Sharing my gentle pink carnation …
Breathing new life into old images with Kim’s LR preset. I really need to get to the grocery store …
kk_gentle
Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com
Have a good one! See you tomorrow at “app” happy wednesday!
“app” happy wednesday #27
Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #27! The first party of 2015!
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.
I shot my first image with Camera + and then edited it in PicsPlay Pro; my two “go to” apps …
Isn’t that little espresso cup sweet?! I found two cups and saucers at my favourite junque store … when I picked one up to look at the name on the bottom I was astounded to see that it was from Starbucks! Cutest little things ever (which you’ll most likely be seeing in a few more still life images).
Yesterday when I checked my Instagram account, I was surprised to see that Waterlogue had featured one of my earlier images of a pear! So in “celebration” of that honour, I played around with Waterlogue once again and came up with this …
… it was a coffee and tea kind of day …
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?
- 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
Week 30: Be Still 52
I tried not to overthink lesson 30 for Be Still 52. We were to choose some favourite images from 2014 and do something with them, whether we just post on our blog, print, make cards … whatever … it was up to us. I chose to just (re)post them here.
I always liked these images of the silverware, serviettes, and rosemary. So what I took away from this lesson was that I should include more of my vintage silverware in my still life shots.
… ahhh … what I wouldn’t give to be able to go out and pick a modest little flower … however, I do have rosemary since I brought the plant in to overwinter (for the second year!) …
This is my first post since I had my blog re-designed so I’m not sure how the images are going to look … please forgive me if they’re wonky … I’ll be fiddling and fixing for a few days, I’m sure … If you want to see the full design change, click on the “Home” button in the Menu Bar … what do you think?
Don’t forget that “app” happy wednesday starts up again on January 7th! yay! and will continue on a weekly basis … yay again!
Thanks for dropping by and have a wonderful day!
Quail Eggs for Friday Finds
Quail eggs were not on my radar when I stopped at the “No Frills” Superstore to pick up some last minute supplies a few weeks ago, but there they were, on the shelf with all the other eggs … who knew? Certainly not me! I gasped, a photo opportunity in the making …
I was enchanted by the tiny size, the lovely patterns, and the variations in colour. They went from brown to blue and everything in-between.
I quickly set them in my cart and carried on … it’s not that I didn’t have a ton of things to do when I got home, but I dropped everything and spent over an hour photographing these beauties.
To demonstrate scale, I used peppercorns in my little scene. Everyone knows the size of a peppercorn, so when set side-by-side, it becomes obvious as to how small these eggs really are when compared to regular eggs.
Of course I had to cook up a few … steamed in a double boiler in one of my new dishes …
A little play with kk_melancholy …
I’m so happy it’s January 2nd!! The tree is out, the decorations put away, and it’s time to get on with the new!
“app” happy wednesday is returning to it’s regularly scheduled weekly time! yay! thanks to all who expressed their interest in keeping this meme going, I’m so excited and happy. See you on Wednesday, January 7th!
Happy New Year everyone!
Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com
Texture Tuesday: On Ice
About two weeks ago hubby cleared the snow from a large area on the lake to use as a skating rink (check this IG image for the action shot). We’d had a ton of snow and the temperatures were brutal. However, the forecast was for unseasonably warm temperatures to arrive … the perfect recipe for perfect ice!
kk_oldendays
As the sun shone on the ice, it melted slightly and formed an even and perfect surface for skating.
Just in time for the holidays …
Hot chocolate, marshmallows, and truffles …
kk_gentle
Thanks for dropping by today, and have a wonderful week!
Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com
Friday Finds: From the Cutting Room Floor
In my parts, the “window” to capture photos while it’s still light outside is dwindling (pun intended). Then, if I have to leave the house to run errands, and later, other stuff gets in the way, I’m not left with a lot of time to play. Therefore, for Friday Finds today, I’m pulling a couple photos from the cutting room floor.
I took these images when I was baking my zucchini loaves back in September and today I used the kk_film-ish preset I found in the Start to Finish downloads. I love the soft tones it created, especially in the egg yolks which can be a bit too colourful for my liking.
I also found the watermark feature in Lightroom to be kind of interesting. I used it on my photos today … what do you think? OK? Annoying? Distracting? If I’m going to continue to use one, I’ll tweak it a bit, but LR sure makes it easy to apply one. I copyright my photos by adding a notice to the Metadata, but a watermark is obviously more noticeable. Does it take away from the “art” of the image?
So, short and sweet today. I’ve got lots to do (as I’m sure everyone does) and I had better get going. Have a wonderful day!
I have a little give-away going on … if you want to check it out go here.
