Hello August!
I think I love you and your beautiful rich colours and warm morning light!
Participating in the August Break with Susannah Conway … no pressure … no promises ;)
August Break 2016 Day 1: Morning Light
Fireweed Bouquet
Hello! I shopped the ditches this morning, and came home with buckets of fireweed… but just because a person has buckets of one particular flower, doesn’t mean they should use them all does it?!
So I added cow parsley and a few greens, but I’m still dreaming of that bucket of fireweed and hoping to share that later.
Did you know fireweed is one of the first flowers to appear after a fire? Hence the name… and it’s the official emblem of the Yukon Territory in Canada.
… microblogging through the summer …
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Celebrating 20K on Instagram!
Today I’m celebrating 20K followers on Instagram! on my account @keepingwithtimes.
I have a post coming soon on how I “think” I did it and how I “think” you can too!
But for now … a tiny bouquet of tansy, picked by the wayside and plunked into my new chippy blue canister …
Have a lovely day!
Styling Tips for Still Life or Home
Today I have a few styling tips for you … or perhaps I could say “my thoughts on setting up a vignette for still life or home decor”.
I’ve been crushing on this gorgeous Alocasia Amazonica from the moment I spied it in one of our greenhouses. Living where I do, if I see something like this I grab it pronto as it’s not likely to show up in our stores in January.
Look at those stunning, ripply leaves! Each one perfection with nary a blemish … I hope I can keep it that way!
You probably think I’m mostly a cottage garden type, but I have a secret passion for big tropical leaves. I’m guessing I inherited it from my Mom who had the hugest passion for tropicals. Even though she spent her life living on the Saskatchewan prairies, she had a planter that went from floor to ceiling filled with specimens of all kinds. It was a beautiful and amazing sight for us kids, and it was her pride and joy.
At the moment I have this beauty sitting on a side table on our covered deck, well out of reach from the hot sun, but still getting bright light. But when I noticed how it’s light veins matched my new green door, well … a photo had to be styled. This would look fantastic on a side table or mantle when the weather turns (well, you know :)
Styling Tips for Still Life or Home Vignettes
- Choose a focal piece you love, usually it would be the largest item. Place it centre stage (this is not a rule, but we’re going for a visual triangle here.)
- Gather supporting objects. What do bird nests and eggs have to do with this tropical plant you may ask? My answer: mostly tones, and texture:
- greens, greys, and blues picking up colours in the leaves and the background
- browns picking up the colours in the pot (from Pottery Barn)
- they add texture and interest as well as an element of surprise
- a print supports the nest and egg theme. The “print” is actually a page I tore out of a Mathew Mead Decorating magazine, photo and styling by Cary Goodrich
- old tattered books on the left support the “print”
- smooth black rocks mimic the shape and texture of eggs and black is always a good idea
- Arrange supporting objects on each side of the focal point but don’t make it too matchy matchy! Vary the heights by placing on books, or tilting forward.
I’m sure you can see the triangle … it’s an age-old design principle that is no secret!
Eyes follow lines and you want to take control and lead your viewer through your creation – whether it’s a still life or a mantel. You want them to look at one thing, travel to another and to stay with it for as long as possible. Perhaps going around a few times – ultimately spending more time looking and appreciating your work than they would have otherwise.
Barb Brookbank ;)
I wrote a post on this a few years ago when I designed “My Quirky Autumn Mantle” if you care to have a peek!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and find it helpful!
Thoughts on Gratitude
I enjoyed the most ordinary day yesterday; gardening, arranging flowers, and even went for a drive after dinner, simply to enjoy the early summer evening.
But later a text arrived with disturbing news; my youngest daughter had cut her hand badly. By the time I was informed, she was on her way home from the ER. She’s going to be OK, but it is fairly serious, and I’m shaken to the core.. it’s what parents do, they feel their children’s pain like it’s their own.
A lot of my blog content has been based on the practice of gratitude with my weekly “Sunday Sundries”.
