PHOTOGRAPHY Archives - Keeping With The Times

Photography Backgrounds For Sale

August 13, 2018 by Barb Leave a Comment

PLEASE NOTE: to view or order backgrounds please visit my new account barbbrookbank dot com:

Photography backgrounds are something I’m constantly looking for; old wooden doors, rusty metal trays, and recently, even my garage floor! I don’t think a person can have too many photography backgrounds!

However, with my lifestyle the way it is (travelling between two places, always on the go) I was forced to come up with creative solutions … I couldn’t very well carry our garage floor under the front seat on an airplane ;)

So, after much trial and error, I came up with a line of vinyl photography backgrounds which I’m now offering for 4Sale. They’re durable, waterproof, portable, and realistic. Perfect for still life, food, and product photography.

To order, you may email barb@keepingwiththetimes.com, or send a Direct Message on Instagram @keepingwiththetimes or my new account @backgroundsbybarb

Vinyl Photography Backgrounds

The process:

Images (such as wooden doors, cement, etc) are high resolution images, shot with a full size dslr in raw format, edited in Lightroom, and/or Photoshop
A test background is printed on durable vinyl which has been carefully sourced for best results
The actual vinyl background is used to shoot a still life image (most often a flatlay) and if it passes the “realistic” test, it is offered for sale
The backgrounds are durable, waterproof, portable, and realistic; perfect for still life, food, and product photography

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the backgrounds made of?

durable, waterproof vinyl

How big are the backgrounds?

the backgrounds are 20″ x 36″

What is the best way to store them?

lay flat, or
roll loosely and store in the box it is shipped in
roll loosely, wrap with a piece of paper, and tie with a piece of string
never fold your backgrounds! folding will produce creases that may not come out

Are they waterproof?

all backgrounds are waterproof but use caution to avoid spillage and wipe immediately to avoid staining (especially colourful fruit such as raspberries or strawberries)

Are they heat resistant?

no, they are not heat resistant and will become distorted if exposed to heat so do not place hot dishes directly on the background

Why does the colour of my background look slightly different than the background I ordered online?

all monitors display colour and brightness differently
and remember, when you are shooting your own images, different light situations result in different tones: morning light is blue (cool), afternoon and evening light is yellow (warm)

How do I use the backgrounds?

for flatlays, we recommend placing the background on a smooth surface such as a large piece of white foam core (available at most craft stores)
in a vertical image, use small bits of masking tape to secure the background to foam core, and position it behind your scene

Where are the backgrounds created, and where do you ship?

the backgrounds are created in Canada and are shipped worldwide (shipping costs vary)
prices quoted in US Dollars
in Canada and the US, up to three backgrounds may be shipped together with no extra shipping charges
packaged using a strong, Canada Post-approved shipping box and label
shipping is by Canada Post and is Expedited and Tracked

How do I Order?

To order, you may email barb@keepingwiththetimes.com, or send a Direct Message on Instagram @keepingwiththetimes or my new account @backgroundsbybarb

What form of payment do you accept?

PayPal

Refunds/Returns

no refunds or returns (please examine background carefully before purchasing)
in the unlikely event that the background is damaged in shipping, please contact us within 3 days along with photos and description of damage

Lilac Love

May 30, 2017 by Barb 6 Comments

The scent of moist earth and lilacs hung in the air like wisps of the past
and hints of the future
Margaret Millar

How true is that?! Lilacs have been part of my life since I was a little girl growing up on a farm in Saskatchewan.

They remind me of my Mom, spring wedding showers complete with little sandwiches and cakes, and the aroma of coffee brewing for the adults … nothing is more memorable than a smell, wouldn’t you agree?

Lilac Love, Keeping With the Times, Still Life, Photography

… before the storm …

Have a lovely day everyone! Are you ready for June?

If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy these:

: Trader Joe’s Flowers Deconstructed

: DIY Flower Press

: 30 Ideas to Make June Magical

Be Fabulous, People!

May 5, 2017 by Barb 11 Comments

The other morning when I saw this quote, I felt it was really speaking to me:

Stay low, stay quiet, keep it simple, don’t expect too much, enjoy what you have
Dean Koontz

It was exactly how I was feeling as I set up my little tea-in-sunshine shoot …When we’re feeling hurt or vulnerable, staying low, quiet, and keeping it simple does have its merits. But … we mustn’t let it take hold. We mustn’t let it linger on too long.

Almost immediately my thoughts turned to Marianne Williamson and her “Course in Miracles” and I searched around for an anti-quote :)

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?
Marianne Williamson

Today, my friends, go out and be fabulous!

If you liked this post, you might enjoy these inspirational posts:

♥

: Dealing With Distraction

: Plant Your Own Garden

: If I Waited

April Roundup on Instagram

May 2, 2017 by Barb 2 Comments

Time for my April roundup and a little food for thought.

April was a crazy month with us travelling between Alberta and Arizona, but despite ALL the distractions I managed to keep taking photos.

What is driving me? I just don’t know. No wait … if I’m going to be honest with you, it’s Instagram.

