Artful Photography Archives - Page 4 of 12

Texture Tuesday, and One Thing

April 14, 2015 by Barb 18 Comments

Today is Texture Tuesday and I present my “one thing”.

To explain … the “one thing” is a prompt in The Studio|Online whereby we choose one item and use it in a series of photos.

I’m currently working on a series of plate images and decided to use the burnt old cookie sheet I found at a garage sale as a background.

I’m happy enough with these, but my plan is to set up and shoot 4 different plates at the same time, with the same light, and apply the same processing to each one. This prompt is very inspiring and also grounding … as long as my background stays the same I can play and play and play …

I’ve used this background many times before …

… with lots of different elements …

… and I’m feeling more and more inspired! So strange how that is—it’s the same thing over and over—but different each time.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Free Download for Subscribers

April 10, 2015 by Barb 13 Comments

I can’t believe it’s time for Friday Finds already, and today I have a free download for subscribers!

Goodness the days fly by …

I found a couple new-to-me stores here in Arizona. First, Home Goods which is much like our Home Sense in Canada, and then a Marshall’s right beside it.

Oh my … the hubs is a saint taking me to all these places … I found so much loveliness … I never buy anything too expensive, just a lot of little things which add up … we talked about that at The Open Studio last night. It seems to be a problem with all of us lovers of “still life”, but I think we beat ourselves up a bit too much. I don’t spend money on much else … I certainly have no vices (insert smile) … anyway, I found some sweet little garden-themed props to go with my hyacinth print. I’m including a link to the full resolution file of this print with my next newsletter (going out today).

I also found three hyacinth bulbs which I scooped up, brought home, and proceeded to plant into their own separate little containers. I think I’m trying to satisfy my gardening bug whilst in Arizona … in a condo.

I love what the “chocolate” preset did to the following image … and do not those scissors look like they are sitting right there?

Tip: if you need a prop, perhaps a photo of a prop will do :)

Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend (perhaps I’ll see you on Sunday for Sunday Sundries.)

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Hyacinth Print Download

April 9, 2015 by Barb 6 Comments

Just popping in with a quick note to let you know I’ll be including the full resolution file of my “Hyacinth and Tulip Fling With Spring” in my next newsletter as a free download.

It’s approximately 8″ x 8″ and I printed it on plain white photo paper using my colour laser printer. I was pretty pleased with the results.

It now brightens up the table at the entrance to our condo.

Original:

Then of course I had a bit of a play in Lightroom using Kim’s presets, and because you will have the full resolution image, you could edit it too.

How fun! I’d love to see what you do with it!

Please use it any way you want – as a framed print, card, journaling material … all I ask is that you use it for personal use only, and give credit to me if you post it online.

So, if you haven’t signed up for my newsletter and would like to have this print – check the sidebar for details!

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Barb

PS … my copyright won’t be printed on the image …

Gift from Cristina Colli

April 3, 2015 by Barb 14 Comments

I recently received a beautiful set of prints from Cristina Colli as a “thank you” for sharing my dinner plate art to #12monthsofhappystills.

I live in a rural area, and as I sat in my car at the community mailbox, I took a quick peek inside the package before carefully wrapping it up again. I was very excited, but I wanted to save it until I got home so that I could savour and document the moment. After sending a quick note to let Cristina know I had them in my hands, I carried on and didn’t fully open it for a full two days! Is that crazy? I don’t think so … the weekend was busy and I wanted to be alone … sitting with a cup of tea with no chance of being interrupted.

When I finally had a quiet moment, what I found was a lovely tag, a beautiful “polaroid” of pink blossoms against an impossibly blue sky, and a gorgeous origami envelope. Cristina demonstrates how to make these envelopes on her blog here. I’m pretty sure I’ll be trying my hand at this real soon.

When I opened that beautiful envelope, I discovered 5 more stunning prints.

As I set the string down, it fell into a heart! This is the absolute truth … oh … my … I was spellbound for a moment … .