I never take an “ordinary” day for granted… I’m always grateful… but I’m suddenly struck by how a person can’t “stockpile” their gratitude. When bad things happen, and they do, it’s hard to find the silver lining.
Today, I’ll be sending my daughter flowers, love, and cyber hugs (and looking for that silver lining.)
Bottles and Twine Prompt for the Studio Online
This morning I was thrilled to see Kim used my Instagram photo for the “Bottles and Twine” prompt for the Studio Online! Thank you Kim! :)
I was so thrilled, it caused me to write a blog post (he he) …
A few days ago I was so overwhelmed with the explosion of peonies in my garden, I decided to keep things simple and focus on one small bloom. So I grabbed my little glass jar with the rusty handle, and for some reason decided to tie it to a chair. Probably because, somewhere in the dark recesses of my mind, I remembered something Kim had taught us!
With my pretty white dining room curtains as a backdrop, and kk_Softhaze for processing, the background blew out and left the peony, jar, and chair in sharp focus. I then brought back some blacks, and whites, and upped the clarity. I also sharpened the overall image.
Camera Settings:
- Early afternoon light (bright, warm)
- D750
- 24-120mm lens at 48mm
- 1/50 sec at f/4.5 (on a tripod, and using a timer)
- ISO 400
Now I’m inspired to see what else I can come up with for this lesson …
Mingle Magazine Winner!
Today I’m very pleased to announce the winner of the Mingle Magazine giveaway! This gorgeous publication is going to the lovely Nancy Janiga!
Many congratulations, Nancy. I’ll be sending it on it’s way to you today.
This photo of Xanthe was my submission, and I’m bursting that it was published!
So much gratitude to Kim Klassen for hosting Finding Stillness | 2015, Gigi Thibodeau and Diana Foster for submitting to Mingle Magazine, and Stampington & Company for providing me with a copy.
Mingle Magazine Feature and a Giveaway!
Mingle Magazine is a beautiful publication by Stampington & Company and today I have the utmost pleasure in being able to offer you, my readers a chance to win a copy!
Brighten your day with the visual feast of imaginative gatherings that unfold from the pages of Mingle, along with the uplifting stories behind uniquely creative get-togethers — from small and intimate “girls’ nights in” to larger scale art retreats.
Mingle Magazine
So what does Mingle have to do with me … well I’m so excited to tell you!
Last September I attended “Finding Stillness|2015” with Kim Klassen and 9 other photographers in her brand new space in Rivers, Manitoba, Canada.
“The Studio” is a light-filled photographer’s dream, full of lovingly gathered teacups, books, pillows, throws, baskets, tables, chairs, and other vintage items too numerous to mention. It’s completely magical.
The retreat focused on styling, shooting, and editing still lifes. But there was so much more to it. Meeting people who “get” you, who understand why you would stand on a step-ladder, teetering over a collection of various objects, taking dozens of photos, and discussing shutter speed, ISO, focal points, etc. is not something many of us experience on a day-to-day basis. It was amazing.
And then, two of the participants, Gigi Thibodeau of The Magpie’s Fancy and Diana Foster of the Studio 56 decided to put together a submission to Mingle Magazine about the retreat, and drumroll please … it was accepted!
So, if you’d like to win a copy of this beautiful publication and read about our retreat, just leave a comment … that’s it, that’s all!
A winner will be chosen on May 8th (Mother’s Day.)
Contest open world-wide!
Many thanks to Stampington & Company for providing me with this copy of Mingle!
PS … that is not my photo on the cover :)
Comments closed … we have a winner!
The Truth Behind the Still Life Part III
Today I’m revealing the painted background for Part III of my “Truth Behind the Still Life” series. Here are Part I and Part II if you missed them.
I’ve been talking about this darn thing forever! and it’s really no biggy … but it is a biggy … for me it’s the difference between getting a shot, and not getting a shot.
