photography Archives

bloomzy / June 30, 2019

Super Ordinary Life: A Field Guide to Noticing More

I’ve always been someone who constantly looks around, making my friends and family “go on ahead”, whilst I took photos of an interesting texture, or brightly coloured piles of plastic (etc). That’s not to say I’m pretentious about photography, or that I look down on people who spend their time on a perfectly styled shot. Not at all! In fact I love a good OOTD or product shot as much as the next person. But my true interest lies somewhere else…

Super Ordinary Life

I first met Yasumi via Instagram. I was enthralled by her photography and the ideology she represented. It was a refreshing break from the influencer-perfect shots that were filling my feed. I felt a connection with #super_ordinarylife straight away.

I think it’s fair to say that Yasumi changed my life. She helped me realise it was ok to express myself in ways that weren’t ‘on trend’, and that the amount of likes or followers you had wasn’t as important as creating something you cared about. At a time when I was struggling with my mental health, it helped bring me clarity and happiness.

It’s a Zine Scene

Why did I tell you all this? Because I hope it helps you understand just how ecstatic and proud I am to be holding a copy of Yasumi’s debut zine – Super Ordinary Life: A Field Guide to Noticing More – in my hands right now.

The zine is a mindful, fun, engaging approach towards noticing more in our everyday lives. It includes some of Yasumi’s own photography, as well as insightful inserts, and challenges/pointers on capturing your own #super_ordinarylife creations.

From shadows, to improvisation, and honing your eye. This zine is a gem for any photography lover, or someone that just wants to spend a little bit more time appreciating their surroundings. And if the photography featured in the zine isn’t enough to convince you that you should be noticing more, Yasumi’s carefully chosen words most definitely will. You can purchase the Super Ordinary Life zine here (currently being restocked).

Check out some of my own #super_ordinarylife creations below / find me on VSCO.

bloomzy / April 15, 2019

Tokyo Streets – A Love Affair

This year marks 10 years since my first trip to Japan with Ben (I had been before). We have a lot of history with the country, including studying and living in Tokyo together. So it was quite fitting that we would choose it for our honeymoon location. We caught up with friends, relaxed, and did everything we had on our insanely long list. And of course there was space for one of my favourite activities in Tokyo (apart from eating) – street photography.

Tokyo Streets

We walk a lot, wherever we travel. And we treat the vast Tokyo streets no differently. I’ve always loved Tokyo’s streets – the main ones littered with my favourite stores and restaurants, are of course a must visit, but it’s the small side streets that have stolen my heart over the years. Thanks to my strange sense of curiosity, and my love for street photography, I can walk for miles and not even notice my feet aching…until I find a cute cafe, then suddenly I’m 100% down to sit for a bit.

These particular photos were taken on a walk from Asakusa to Ueno – two locations we frequented during our holidays/living in the city. Yet somehow, no matter how many times we visit, we take a different route each time. Because of this I can’t remember our exact route this visit, but that adds to the charm and mystery of it all. No?

A small disclaimer: a lot of the photos I took and feature in this post were ‘shot from the hip’ as I didn’t want to affect the scene by looking down a viewfinder. Because of this, some of the photos are a bit wonky, but I happen to think this adds authenticity to them.

See more of my Japan travels on my blog. And if you enjoyed these photos, I’d highly suggest checking out @Super_OrdinaryLife on Instagram – an account and hashtag run by my dear friend Yasumi, who is located in Tokyo.

bloomzy / September 26, 2018

Stockholm on Film – Shooting with a Superheadz Toy Camera

Stockholm on Film: Shooting with a Superheadz Toy Camera

For years my DSLR was attached to my hip. I couldn’t be without it. It got to the point where I would shove it into the tiniest of bags, just so I could ‘get the photo’. Around a year ago that all changed. I became tired of carrying around such a heavy camera, not to mention the time it took to set up a shoot just for one Instagram photo. The thing is I wasn’t tired of taking photos, I was just tired of the relationship I had with photography. It seemed like my creative spark had gone, and my ‘work’ didn’t feel genuine anymore.

A few months ago I was invited to spend the day with VSCO, and it changed everything. I was reminded of my love for photography, the community, creating, shooting, even editing. The spark had been reignited and I knew exactly what to do with it. It was time for film to make a comeback.

Superheadz Toy Camera

After discussing this with Yasumi – someone I trust and often go to for photography advice – she suggested I try out a toy camera. So I quickly snapped up the Superheadz Tomodachi 35mm with wide angle lens, on her recommendation.