Of course I had to rearrange the string on top of the prints, so I pinched the bottom where the string came together, and carefully slid it on top. Can you believe the perfect bow on the side?

Cristina’s images have inspired me to get busy and have a few of my own florals printed. I have tons of them sitting on my hard drive … and I hope to “pay this forward” very soon.

Sharing with Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Hyacinth, Willow and Tulip Play

March 31, 2015 by Barb 16 Comments

I was happy to return home last Friday (home sweet home) but there isn’t much colour around so I remedied that with a quick trip to the grocery store for a spring bouquet filled with hyacinth and tulips.

But since I felt overwhelmed by the fullness of it … I plucked out one purple hyacinth, one yellow tulip, added a sprig of pussywillow, and suddenly I could see clearly … ahhh … simplicity …

A little preset play was in order … so on the following image I used kk_within … one of my favourites …

km_within

Next … kk_chocolate with a little brightening of the yellow in the tulip:

Hyacinth Willow and Tulip, Texture Tuesday, Keeping With the Tiimes

kk_chocolate

I’m linking up at Texture Tuesday with Kim Klassen dot com.

Wildflowers Still Life

March 24, 2015 by Barb 28 Comments

I love wildflowers, and when I saw this beautiful Globemallow growing in huge clumps in ditches and vacant lots, I couldn’t help but pick a few to play with.

Let me say that I only pick wildflowers that are abundant. I would never pick a rare or threatened species.

The bright orange flowers of Globemallow sway gently on tall stalks, and as we drove by, I swear they were waving at me … pick me … pick me … I’m sure I heard it …

Wildflowers also bring to mind something Kim wrote in The Studio Online about her experience with ranunculus.

kk_within

kk_chocolate

I can’t reprint her story, but let me just say that wildflowers are not intimidating.

They’re understated, and many times you have to look close to see their gorgeousness. I also love that they’re seasonal (usually). Where I come from, I’m not going to be finding any purple vetch in the middle of winter — and that would make this Light and Airy Wildflower Bouquet a rare and beautiful thing, wouldn’t you say? I included some some tips on how to care for wildflowers in that post if you want to take a peek. They are more delicate than you might think.

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

Sunflowers I, II, III, and IV

March 20, 2015 by Barb 31 Comments

How much fun can you have with a $5.00 bouquet of sunflowers?

Would three days of photo shoots be enough? I think so … yes I do, and now I’m going to set it on a table and simply look at it. I’m done …

For my first image, I put one sunflower in the new blue vase I found at Target, set that on an old baking sheet, and added a little yellow dipping bowl. Then I threw in the vintage fork for no other reason than I don’t have a hand carved wooden spoon (smile).

Sunflowers, Friday Finds, Keeping With the Times

kk_dreamlike

The backdrop for the following image is the board that slides into my desk to hold my keyboard (you gotta get creative!) Then there’s the old burned stone/clay pizza pan I found at a garage sale (hubby was perplexed), and finally, some sharp thorns I found in a ditch.

kk_within

The collage I made for By Arrangement, with the page from an Anthropologie catalog:

… and finally a side view with a piece of artwork by Emily Winfield Martin which I found in a Flow magazine. The little caption on it (which you can’t read) says “spoil yourself” … ummm … OK …

… don’t mind if I do …

I promised to share my Anthro purchase but I didn’t get it together in time to get some good photos so it will have to wait … perhaps I’ll have it ready for Sunday Sundries … (it’s a cookbook). However, I did find an interesting site whilst I was visiting Anthropologie online. It’s called Terrain, and oh my … it’s filled with wonderful eye-candy. Have you seen it? You should have a look!

Linking up with Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Collage By Arrangement

March 19, 2015 by Barb 3 Comments

I treated myself to sunflowers, and after several still life shoots, I created a collage for #ByArrangement with @sarahnotes on IG. Oh my gosh, these take me forever to set up! I usually start out with one thing and end up with something entirely different.