It seems I spend my life arranging still life images and sharing them online, and I’m starting to question my motives. What else might I be doing … blogging perhaps? Sharing more meaningful content?

But for now, these tiny squares give me a sense of time and place … as in … oh yes, I remember … we were in Arizona and I had these lovely little succulents that I ended up taking apart and photographing before leaving for Alberta. Oh, and there’s that poor little rose, ravaged by cutter bees. And there’s that book Succulents: The Ultimate Guide by Robin Stockwell that I found at Barnes and Noble (one of my favourite places on earth.)

I guess there is a story in here somewhere. But I have other stories as well, which I want to share/record, which is why I keep showing up on my blog.

I hereby vow to post about our most recent day trips in the Phoenix area, because I have tons ‘o pics and they haven’t seen the light of day :)

Keep on blogging my friends, you won’t regret it.

Leaf Cutter Bees in Arizona

April 23, 2017 by Barb 8 Comments

Apparently leaf cutter bees (Megachilidae) are very common in the Sonoran Desert, especially around the urban areas of Tucson, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Phoenix. They feed on nectar from lantana flowers and cut circular segments from other leaves to make their nests.

(arizonensis)

This makes perfect sense because lantana is planted everywhere in Arizona.

In our case, these bees seem to attack the pink and yellow rose bushes across the street from us.

These poor bushes struggle to produce 1 – 3 blooms during the month of April .. and well … I simply have to honour them. Almost every leaf on the shrub has been ravaged like these:
The roses themselves seem to remain untouched …
… until they fall apart (which happens in a day or two) … so fleeting!
You might want to Google leaf cutter bees for some fascinating images of these bees in action!

Thank you for stopping by, and I just want to add that I have a special give-away coming this week so please stay tuned!

Hope Springs Eternal

March 20, 2017 by Barb 2 Comments

Here’s a perfect example that hope springs eternal. These anemone bulbs look like dried prunes and are hard as rock, but in a few weeks I’ll be soaking them for 24 hours, then planting them indoors to be put out in the garden later (usually around the 24th of May) which btw seems like forever …

I’m not really sure it’s going to work, but I can hope. I’ll be posting my process and their progress in the coming weeks. Fingers crossed my friends (but it could take all year ;)

I already have Anemone sylvestris or snowdrop anemone which run rampant in my garden throughout May and June. They’re a hardier type native to meadows and dry deciduous woodlands of central and western Europe and they spread rapidly by root suckers.

Although they can be invasive, they’re one of my favourite flowers; delicate-looking and unassuming.

So what about you … are you dreaming of gardens and all things green?

Farewell February!

February 28, 2017 by Barb 4 Comments

Farewell February! You were lovely …
I was very fortunate to have access to poppies, anemones, baby succulents, and hyacinths whilst in Arizona.

And it’s not all bad here at home either, as I found some very affordable tulips … and a new place to take photos.

I temporarily moved my garden table into the pantry which has a north-facing window, and voila! extra shadows and moodiness … .

Photo edited with kk_ash from the new Be Still Collection by Kim Klassen.
Have you done your monthly cleanup chores yet?

My month-in-review for February is coming tomorrow (a bit late) but if you’d care to read January’s review, you can check it out here.

Until then …

A Creative Retreat with Kim Klassen

February 27, 2017 by Barb 6 Comments

In June I’ll be heading to Brandon, Manitoba to attend the amazing creative retreat Finding Stillness | Summer 2017 with Kim Klassen.

It will centre around creative connection through still life styling, shooting and processing…..a gathering of like minded creatives… learning and growing together
Kim Klassen

This will be Kim’s third creative retreat, and the first one to be held in early summer. Just imagine. Just imagine the peonies … oh.my.oh.my.

Oh, dear. But first, let’s back up a bit … back to Finding Stillness |September 2016 (which I attended) and take a look-see as to what was still blooming in Manitoba at that time.

This little bouquet was one of the most photographed scenes at that retreat. A handful of sweet cosmos and delicate yarrow in a rusty bucket almost caused a stampede ;)

And then there was this absolutely stunning bouquet created by Irma of @prairieblossomboutique brought to us by her sister, the beautiful barista and photographer @simplyrosiephotography … insane … right?

Gah, I can’t even believe I was there …

But I was.

Creative Retreat, Finding Stillness 2016, Finding Stillness 2017, Barb Brookbank, Kim Klassen

Hand dyed linen by Aeleen Sclater

“lunch is served”

The retreat is not a formal workshop, but Kim is always milling around, ready to answer any and all questions regarding cameras, Lightroom, and living a creative life. I’ll never forget the first tip she gave me regarding camera settings … it probably seemed small to her, but to me it was like a lightbulb exploded in my head (true story!) and I’ve heard many people say the same thing.

As well, all the other attendees are more than willing to share their process (Kim’s vibe attracts her tribe) and it’s a very uplifting and supportive environment.

When I was asked to create a flat-lay and to share my process, I was more than happy to do so. There were no secrets after I was finished, and when I look back at this image I’m kinda blown away by it … the colours, the textures, the design. Yeah … I’m pretty chuffed ;) it’s one of my fav’s … and take a look at Kim’s props (that linen! swoon!)