My mini-moon was the first holiday I’d been on where I traded in my DSLR for a film camera. I didn’t want to spend ages setting up photos. Instead I took my toy camera and decided I would take it out at random times. Whether it was to try out something new, or when I spotted something interesting. The results are what you see before you here.

I’m glad I swapped digital for film. It allowed me to enjoy the process of taking photos again, as well as the excitement of not knowing how the photo will turn out. And I don’t think this signals the end of my relationship with my DSLR at all, it’s just a new chapter.

24 Hours in Aarhus, Denmark | A Travel Guide

It can be pretty tough visiting a new city, or country. You’re not sure where to eat, what to see, or even where to stay. Well I’m here to change all of that with my handy guides! They’re full of tips, tricks, and the best places to go. So stop worrying about how you’re going to make the most of your time in a new place; here are my recommendations for spending 24 hours in Aarhus, Denmark!

24 Hours in Aarhus, Denmark

Do breakfast at Bills Coffee
- The Danes know their coffee, but they know their pastries even better. And Bills Coffee won’t let you down on either front. They offer up the best pastries in town (in my opinion), and a relaxing atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to chat to the staff – who are super lovely – they’re full of great recommendations.
Tour Aarhus City Hall
- If there’s one thing you don’t want to miss in Aarhus, it’s the city hall tour. This architectural marvel is the epitome of Danish design. You can find photos and tour information here.
Enlighten your senses at ARoS
- The art museum features an array of amazing artwork, and possibly the world’s most colourful rooftop.
Refuel at La Cabra, Coffee Roasters
- This ridiculously stylish coffee shop also offers up plenty of fresh, local produce. My recommendation: the crayfish sandwich, which is hands down the most delicious sandwich I’ve ever had!
Fancy some retail therapy?
- The streets around Vestergade are littered with independent designers, well known brands, and Magasin department store.

Take a bus out to the Deer Park
- Just a 10min ride from the central bus station is Dyrehaven (Deer Park). This piece of woodland is open to the public, but you’ll have to share your walk with some of Aarhus’s friendly deer – and there are lots of them!
Stop by the beach!
- The woodland borders the Kattegat sea by Dyrehaven, and it’s absolutely beautiful. There are showers and changing facilities for those who are brave enough to take a dip.
Choose street food for dinner
- Conveniently located next door to the bus station is the Aarhus Street Food market. You’ll find a wide variety of cuisines, including traditional Danish food. But don’t fork out on the alcohol, instead…
Finish the night at a local craft beer bar
- Mig og Ølsnedkeren is a cozy – some might even say hygge – spot, filled with groups of young stylish friends and couples. Their main offering is a variety of specialised craft beer, but don’t worry they also serve other drinks.

If you have some extra time…

Visit Den Gamle By
- A must-visit for budding architecture nerds and historians alike. Den Gamle By is a small recreation of a Danish town throughout the years, including houses, shops and more.
Pop by the Botanical Gardens
- Nestled right next door to Den Gamle By, and with free entry too! It’s small, but worth a visit – especially for the butterfly room!

Well there you have it, my travel guide to 24 Hours in Aarhus, Denmark!
And don’t forget to check out the my other 24 Hours In… guides.

bloomzy / June 20, 2017

5 Inspirational Instagram Accounts You Should Be Following

It’s been a rough time for Instagram. There have been scandals, controversy and people have generally lost their interest. But us long-term plans have stuck by it, and so I thought it was time to bring back my ‘Instagram 5′ series, and this time I’ve picked out 5 of my favourite inspirational Instagram accounts, to keep us all motivated.

Who? @asiyami_gold
Where? Worldwide
Why? Asiyami is a lady of many talents. As an art director and visual storyteller, her Instagram boasts beautiful images from her travels across the globe. However my love of her Instagram comes from her authentic, heartfelt messages, and inspirational designs.

Who? @streetview.portraits
Where? Worldwide
Why? I was first introduced to Streetview Portraits by Worshipblues. The account is run by someone with agoraphobia and anxiety, which limits them from travelling. Therefore they decided to see the world digitally, via Google Streetview. There’s something very inspirational about understanding where this account is coming from, not to mention travelling the world through someone else’s eyes.

Who? @vikkeview
Where? Copenhagen, Denmark
Why? Karen’s account is centred around ‘urban minimalism’. Her unique take on architecture, Danish lifestyle, and people is incredibly refreshing. Not to mention it’s extremely colourful and fun. I really love how she interprets ‘everyday’ things, and creates something beautiful from the ‘mundane’.