It didn’t occur to me to create a collage to match my still life set until this morning … after that … it was easy and the pieces fell into place. Image processed with kk_within.

We have a lovely little distressed “trunk” that we use for a coffee table and is so perfect for photos, next … a page from Anthropologie (literally) …

We had gone to Kierland Commons for lunch on Tuesday, after which we wandered around and shopped a bit. Of course I had to visit Anthropologie … oh my … talk about inspiration! I was trying to describe the feeling to hubby but I’m not too sure he got it … I was gushing … even the work table that the employees had set up to plan their displays was a piece of art, and I wanted to photograph it … .

After purchasing one item, I picked up a catalog, which is where I found the background paper for this image.

I’ll be posting my sunflower still life images (and my Anthro purchase) for Friday Finds – see you tomorrow and have a wonderful Thursday!

California Poppies in Arizona

March 18, 2015 by Barb 4 Comments

Hello, and welcome to “app” happy wednesday #36 where today I’m sharing my California Poppies! and I have it from the best sources that I am right about what these are!

If you’re new to the party, this is a link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of any kind! Let me stress there are no rules!! Just join the fun and share any kind of artsy creation.

It’s that time of year when we make the trek to Arizona. Yes it’s spring at home, and it’s wonderful, but it’s also a great time for us to get away and enjoy some sunshine.

As we were driving through the Kingman area, there were thousands of poppies filling ditches and even fields. It was a glorious sight but unfortunately I couldn’t get a great photo because it was too bright out. So, I simply picked a handful, set them in a coffee cup full of water, and brought them to our condo were I quickly styled and took photos (they were falling apart as I was working – so delicate!)

VSCO:

So that’s it for me today (on holidays!). Now, let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it. Did you use just one? Did you use several?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Link back with a text link or use the “app” happy wednesday button which you will find at the bottom of this post.
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday at midnight.

*sorry … this series is closed

Food Styling Tips for March

March 12, 2015 by Barb 12 Comments

Good morning! My food styling tips for March are on the blog today at Kim Klassen dot com. I hope you’ll pop over to read my thoughts on setting the dinner table!

But first, here are a couple more images from the shoot that didn’t make it over to Kim’s.

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

March 10, 2015 by Barb 17 Comments

In the Studio, Gigi Thibodeau posted a photo of her Lemon Shortbread Cookies for the “stacked” challenge. When I saw it, I sat straight up and shot her a note saying I must have that recipe.

kk_lightandairy

There were a couple of reasons I wanted to make those cookies …

First of all, I had been searching for the perfect delicacy to set atop my new tray. Along with this tray, I had a new grey and yellow tea towel, so the delicacy had to have a hint of yellow, right? Not only that, I love shortbread, and I love lemon, and it just all seemed to come together.

The vintage whisk complemented the scene perfectly and an extra dusting of icing sugar never hurts anything (in my opinion.)

kk_lightandairy, kk_within

I’m linking up to Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

Gigi blogs at The Magpie’s Fancy … if you would like the recipe (thank you Gigi!)

Minimalist at Heart

March 6, 2015 by Barb 13 Comments

Hi. I’m Barb, and I am a minimalist at heart.

This is an image inspired by a succulent, a few pebbles, and a polka-dot coffee cup I found in a cute kitchen shop in Quebec. When I saw it I knew I had to have it. I didn’t know exactly what I was going to do with it, but I had to have it.

I especially love white, graphic images, they make my heart sing.

But what a nightmare to get two photos with the same white tones! That’s why I’m only posting one of the dozens of images and edits that I’ve spent (too much time on.)

Have a look-see at the History panel in LR …

As well as adjusting tones, highlights, and shadows, I desaturated almost every colour from blue to red. As I desaturated each colour, I watched the succulent to make sure nothing I did affected it. The only colours I didn’t desaturate were green and yellow. And still, I’m not happy with the white background. I have much to learn.