It was interesting to see everyone else’s take on it (photos in gallery on IG)

Flatly by Barb Brookbank

To date, I haven’t shared much on my blog about the 2016 retreat. But from the moment I boarded that plane on my way to Brandon, and then to Rivers, and Kim’s studio, I felt as though I was living a dream. I was filled with excitement, anticipation, and a sense of pride. Never in my wildest imaginings did I think I’d be traveling across Canada to meet and mingle with like-minded creative souls, one of which was my oldest daughter, Jo-Anna from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs (but that’s a whole other post!)

I didn’t get as many people photos as I would have liked, but here’s a talented trio for you … friends forever …

Shelley Rounds, Kim Klassen, Aeleen Sclater

In the end, I’m mostly struck with how the positive energy and empowerment of a retreat continues for not just days, or weeks, but for years! and perhaps even a lifetime. And now, I can hardly believe I’ll be boarding that plane once again!

Finding Stillness | Summer 2017 here I come!!

Oh, and I think there are still some spots available (just sayin’ ;)

I do realize I’m very blessed to have the support and encouragement to keep on following my dream no matter what, so I’m sending much love and hugs to the hubs (my staunchest supporter xoxo).

*You can read my posts on Finding Stillness | Autumn 2015 Part I here, and Part II here. As well as how we were published in Mingle magazine in 2016 (a Stampington publication) here.

Nikon D750 Shutter Woes and a Word of Advice

January 27, 2017 by Barb 8 Comments

My Nikon D750 shutter woes are over (I think) and I have my baby back.

So now I have a bit of advice for you.

But before I start my rant, here’s a pretty photo of my succy babies … sigh … just breathe … #firstworldproblems

In late December (December 27th to be exact) I had to send my Nikon D750 for repairs since the shutter was sticking, and it was a known issue! I’m not sure I would have purchased this camera if I’d had any idea;

According to several forum posts we found reporting this issue (from as far back as December of 2014 till March 31st of 2016), affected cameras will lock up when taking a photo (often after the first shutter actuation of the day) and display an “err” message. In some cases, all that’s required to move past this is a second shutter click; in others, removing the battery, SD card, lens, or any combination of the three may help; for some, even that didn’t work, and the camera had to sit for 24 hours before it would work again. PetaPixel

I’d done my research before purchasing it. I’d watched a few reviews (which I thought were reputable) and there was no mention of this problem. So when Nikon began offering this camera as a kit which included the Nikkor 24-120mm 1:4 lens for a very reasonable price, I bought into it.

When it started freezing up, I was not impressed. I was a very unhappy camper. Yes, I was able to get it working again after a second click of the shutter, but how long was that going to work? So off to the shop it had to go :(

To be fair, Nikon repaired it within two weeks and returned it to the store where I’d bought it.

But for two more weeks my camera sat in this store (a store in which I’ve spent thousands of dollars) and no-one called me! After four weeks of patiently waiting, I finally contacted the store (which shall remain unnamed since I just don’t feel like spreading vitriol to you my dear reader) as I was getting concerned:

ME: hello, this is Barb, I’m calling about my camera (etc. etc.)
THEY: oh, it’s here.
ME: Say wha?
THEY: ya, it says someone called you.
ME: NO. There is no record of that on my call display and if someone called, why did they not leave a message?
THEY: oh … ummm … I don’t know.
ME: my husband will be in to pick it up … click.

OK #therantisover … I’m sure you can understand my frustration and I thank you ever so much if you’re still listening so I could get it off my chest.

And here is my bit of advice:

when purchasing a new piece of equipment, do your research. Then do some more. Google “problems” “known issues” with (said equipment)
don’t expect people care as much as you do about your equipment … don’t wait patiently for repairs … call after 2 weeks, and keep calling until you get it back
when you upgrade your camera, keep your old one as a backup

… and feel free to spread the word if you have problems with something you’ve purchased … it just may help someone else avoid a few unnecessary woes …

Daylight Was Fading

January 6, 2017 by Barb 3 Comments

Daylight was fading fast when I captured this scene, and a certain little something stopped me in my tracks.

Although I wanted to get a better image, this was the one that had to be shared because #isawhearts in my tea :) and those tiny bubbles didn’t last long. In fact, this was the only photo that captured them!

Today we have 7 hours 43 minutes and 23 seconds of daylight, and are gaining over a minute a day.

A cause for celebration, wouldn’t you agree?!

The shortest day has passed, and whatever nastiness of weather we may look forward to in January and February, at least we notice that the days are getting longer. Minute by minute they lengthen out. It takes some weeks before we become aware of the change. It is imperceptible even as the growth of a child, as you watch it day by day, until the moment comes when with a start of delighted surprise we realize that we can stay out of doors in a twilight lasting for another quarter of a precious hour
Vita Sackville-West

Lightroom Preset by Kim Klassen

7 Powerful Blog Goals for 2017

January 1, 2017 by Barb 5 Comments

Even though I’d known for quite some time that January 1st was fast approaching ;) I didn’t write down any blog goals for 2017 … until this morning … oh my goodness … ya gotta laugh sometimes.