It goes way back to a post I wrote in February “Photography Backgrounds and Light” and how I love the colour of the walls in our condo, but I don’t love them for my photography. I finally decided it was time to follow up on a suggestion from Cristina Colli on painting a custom background.
Ta da! ( I know, it looks blue, but I’ll get to that) …
I dragged the hubs to Home Depot where we purchased a piece of 4′ x 4′ plywood. However, when we got to the car, we couldn’t fit it in … argh … so we had to go back and have them cut 4″ off one side. I would have preferred not to have had to cut it, but there was no other option. It’s still large enough to serve as a faux wall, and I cannot tell you how much easier this piece of wood has made my life!
It’s the old “go big or go home!”
So I now have no problem shooting a complete vignette with no distractions in the background. And yes, the background looks blue but after applying one of Kim Klassen’s LR presets, then desaturating the blue tones, it works very well:
kk_Lilly by Kim Klassen
I used an ordinary, everyday, white acrylic paint and slapped it on … then added another coat with the grey tint …
… leaving one side white …
It also works beautifully for top-down shots:
So there you have it; one big piece of plywood, acrylic paint (white, and grey), and a little magic in Lightroom.
Here’s a screen grab of the Color Panel. What’s great about desaturating only the blues is that most of the time there are no blues in my flowers or props that are affected.
So there you have it, the complete behind-the-scenes of my still life photography in Arizona. I hope you find it helpful and inspiring.
You may also like:
The Truth Behind the Still Life Part II
Yesterday I was on a bit of a rant about how I store my still life props here in Arizona. Well, to the person who asked … this is how:
and this … 
The answer is “most of my props are part of the decor.” Granted they are not always looking so perfect, but whose home always looks perfect?
Early mornings as I have coffee, I enjoy these sunny vignettes:
But who wants to see door knobs in a still life? I tend to try to keep mine out ;)
Most of my props are part of my daily life. I live with them.
Some are hidden behind closed doors (looking all tidy.) But that chair I just picked up for $15.00? We use it. It’s not only stunningly beautiful, it’s sturdy.
Much of our furniture is rustic and doubles as backgrounds:
Alright. Truth: workhorses such as extra backgrounds, vases, tins, rocks, and branches are stored out of sight.
I have two shoe boxes on a shelf in the laundry above the washer and dryer. I have a plastic tub in a closet in the spare room, and I store vases in a cupboard in the garage.
We do have a lot of extra space around here (which could enabling hoarding.)
The garage storage doesn’t look bad … and this is 4 years of collecting. I have a thing for vases and containers of any kind for holding flowers and branches.
So, no. I haven’t conquered my obsession of gathering and acquiring props for still life. But my choices have changed. I can tell you I’ve been in Winners and Home Goods and Marshalls many times since the end of February, and I’ve purchased only a fraction of what I used to. I’m not saying people shouldn’t shop at these stores – it’s simply a choice I made and this blog is keeping me accountable.
As I said in my first post, it’s the garage sale items, the cast-offs, and the Goodwill goodies that I’ve become addicted to. That is not the problem since it’s a fantastic form of recycling. The problem is #1 where do I store the stuff, and #2 how much energy do I want to spend on acquiring, storing, and organizing. Right now I’m enjoying myself, so why did that person’s comment put me in such a defensive mode?
I’m slowly coming to the conclusion that guilt is part of this hobby, and maybe I should simply accept it.
Alrighty then!
I will allow myself to feel the guilt when I hand over a dollar for an old rusty tin. Then I will feel the guilt when I bring it home and stick it in a cupboard.
Guilt, my constant companion, you are welcome.
I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk about my fabulous painted background that makes door knobs and other unsavoury items disappear ;)
Read Part III
The Truth Behind the Still Life Part I
I may be on a bit of a rant this morning because I feel a bit miffed.
miff (mif) n. 1. petulant displeasure; a petty quarell. 2. to give offense to; offend.
miffed (mift) adj. put into an irritable mood, esp. by unoffending incident.
#firstworldproblems
Someone recently asked me how I store my still life props, did I have a special room just for them. The question sounds innocuous but body language told a whole other story … take my word for it. Plus it hit a sore spot, especially since I’ve announced to the world on several occasions that I need to slow down on the collecting of stuff. I even recorded a video about it with Kim Klassen.
Well the truth is that I have slowed down on the collecting of certain things. Things like the fake tin at Home Goods for $15.00 that I really really wanted … I felt it was the perfect container for my yellow ranunculus. And don’t even get me started on all the baskets and blankets and pillows that were swirling around me, calling, taunting, beckoning.
Truth: I had a few things in my basket, but after cruising around the store for 1/2 hour I put everything back and walked out. Whew! what a relief.
But what has happened is that I’ve become more addicted to the junque. The garage sale items. The castoffs. The Goodwill goodies.
Enter this little coffee can I found last Saturday (for $1.00.) which could not have been a more perfect fit for my rannies …
Oh, and those sweet scissors were part of a pile of scissors a guy practically gave to me a few months ago … he had no idea … (I felt like a thief.)
So anyway, I have a lot more to say about this, but I decided to break it up into several blog posts. I want to show you how I’m storing my props here in AZ, plus I want to show you my setup for shooting.
For now I have to go … I just know there has to be a garage sale somewhere, waiting for me …
Read Part II
New Perspectives in Still Life Photography
Being in a different climate (not to mention country) brings new perspectives and opportunities for my still life photography. If I was at home, I’d be shooting potting benches and perhaps baby bedding plants (even though it’s too early for plants, I’d be keeping them inside.)
As it is, we’ve been going to a lot of garage sales here in AZ, and there are always treasures to be found.
I like the southwestern “look” but I want it to be subtle and that’s what I was hoping to achieve in the following photo.
It was the handmade basket that sparked this image, and I’m kinda going with my “gut” without knowing how to explain my choices. I try to create vignettes that really work in my decor. Again it’s still life is real life is still life.
Of course my tall entranceway table made from an old door is the gem that’s sets the stage here. I absolutely adore it. I make use of all four sides in my photography—this time it’s the back with the beyond amazing hinges. When I set the little metal drawer on the table I was quite astounded to see how it matched the hinges!
Can you say “serendipitous”?!!
kk_Lilly preset by Kim Klassen
The little handmade pottery vases and old books just seem to fit … adding to the rustic feel.
Settings and setup:
- West wall with north sidelight coming from the right
- Manual mode
- 1/60s (on a tripod using a timer)
- f7.1
- ISO 500
I focused on the basket which resulted in it, and the hinge, being quite sharp. The rest of the image is slightly out of focus. I’m OK with that. I could have tried changing the f-stop but by the time I got my shot, I’d had enough and was done for the day. So I’m taking artistic licence here and declaring that this is how it’s supposed to be … although I did try a little sharpening in Lightroom.
This is for the “Gather” prompt for The Studio Online, and the “Utilitarian” prompt for the Be Still|One Year Wiser class at Learn | Kim Klassen dot com.
Insta-Grid Recap
Hello, just popping in with a little Insta-Grid recap of my week of still life.
My blog may seem quiet but I’m still shooting daily, and with the abundance of flowers surrounding me, that’s mainly what I’m shooting.
From the dainty Desert Marigold, to a full-blown rose that’s falling apart, to ranunculus found at Costco for a song (well, I’m in my glory.)
Most, if not all of these images I’ve posted on Instagram @keepingwiththetimes.
When I posted the image of the rose that fell apart, I mentioned that some critter had been chewing on its leaves, but I soon learned from a fellow IG’r that the work was the result of cutter bees! How very fascinating!
… and then there were these lovely little Miniature Wool Stars as seen on our walk through the local botanical gardens (shot with my phone).
Have a lovely day dear friends!
Bella Grace Giveaway Winner!
