Welcome to Focused Moments, a photography blog by me, Rachael Talibart. I am a full-time, professional photographer based in Surrey, England, with a particular interest in coastal photography. I am also a lecturer and I write for photography magazines, including a quarterly feature in Elements magazine. I am represented by galleries in Europe and the USA and I am the author of three monographs, including ‘Sirens’ and, most recently, Tides and Tempests. 
I also own f11 Workshops, providing photography day workshops in Surrey, East and West Sussex and I lead residential photography tours for Ocean Capture. 
There was a gap of more than 2 years in this blog – now I’m back, there will be a shift of emphasis. It’s going to be more a diary of the life of a professional seascapes photographer. I’m not sure if it will be of any interest, but I’ll keep it public, for now.
Please note: I have decided not to participate in awards – your visit (and, if you have time, comment) is reward enough. If you would like to see more of my images, please visit my website.
Focused Moments 
I look forward to reading this!
You have rightly pointed out that I haven’t completed this page yet! Thanks, Chris.
Done!
Really glad to have come across your excellent site (well, and that you first came across mine!). Lovely shots and I look forward to seeing more and learning a lot, especially about macro photography and landscapes.
Thank you very much. It will be a mutual exchange then!
Your photos are stunning!! Love the castle on this page – thanks so much for taking the time to comment on my latest post and following my blog, I really do appreciate it.
Hi! Thanks right back at you! Rx
Really impressed with this site Rachael. And so pleased that your Dunstanburgh Castle pic is still among your faves!
Thank you very much, Rick.
I love macro photography, your photos are really beautiful!
Thank you very much. 🙂
Thank you for the like.
Your work is amasing!
Duko from Zagreb, Croatia.
Thank you, Duko. I am glad you like it.
Rachael =D Your photos always leave me shades of green with envy and awe at your talent. For that alone I have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award: http://notyetgrounded.wordpress.com/2012/06/07/one-lovely-blog-award/
Thanks for sharing your talent!
Thank you very much. I am honoured.
Gorgeous work! Once you lose the love and fun it becomes a job.Let things creep in where they may. It will keep it interesting.
Thank you very much. 🙂 good advice
Hi, because I enjoy your blog so much, I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award (which I’m sure you’ve probably earned multiple times). You can view the award at http://rcnormanphoto.com/2012/06/07/thanks-for-blogger-awards . I wish you sweet light and magical moments. — Rob
Hi Rob. Thank you very much. I am honoured.
Beautiful images, Versatile Blogger! Thanks for sharing!
http://julight.wordpress.com/2012/06/09/nominations-for-versatile-blogger-award-29/
Thank you very much. I am delighted that you enjoy my blog. I have decided not to participate in awards but I am very flattered and will visit your blog ASAP.
I enjoy your blog so I’ve nominated you for The Inspiring Blog Award! Visit my recent post for rules to play along and accept your Award!
Thank you very much. I am pleased that you enjoy my blog. I have decided not to participate in awards but I am very flattered and will visit your blog ASAP.
I enjoy reading your posts and looking at your beautiful pictures so I nominated your site for the “Versatile Blogger Award.” AGAIN! Congratulations! If you go to http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com/ or my site (http://gardensunshine.wordpress.com/), you will find the information on the award, how to pass it along and then you can download the badge on your site if you want. Accepting the award is optional. Congratulations!
Thank you very much. I am flattered that you enjoy my blog. I have decided not to participate in awards but I am honoured and will visit your blog ASAP.
I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. if you choose to accept the rules are posted at http://geniespeaks.wordpress.com/2012/06/21/versatile-blogger-award-2/. If you choose not to accept – that’s okay. I just wanted to publicly acknowledge that I enjoy your blog.
Thank you very much. I am very glad that you enjoy my blog. I have decided not to participate in awards; the fact that you read my blog is reward enough for me. Thank you once again.
You are welcome.
Your photography is simply amazing!
Thank you very much!
Well, you may not have finished your About page – in words – but your calling card of images shows the diversity of what we can expect to enjoy. And the thing is, I don’t know which strand I’m going to enjoy most!
Thank you. I am guessing you found your way here from Harry’s kind recommendation? I am pleased to ‘meet’ you.
See you around Rachael:)
Rachael, your blog is like a beautiful textbook that inspires and entertains. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
Thank you for this kind and generous comment. I am delighted you enjoyed my blog.
I have nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award. Check my blog for what you have to do. -Marjorie, amazingazaleas
Thank you, Marjorie. I don’t participate in blogging awards. Your visit is enough reward. But I am honoured nonetheless.
Oh, ok. Thank you!
You have a great blog here and I can tell you take professional quality shots.
Thank you for this lovely compliment. I do strive to keep improving my photography. It’s all part of the fun!
Great site, am revisiting lots of blogs today 🙂 You may know me better as Martyn Thompson – Landscape Photography but I have moved home now and lost loads of followers 😦
Keep up the good work!
Hi Martyn. Thanks for your visit. It must be frustrating to have lost followers but I am sure you will quickly regain them, and some new ones.
Your interests match mine and I’ve been very impressed by your photos. I’m now following and am looking forward to future posts. Thanks for sharing your work with the world.
Thanks, James. I am enjoying your blog too. Sorry I somehow missed replying to this comment earlier,
You shots are beautiful! I’ so glad I came across your site. 🙂
Thank you very much for these kind words. 🙂
Hi,
I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! Here’s their website for more information and their logo: http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com/about/.