But first, a big hello, and a Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a lovely New Year’s Eve and are now ready to face the new year head on!

I myself am getting a wee bit excited.

It literally took me all day to get this photo, which in turn, led to this blog post (late in the evening I might add.)

7 powerful blog goals for 2017, lightroom, photoshop, camera, tripod

The text for this image is really and truly printed on paper … not added in Photoshop. I plan to share a bit about my process this week.

Of course I wasn’t actually physically working on this photo for 12 hours, but all day my mind was spinning with ideas, and plans, and goals, and … well, you get the picture!

I’m quite thrilled because for the last 10 days I’ve been in a funk due to a cold/flu that left me exhausted and drained. I was sleeping 8-10 hours and feeling a tad sorry for myself (and my lost mojo.) Even so, I was constantly working in the background; taking photos, scribbling notes, writing draft posts, and fluffing up my blog … I just wasn’t feeling too thrilled with any of it.

I’ve also been taking a few classes and doing a lot of thinking which led me to come up with this tiny but powerful list:

Blog Goals for 2017

Take risks.
Be brave.
Take classes. Learn. Work Hard. Grow.
Share.

I have a much longer list scribbled on a scrap of paper, but some things you really need to keep to yourself, if for no other reason than to avoid disappointing anyone (self included.)

I will tell you that:

I won’t be posting Sunday Sundries on the blog anymore, however it will continue on Instagram with the hashtag #sunday_sundries. I also have a new hashtag #stilllifeisreallife, and I’ll be combining both tags for the features.
I’m working on a new series to post here on Sundays.
This Wednesday I’ll be doing a review of my new tripod (squee!)
I plan to get Blogging Bits and Bytes back on track.
And I’m not going to get ahead of myself with any more promises tonight ;)

So there you have it! 7 powerful blog goals for 2017 and a few easy promises!

Thank You!

December 31, 2016 by Barb 4 Comments

As 2016 draws to a close I want to say a huge thank you for visiting my blog in the past year(s).

Whether you left a comment, clicked the “like” button, or simply passed on through … I appreciate each and every visit!

My blog continues to evolve and I hope you’ll bear with me through some of the changes I have coming this year.

One of my intentions (in fact my main intention) is to provide authentic, helpful, and timely content to my readers.

As someone who is committed to lifelong learning, my blog is the place where I show up to prove it.

Lifelong learning” is a common term used in education today. Lifelong learning is the concept that “It’s never too soon or too late for learning”, a philosophy that has taken root in a whole host of different organizations. Lifelong learning is attitudinal; that one can and should be open to new ideas, decisions, skills or behaviours. Lifelong learning sees citizens provided with learning opportunities at all ages and in numerous contexts: at work, at home and through leisure activities, not just through formal channels such as school and higher education. Wikipedia

It is my hope that something I do may inspire you. Check my new and improved About page to learn more.

Have a fun, happy, and safe New Year’s Eve my friends, and see you in 2017!

5 Photography Resources to Help Capture More Life in Your Photos this Season

December 23, 2016 by Barb 2 Comments

Today I want to share 5 Photography Resources that I hope you might find helpful through this holiday season.

As I was going through my photos this morning, it occurred to me that no matter how much I love still life, I want to start capturing more of the “life” part.

I don’t have to make drastic changes … I believe my still life photography tells my life story simply because it’s seasonal, it’s all my stuff, and it’s what I’m doing at any given time.

My life right now is all about winter, trees, snow, pinecones, warm tea, blankets, fires in the fireplace, and Christmas of course. Lately I’ve begun to sprinkle landscapes into my Instagram account and truthfully, it feels like a breath of fresh air. I don’t have a lot of opportunities for capturing people, but I do have a lot of amazing scenery!

Because I’m definitely not an expert in capturing the human touch (or any other area for that matter ;) here’s a list of resources I think will be valuable in helping me achieve my goals this Christmas season:

5 Photography Resources to Help Capture More Life in Your Photos this Season

Handmade Gatherings by Ashley English. Oh my heart did a little flip flop when I saw this book (uh oh … early Christmas present to myself ;) it’s packed with inspiration … packed I tell ya!
Photo Tips to Help you Focus on Family this Holiday Season from Simple as That by Rebecca Cooper. I’ve followed Rebecca for years and she’s an amazing source of inspiration when it comes to capturing family photos.
Capture Your Christmas Photography Series by Click it Up a Notch. This site is also packed with ideas … you’ll need a week or more to go through it all.
I cannot leave out my friend Xanthe of Xanthe Berkeley, she’s brilliant, what more can I say? Perhaps you’ll even be making mini movies after you check her out … I have yet to conquer that skill, but some day … .
An Instagram account I adore @wearecaribou sprinkles photos of her children, pets, and landscapes amongst her beautiful still life images. No photography tips, it’s simply inspirational.