Good morning everyone, today I’m thrilled to announce that I have not just one winner of the Bella Grace giveaway, but two winners! Yes! I’m so excited to be sending one copy to Jo-Ann Blondin, and one copy to Linda Sattgast! Congratulations to both of you! A huge thank you to Bella Grace Magazine for sending me two complimentary copies … oh my gosh … I adore this beautiful publication!
Ladies, I will have your copies in the mail shortly …
This post is part of the Grace Notes blog hop. Grace Notes is the new blog companion to the stunning and inspirational Bella Grace magazine. Much like the magazine, Grace Notes is devoted to discovering life’s ordinary magic.
I’ve been following and reading all the other blogs on the hop and it’s been a fun ride so far. The hop goes until May 6th.
I’d like to thank everyone for reading and commenting on my blog post A Different Kind of Power, and adding to the discussion about aging. I’ve read and re-read all the comments and it seems like we are overall a pretty positive bunch and I find that very heartening.
Tulip Transformation
I was fascinated with this little tulip pot transformation; starting out so perfectly perfect, it ended up so perfectly imperfect.
After spending the first few days last week working with my dried peonies, I finally had to go to town for groceries … and look who came home with me! I was smitten with this tiny pot full of tulip goodness. The leaves were perfect and the tulips themselves made me think of silk (and only $4.99 for hours and hours of entertainment.)
I shall divulge a little secret here. I bought two pots and one is sitting in the refrigerator. At the moment it’s still in the bud stage, but today I’ll be taking it out, and I’m expecting it will explode (I’ll let you know what happens).
So the $4.99 turned into $10.00 … but, oh well …
It seemed like spring was just outside my window, so I had a little party …
Then of course I had to have a little flatlay play …
… and then this happened …
oh, hello !!
And here’s where we’re at now …
Soon the petals will be dropping and I can just hear the little fluttering noise they make as they let go.
Happy March 1st everyone!
Leap Day! Happy Sweet February 29, 2016!
Happy Leap Day!
What are you doing to celebrate this auspicious day? I’m starting new African Violets from leaf cuttings, and continuing to dream of spring …
… despite the reality of what we woke up to this morning …
Here are 29 moments I think were worthy of celebrating this leap day of 2016:
- Waking up at 5:00 and having a full quiet hour to myself.
- Sipping that first, hot cup of coffee.
- Watching the sky light up before 6:45am.
- Eating crispy toast and peanut butter (with a side of Nutella).
- Walking with friends.
- Kicking the soft, fluffy snow as I walked.
- Sipping hot chocolate.
- A hot bath.
- A hot lunch.
- Catching up on Instagram.
- Taking photos.
- Perfect light for taking said photos.
- Pretty sheer curtains in the kitchen … perfect as a photography background.
- Feeling like I have my groove back.
- Sitting at the kitchen table with my computer, editing photos, and working on my blog.
- Flipping through inspirational books.
- Sipping apple cider tea from Teavana.
- Listening to Norah Jones.
- Watching birds and squirrels at the feeder.
- Having a fire going in the fireplace.
- Fresh flowers.
- Succulents that made it through the winter.
- A clean house.
- Knowing that supper will be leftovers (no cooking.)
- Not having to go anywhere.
- Peace and quiet in my house (and a fridge that is virtually silent.)
- I just finished a good book, and am planning to start another one today.
- It’s March 1st tomorrow. Winter, you will have to give way sooner or later.
- I wrote a blog post! Woot!
Now … can you list 29 things you think were worthy of celebrating today? You don’t have to share, just sit and let your thoughts flow out onto the page … who knows, maybe by the time you go to bed you’ll have 29 x 2 celebratory moments. That’s what I’m aiming for. Either way, I hope it was a lovely one!
Wants Versus Needs
I woke up Monday morning struggling to balance my wants versus my needs.
What I wanted was to drive into town to buy fresh spring flowers. I was dreaming of tulips, hyacinths, crocus, daffodils. I’d become spoiled whilst in Arizona where flowers are plentiful and affordable (and close by.)