I’ve written about this before for Friday Finds – Stillness. In that post I mentioned that I follow Mary Jo Hoffman’s blog STILL. She shares her tips and techniques so openly but I still can’t quite get it right.

So I’ve found that only practice makes perfect, and even then, maybe not perfect, but good enough.

Have a wonderful Friday!

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

March Blues

March 4, 2015 by Barb 8 Comments

Hello, and welcome to “app” happy wednesday #35 and the March blues …

If you’re new to the party, this is a weekly link-up to share your photos edited with “apps” of any kind! Let me stress there are no rules!! Just join the fun and share any kind of artsy creation.

Oh. Hello March. I remember you.

It was a typical early March day: bright blue skies, white puffy clouds, and ferocious winds blowing powdery snow and sculpting it into rock hard waves.

I used VSCO for the following images …

The wind blows the snow off the fields and into the ditches

If it wasn’t for my phone, I wouldn’t be recording the small moments in my life. The meaningful moments. The everyday moments.

The good news is that warmer weather is forecasted for the weekend. There should be a lot of water running …

So that’s it for me today. Now, let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it. Did you use just one? Did you use several?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Link back with a text link or use the “app” happy wednesday button which you will find at the bottom of this post.
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday at midnight.

*sorry … this series is closed

Tulips for Texture Tuesday

March 3, 2015 by Barb 23 Comments

Tulips in their last moments are absolutely stunning. Delicate, transparent petals curl this way and that, clinging to pale twisted stems that can no longer hold them upright.

As I was making dinner on Sunday, I looked up at the bouquet I’d had for over a week. A few petals were dropping silently onto the counter in front of me. A bit of yellow pollen filtered down and sparkled in the sunlight that was streaming in from the west windows. It’s funny, until that moment I hadn’t had any urge to take photos of them. I’d simply enjoyed their frilly orange selves standing straight and tall in a glass container.

But suddenly, I was more than ready to trade a vegetable peeler in exchange for florist scissors. I walked into the pantry, pulled out a rustic piece of black painted metal and set it on the floor. I gently snipped the blooms and ever so carefully laid them down.

I was amazed at the light coming into the pantry and how it was making the petals glow. Here are two more edits in LR.

Tulips Last Hurrah, Keeping With the Times, Texture Tuesday, Dark and Moody

kk_within

kk_touchadrama

Linking up to Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

I hope you’ll join us tomorrow for “app” happy wednesday! Come and link up an image edited with apps of any kind – there really are no rules!

Gift From a Friend

February 27, 2015 by Barb 13 Comments

When I went to the mailbox last week, I was delighted to find a gift from a friend! This treasure came out of the blue and into my hands on a cold, dreary, uninspiring winter day. Although I didn’t photograph it right away, it inspired me for the whole week and I went about my days with new enthusiasm.

All week I was dreaming about a still life “from above” which has to be my favourite type of image. Don’t get me wrong though, I can appreciate a stunning focus and shallow depth of field just as much as the next person …

I tried not to overthink it and went with the obvious sewing theme. Following is the original image with the usual tweaking in LR to get it presentable; exposure and tonal adjustment, lens correction, and cropping etc.

Read on for the rest of the story, and a couple different edits in LR …

kk_today:kk_gentle:

So what was the gift, and who sent it? Well, the gift was two vintage spools; one with blue thread and the other with no thread. The gifter was Caz and she blogs at Caz Sultz Photography. I am so bowled over that someone would send me a gift just because … thank you, Caz! from the bottom of my heart! You are a great on-line friend and who knows … we may meet someday. I’ve met quite a few blogger friends in real life, and it’s an amazing and enriching experience.

So just a few more tidbits about the items in my photo. I found the round (thing?) of needles sitting on a shelf in my favourite junque store … no one wanted it … it was dirt cheap … I gasped when I saw it. The embroidery hoop, key, and velvet perfume cover were my Moms, and I added a few dried poppies and leaves from an long ago bouquet.

Today, I encourage you to reach out to a friend. Tell them how much they mean to you. Give them the gift of you.