Friday Finds at kimklassen.com
“app” happy wednesday #26
Good morning! I’m so excited to have the amazing and talented Roxi Hardegree from Creating Beyond The Layers as a guest poster today. I’ve “known” Roxi for years … it goes way back (5 years) to the days when I was on the Creative Team at E-Scape and Scrap. Roxi is a designer and she was one of the designers whose products I always used – they’re so classy and beautiful.
Roxi tells me that she’s going to be featuring her favorite shots from 2014 throughout the month on her blog, so be sure to check that out.
So, without further ado – here’s Roxi!
Taking pictures has always been a part of my life. And I’m not such a purist that my iPhone photos now are exceeding the number I take with my Canon. You see, first, I’m an artist, then I’m a memory keeper.
I have a hard time ‘leaving a photo alone’, in its unedited form. Already having a Photoshop background, it was easy to go down the rabbit hole when mobile editing was made possible with apps. My first introduction to altered mobile photos was with Instagram. I shot and loaded my first photo in November 2011. I was sitting on the sofa and took a photo of the fireplace using the Instagram app, applied a filter and uploaded it. I turned to the left, snapped a picture of hubby and filtered him too. (They are the two best subjects for my experiments. My Hipstamatic roll is full of them. lol)
Soon after that I took a course on Snapseed and continue to use it on almost every photo. Besides knowing it like the back of my hand, it’s a great basic editing app with tons of extras.
My favorite style is textural edits. I’ve used DistressedFx a lot but my current favorite is Stackables. I usually play around adding layers but lately I’ve tried some of their formulas and then put my own twist on them.
A lot of my edits are ‘happy accidents’. I have very few ‘formulas’ I follow, except my watercolor/ink edits for example. But for the most part it’s play, play, play.
The best advice I can give is to pick one app, use it a lot, say for a week or two and get to know it real well. Even though I have well over 200 apps on my phone there are just a few that I seem to gravitate to, the ones I ‘know’.
- Hydrangea made with Stackables and Snapseed, self-portrait with Snapseed and Image Blender, Fall Watercolor made with Artomaton, iColorama and Image Blender.
- My current favourites: Snapseed, Stackables, PixlrExpress’ Picfx’ Mextures, DistressedFx, Hipstamatic, Superimpose, iColorama, VCSOcam.
OK, I literally gasped when I saw the images that Roxi sent me … stunning work isn’t it? Today I’m linking to an image I made after being inspired by these masterpieces (ahem, not in the same league here, but that’s quite alright).
If you are 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.
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?
- 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.
- Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
Sorry … this series is closed.
I Found Some Time!
Oh my gosh, I found so many things this week! First of all, I found some time!
With a winter storm raging outside, I’ve been forced to hunker down inside, and I’ve made the most of it.
After organizing and cleaning house, I sat down and finished writing my tutorial for Digital Scrapper, and then I recorded the first version! Woot! I still have lots to do, but I should be finished it this weekend, which means I won’t be stressing about it before Christmas … so.very.good.
I’ve been able to catch up on a few Be Still lessons, and today I present my “butter and eggs” … what a lovely relaxing afternoon … (hazelnut and cream cheese cookies are coming soon to a blog near you).
I found brown eggs, which I feel guilty buying, but the photographer in me can’t help it …
An earlier find would be my chippy white bead board mirror/coat rack which I’ve been using in almost all my shots lately. I am so glad I didn’t let this one go …
I also found that I can’t decide what type of processing I like best … I like the natural true-to-life versions, and then I see this one processed with Kim’s kk_gentle … oh, my …
And here are five more finds for me this week:
- a new MacBook Pro (squeeeee)
- the realization that that was just the start … next comes a new external drive, a backup drive, what about a mouse … keyboard … yikes …
- it was an easy, no-hassle experience to download Creative Cloud, CC2014, LR5, and Bridge CC for the Mac (easier than it was for my PC)
- my IG photo was a “pick” for the new #mystillsundaycompetition by Kim (so honoured!)
- that I’m fortunate to have enough food to eat, and a warm place to stay (going to be making donations to the food bank and Salvation Army right now) (done)
Today I’m going to find some time to go out and capture the beautiful winter wonderland that we’ve suddenly found ourselves in. We’re literally buried under more than 30cm …
Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful weekend!
Chamomile Citron Potpourri Tea
What a wonderful feeling to come home to a cup of chamomile citron potpourri tea after a day of running errands!
On Tuesday I did a Costco run, and then made a quick stop at a grocery store for the rest of my shopping. I like to get home before dark at this time of year since the roads can be a bit icy, and visibility can always be a problem as well. So, as I let my tea steep and unpacked my groceries in the fading light, I was feeling pretty pleased with myself. The pantry was stocked, I had all my Christmas baking supplies, and there was a winter storm watch in effect. How cozy did I feel?!