It doesn’t cost a lot to indulge in a small bouquet here at home either.
What I didn’t need was to spend my time and energy. A trip to town translates into almost a whole day used up. I combine it with a few errands and a lot of browsing around.
What I needed was to stay home and be happy with what I had, which was a box full of dried treasures from the summer. Who knew peonies would dry so beautifully …
So instead of running into town, I spent a couple blissful hours arranging and appreciating these beauties, which led me to create some word art …
… which led to a new idea for a greeting card …
It also led to a walk with friends. A clean house. And laundry done.
Someone is Celebrating a Birthday!
… and is also on the road today. See you tomorrow!
xo
Day 12 of blogging every day in February.
Still Life Styling Process Mini Class
Today I’m excited to announce my still life styling process mini class is available (for free!) at Kim Klassen dot com.
I put my ♥ into it and I hope you try it (and like it) :)
Day 11 of blogging every day in February.
Instagrams New Multiple Accounts Feature!
Have you heard about Instagrams new add and switch between multiple accounts? Oh joy! No more logging in and out when using different usernames.
Late last year I opened a new account @barbbrookbank so I could post images from my daily life. Inevitably it stalled because it was such a pain to log in and out (and in the process lose all history of recent hashtags I was using). Plus I can set it to “Private” and only let people I trust follow it. Oh, I know, first world problems :) but what can I say?
I may have to re-download Hipstamatic because it’s so darn much fun to use for the everyday snapshot.
Oh, and how about Flipagram! My old Flipagrams actually make me teary. Sometimes I go through @keepingwiththetimes and revisit my old images … it’s quite a lovely trip down memory lane. Impromptu, imperfect, daily life images. Sigh. I want that back.
And what about Waterlogue!!
… honest to goodness … the memories ♥
Day 10 of blogging every day in February
Photography Backgrounds and Light
Today I want to talk a bit about photography backgrounds and light.
For the past 2 1/2 weeks, we’ve been spending time in our Arizona home-away-from-home and I’ve been struggling with the colours in our condo. I love them in real life—yellows, golds, and rusts. But I don’t like those tones in my still life images.
I’d set up a still life, take a shot and when I edited it in Lighroom I would desaturate the yellows. I would then end up with a photo that was flat and dull. It became obvious I needed to do something to make my life easier (I’m going to explain and demonstrate how I made these background(s) in a later post).
I was inspired by the lovely Cristina Colli when she shared a tutorial on how she made her own photography backgrounds. I can spy a Cristina shot a mile away … each one is beyond amazing, and she is brilliant. You may already follow her on Instagram @c_colli.
So here is my version of a faux painted backdrop … I’m quite thrilled with it! If it hadn’t been for our yellow and gold walls here in Arizona, I may never have gotten around to trying this. However, I can see that I’m absolutely going to need one of these at home as well.
I’m having so much fun with my tulips from Trader Joes! They’re starting to fall apart, so I separated the pink ones into a white vase:
The bouquet started out with what I called “Spring in a Vase” (from Anthropologie, a gift from the hubs).
Here it is on my first, plain white background. I love it as well, and I know I’ll be using it a lot too. However, in this image, I was a little disappointed in the light. It seems great at first, but it’s so bright that the image appears a bit flat. That’s because it was mostly coming straight on …
In the following image, the light is coming from the side, and is much more dramatic. I used a Lightroom preset by Kim Klassen, who is also brilliant :) to create moodier, darker tones:
Lightroom Preset by Kim Klassen kk_Tangled
I have a post in the works on how I created this painted backdrop. Hope to see you again!
You may also like:
5 Photography Background Ideas
Day 9 of blogging every day in February
Spring in a Vase
One hour in Anthropologie and a gift from the hubs ♥ it feels like spring in AZ … .
Day 4 of blogging everyday in February.
