Those who follow me on Instagram and Facebook may have noticed a number of photos with the hashtags #myfamilylens and #voicesof2014. These photos are part of the Olympus Sponsor Challenge that I’m participating through Kidspot Voices of 2014.
The criteria is to publish 3 posts based on certain prompts, with this first one based on ‘Best Friend’
Below is also a brief section about the Olympus OM-D E-M10 and how I captured special moments with it.
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Striking a conversation with another mum of twins the other day, she asked me, “Which one has let go?”
Not quite understanding her question, she expanded to say, “You know, when one twin finally lets go of the bond and starts making his own friends. Usually it’s the twin that you least expect.”
This was all news to me.
“So, your twins aren’t the best of friends?”
“No. Not at all,” she shrugged.
Looking back at my pregnancy everyone – family, friends, doctors and nurses – assumed my twins would be each other’s best friend.
Just some unduly pressure for two little unborn individuals.
Isn’t it a sibling’s right to freely express whatever they feel? Indulge in a bit of rough and tumble?
Obviously, constant companionship has given them a head start. It’s a journey of life discoveries and milestones that, for whatever freaky genetic workings, they happen to be taking together.
Some actions are just down right unexplainable and it just comes down to the mystery of being twins. I call these the unspoken “twinion moments”
Why did they know how to say each other’s names before learning their own?
There’s no logic reason to the innate understanding of the other’s needs.
When one twin picks up a piece of fruit from the kitchen, no questions asked, he’ll dutifully return with an extra piece for his brother.
But how can they possibly be each other’s best friend?
All the universal ground rules – loyalty, commitment and effort – equally apply to twins.
When faced with disagreements, there’s room for both to come to a resolution.
When an apology is due, so too is the license to forgive.
When one feels pain, another’s empathy is needed.
Despite all the children they’ve met at preschool and daycare, if you ask my boys who their best friend is, their answer is undeniable.
The teachers often confirm that they rarely leave each other’s side.
But that’s for the here and now.
Whether it’s inevitable for one to break away from the other it’ll be a rite a passage, not a disappointment.
In their own sweet accord and intuition, the twinions have had these precious formative years to instill the fundamentals of true friendship with each other.
Expanding their own territory to share these traits with new friends can only be a positive.
And that’s much more than what this mum can ever hope for.
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About the camera:
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 is the perfect tool for the new-ish photographer who wants to get more serious about their snaps.
Being a Compact System Camera (CSC), it’s half the weight and a third of the size of the smallest DSLR yet has all the professional imaging clarity.
There’s been many a ‘twinion moment’ or a breathtaking sunset that I couldn’t capture because well, who wants to carry around a bulky DSLR?
During this photo challenge, the Olympus OM-D E-M10’s has been sitting comfortably in my day bag, ready to point and shoot at a whims notice.
Photo 1:
The Olympus OM-D E-M-10 made life easier with its Scene mode and its automatic settings.
With 24 options to choose from, I didn’t have to waste my time – or a photo opportunity – fiddling with the knobs or buttons.
Using the “Beach/Snow” scene mode, the light coloured sand and bright early afternoon light didn’t carry too much exposure. Yet, the mode was also able to pick up the fine detail of sand grains.
Photo 2:
With its built-in Wi-Fi functionality, I was able to transfer images straight from the camera to my iPhone4S using the Olympus Share application.
Once on the camera roll, I could share my photos to Instagram or like this photo, add some text using the Little Moments app first before posting it.
Photo 3:
With 13 Art modes as well as extra filters and frames to choose from, a novice photographer like me has the chance to get creative and a little artsy.
For this photo, I switched the camera to the Pop Art mode.
Then, using the built-in Wi-Fi function, I imported the photo via the Olympus Share application where edited the photo again by adding the Diamora filter. Finally, the Olympus Share application allowed me to add some text.
Photo 4:
The Photo Story Collage creator let me take multiple photos at a time. Using the “Speed” theme, I was able to capture some fast paced muddy action!
Photo 5:
Simply using the Auto mode, I let the camera work its magic with colour and clarity.
Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT