hellocloud photography by Ken Lönnström

Manufacturer

Canon

Model Name

Canon EOS 40D

Exposure Program

Aperture Priority

Exposure Time

1/250

F Number

11

ISO

200

Focal Length

17mm

Metering Mode

Pattern

Slow down and breath. Enjoy the beautiful silence the night and darkness brings. You can do it although you are surrounded by people. You do have the control of blocking out everything.

For instance, all around me there are people talking and drinking beer like old and new friends are supposed to do. They are fooling around and screaming in different languages to one another, but still, here I am in a chair next to our Volkswagen, closing my eyes and listening to a meaningful song by Staind called “Tangled up in you”.

I’m dreaming of my wonderful friends, both old and new ones and others I do not yet know. How I wish to meet all of you and just laugh. You great people are from all around the world. Germany, USA, Canada, England, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, France, Italy, Korea, China, Japan, Vietnam, New Zealand and of course Australia.

The biggest dream I’ve ever had is to meet all of you at the same time. To just see all of you from every different age group there is, interact and get to know one another. Wouldn’t that be bloody brilliant?

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Manufacturer

Canon

Model Name

Canon EOS 40D

Exposure Program

Aperture Priority

Exposure Time

1/1250

F Number

5.6

ISO

200

Focal Length

61mm

Metering Mode

Pattern

On rare occasions I have dreams that I actually remember. Most often they involve my past, what I’ve been through and they try to teach me things. At some instances when I’ve had problems or questions I’ve been pondering, they have been resolved not by me directly. They have been resolved by dreams. Sometimes when dreaming it is just like I’m an actor, playing a roll I can’t really change and experience things all over again, sometimes for years until they make sense. Do you recognize that sort of dreams?

On a different subject. Every day I think of you, my family and friends, wishing you were here to experience all these exciting things alongside me. It is a unique type of life I have experienced these last two years. Sometimes I get amazed myself when thinking about how far I’ve come and in that sense not only in distance. Personal development. Something all of us crave for every once in a while, to feel that we are getting somewhere. Not wasting the years, so that in the end you cannot remember which year you did what since they were all the same.

What I wanted to say is that I think of my family and friends every single day. Among those I count persons I’ve only met once that I still keep close to my heart. I promise never to stop striving for a life more suitable for me and wish you to promise the same thing to yourself. And not only promise, you have to mean it as well. Lets develop and expand and experience ourselves in all the ways possible for as long as we live. Come on, I dare you to live a unique life.

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Manufacturer

Canon

Model Name

Canon EOS 40D

Exposure Program

Normal Program

Exposure Time

1/400

F Number

1.8

ISO

400

Focal Length

50mm

Metering Mode

Pattern

For an hour now I’ve been trying to come up with something poetic regarding the emotions from this picture. Although I have some ideas that I have even written down, none of them seem to fit perfectly. There was a time, around five-six years ago that I could have drawn up a whole world in a matter of minutes. The words, my emotions, they wanted to leave my senses, my heart and soul to get written – in an instant. They were so fast not even my fingers would catch up with them. Except for these occasions when the phone rang, then I could write down what I had in my mind at the same time as I talked.

What I wanted to say in poetry, now just have to be acceptable with my words. That is, while I was waiting for my passion for writing to return, I think it got even more lost. Since it disappeared a few years ago I’ve sat down a few times and been waiting for the right moment to write. It never really came and so I’ve been sitting here with my pen and paper waiting… when what I should have done is to just write! Exercise my mind, go for it, both wild and crazy! Just close my eyes and write whatever comes out although it might be utter rubbish. I would still be writing down some part of my soul even if it at this stage came from the surface of my soul.

Despite the fact I’ve always been interested in photography, it has become more and more profound with these last years and mostly with this last year. It’s a way for me to function with the necessary creativity which is bound in all of us. You yourself might not paint, play music or write poems. I can however guarantee that if you are truly happy, you probably express yourself in some sort of creative way. There are so many ways. One big example people might not think of is cooking. Cooking is art. So is being a great listener. Understanding people, as well as writing poetry or any other of the classic things. Designing a computer game or a new application. That is art. So is enjoying life. Some are born with a natural instinct of seeing the beautiful in life, while others have to try hard. We are all different. We are all better at certain things.

The trick if you want to accomplish something, is to practice every day. Try. Learn. Open your mind. Change your views. Instead of pulling the shower curtain to the left or the right, as you always do, try pulling it the other way. Instead of left, take it to the right. You’ll notice an immediate change in just by changing small things. Then you feel it is a new day and with that comes new opportunities because you are broadening your mind. And if you really want to be better at something, then practice. Practice every single day. Practice as much as you want. That is something I’ve unfortunately been very bad at when it comes to gaining new writing skills. Instead of trying and practicing, I have been waiting for the right moment when I should’ve just grabbed the moment myself by the neck.

If you only wait for new opportunities instead of creating them, then you’ll be in for a long wait. In the end you might be on the brink of dying. And life is just too beautiful for dying. At least if you are only waiting. It’s much more pleasant to die when you live, in some macabre and poetic way.

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One year have truly passed so quickly. Today it is one year ago since me and Jenny went to Fraser Island, ran up and down the beach like maniacs because of the jump sharks. Of course they don’t exist, but we didn’t know that because our guide lied to us. He told us that if we went to close to the water, the big sharks could jump up and bite us. Then patiently wait for the tide to turn in order to drag us with them.

We had just been to the Champagne Pools, was strolling back to the Indian Head where we’d left the car and as we walked back, all alone, we talked and held hands. After a moments hesitation I asked Jenny if we were a couple. We stopped to gaze at each others. Under our bare feets were the sand and the noise from the sea was quite loud when Jenny finally answered “Yes, I would like that. Really much actually.”

Exactly a year ago we slept in our tent and held each other so soft and hard at the same time. From that moment none of us have ever let go and never will.

This lovely picture is taken by Juliana Wiklund (morethanwords.se). She is an extraordinary gifted photographer who knows how to catch feelings and true love instead of just developing pictures. We were lucky to meet her on my birthday, just before we went to Australia.

Sorry guys but I’m heading off to bed to hug Jenny…

Lots of love

ps. Yes I put that very big watermark on the picture.

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Manufacturer

Canon

Model Name

Canon EOS 40D

Exposure Program

Manual

Exposure Time

1/320

F Number

9

ISO

100

Focal Length

85mm

Metering Mode

Pattern

For a month now, since we came back to Australia, I’ve been struggling with different things. Dreams, thoughts and visas. That’s just a few of them. Although there has been plenty to do, I have enjoyed every moment of this time. It’s not until it is over, that you can look back and see how far you’ve actually come. Too see for yourself that you have changed, grown and developed yourself.

Also that things often turn out better than you’d expected. My 2nd work visa have been accepted, which means I’m not crippled anymore to just exist. We can go wherever we wan with no consideration that I have to leave the country in three months time, just to come back in a few days.

I have a clearer plan for the future. Instead of no map, I have now made one, showing some of the way to my future that I want to create for myself. In six to seven months me and Jenny are coming back to Sweden. Not to stay permanently, but to gain a much better chance for a permanent Australian or New Zealand citizenship. We are going to study for a few years.

Have finally decided what I want for a career and that is to work with my photography. That’s why I’m considering to study International Marketing, since that’s a big part of being a professional photographer. In my spare time I’ll focus on the photography and also take every opportunity for photo-meetings or that like. Also become more active on some photography communities, everything in order to get more critics and new ideas.

The action picture below is taken by my friend Veronica Orrholm Zentio in August 2008.

Manufacturer

NIKON CORPORATION

Model Name

NIKON D80

Exposure Program

Normal Program

Exposure Time

1/100

F Number

5

ISO

400

Focal Length

18mm

Metering Mode

Pattern

Also when we are back in Sweden, we’re gonna have the best of times! Meet friends, whom I often think of, but that I see with too large gaps. Not any more!

One other thing that feels so good today is that hellocloud photography is finally open! I’ve spent so many weeks, just this last month, to work on everything with the blog. The design is new, the structure is new, the pictures are new even for some of the old posts. I do have a few new plugins, which there is probably only one that concerns you guys/gals…

If you are interested in photography and are wondering what settings I’ve used for the pictures… all you have to do is left-click the picture once and then all my settings will show. Click once more and it goes away.

Would you happen to have any thoughts concerning the new blog design or regarding my pictures, please feel free to write. I appreciate honesty.

Now it’s time for bed, but thanks for reading. Take care and stay happy!

Ken Lönnström
hellocloud photography

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Manufacturer

Canon

Model Name

Canon EOS 40D

Exposure Program

Aperture Priority

Exposure Time

1/200

F Number

5.6

ISO

400

Focal Length

187mm

Metering Mode

Pattern

Lately I have been thinking about kids and parents. All of us have different experiences. I have honestly disliked and have had problems handling kids. Just seen them as annoying and irritating, sometimes even bad tempered and horrible. And at other occasions seen them get ill treated.

The reason why I probably haven’t liked kids that much is because of my own life. They have reminded me of my childhood where I was afraid of going to school everyday. Everytime I see a kid treat another youth bad all I can see is red because I know the feeling of being pushed.

Lucky for me, just the last few years I’ve gotten to know some awesome kids. For instance my nieces. They are adorable and I miss them alot. That’s the hardest part about being in the other hemisphere, I miss them so much. It is a fact that they do grow centimeters and IQ everyday. And one day I want to take their photographies. Tell them stories, read to them and use all different kinds of voices. Just be there for them, because that’s what they deserve.

Unfortunately I only have good pictures of this little spillevink though I know my sister Petra have awesome pictures of hers and Niclas’ wonderful treasure.

I am so grateful of having the opportunity nowadays to associate the word “kids” with my nieces and others I’ve met, compared to before when all I could think of was the kids from school who chased me home, stole my things, called me names and tried to break my spine on a hand rail.

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Manufacturer

Canon

Model Name

Canon EOS 40D

Exposure Program

Manual

Exposure Time

10/1

F Number

10

ISO

100

Focal Length

70mm

Metering Mode

Pattern

A song. One single song, is all that is needed to get you to remember forgotten times or memories. Some of them make you cry and others make you laugh with happiness. I’ll give you some examples to get yourself started!

• 2 Unlimited – No Limit
  Makes me remember all kinds of crazy things from this year, especially when me and a few mates went crazy in an Audi during Easter.
• Linkin Park – A Place For My Head
  School trip with my Spanish class in 9th grade. “No-one” had heard of Linkin Park at that time and I bought the pirate copy of  ”Hybrid Theory” from a big, dark, african fellow on the beach who claimed it to be an original. I liked the cover. This song was Lars-Daniels favourite at the time.
• Staind – How About You, Zoe Jane, Could It Be
  Summer of 2006 with my old Golf VR6. These songs reminds me of how it felt, crawling down into the car on a sunny day, turn the ignition key and hear the car vroar. Can even remember the way the car smelled, how the gear shift felt in my hand and how the air condition cooled everything. Just cruising around.
• Howard Shore – Helm’s Deep from The Two Towers
  Sharing my double bed with two-three guys and one girl after the premiere in the night. If I remember correctly, we had school the day after and were a bit sleepy. But I was lucky and snuggled up with one of the guys!

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Manufacturer

Canon

Model Name

Canon EOS 40D

Exposure Program

Normal Program

Exposure Time

1/25

F Number

5.6

ISO

200

Focal Length

66mm

Metering Mode

Pattern

After five years waiting I have finally taken the step combining the future with my past. What before felt so hard, just now feels so right. What is it that sometimes scares us so that we hide parts of ourselves? Working with Beetles will always remind me of the time me and my father spent together all these sunny days and dark rainy nights in the garage. Dreaming. Fantasizing. Discussing. Drawing. Spending time.