Really enjoying your blog! 🙂
Louise
Hi Louise
Thank you! That is very kind of you. I do not participate in awards – your visit is reward enough. But I am very honoured nonetheless. Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. I am still catching up after being on holiday. Thanks again!
Rachael
So glad I found your blog. Very nice images. I look forward to following you along your photographic journey!
Hi. Thank you so much! Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. I am still catching up after being on holiday.
Congratulations, I´ve nominated you for the “Family of Bloggers Award”, to see what is involved check out my blog. If you choose not to accept the award I will not be offended, I just wanted to show how much I enjoy reading your blog and also to say thank you for your support and encouragement! Have a great day,G 🙂
Thank you! That is very kind of you. I do not participate in awards – your visit is reward enough. But I am very honoured nonetheless. Thanks again! 🙂
You are more than welcome, I completely understand. I really enjoy your blog, your photos are always beautiful, so thank you for sharing them! G 🙂
I nominate you for the very humble person award and I love your images. OK…there is no very humble person award, but you are nominated anyway.
Keep up with the macro shots. Great stuff.
Thank you, Richard. 😉
Rachael — I have nominated you for the “Very Inspiring Blogger” Award. Congratulations! Do not feel obligated to pass it on, but know that you are appreciated! If you want to pay it forward to some of the blogs you appreciate, the “rules” (I like to use the term loosely) of the award are contained in my post: http://travelgardeneat.com/2012/09/30/very-inspiring-blogger-award/ . . . thank you for helping to make the blogosphere a more beautiful place! ~ Kat
Thank you! That is very kind of you. I do not participate in awards – your visit is reward enough. But I am very honoured nonetheless. Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. Thanks again!
There was no need to reply at all and no expectation you participate — but thank you for taking time! I do enjoy your blog and hope the nomination makes others aware if they have not had a chance to enjoy it, as well! Enjoy your day — Kat
Just wanted to let you know I have nominated you for the Super Sweet Blogging Award. I hope this will be welcome news for you. Some people choose not to participate, others enjoy the opportunity to visit new-to-you blogs and to be visited by new-to-you bloggers. To read more about the award and accepting this nomination, visit my post at http://autumninbruges.wordpress.com/2012/10/15/catching-up-on-awards/
Thank you! That is very kind of you. I do not participate in awards – your visit is reward enough. But I am very honoured nonetheless. Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. Thanks again!
I love finding new blogs with beautiful photos like yours. I look forward to viewing them now on a regular basis.
Thank you, Sue. So kind of you.
Congratulations! I’ve awarded you The Blog of The Year Award, check it out here : http://lyndamichele.wordpress.com/about/
Thank you! That is very kind of you. I do not participate in awards – your visit is reward enough. But I am very honoured nonetheless. Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. Thanks again! And Happy New Year!
You are very welcome, I understand completely! Happy & Healthy New Year to you!
Thank you for being such an inspiration to me…I have nominated you for the Blog of the Year 2012 award. You can check out your link here http://viewsofmyworld.wordpress.com/2012/12/27/blog-of-the-year-awards/ and I would be honored if you would accept the award 🙂
~Lyann
Thank you! That is very kind of you. I do not participate in awards – your visit is reward enough. But I am very honoured nonetheless. Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. Thanks again! And Happy New Year!
After browsing through your photographs, I am honored to have you visit and that you “liked” one of my photographs! Beautiful work and kudos on your exhibit!
Thank you very much. Sorry to be so slow to reply – flat out with work at the moment.
Your photography is amazing! The banner image is my favorite 🙂
Thank you. Glad you like it and thanks so much for visiting. 🙂
Thanks, Niki. So glad you like it. The castle is Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland.
I’ve just nominated you for the Sunshine Award! You can check out the details on my blog http://theamateurcamera.wordpress.com/2013/04/27/sunshine-happy-happy-happy/ 🙂
Thank you. That is very kind of you. I have chosen not to participate in blogging awards – your visit is reward enough. But thank you for thinking of me – I am honoured.
No problem! 🙂
Congratulations on acquiring Fuji X-E1. Please do try it with some old lenses using an adapter. You will see how this thing transforms into a great retro camera with just a digital back.
You have a nice blog. I love the candid shots in there.
I may do just that, although at present I am very happy using the 18-55 zoom.
Hi! I really enjoy your blog & have nominated you for the “Super Sweet Blogger Award.” Please visit my post to view the rules and responsibilities for accepting. Congrats!
Thank you! That is very kind of you. I do not participate in awards – your visit is reward enough. But I am very honoured nonetheless. Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. I took a break from blogging in the summer and somehow missed this.
Hello
I noted your shots of hoverflies and am quite happy to act as identifier of shots. There is a very active UK Hoverflies Facebook page.
Roger Morris, Hoverfly Recording Scheme – just google to find me.
Thank you. I keep meaning to visit the scheme’s website. My interest is more aesthetic than scientific, but still it’s impossible to avoid becoming interested in at least some rudimentary identification.
Stunning photos. Thanks for stopping by our blog
I just bumped into your blog, and it’s amazing! You have some fantastic pictures here. All the best, Irene 🙂
Thanks! I am very glad you like it. 🙂
Hey Rachael your focused moments are really eye candy. nice to meet you …:)
Pleased to have happened on your arresting images here. More visits required! Regards from Thom at the immortal jukebox.