed, whether I see it at all.
The biggest joke of all right now, is I have other accounts (a home one and an interior one), and even on MY OWN feeds where I follow myself (don’t judge), MY OWN CONTENT isn’t shown!!!
If that’s not instagram gone to shit, then I don’t know what is.
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SO NOW WHAT?
All this said, I can’t see myself braving it and deleting the app for good, once again trusty perseverance and hope struggle through and take the lead (plus I love sharing my photography and getting inspired by those people I follow). I do think though, that something must change, what ever developments have come into play this month have not worked for anyone and it’s about time Instagram listened.
I for one will be continuing to channel my energy and efforts into the one platform I OWN, and I have control of, my blog. I talked about the importance of your own platform over three years ago and I think now more than ever it stands true. Who knows what further developments are around the corner and how they could impact your Instagram account and Instagram success … with such poor engagement and reach right now, brands will soon start looking at the data and questioning how their investment is stacking up and that’s when the tides will really start to change.
Whilst Instagram’s drivers might be profit, they’re only really shooting themselves in the foot right now by so significantly impacting peoples reach. In today’s data driven marketing world, no savvy business is going to keep ploughing advertising investment into a medium that isn’t delivering the returns it once did for them. And I am saying that from the advertising side of the fence, not the blogging side of the fence.
And lets not forget the founders left Facebook only last year, with an elusive statement suggesting they don’t back where it’s going either. I can imagine it’s only a matter of time before we see the next big thing, from them, or other creative entrepreneurs wanting to make positive change (and take on the giants currently ruling the social media space).
I’d love to hear your thoughts, as Instagrammers, as content creators, as followers, as marketeers. Thoughts on a postcard …
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POSTCARDS FROM BERLIN
POSTCARDS FROM BERLIN
35mm From Our Weekend In Berlin
Well after a whirlwind month or so, my city break bonanza has come to an end. San Sebastian, Paris, Oslo, Barcelona and finally Berlin, all back to back in the space of a mere few weeks (a total accident). Whilst i’m delighted to not have a 4am alarm set for this Friday morning for the first time in weeks, I am rather sad that I don’t have any more trips planned for a while – travel truly fuels my soul and is just such a hugely important part of life for me.
After my last post launching my ‘postcards from‘ series (a new travel series, without the lengthy guides, but sharing some raw film snaps and more of a ‘postcard’ style editorial entry), I’m back again today sharing my latest film developed in Berlin.
I am actually going to do a full travel post from my trip (and one from Barcelona too) as so many of you have asked for my recommendations and we discovered some cool parts of town (for a chilled weekend away) which I think you’ll love too, but for now simply a few words and some film from my trip.
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Postcards From …
“We made base at Soho House Berlin, an infamous house in the collection and one I’d been super keen to stay at since I spotted the Damien Hurst in reception. The rooftop pool got put to good use as we were lucky enough to get some 30+ degrees throughout the weekend, and the guacamole chips were enough to keep me coming back. We started every morning with a coffee from The Store downstairs, where I somehow managed not to max my credit card out on Ganni clothes. We did a bit of exploring the tourist sites, but spent most of our time hanging out in the suburbs trying to get a feel for the local life – I absolutely loved Prenzlauer Berg a far cry from the brutalist sides of Berlin i’d been anticipating (it was far more akin to the likes of Holland and Denmark in this part of town), and loved the ‘east london’ vibes of Fredrickson. We found some delicious food spots which I can’t recommend enough, Katz Orange was a real highlight and definitely one to add to your list if you’re visiting soon. But more to come on my fave spots, best restaurants and cool places to hang out soon …
Speak Soon,
Mel”
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One thing I’d love to know, is if you’re enjoying the film photography and content?
It’s such a departure from my usual polished, sharp and very clean photography style (shot on DSLR), i’d love to know if you’re enjoying it or not? I’ve really enjoyed the process of shooting more film, I like the suspense and excitement of finally getting it developed, and of course the bohemian visual style it creates (soft focus, warm toned, slightly rough and ready). It also really helps me be more present in the moment and spend less time obsessing about the shot. I follow so many creatives who shoot beautiful film, it’s really got me inspired and motivated to capture more. Shame it’s so bloody expensive. I really want to work on improving my film photography (more in focus, learning the light a bit better) and test out a few other cameras too as I think this can make a big difference to the visuals.
But I’d really love to hear your thoughts – do you like the shots, are you enjoying the mix of both?
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YOU DO YOU: FINDING YOUR OWN APPROACH TO CREATIVITY
YOU DO YOU
Finding Your Own Approach To Creativity
After feeling a little out of sorts creatively a few weeks back, I spent some time thinking about creativity, getting inspiration and generally just getting back in touch with my own approach to creativity. The thing about instagram is that you can start to believe there actually is ‘one size fits all’ … and what I mean by that is that you can start to think there is right way to create content for the platform. The right colour tone, the right composition, the right locations, the right pieces in shot … you start to think you have to fit a mould, fit the prototype, to fit in and do well. But that mindset is suffocating, it drives you to lose touch entirely with you, what creativity means to you, the colours you love, the compositions you innately take, the things you want to share. More than that It takes away the enjoyment of creativity and makes it into a rule book of guidelines to follow. The antithesis of any great art.
That’s the downside of comparison and thinking you need to follow a formula to fit in. Recently I decided to eff instagram all together (well the strive to master the platform anyway), I just wanted to spend more time doing creative things, playing around, testing, learning, and generally having fun with my creativity. I wrote about it here, and for once I practiced what I preached and followed my own advise and my goodness it’s been liberating. My instagram feed feels like me, bright, colourful, airy just like my photography always has been. Yes my accounts not grown, if anything it just goes down, but for once it feels right and i feel happy with it.
Of course my images aren’t 1000% where I want them to be (you can always learn more, try new things and keep evolving your work), I want to take more, explore more cities and generally have more time to capture more visuals, but they’re getting there and most importantly I am having so much more fun creating them. On top of that I am capturing more moments and capturing the creative things I’m doing outside of photography too.
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Take these pictures, I just had the urge to make a collage, I wanted a way to capture my inspiration and ideas that wasn’t just on Pinterest or instagram, I missed the tangible feel of collages like I used to make when I was at college. And so you know what, I printed some pics, I went to the shop and bought some glue and I made a collage. It was fun, I felt a release, like I somehow managed to create on paper what was in my mind taking up too much space.
I feel far more in tune with my own creativity, my own inspirations and the types of content that brings me joy. In fact I’ve even been on an Instagram spree following far more accounts that reflect my own take on creativity rather than the Instagram popular accounts that are all clones of each other. That in itself has been so liberating.