You will not regret it.

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Jade Plant Propagation

February 26, 2015 by Barb 7 Comments

Jade plant propagation is a great thing to do when it’s still February and warm weather is at least two months away. Anyway, what’s a girl to do when she thought spring was in the air and then reality hit?

Well, she goes inside to play with her plants and to continue dreaming … because you see, on Tuesday, I was outside at my potting bench listening to water pour off the roof, digging into some dirt.

Today, I’m in my pantry at my Hoosier (which is just as inspiring as my bench). Yesterday I emptied the whole thing and changed the direction it was facing, hoping to catch the north light a bit better. I think it helped, but I think it still leaves something to be desired. However you never know until you try something do you?

edit with kk_dreamlike:

edit with kk_within:

This is the direction I used to have the Hoosier. The side light does look fabulous, but the photo was taken in June when it was much brighter outside. I’ll post a photo of the way I have it now as soon as the light is a bit better.

Thank you so much for dropping by. I hope to see you tomorrow at Friday Finds!

PS Touch: Fade

February 25, 2015 by Barb 8 Comments

Hello, and welcome to “app” happy wednesday #34!

I took this shot with VSCO, imported it into PS Touch, added a black overlay, and used the Fade function to fade the lower right corner. That left the upper left corner in the dark, so to speak. A touch more dramatic wouldn’t you say …

You might want to check out a few of my earlier posts for some tips and techniques on using apps:

PS Touch

“I took the photo into PS Touch and filled a layer with solid black (circled in red) on top of the photo …”

Using Camera+

“To capture bokeh in Camera+, focus in on a small object by tapping the screen, then touch the Focus Lock (I circled it in red). Lift the camera up and your image should be out of focus and you can capture your bokeh! That’s it!”

Using PicsPlayPro

“Cropped both photos in PicsPlayPro. I also boosted the saturation with a filter. Imported the house image into PS Touch, then imported and layered the gull photo over top. Used the Fade function to fade the lower third part of the bird/sky photo to reveal the house and the field.”

So that’s it for me today. Now, let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it. Did you use just one? Did you use several?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Link back with a text link or use the “app” happy wednesday button which you will find at the bottom of this post.
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday at midnight.

Sorry … this series is closed.

Vintage Kitchen Blues

February 24, 2015 by Barb 12 Comments

My vintage kitchen blues: my Mom’s cookbooks, a couple of tea towels, a ladle and a blue Medalta bowl. Processed in LR using kk_within.

I’m loving Kim’s new guidelines for Texture Tuesday! Texture is now texture, whether it’s an overlay, a preset, or texture in an image … woot yay! I’ve become so enthralled with presets it’s almost all I use anymore. BUT today I added one (very light) layer of kk_touch-a just because …

Update: I got my postcards mailed – I’m so stinkin’ proud! and excited to receive six pieces of amazing art in the mail from people all over the world!

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

Dinner Plate Art

February 23, 2015 by Barb 6 Comments

Here I am, playing with my food again!

… for the weekly prompt at The Studio On-line. Too much fun!

Have a wonderful Monday!

Vintage Window (Pains)

February 19, 2015 by Barb 26 Comments

I adore vintage windows but when it comes to photographing them in vignettes, I end up having window (pains) … pains in the form of reflections.

But yesterday, as I was teetering on a step stool and cursing the light from the windows behind me, I had an “aha” moment … or was it a “duh ha” moment? No matter, I suddenly thought, why don’t I just throw some cheesecloth over it? I adore cheesecloth, and I especially adore the rag-tag torn look it gets after I’ve fussed with it for an hour or so, pulling it this way and that, getting it caught in the pokey succulents and stretching it across the sharp edge of the frame. But in the end, it was mission accomplished: no more reflections!

Oh, and that window … oh my … this is my Friday Find … swooning here. There were two identical windows at my local junque shop, and I almost walked out with both. Luckily I got hold of my senses and decided one was enough. However, If I’d had anywhere to hang them on a wall together, this story would have ended differently. As it was, only one of them found its way home with me and is now occupying a prime spot on my mantle.

