University has begun in the city of roses - Visby!

I'm keeping busy and it's awesome. Summer is fading and we're catching the very last warmth of the sun, but the cold autumn winds are already threatening. I do like the autumn, it usually means a fresh start and a new chapter in life, a time when you get back to business after the summer. And also, you get to count down to Xmas, right?

Check out the awesome dragonfly photos by Allen! There's been tons of these little bugs around lately, and on one of our walks he decided if he was patient enough, he could get a good picture. Creds! <3

I finally took the time to upload some more pictures from my nature sessions in June, this time from Brucebo nature reserve. See the full set here.

In other news, I've passed my drivers licence, and tomorrow we're picking up a rental car to enjoy a few days off with relaxing drives. Hoping to bring back lots of pictures from that!

Photo Allen took of my reflection in a puddle, from a walk in April.

It's just too hot right now. Too hot to eat, move or blog much.

So all I do is work enough to pay for orange juice, strawberries, cider and ice cream. Then I can lie down watching Big Brother and Skins the rest of the time, with a fan pointed at my face. That's the summer life. :)

This is my entry to a photo contest over at Michellez, on the theme "summer feeling". Because what's more summer than this little guy? Curious young lamb remind me of being a child and enjoying the summer more than anything in the world.

I've been slowly uploading hundreds of photos I took while my family was here and we were out and about a lot. By now, the school camera is returned and we're limited to a compact. I've really been considering if I should buy my own Nikon D3000 but can't make up my mind. I just don't know how much time I will have for photography, once autumn comes and the real studies start.

Today begins the arrival of relatives who are visiting to celebrate my graduation with me. This afternoon I'll meet up with my dad and his parents, and then my mum and brother will join up on saturday. Since everyone lives quite a while away and you need to come here by boat and everything, it's always a bit of a hassle to arrange these events. Sounded like my grandparents had some plans for what they wanted to do during their stay anyway, so I'm hoping we'll have some fun even before the celebrations start on monday-tuesday.

Last night was a farewell dinner party at my school, with students, current and past teachers and parents. My family haven't arrived for graduation yet, so I spent less time mingling and more time attempting to take some pictures. People were so shy though! At least the the welcome drink stood still while I aimed.

Fictional album cover, just an idea I had while editing silhouette photo.
Models: Emelie Persson and Elin Askänge.

This is my entry to a photo competition over at Fannyelina,
in cooperation with Bloglovin and Guldfynd.

The requirements are, it needs to be an emotional picture featuring jewellery.

This one is very emotional to me because of the memories. The necklace is my favourite, a simple wooden one that my love gave me the first time we met, topped off with the engagement ring that eventually followed. <3

Last night we watched the first semi final for Eurovision Song Contest, where 10 countries moved on to the final. It was more fun than I thought, there was some decent songs and the right ones got through. It would have been nice if Finland had made it, but the awesomeness of Greece made up for it. :)

Practicing to take correct ID photos in class, like for driving licences and passports etc. Thanks to Alexandra, Emma, Jenny and Joel.

I sold my first photo! I was contacted by Oxford University Press in Madrid last week, since they had seen photos on my Flickr account that they were interested in purchasing. And now, all the transfers and agreements are final. Very flattered that someone is willing to pay for my work, and glad it's gonna come to some good use. Thanks again to my wonderful model who agreed to do this shot with me. :)


Model: Elin Askänge

[ This photograph has been purchased by Oxford University Press España S.A. for online and offline use. It may not be used for any purpose by anyone else and has therefore been waterstamped. ]

Description by Fabio Fanni from OUP: "I personally find this simply amazing, it shows an excellent level of execution and a really strong character. We do love this picture, it’s fresh, lively, and it has got quite of a unreal twist and it fits perfectly the message we want to deliver in terms of image for our product."

Today is Ascension Day, one of them random holidays I always forget about and therefore get a couple of unexpected days off school. Not complaining. :)

I remember riding these guys when I was younger... who would have thought driving a car would be harder? You'd think machines don't have a mind of their own but you'd be wrong.

See more flowers here.

I can't believe how quickly summer is coming along now! The long winter and slow spring has tricked me to believe there is plenty of time left, but really there's not much. There is only a few weeks left for me to finish all my courses, my exam project, and also I'm thinking I need to start taking driving lessons really soon. Like... book them NOW. And it's SCARY! What if I'm shit?

Last night was my last day at my part time telemarketing job. I've worked there since Sep08 so it feels a bit weird to leave, but I think it's a good thing. Now that I'm moving into new phases of my life I need to leave behind my old school and my old work and focus on my new things.

It'll be fun! I'm gonna be brave! I can pass my licence and do excellent at my summer jobs and it will all be great. Yaaayy.... *whimpers in fear*

This weekend we've focused a lot on bugs and other closeups out in the forest on our photo walks. Should lend a proper macro lens for next time hopefully.
Click here for more insects or closeups.