Hyacinth Bulb in Glass Vase
Last week I found this lovely hyacinth bulb in a glass vase (at Safeway) and was so smitten! I mean, look at those roots—I have root love!
And to keep myself accountable and in tune with my Intentions for 2016, I am pleased to tell you I purchased only one … when I really wanted at least two, since there was a white hyacinth as well (this one’s purple). But now, a week later, I’m very happy that I only bought one.
One. is. enough.
All these images were edited in Lightroom with kk_Eve, which reduced the overall saturation and upped the contrast.
This brings me to my quandary about backgrounds and reality. Here we are in sunny Arizona, our condo is light, bright, and airy. And very yellow. Most walls are varying shades of yellow and gold. Some feature walls are dark rust. It’s very Southwest, which I love in reality, but not so much in my still life photography. So when I posted these images on Instagram, I continued to desaturate them to the point of being dull (I’ll try to not be too harsh).
So began my quest to resolve this issue. It was clear I needed some kind of white background. One large enough to set behind my table, or against a wall, and I’m happy to report that with the help of my sweet hubby, it’s done! And I’ll share that story in another post.
Have a wonderful day.
Day 3 of blogging every day in February.
Vintage Tools x Three
Vintage tools seem to be creeping into my prop stash, but if I’m honest, it’s not really a new phenomenon.
I have an assortment of vintage tools for the garden, as well as a hammer, nuts, bolts, and a few other bits and bobs, but as you can see it may be expanding into paintbrushes.
Now, here’s where I have to admit I may be developing a bit of an addiction … oops … I do love anything that’s paint splattered … .
I found these lovelies at a garage sale here in Phoenix for $0.25/ea. Dear hubby was only slightly mystified (he’s getting used to my quirky props), and he even helped me barter for the pegboard ;) because I can’t do it!
I adore pegboard, but do you have any idea how hard it is to photograph? Goodness, I wore myself out trying to get those holes straight.
But, no worries … I present to you my paint brush bouquet:
I wanted to create a series with an industrial tone, and Kim Klassen’s Lightroom Preset kk_Eve did the trick, lightening shadows and bumping up contrast and sharpness.
Do you prefer the dramatic shadows …
… or not?
In the following image, I placed a piece of white foam core on the right side to reduce shadows and what a huge difference it made.
I personally think it’s a bit too flat:
For the My Still Sunday class.
Day 2 of blogging every day in February.
PS: did you grab my free word art?
Lightroom Template Download
Good morning, today I have a free Lightroom template for you!
I was up early (it was very, very, dark outside) so I found myself puttering around in Lightroom and thought I’d compile a few Christmas images.
We’re enjoying the snow and cold … and yes, I did just say that … with beautiful snow-covered trees and pristine landscapes, it’s hard not too. Hubby has plans to clear snow from the lake for skating purposes, and I’ll be out there cheering him on ;) (with camera in hand.)
Of all my decorations this year, I loved my vintage collection the best!
Does not everyone have rusty bedsprings? They make for the cutest little “Christmas trees” …
Roaring fires are always welcome this time of year, so here’s celebrating beautiful birch, pine boughs, and pine cones in vintage bread bowls …
… hot coffee helps …
… and so do cute little Charlie Brown Christmas trees in vintage coffee cans …
I love my cardboard snowflakes (made from old cardboard using a die cut machine at a scrapbook store) …
Lightroom Template Download*
(*for personal use only please)
Download template here.
Have a wonderful day!
Stills With Stories – Feature Four
Stills With Stories – Feature Four
When Kim asked if I’d be interested in co-hosting a brand new hashtag on Instagram #stillswithstories I was thrilled!
So today I’m even more thrilled to feature four of my favourite stories … and yes, I do read them all!
The photography in that gallery is stunning, however it’s not only about the photography, it’s about the story behind the particular photo … stills with stories …
It’s a type of “micro-blogging” if you will … and we want to know a bit more about your creation:
- do the props have special meaning for you? are they from your grandmother or grandfather?