Who? @mikkoputtonen
Where? London, UK
Why? You won’t find a more stylish guy than Mikko. His Instagram account effortlessly blends fashion, architecture and design. So much so that it reads like an editorial feature in a lifestyle magazine. I’m constantly inspired by Mikko’s dedication and individual photo style. Not to mention, he’s a great guy.

Who? @colorpalette.cinema
Where? n/a
Why? If you’re a photography/cinematography geek like me, then you’ll find inspiration in Colorpalette Cinema. The account takes stills from iconic movies, and combines them with their colour palettes. Design aficionados will find the Instagram useful, as well as an inspiration for their own work.

Do you have any favourite inspirational Instagram accounts?
Let me know in the comments!

Source: Please see the individual Instagram accounts listed above.

bloomzy / February 17, 2017

Living Like a Local | Slovenia Travel Diary

Hello & Hvala – Slovenia Travel Diary

Whether it’s foregoing a rain coat, or getting rid of a gigantic backpack, we all try to avoid looking like a tourist when we travel. Not only for safety, but because we want to experience a country like a local. Well, at least I do anyway. I don’t mind doing all the usual tourist sights when I visit a new city. But I also want to eat where the locals eat, visit the galleries hidden down side streets, and while away my day in the little coffee shop that only the coolest “millennials” know about.

It was this – among other things – that led me to me saying yes, when my friend invited me to join him for his birthday party in Slovenia.

Living Like a Local – Slovenia Travel Diary

I was lucky enough to travel with a big group of friends this time, which meant plenty of laughs, and some new travel companions. We all hopped on a plane from London, and in less than 2 hours we were in Trieste, Italy. Wait, what? Well my friend’s hometown is actually right by the border of Italy. The neighbouring villages/towns in Slovenia reminded me of a mix of Italy and the region around the French Alps. Lots of cute cafes, local food, mountains, sun and sea. The perfect combination!

I’ve not travelled to Eastern Europe, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect of Slovenia. I really enjoyed my trip though. Maybe it was because I got to spend time with my friends and with my Slovenian friend’s families. It felt comfortable, and casual. With no pressure to “make the most of the holiday” or anything like that. Highlights included: home-cooked meals, as well as trying local delicacies in some well-loved restaurants. Tip: be prepared to eat a ton of meat! We were chauffeured around some of the prettiest sights I’ve ever seen. I tried a lot of homemade alcohol (…yeah). And we partied. What better way is there to spend a holiday with friends?

In a way it felt like Slovenia was a home-away-from-home. I’ll definitely be going back, and I’ll be taking my ~~thanksgiving~~ eating pants with me!

Don’t forget to check out more of my travel posts.

bloomzy / February 13, 2017

Old Friends & New Beginnings | Cyprus Travel Diary

Old Friends & New Beginnings – Cyprus Travel Diary

Friendship is a funny thing. There are the acquaintances you meet once a year, the work colleagues, close friends, uni friends, best friends… The list goes on.

My recent trip to Cyprus was for a university friend’s wedding. This urged me to get in touch with some old friends who were also invited. You see even though we all live in London – albeit it opposite ends – we hadn’t seen each other since we graduated. I believe that friendships last the test of time, and that you don’t need to see someone everyday in order to stay friends. If you can meet someone once in a while, but it feels like nothing has changed, and you pick up exactly where you left off…well that’s ‘real friendship’. Still, part of me wondered whether the “banter” would be the same. Would we still get each other, especially with us all being at different stages in our life?

Old Friends – Cyprus Travel Diary

Weddings are always emotionally charged, but this one was different. We laughed, we even shed a few tears (read: I shed a few tears) – thanks to a beautiful ceremony/reception, and the father of the Bride’s speech. But more than that, it felt good to be amongst people I’d spent 3 days a week with for almost 4 years. It was as though things had never changed, although in actuality things had changed a lot.

New Beginnings – Cyprus Travel Diary

Seeing old friends made me realise just how far I’ve come in the past few years. I’ve moved to a new city, had some wonderful experiences, and created some awesome memories with the people closest to me.

It also got me thinking about where I’ll go next. What’s in store for little ol’ me? Maybe I’ll finally get round to planning my own wedding (I know, I’ve been lazy). Perhaps I’ll do that whilst flying around the world and creating some new memories. Whatever happens, I know that I’ll be doing it with some of the best friends anyone could ask for.

Don’t forget that you can also check out my Cyprus Travel Guide.