And of course there’s Kim Klassen who most likely doesn’t need any introduction here … but her human touch images are a.ma.zing and her classes, tips, and inspirational photographs are legendary.

I would like to wish everyone a very very Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Enjoy this magical season … don’t waste a minute agonizing over being perfect! Just BE. And get out there and capture the moment!

Pray for Peace

December 15, 2016 by Barb

My blog has never been a platform for anything other than sharing my life, my photograpy, a few recipes and diy’s. It’s my happy place and I hope, yours too.

But with what’s going on in Aleppo I feel somewhat paralyzed, and I feel the need to express my sadness and horror in some small way. I’m a grandmother … a woman in her 60’s … to me the situation feels completely hopeless. I feel helpless.

It’s December 15th and Christmas is around the corner. Yesterday, as I was rushing around shopping, I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. Gratitude for where I live; that my only concern was going into well-stocked stores and buying gifts for my loved ones, gratitude for the peppermint hot chocolate I indulged in, and gratitude for having a warm home to go to at the end of the day with a sweet little Christmas tree gracing my garden table.

And as I head out again today (because I didn’t get it all done) I’m going to say a little prayer of thankfulness, and feel the gratitude all over again. But is gratitude the only thing I should be feeling?

I think not.

How about horror, outrage, anger, fear, sadness, and disgust?

But what to do. I honestly don’t know. But after listening to an interview by Anna Maria Tremonti on CBC Radio I think one thing (other than praying) is that I can talk about it … so here it is if you care to have a listen: The Current Transcript for December 14, 2016

* * * * *

Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world.
All things break. And all things can be mended.
Not with time, as they say, but with intention.
So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally.
The broken world waits in the darkness for the light that is you.

L.R.Knost

UPDATE: a lovely reader wrote to me and suggested there are charities and organizations that need donations. In Canada, the Red Cross has the Syria Crisis Fund … an excellent way to help. Thank you lovely reader!

sorry comments closed

Q & A | @ehpyle/Bottle Branch and a Giveaway

December 13, 2016 by Barb 44 Comments

Today I’m beyond thrilled to bring you a Q & A with the beautiful creative soul that is Elizabeth, or @ehpyle of Bottle Branch. I’ve admired Elizabeth’s work greatly since I first laid eyes on it. She has an incredible Instagram account, a beautiful blog, and a thriving business on Etsy. I’ve always wanted to know more about her and she has graciously agreed to share her journey with us. Thank you so much, Elizabeth.

So let’s get started!

Q. Who are you and why are you here ;)

I’m Elizabeth. I’m a former botanist, avid gardener, printmaker, photographer and mother of four. I first connected with Barb on instagram, where we share a love of flowers, nature and still life photography. I’ve since been honored to send her some of my own work though Bottle Branch, and loved watching her #sunday_sundries hash tag take off and soar. I was thrilled when she asked me to write a little about Bottle Branch, my botanical photography and paper goods business.

Q. So, can you tell me more about what a botanist is/does?

Yes! Botanists are the people who professionally identify plants in the wild (as opposed to horticulturalists, who study garden plants) and I studied Botany in graduate school. I spent hours in the field collecting plant samples and learning to identify plants by their subtle details – distinctive leaf shapes, elegant branching patterns, delicate flower structures. I like to think these years of close observation inform the botanically inspired art I now make. Even now, I try to identify the plants I work with. To me, naming a plant is part of truly knowing it, and a knowing plants is my passion.

Q. How did you get from being a botanist to starting Bottle Branch, the shop?

When my youngest child was born, I went from working mom to stay-at-home mom. I took up printmaking, wrote for a parenting blog, dabbled in needlework, and started gardening a lot. (Like Barb, I’m a fan of trying new things, as fearlessly as possible.) I grew vegetables, perennials, annuals and lots of cutting flowers– cosmos, zinnias, calendula, scabiosa, nigella, and more. As my garden grew, I developed a fascination with arranging and photographing flowers and plants.

My shop was born in late 2015, when I took a leap and listed a few silkscreened linens, woodcut prints, and photo cards in a shop on etsy. It has grown over the past year, and shifted to mostly photography and paper goods, but at its core, Bottle Branch was born from my passion for plants, flowers, and making things.

Q. How did you choose the name Bottle Branch?

I grew up in the southeast USA where a small stream or trickle of water is known as a “branch” and the one that ran behind my house was called Bottle Branch. I spent hours there with my siblings and neighbors, swinging on rope swings, looking for cray fish and chasing a single elusive bull frog. It was a place of joy, discovery, untamed nature. So, in 2013, when I started an open-ended blog about creativity and nature, I named it Bottle Branch in the hopes that it would be a place to share moments of joy and discovery; a place to marvel at the wonders of nature; and place to chase a single grandiose idea, even if it never worked out.

So here I am, still chasing that joy and wonder, and delighted to have had the chance to share my story with you.

Thank you so much Elizabeth. I’ve so enjoyed learning more about you and your shop and I’m sure my readers have as well.

And now, we’re in luck, as Elizabeth would like to offer a giveaway of a set of 5 “winter” theme cards from her shop!