I processed the following two photos in LR with kk_gentle:

The light coming in the south window in the morning is nothing short of scrumptious! I seem to be finding light everywhere these days; we now have 10 hours and 8 minutes of daylight! Woot! more time to play!

I found the tulips at Costco (very affordable) and I plan to have tulips from now until at least the middle of March.

kk_melancholy:

kk_breeze:

“app” happy wednesday #33

February 18, 2015 by Barb 8 Comments

Hello, and welcome to “app” happy wednesday #33!

I’ve been absent of late … I had so much going on last week that my creativity took a nosedive and sometimes it’s very hard to get back into the swing of things. I have tons of props; flowers, books, and ideas … but simply no “get up and go”. Fortunately “app” happy wednesday has forced me to take a few shots and then sit down here and share them. Perhaps this will break the February blahs I seem to have found myself in.

I’ve been sticking to my plan to use VSCO exclusively for my phone images. As a result, I’m finding it much easier to work with.

After I take a photo, I adjust exposure, tones and contrast. Then I’ll straighten edges as necessary. The great thing about the Straighten tool in VSCO is that it works like a lens correction so my lines look less wonky. For these images I used the t2 preset which has fast become my favourite. I like the soft, matt look it gives them.

I received these gorgeous yellow roses for my birthday. While I adore them while fresh, I was secretly plotting to dry them …

I hung them on the side of the Hoosier I have in the pantry … I always forget how amazing the light is …

So that’s it for me today. Now, let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it. Did you use just one? Did you use several?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Link back with a text link or use the “app” happy wednesday button which you will find at the bottom of this post.
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday at midnight.

*sorry … this series is closed

“app” happy wednesday #32

February 11, 2015 by Barb 12 Comments

Hello friends, and welcome to “app” happy wednesday #32!

I’m freshly back home from our little Arizona get-away and whew! I hit the ground running … I’m racing to finish up a Photoshop tutorial. I always like to use the quote “there’s no better motivator than the last minute” and I prove it to be right time and again (insert roll-eyes here.)

So for today, I present my “walk on the lake” in Distressed FX because I feel distressed … but by Friday all will be well, and I’ll be ready to party! It’s my birthday and our whole family is coming to help celebrate. We plan to spend a fair bit of time outside enjoying our winter wonderland; skating, sledding, and having hot chocolate. On Saturday we’re going out for dinner as I’m not on kitchen duty – woot! It’s a BIG birthday … hmmm … I may share a bit about it next week …

So that’s it for me today. Now, let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it. Did you use just one? Did you use several?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Link back with a text link or use the “app” happy wednesday button which you will find at the bottom of this post.
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday at midnight.

*sorry … this series is closed

February Food Styling Post

February 7, 2015 by Barb 9 Comments

Good morning! Just popping in to share a couple images from my “Food Photography Meets Still Life Photography” post at Kim Klassen dot com.

If you want to know how I set the scene and processed the images, pop over to Kim’s site and have a peek.

If you want the recipe check it out here (total yumminess)!

“app” happy wednesday #31

February 4, 2015 by Barb 10 Comments

Hello friends, and welcome to “app” happy wednesday #31!

I’ve started using VSCO Cam exclusively for my phone shots because, once and for all, I want to force myself to figure out how it works. Yikes … I know that a lot of you love this camera, but I do not find it to be intuitive … I’m stumbling around trying to find everything from the camera itself, to the photos I’ve taken, to the editing screen … aaaccckkk.

When I downloaded it a few months ago, I also purchased the Limited Edition Collection of presets for $7.99 which gave me a ton of filters to play with. I’m not sure if this offer is still available, but you could check it out at the app store.

