Today is #MarketFriday, a project initiated by @dswigle, and this post is my contribution to this project for this week.
To learn more about this project and participate, visit this post by @dswigle.
Today's post is about a fun day. It is also a day that presented me with a new challenge which I am excited about.
With today's post in mind for #MarketFriday, we went to the Shongweni Farmer's & Craft Market last Saturday morning.
In my mind, I think the biggest attraction (before we even arrived) was the waterfall that I saw during our previous visit to the market.
So, we were still in the parking area when I headed for the lower fence to see if I could get a view of the waterfall from there...
This was the view.
NIKON D3100 1/160 seconds F6.3 ISO 100 55mm
While I took some more photos, my wife started walking toward the market as she was looking for something specific. I followed a few minutes later.
Getting to the entrance, looking toward the right, looking at the outskirts of the market, it was a colorful site to see. It was a relaxed and friendly atmosphere..., especially with the giant-sized chicken statue welcoming all the visitors...lol.
NIKON D3100 1/250 seconds F8 ISO 100 18mm
It was mainly garden decorations on display in this area.
NIKON D3100 1/200 seconds F7.1 ISO 100 26mm
On the left-hand side of the entrance, there were these two very realistic statues. In fact, they were so realistic that when a family came walking out with their dog, he suddenly and aggressively charged at the statues, thinking it was real cattle...lol!
His owners were caught off guard by his sudden action, but once they realized what happened and everybody was watching, everybody just had a great laugh. It was actually quite funny...especially seeing the confusion of the dog when these "animals" just remained motionless.
NIKON D3100 1/250 seconds F8 ISO 100 20mm
I think the dog didn't see them when they came in. When they came out, they were walking close to the wooden fence on the right, and suddenly these huge "animals" were right next to him...catching him by surprise. He seemed to be quite a friendly dog and he was clearly not fazed by any of the other dogs strolling around alongside their owners. But he surely didn't expect any cattle to suddenly pop up right next to him!
From here, I entered the actual market area.
It was a hive of activity with many products on display.
On my right were all these baskets and mats on display.
NIKON D3100 1/200 F7.1 ISO 100 18mm
Many small business owners have their products on display while people just relax and stroll from one display to the next. Many people use this outing to take their dogs for an outing too.
NIKON D3100 1/200 seconds F7.1 ISO 100 18mm
But then, suddenly, my heart started beating faster...
NIKON D3100 1/250 seconds F8 ISO 100 42mm
Yes, I love cars! And I love AUDI.
NIKON D3100 1/160 seconds F6.3 ISO 100 55mm
Soon, a young, excited sales rep came walking up to me. I thought "okay, here it comes... He is going to try and sell me a new car"...lol.
But to my surprise, he greeted me in a friendly manner and his first response was "I love to see a man with a camera"!
We started talking and it became clear that his hobby is photography and he is passionate about it!
He showed me some of his work and I have to say, he is good at it! He also showed me his camera and lenses. Wow, very impressive.
I mentioned that I am still learning and he offered to give me some tips.
The next two photos were part of the tips offered, looking at the lines and angles of the vehicle. Next two photos...credit to Garreth from AUDI, Pinetown.
NIKON D3100 1/160 seconds F6.3 ISO 100 55mm
NIKON D3100 1/250 seconds F8 ISO 100 55mm
This experience sparked the idea of a new challenge for me. I love cars... Why not learn more about capturing some photos of nice cars?
Yes, my focus will remain on our outings in nature, but I think a nice photo of some good-looking wheels every now and then would be fun...
Okay, let's continue with the market...and maybe find my wife in the process...😄.
Not far from where AUDI had its display, there was this little entertainment area for the kids.
NIKON D3100 1/250 seconds F8 ISO 100 55mm
Behind me was a typical scene of a relaxed conversation taking place.
To the side of the market, I found the Shongweni Express.
"All aboard?"
NIKON D3100 1/250 seconds F8 ISO 100 55mm
Seeing the joy on the face of a little one like this makes it all worth it!
NIKON D3100 1/160 seconds F8 ISO 100 20mm
After a few minutes, the train returned and I was just at the right spot to get this photo with the driver visible through the "window".
NIKON D3100 1/200 seconds F8 ISO 100 52mm
By now, my wife has found me...😄. We were ready to leave.
But, one last look at the view when looking out over the valley...
NIKON D3100 1/125 seconds F8 ISO 160 52mm
And that's it for today folks.
Thank you for reading my post! I do appreciate it!
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