PENTAX colourful K-r series DSLR camera

Picture source:cdenhaan on FlickR

I got pretty excited when I was browsing the latest selection of DSLR cameras and discovered the colourful PENTAX K-r.

Released in September 2010, the press release for this camera describes the PENTAX K-r as "A multi-featured, entry-class digital SLR camera, featuring simple operation and a host of creative tools in a compact, lightweight body".

So what is this DSLR business and why are we hearing so much about them? Well, in recent years the camera industry has changed. Technology of the digital camera has allowed masses of consumers to easily take, store and print photographs without the hassle of going somewhere to develop separate rolls of film. Amateur photography is fast becoming ever popular and camera manufacturers have cottoned onto the demand for affordable DSLR cameras.

The Canon Rebel series was particularly sucessful due to the intelligence developed to take high quality, stunning photographs in a user friendly format. Nikon also has a selection of affordable cameras for beginner DSLR photography users, such as the popular D40. There are plenty of photography sites dedicated to reviewing and comparing camera models, and it has to be noted that the camera industry is forever changing, with newer and updated models being brought out all the time. The key is to find the right camera for you by doing your research and thinking realistically about how often you'll use your camera and what kind of photos you want to take.

Personally I don't own a DSLR yet, this is largely due to me changing my mind about which model to get and committing myself to actually buying one. I will probably make an actual purchase when I'm just about to graduate from college (which is another couple of years so no doubt there will be even more choice. I wonder if Canon/Nikon will go down this colour DSLR route?)


Amazon stock photos of K-x (predeccesor to the K-r) in pink and metallic pink

Pentax is a long established camera company but perhaps are not as popular and iconic as the other brands, because they don't spend as much money on advertising. However I think they have produced a product which is worth shouting about due to its design appeal.

The Pentax K-r is available here in the UK in your classic black but also a pink and white colour option.


'Stormtrooper' version - looks so slick!

If you are lucky enough to live in Japan, you can choose your own custom colours for each part of the camera exterior. How cool! Check out these amazing colour combinations:



The amazing rainbow camera.


A lovely, soft, dreamy peach colour


This one is my favourite! I love pink!




Picture source: yosshi1202 on FlickR.

Mr Turtle drawing process

The jellyfish project I have been working on has expanded to a sealife project. Here are a couple of in progress pictures of a turtle, because turtles are awesome.


I have been using mechanical pencils a lot recently. I always thought they were no good for drawing but I have been converted.


Mr Turtle was strangely very satisfying to draw and shade. I really enjoyed bringing him to paper life.

Baked me some cupcakes

I had a bit of a cupcake feeling today and made these this evening:






I used a standard cupcake recipe, adding chocolate and peanut butter. The frosting is vanilla and on top are malteasers, m&m's, and fairy sprinkles. yummmmmmmy
they are perfect to munch on with a hot cuppa tea whilst it is snowing outside :o)

Jellyfish project

It's a jellyfish!

Lilac nails & Barry M nail effects - NOTD

'Berry ice cream' nail polish by Barry M. rather pretty!


This is Barry M Nail effects over the top. Crackly!!

Lino cutting process

This week I have been getting to grips with lino cutting and in particular lino reduction. I made a few initial samples with lino reduction but didn't get to photograph the process, however whilst scouring the web I came across an awesome tutorial for linocut reduction - it can be found here.

Here are some pictures of the linocut prints I am currently working on for my project which is based on jellyfish.


I used tracing paper to transfer my outline of a jellyfish onto a piece of lino.


Ouch, small cuts on the fingers from scalpling lino hurts a lot. I have been going through a fair few hello kitty plasters this week.


The lithography ink is so sticky. Rolling it out, mixing and clearing it off the worktop is a real workout on your arms, no joke.


My first sample of this print, you can see it needs work! I'll probably cut around the jellyfish to avoid that background texture. Will also experiment with the colour palette to try and create a stronger contrast in the silhouette.

Here's the press I used in the print room. It seemed to have a friendly face!

Hello there RP1.