Today I’m not going to get technical because I’m just not that good at it yet. I managed to get a few shots I was happy with, although I don’t really like that light purply spot at the bottom of this image. I adjusted the exposure and then used the preset G2. I’m thinking I shouldn’t have lightened the image first … oh well …

To create the scene, I put some peppercorns in a tiny wooden bowl, set it on a placemat made of tiny wooden rings, and then scattered a few peppercorns around. I love the spicy, earthy, exotic feel to it.

What I find intriguing about this camera/app is the sophisticated images I see being created with it. I’ve always wanted a space where all my “stuff” is similar … you know … a trademark look that when people see it, they say, oh … I know that artist … so I’ve set up my profile on the VSCO Grid and am setting about trying to create a unified-looking feed.

This is an example of how I think I want it to look … VSCO veggies … processed with T1. If you want to take a look at my VSCO Grid check it out here. I may end up deleting this image and starting over … I’m trying to find the style and processing that feels right to me. Anyone have any advice or tips for me? Do you have a VSCO Grid, or any favourites you’d like to share?

So that’s it for me today. Now, let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it. Did you use just one? Did you use several?
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up!
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Link back with a text link or use the “app” happy wednesday button which you will find at the bottom of this post.
Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday at midnight.

*sorry … this series is closed

The Studio: Veggies

January 30, 2015 by Barb 13 Comments

Our assignment at the moment in the Studio|Online is to shoot fruit or veggies.

It just so happens I’m surrounded by both (gotta love that)!

On Thursday, we went downtown to the little farmers market and I found some freshly picked treasures. Those little white ones in the upper left corner are turnips! Yes, they are … I tasted them. I love how they’re the same size as the “Easter Egg” radishes, and the tiny beetroots.
The Studio|Online, Veggies, Keeping With the Times

I edited the photos in LR and then ran the kk_dreamlike preset, adjusting to bring back details in the whites … altho some still look a bit blown out. However, I still like the effect.

The Studio|Online, Veggies, Keeping With the Times

So … get a load of the great cutting board with the old knife! … my newest prop finds, costing me less than $4.00 total. I’m going to have to take them home with me when we leave Sunny Arizona …

The Studio|Online, Veggies, Keeping With the Times

… oh yeah … what happened to Sunny Arizona? … full on rain for 24 hours now … I do love rain and can appreciate all the good it brings, but … I need some heat!! … please?

Linking up to The Studio|Online.

(I’m not even going to mention there’s a snowfall warning in effect where I come from … oops I just did.)

“app” happy wednesday #30

January 28, 2015 by Barb 4 Comments

Hello friends, and welcome to “app” happy wednesday #30!

Just a quick post today, we’re on holidays and I’m trying not to stress too much about blogging … altho I do have a pretty fantastic recipe scheduled for tomorrow (which I created before we left home).

Anyway, on Tuesday, just before breakfast, I looked out the window and spied these beautiful and amazing clouds! Incredibly they lasted a mere 10 minutes!

Photo was shot with Camera + and edited in PicsPlayPro with a bit of a colour boost for drama.

I want to say thanks to all who’ve stuck by me and continue to visit my blog. I appreciate each and every one of you and consider you all friends!

Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps? Perhaps explain what steps you took.
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up! You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!

*sorry … this series is closed

Props I Can’t Live Without

January 27, 2015 by Barb 20 Comments

When Kim asked me if I’d write a post for The Studio|Online about 5 props I couldn’t live without, I knew right away that I was going to have a bit of fun with it. If you’re a member of the Studio, and saw it in the classroom, I hope you enjoyed it!

Today I thought I’d share two of the props I couldn’t live without; white crinkly linens and vintage jars. Oh, and I know I’m not alone in this … everyone loves linens and jars …

I also love the pink peonies I picked and dried last summer. Actually, I didn’t set out to dry them, I just left them in the jar until the water evaporated. I was about to toss them, when I stopped and thought about how much they reminded me of little ballerina dresses, all layered and frothy. I put them on top of my antique hoosier and that’s where they’ve been sitting ever since.