- or is it more about the moment? who were you with at the time? did they help you set it up?
- what about the background … where did you find it? did you spend days searching for it? did you make it?
These four images have some really great stories and they all warmed my heart: a beautiful day at a Christmas Pageant, a very special Christmas gift, memories of peeling apples with a grandmother, and how to tame a sweet tooth.
Stills With Stories – Feature Four
Please click the links to read more …
TL: @the.life.so.beautiful_ TR: @prairiegirlstudio BL: @ehpyle BR: @thelittleredbutton
This tag is a way to celebrate the stories behind our stills, and we’d love to have you join us! To play along, simply tag your photos with @keepingwiththetimes @kimklassen #stillswithstories and every so often we will share a #stillswithstories feature four.
Thank you so much for stopping by, and have a wonderful day!
I Had Good Intentions
I got out of bed this morning with good intentions … I had a great blog post in mind for #nablopomo, and I was ready to tackle it (after coffee and breakfast).
But life being what it is, time slipped away. It’s not that I/we wasted it. The hubs was home and had seen my new curtains.
Being the type A personality he is, he wanted to tackle the rest of the job which meant a) remove the old brackets, and b) order new blinds/shades. Two hours later we were finished with the blinds and it was (way past) time for lunch. I wasn’t showered or dressed.
kk_Lilly
After that I’m not sure what happened. I spent a bit of time preparing some eucalyptus for a wreath, and then decided I should create a little flatlay for IG.
Next I dragged in the old paint splotched table I bought this past summer and tried a few more arrangements …
kk_DarkDay
… and now the sun is almost setting! I kid you not! Sunset here is 4:21 … aack. Time to get supper on.
Day 27 #nablopomo
Home Stretch
What to do when you don’t know what to do:
- drink tea
- tidy up the house
- have a bath
- take a nap
- read … have you seen Sweet Paul Magazine Winter 2015 issue?
Day 26 #nablopomo
Light Study at My Daughters’ Home
It seems I can’t go anywhere without doing a little light study …
I took a few moments to quickly capture some of my daughters’ (props) … I’m not sure I can call them props, since she sees them simply as her decorations, and kitchen bowls …
… and recipe books …
… but goodness … what’s a lover of still life to do when presented with such beauty?
The Studio | Online
kk_SoftHaze
Day 23 #nablopomo
Autumn is Definitely on the Way Out
As much as I am in denial, autumn is definitely on the way out. Pinecones and holly berries are waiting in the wings, along with shortbread and sugar cookies.
Last night’s blustery snow squall, and today’s freezing temperatures are the cold hard reality.
I just got back from shopping for groceries and my hands are so cold! I neglected to wear gloves, but at least I was wearing shoes and socks, which is something I put off for as long as possible. Sandals, sandals, sandals … to the end … brrrrrr.
So now, I shall bid adieu to autumn with a few more pressed beauties:
… and another one for Frankenstein …
Dragging my b*tt today for Day 18 #nablopomo
Supporting Actors
The prompt in The Studio|Online is about allowing the supporting actors (i.e. tables, etc) be the star for once. As usual, it’s open to interpretation, so I’m letting “the chair” shine.
I’ve had this little beauty for a few years and I don’t believe I’ve given it the respect it deserves. Somehow it got relegated to a bedroom in the basement and as they say “outta sight, outta mind”.
Well, no more. Meet Ms. Chippy Chair.
She’s really quite lovely.
And so are these apples … I still have apples I picked from my neighbours orchard last September, and I don’t want them to go to waste. So, what to do …
I think making apple sauce is once again on the agenda.
Since most of the apples I picked were teeny tiny, I gave up with the peeling part and found I liked it much better. That went for the pies and crisps too … no more peeling for me. I also discovered that after a whirl in the blender the peel virtually disappears. All those years of peeling … what was I thinking?
How do you make applesauce?
Day 17 #nablopomo