All you need do is simply leave a comment here on my blog, on this post and you’ll be entered into the contest. Draw to be made Friday, December 16th at 1:00 pm MST.

**Please note that Christmas is coming :) and Elizabeth will be closing her shop and enjoying this sacred season with her family, so delivery may not be until the new year.**

Again, thank you so much Elizabeth, for sharing your story and for the beautiful giveaway! Your cards are exquisite!

Here’s where to find Elizabeth:

Etsy: Bottle Branch
Pinterest: Bottle Branch
Twitter: zibpyle
Instagram: @ehpyle and @bottlebranch
Blog: Bottle Branch (you might want to check out Elizabeth’s time-lapse capture of a strawflower opening up … it’s astonishing!)

Good luck on the draw everyone!

COMMENTS CLOSED – WE HAVE A WINNER (TO BE ANNOUNCED) YAY!!

Winter Whites Along the Fence

December 6, 2016 by Barb 1 Comment

the world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper
wb yeats

This winter I plan to see the magic in our county and bring it to my blog. I’ve already learned (no confirmed) how much I love white space … it’s a good thing, since I have until the end of April to capture it :)

Tulips in November

November 28, 2016 by Barb Leave a Comment

After all my complaining about not having access to flowers other than chrysanthemums … I found tulips in November.

What a gorgeous, bright, flip-floppy delight!

The countdown is on 3 … 2 … 1 … can you feel my pain ;)

#NaBloPoMo

Tick Tock a Lineup of Clocks

November 25, 2016 by Barb 2 Comments

Tick Tock, a lineup of clocks …

When I attended Kim Klassen’s “Finding Stillness” retreat in September I was so inspired by the clocks in her kitchen I decided I had to have my own collection …

So I now have a little clock vignette in my kitchen …

Proof positive that #stilllifeisreallife

#NaBloPoMo

Tips for Taking Photos in Low Light

November 24, 2016 by Barb 7 Comments

I want to share a few tips for taking photos in low light (still life photos, that is.)

It may be hard to believe this image was taken at 2:30 in the afternoon on one of the foggiest, most overcast, grey days imaginable.

Although, before I go any further, let me add that Lightroom helps.

But first, let me expound and expand on the beauty of the grocery store flower … and the humble chrysanthemum.

I don’t have many choices when it comes to purchasing affordable flowers this time of year. On Monday I checked out a few flower shops and one (1) single hydrangea stem cost $16.00! (It was a beaut tho ;)

I’m always dreaming of the exotic, the unattainable, the out-of-season gems: peonies, dahlias, roses, and ranunculus. But since they’re most likely not going to materialize, I turn to Safeway and what they had were mums. I’m not drawn to chrysanthemums, but I buckled down and gave them a real good hard look, and it was like coming out of a fog (fitting terminology due to our weather lately.) Suddenly the soft mauve and white spidery petals began to look magical, almost like a dahlia.

How did I not see that? I think my mind has been clouded by the bright orange, rust, and burgundy shades I associate with chrysanthemums and autumn. I wanted pastels, and there they were! So I chose two different bunches and when I couldn’t find the greenery I wanted, that’s when I went to the florist and paid $2.00/stem for two bits of eucalyptus (a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do, right?)

So onwards! How did I shoot this in such low light?

It helps that I have large kitchen/dining room windows and sheer curtains. And yes, I’m sorry I can’t make that come true for everyone, but I do have a few tips.

Tips for Taking Photos in Low Light

Set up near the largest windows you have (of course.) Back and side lighting (if possible). If not, go for the back lighting.
Use sheer curtains as a background, at the settings I use, they get really blown out and almost glow.
Use a tripod, and your camera’s timer. Say that ten times over; otherwise this isn’t going to happen.
Taken at 2:30pm on a grey, foggy, overcast day. I metered on the centre of the bouquet, which was quite dark:
- Nikon D750 Lens: Nikkor 24-120
- Focal Length: 48mm
- Exposure: 1/60s at f4.0 IS0 3200

The image was quite overexposed and I didn’t have to make too many adjustments in Lightroom. I increased the whites and the blacks, and used a radial filter to lighten the shadows in the centre of the bouquet.

So pretty much what you see here is pretty much the way it was shot. Truth: I did not use Auto Tone.

I hope this makes sense … what I’m saying is “use a tripod, a slow shutter speed, and high ISO”. If you have any questions, please ask!

Here’s the “before” image for comparison:

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PS: today (Thursday) I came home with fabulous floral treasures: pretty poinsettias from a greenhouse, and tulips from Costco!! I cannot believe I found affordable tulips … just after I did all this complaining … sorry ;)

#NaBloPoMo

Keeping the Home Fires Burning … Barely

November 23, 2016 by Barb 2 Comments

It was another foggy grey day around here, so I’m sharing one last image of my teeny tiny succulents (from Arizona) and then I promise to move on!