I processed this image in LR, adjusting exposure and cropping it. Then I applied one layer of kk_sybil at 50% opacity.

I’m linking up to Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

Quail Eggs and Secret Prop

January 23, 2015 by Barb 17 Comments

Quail eggs still … yes … I’ve had these eggs since before Christmas! One of the best series I’ve ever shot (in my opinion) was with these lovelies and you can check it out here.

I couldn’t bear to part with them, but yesterday I simply had no choice. They weren’t rotten (truly) but I knew I wasn’t going to get a chance to play with them again for quite some time so out they had to go. I found a few moments in a busy morning to play, and then I said goodbye.

I shot this image with Camera+, added a vignette in Instagram, (posted it), and then saved it to my computer. Then I took it into LR, did some additional tweaking and added kk_within. I haven’t used that lovely preset in a while …

This is with my Nikon, LR tweaking, and kk_within again.

So what do you think of the “table”? You may be able to guess the secret prop here … it’s scrapbook paper … and why not?

Have a wonderful Friday!

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

“app” happy wednesday #29

January 21, 2015 by Barb 9 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #29!

Today I’m going to demonstrate how I made this crazy bokeh image! I was on a four hour flight returning home after a weekend with very little sleep, and well …

It started here … our room was overlooking the Richelieu River in Quebec and I was trying to capture the lights of the houses on the other side. Of course there were spotlights and whatnot on the lawn in front of our hotel and it was a bit messy.

I took the photo into PS Touch and filled a layer with solid black (circled in red) on top of the photo:

Then I used the Fade function …

… to fade away the top of the black layer and reveal the photo layer (and bokeh) below.

I copied the bokeh layer over and over and over, each time changing the Blend Mode to Lighten, and using the Transform function to move it up or down and to flip it horizontally or vertically. (Note that the original photo layer was left with a Normal Blend Mode.) Then I saved the whole mess in PS Touch, and then to the Camera Roll.

Yes … it was a lot of fiddling around … but hopefully you get the idea! PS touch is fun, and the fact that you can change the blend modes of layers makes it quite powerful.

Any questions? Just ask!

Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps? Perhaps explain what steps you took.
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up! You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!

*sorry … this series is closed

Chocolate Hydrangea

January 17, 2015 by Barb 22 Comments

Good morning! as I sit in a hotel room (in the dark) and listen to the hubs (snoring) I’m playing around with one of the new presets that Kim included with The Studio|On Line class. There’s lots of activity and excitement going on in there …

Anyway, I had taken this shot of some hydrangeas early one morning as the sun shone through a frosted glass window in our bathroom. I love the light in there, which is probably why that quote popped into my head. Or maybe … it’s because I’m sitting in the dark? hmmm…

The backdrop is an old barn window (door) which I painted with a creamy chalk paint. It’s a heavy brute so I haven’t used it much. The vignette is natural, captured in camera – gotta love that!

Processed in LR with kk_chocolate

I’ll be posting this on Instagram, and if you’d like to see what others are doing check out #thestudioonline

Have a wonderful Saturday!

“app” happy wednesday #28

January 14, 2015 by Barb 6 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #28!

It finally warmed up enough so that I was able to go for a walk. It was nice to get out and get some exercise, as well as have a good visit with a friend. I took this photo with Camera+ then into Mextures for a pink filter, and then into Waterlogue.

I like the various diagonal lines in this image:

… and a sunny window in our kitchen/dining room …

So that’s it for my apps this week – quick and fun! I’ve been busy baking up a storm so watch for my Mincemeat Orange Muffins on Thursday!

Now let’s see what you’ve been up to!

Use any “app” you like and perhaps explain how you used it.

Did you use just one? Did you combine apps? Perhaps explain what steps you took.
Simply create some art. Post it on your blog or Flickr or wherever you are uploading your work, and then come back here and link it up! You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.
Visit a few friends to see what they are up to and perhaps learn some fabulous new tips and techniques.
Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!

*sorry … this series is closed

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