Why have I lost so much time not working with Beetles since I have so many wonderful memories linked together with them? They give me so many flashbacks from a time long ago, that during certain periods lay forgotten in the pool of memories. Probably because I know I will never ever experience and gain more mental pictures together with my dad.

But I can get many more special memories that will remind me of my father. And honestly, what is life worth if you don’t have any good memories to pull forth from the back of your head? Isn’t that really what life is about? Any day you want, just sit down and be able to go through everything that have made you smile, laugh or just given you that good feeling inside of your chest.

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Manufacturer

Canon

Model Name

Canon EOS 40D

Exposure Program

Manual

Exposure Time

1/160

F Number

6.3

ISO

100

Focal Length

17mm

Metering Mode

Pattern

It is my niece’s second birthday today so anyone who reads this can use the comments field to say happy birthday to her. The picture above is also a tribute to Nellie. Look at the license plate. She loves to scare people, especially me and Jenny. Walks up to us, hides her face behind her hands and pulls them quickly away screaming “boooh”. Another funny thing with the picture is the beautiful awesome Swedish Volvo.

Life is grand here in Australia. Today I sat at a café for four hours writing on several blog entries which I have not (obviously) posted but they ought to be finished in a few days with pictures and everything. However there are some recent news. Me and Jenny are leaving Melbourne tomorrow and we’re going to a place called Kancoona Valley, which is in the north eastern part of the state Victoria, same as Melbourne. We are to moving in with an Italian family to help them with their vineyard and some building extensions.

It is called wwoofing and it’s when you work approximately twenty hours a week at a farm or similar and in return you get free accommodation and food. This is a great way of experiencing life and find new interesting people, you can do it all across the world. Have a look at their vineyard and restaurant on www.kancoonavalleywines.com.au. Don’t know yet if they have Internet but we will know tomorrow. In that case I’ll write something dull or funny.

Some of you (aunt Vexy) will probably find it funny but in Kancoona… it is quite cold. One hour away from the vineyard lies a ski resort called Falls Creek Resort. We probably have to buy some warm clothes to wear in the following days.

Other news is that we are looking for a car. First plan was to buy a Beetle but they are quite expensive and a bit rare down under. Found a VW Type 3 which looked quite nice, so who knows? Also we have been looking on VW Campervans (Type 2 in Sweden or Bully in Germany) but they are also expensive. There might be an so called Holden Commodore that will end up as our possession. In Sweden, the brand is called Opel instead of Holden.

We are doing some laundry and I have to pack now but until next time, stay happy and enjoy life. And do not forget to write something to my niece in the comments field!

Lots of love
Ken

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Inside of me there is a great sorrow. Like that one after a loss of something you hold dear or someone you love. The feeling reawakens at certain moments, however most often when I am alone and have the time to think. Feel. Remember. And it is when I remember that my heart feels heavy and my eyes wet. Tears run down my cheeks, some of them get caught in my beard while others drip into my lap.

The music I am listening to plays the right strings and tones. It makes me remember everything as clearly as if I was just experiencing these particular memories. And at exactly that moment, I truly feel what I have lost. What I am missing. What makes me sometimes feel lost but at the same time strong. It is you I am missing. Because of you my heart aches, my tears flow. Why I feel sad when I just want you here, to confide in, hold, watch, talk, laugh or cry with. Those things other takes for granted.

When you disappeared as suddenly as the light of a blown out candle, it felt as when a cheerful song end and you find yourself in a dark unknown place. All there is left is this empty silence which comes closer, filling you with a terrifying cry and horror, wishing you could bang your head against a rock-hard wall splitting your head open cause this would feel much less than the actual pain of losing you.

What is more. I am happy. The loss of you two have made me realize, life really is too short to do things you don’t want. Live in the presence, do your hearts bidding and love every day. Cause tomorrow it might be too late. And know that for each day that pass I love you even more.

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