I have to admit I’m barely hanging on here for #NaBloPoMo. It’s not that I’m not working on projects … that’s the problem … I’m working on projects, and the day is over in a blink. Then at 8:00 pm I realize I need to get a post up, but I’m done … so done, and well here I am with nothing to say for myself :(

Tomorrow I’m heading to the Indie Handmade Fall Craft Show at the Enjoy Centre (a greenhouse) woot! what better way to get on with the season!

Maybe I’ll even have something to report when I get home … let’s hope so!

Winter Whites

November 22, 2016 by Barb 6 Comments

“Women think of all colors except the absence of color. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.”
Coco Chanel, Chanel

Yesterday as I was heading out to do some shopping I decided to stop at one of my favourite “lookouts” to take a few photos. After I took about a dozen shots I decided they were all a bit “meh” and I carried on into town.

However, on my way home I noticed hoar frost was forming on a few trees so I went back to my little “lookout” and oh.my.oh.my…

I guess I should stop whining about the lack of sunlight around here.

So grateful for my neighbourhood, it never ceases to amaze me and inspire me.

My apologies for the copyright … I’m planning on turning this one into a print :)

#NaBloPoMo

Feeling a Bit Like I’m Falling Apart

November 21, 2016 by Barb 1 Comment

Arizona Series

November 19, 2016 by Barb 4 Comments

One more for the Arizona series… that birds’ nest, as found at a garage sale for 25 cents … priceless!

I do bring home the most (unusual) things from garage sales … most people are looking for dishes or tools … but me, I head for the birds’ nests and crumbling antlers :)

I am so thankful we’re home. As I mentioned yesterday the hubs and I were dealing with food poisoning and a long flight home late last night. What a painful day it was, but you just have to do what you just have to do, right.

It was an awful day, but here are the moments of gratitude I found within it:

Our flight wasn’t until 8:30 pm which gave us time to rest … we both napped all afternoon, between well, you know :(
Finding three seats in a row at the airport lounge and falling deeply asleep… head on hubby’s lap. I didn’t/couldn’t care what people thought.
Having someone keep asking you “how are you doing?”
I heard two other couples ask the people they were with this very same question. How are you doing? I think it’s a question we should be asking people more often … randomly.
Once on the plane, discovering that the seat beside me was empty! Again, I laid down … falling asleep. My stomach overruled the cramped space and the painful thing jabbing me in the side.
The fact that I’m nimble enough to fit within two airplane seats (lol!)
Falling into my own bed at home at 2:30 and literally going out like a light … a good sleep.
Spending Saturday on the sofa, sipping tea and nibbling toast. No one here has expectations of dinner.

Thank you for your kind comments on my last post … I’m really happy some of the stuff I post here is inspiring!

Oh, and by the way, how are you doing?

Spoil Me (Please :)

November 16, 2016 by Barb 2 Comments

So the other night I received a little private message on Instagram from Spoil … they said: we’d like to spoil you … and I’m like, OK :)

Next thing I knew this little gift appeared on my doorstep … thank you spoil!

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Disclosure: Spoil generously offered to provide me with a sweet little gift for this post, but all photos and opinions are my own, and I am truly very impressed with the quality and service from Spoil. I wouldn’t say so if I wasn’t!!

Feeling Scattered

November 12, 2016 by Barb 4 Comments

This morning I was feeling a bit (no, a lot) like these flowers … scattered. Very, very scattered.

I was up early … as in 4:30 early, argh … . But what good is being up at 4:30 if all you do is sit and spin your wheels; as in your mind going in all directions?! Some directions good, some not so good.

I was having thoughts about the state of the world. Thoughts about a somewhat violent TV series we’ve been watching. Thoughts about several creative projects I need to get working on. Thoughts about updates for my blog; just on, and on, and on, and on … and there I sat, getting nowhere fast.

Then I remembered seeing a blog post on Kim Klassen’s site about “How to Be More Productive” and decided to go back and re-read it.

Let me tell you it was a God-send! And here I am at the end of a very busy day with one big project well on its way to being finished!

I’m feeling a lot calmer, and way more in control. For me, its all about the timer. Thank you, Kim for helping me get back on track.

I’m also extremely exhausted. It looks likes it’s going to be a bath and early to bed kinda night for me.

;)

#NaBloPoMo

Happy Little Happenings

November 10, 2016 by Barb 1 Comment

At the center of your being
you have the answer;
you know who you are
and you know what you want.
Lao Tzu

I’ve been watching some video connects, taking a few classes, and thinking about what I do: how I spend my time, my energy, and my money.

I’ve come to realize I’m not the same person I was 6 years ago when I started this on-line journey … my dreams and my goals have changed.

When I wrote down what it was I hoped to accomplish from all the work I put into my photography, my blog, and Instagram, little things started happening … happy little things.

I’ve begun to see ways to make sense of it all, and how I could make some of my dreams come true. I’ve started to see what I want.

Mysterious, I know ;) and now, time to finish up the granola …

Have a lovely day my friends!

#NaBloPoMo

Some Flowers For You

November 9, 2016 by Barb Leave a Comment

#NaBloPoMo

Bear Naked Granola, Custom Blend

November 8, 2016 by Barb 1 Comment

Hello! We’re starting this day off right with some yummy fresh “Coco Nutty” granola from Bear Naked Granola. I caught hubby eating it as a snack the other night, and I’m like NO, stop! that’s for photos my dear!! ha! I was horrified, he was perplexed.

