It’s started to get colder in London, with thin ice forming on anything left outside in the early mornings. This Autumnal leaf has had a dousing too, and I think it looks pretty with the white icy outlines
Icy leaf
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Tag Archives: nature
My sister’s hennaed hands
I’ve been trying to post more frequently but things have been super busy over the last few months with Eid, weddings and birthdays, (not to mention dodgy internet connections which hasn’t helped either!), but hopefully it seems a bit calmer now which means that I can get up to speed with my posts.
I wanted to share more pictures from my younger sister’s wedding that took place a couple of months ago. In Pakistan and other South Asian countries it is tradition for the bride-to-be to decorate her hands and feet with henna/mehndi a couple of nights before the wedding. The design my sister chose was intricate and very delicate and with the steady, skilled hands of the mehndi artist it came out beautifully
These patterns soon became much more complex and full, with henna being applied on both sides of my sisters’ hands and parts of her arms. You can click on the pictures below to view larger images, and close ups, (maybe if you look close enough you’ll find the name of the groom which he is supposed to look for on the night of the wedding).
I didn’t get a chance to have any henna applied to my hands, but a number of the guests did, including my baby niece who had a butterfly pattern applied (and which lasted about 10 minutes before it got smudged).
I think the finished result of my sister’s hennaed hands was beautiful, reminding me of lace gloves with intricate, delicate patterns. My sister kept the henna on until the following morning before washing it off to make sure the dye was as dark as possible, which you will be able to see soon in photos that I am hoping to post of the wedding
Focus on the edge
I fancied posting a pic of something bright and colourful today, especially as we are having cloudy, grey days in London at the moment. I really like this photo of a tulip and how the vivid purple petals are in sharp focus, up close to the lens, with a softer focus on the bright green leaves in the background, adding a splash of color. The white space makes the green and purple stand out in contrast making for a simple yet striking image.
Scarred
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Crimson star
I’ve been trying to find out what the name of this flower is and I think it’s ‘Crimson star’ also known as an Adenium, but whatever the name I really like the vibrant red colour and the pointy shaped petals, which I suppose must make it look like a star and hence the name.
Up and out
I’m not sure what these pretty flowers are called but they make me think they could be a type of thistle. I love the unusual shaped petals and the varying colours of the flowers and how they shoots out outwards and upwards. Do you have any idea what these are called?
The woods for the trees
I really like this photo which shows so many different varieties of trees, each in their own shapes, sizes and shades. Together they create an interesting composition and a colourful landscape
Sleeping bud
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Cerise
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Oysters
I recently came across this big pile of oyster shells that had been caught/fished in the south east of England. I’ve never tried or seen oysters before and I was surprised to find that they could be found in local English waters, and in abundance.
I like how the shells on the outside look rough and dirty and to the untrained eye could look like rocks (or maybe just to me then). But the insides look all smooth, shiny with a pearly tint to them, which makes me think of treasures being hidden within that have to be pried out
These ones that look even rockier are ones that were being sold to customers alongside the harbours. They have been freshly caught and were being opened to serve to customers alongside other seafoods. I tried to take a picture of an oyster with the edible flesh still inside, but wasn’t quick enough. I was pleased to see them and it was definitely a highlight to the day
everyphototunity 