I have to admit I could’t help nibbling a bit as I styled this image ;)

It was fun to visit this lovely site (a little bit of humour goes a long way for me) and I’m thrilled to have been able to create my own custom blend full of oats, coconut, cashew butter, chocolate and walnuts. It’s completely delicious!

Same photo, flipped! So amazing how different it looks (or is it just me?)

Truly delish!

It’s what’s for breakfast at #thestudioonline2016 @kimklassen

Disclosure: Bear Naked Granola generously offered to provide me with my own custom granola for this post, but all photos and opinions are my own, and I am truly very impressed with the quality and service from Bear Naked Granola. I wouldn’t say so if I wasn’t!!

Use the code READ066 to get 10% off your own custom order (US only)

#NaBloPoMo

Cabbage Lineup and Human Touch for The Studio 2.0

November 3, 2016 by Barb 6 Comments

Earlier this year I signed up for The Studio 2.0 at Kim Klassen dot com which is:

A virtual studio and community membership space that is continually evolving with new content centered around still and lifestyle photography.

Kim Klassen

I’ve been taking Kim’s classes for years and years, actually too many to count—and I am always blown away by the content and inspiration to be found in each and every single one of her offerings. And not only that, I adore the community that has grown up around her. It’s so supportive and caring.

Today I’m sharing my work for the “line up” and the “human touch” prompts (one of which may or may not look a little ghoulish ;)

Cabbage Line Up, The Studio Online 2016, Keeping With the Times

kk_Lilly LR Preset by Kim Klassen

kk_Light6 LR Preset by Kim Klassen

I don’t have a recipe to share, but you can check out my daughter’s lovely blog for her Cabbage Roll Soup which she shared at Thanksgiving this year … oh my gosh, it totally makes my mouth water just thinking about it! It’s definitely going to be a family favourite!

#NaBloPoMo

Hello November! Goodbye October

November 1, 2016 by Barb 7 Comments

Hello November! I love your stark beauty.
Goodbye October! You were beautiful!

A bald eagle paid a visit …

… along the path on a calm October afternoon…

and oh yes, we had a wee bit of snow :(

But October really was about a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with family; making the most of the weather with great food, playing cards, and gathering around fires in the fireplace.

My IG account wrap-up has everything from leaves, to succulents, to clocks, to fresh peonies preserved in the fridge! (I’ll be sending out this 9 photo LR template in the next newsletter.)

Looking forward to this new month so much!

Have a wonderful day everyone, and thank you for stopping by!

xo
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#NaBloPoMo

5 Reasons Why You Should Be Printing Photos

October 29, 2016 by Barb 22 Comments

I’ve just been reminded in a big way why I should be printing photos, rather than leaving them on my computer, or depending on Instagram to save my memories!

I’m talking about my still life images … not family photos. I simply did not have any idea as to what to do with them. Oh, I’ve had a couple done up on canvas frames, which is wonderful, but a person only has so much wall space right?

In September, hubby and I took a trip out to British Columbia and stayed at the beautiful and magical Emerald Lake Lodge near Field.

One of the things I really enjoyed about our stay was the hike around the lake, where I gathered bits and pieces of local flora and fauna which I then pressed and saved in my beautiful leather journal. But what I loved most was, after getting back to our cozy little room, setting up little vignettes, taking photos, and making notes. And from all of this, the The Journal Series was born.

And then, ta da! I had these images printed and now they too reside inside my journal for keeps! So today I’m going down memory lane with these beautiful square prints from Inkifi!

They’re printed on premium, smooth fine art paper with a natural, matte finish and are utterly gorgeous!

I also absolutely love my Arizona series, which are soon to be hanging up on our magnetized wall frame.

5 Reasons You Should Be Printing Photos

It’s thrilling to hold your hard work in your hands … for reals! The feel of good quality paper cannot compare to a phone or computer screen. I’ve also been studying them to see where I might improve my photography in terms of lighting, focus, and composition. A photograph doesn’t lie.
They are fabulous souvenirs. You can display them around the house, and let others enjoy them. Start a gallery on your fridge! start a mood board! and change it with the seasons—it’s inexpensive and inspiring.
You can use them as a spark for writing in your journal: where were you? what were you doing? what time of year was it? The possibilities are endless.
You can give them to family and friends. Mount them on a beautiful piece of fine card stock and attach to the top of a gift box. You can’t do that with a digital image ;)
They’ll still be around 50 years from now and your great-grandchildren will be able to pull them out of a box and appreciate what things were like “back then”. The fact that you were printing photos will truly be appreciated when that happens!

The intent of a photograph should be to produce a print. It is then that the transition from an image to an artifact is made.

Gary Doyle Thomas

Disclosure: Inkifi generously offered to print a selection of my images for this post, but all photos and opinions are my own, and I am truly very impressed with the quality and service from Inkifi. I wouldn’t say so if I wasn’t!!