When I brought out my favourite tea cup and saucer, an overwhelming urge to take a photo came over me … strange right? I’m kidding of course … I wanted to document how grateful I felt and then I posted it on Instagram.
Fast forward to today, and the Be Still class. After watching the video, I was struck by how I’d already done the lesson when I took my tea photo! So I decided to redo it with my big girl camera. I didn’t do a lot of editing since I wanted to leave the colours as true as possible.
I adore this tea cup and saucer. It’s part of a set of Denby dishes I bought over 20 years ago. Yikes! can that be true? It has certainly stood the test of time in terms of aesthetics. The grey-green tones with brown speckles, the warm creamy colour of the inside of the cups, the simple lines, and the minimalist design is timeless. I’ve always loved it.
I’m also a minimalist when it comes to blogging, so I’ll save the rest of the series for another day …
No Wait!! here’s one more … I couldn’t resist a little LR preset play (kk_gentle) sigh …
kk_darklight:
Kim talked about reflections and to notice them … I’m one that really loves them for some reason.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends!!
Winter Berries and Pine Cones
There’s such beauty in winter berries and pine cones, don’t you think? Especially when placed in a bowl with the sun pouring in on them.
Of course I had to play a little and add one of Kim’s presets (kk_darklight) …
And when they end up as a new blog header … well that’s a bonus!
Happy Texture Tuesday everyone!
Texture Tuesday at kimklassen.com
“app” happy wednesday #25
Welcome back to “app” happy wednesday #25 and all things phone photography! This party used to run every week, but with summer and company keeping me so busy I had to put it on the back burner for a bit (my apologies). I changed the schedule to the first Wednesday of each month instead.
This could also change … would anyone like to have it on a weekly basis once again? Just let me know what you think.
If you are 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.
Today I went back to AfterLight, an oldie, but a goldie. I ventured into the filters and discovered “Fusion” which is basically an action.
This is the original …
original
I used AfterLight to apply three filters to the image.
As I was working I recorded my steps and saved them to what is called a “fusion”. The great thing about recording in AfterLight is that until you press the little checkmark the step is not recorded. That makes it possible to try a lot of different effects but record only the ones you like.
My “fusion” consisted of kus, thorn, and bloom:
kus
thorn
bloom
Here’s the final version. I will admit it is not a masterpiece! But the point is you can record steps, save as a “fusion”, and run it on any photo. Cool!
Here are a couple of photos I ran the kus, thorn, and bloom “fusion” on …
So that’s it for my long-winded lesson today!
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?
- 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!
- Each party will start at 5:00 am on the first Wednesday of the month.
*sorry … this series is closed
This Wabi Sabi Wooden Table
This wabi sabi wooden table … oh my … there is a story behind it … but first I’m going to concentrate on the assignment at hand.
For day 12 of the Start to Finish class, we were to experiment with “shooting wide”, something that I’m not in the habit of doing. I’m always so critical of my space when I see it in photos.
This image was taken in our Arizona home and it does look bare. Truth be told, my homes are bare and that’s the way I like them. So why be ashamed?
Here the windows are not pretty. They’re standard aluminum frames with no drapes or curtains to hide them. We do have a simple roll-down blind for privacy at night.
So even though it seems there is not a lot going on here, it’s real. This is what you would see if you walked into our bedroom, but then you would be pulled over to look out the huge window and would be astonished to see a clear, unobstructed view of the Four Peaks Mountains … so. very. dreamy.
This is about as wabi sabi as it gets …
I have to be careful how I move this table since the boards are ready to fall apart …
… and are as dry as tinder …
So here’s the story. We were out and about last Saturday, driving around and checking out garage sales. I’d already purchased a few items such as rusty blackened cookie sheets, blackened pizza pans, and old ripped cloths. I was having a blast but I did feel a bit sheepish. I mean, not everyone gets it right?
When I came across this table, my heart started to pound. I’d promised hubby I wouldn’t bring home any (more) furniture. OMG … what to do? So then it started … “Barb, it’s just more stuff” “there’s no place to put it” “what are you going to do with it” “it probably has bugs”…
The guy who was having the sale walked over and said “you can take it for fifty cents”. OMG. Oh no … I was in for it … but my sweet hubby picked it up and started to carry it over to the car and as he walked away I could hear him mumbling “well, I guess we could always use it for firewood.”
With a huge smile on my face I handed over fifty cents. The rest is history.
Friday Finds at kimklassen.com
Texture Tuesday: Echinops on Potting Bench
Yesterday I spent a pleasant, but chilly couple of hours outside playing at my potting bench. The temperature was hovering around 3C but I found it rather invigorating.
I had some tidying up to do; washing clay pots, putting tools away, and gathering items to bring indoors for props during the winter. I just wish there was some way I could bring my potting bench in …
I shot and edited this image with my phone, then sent it to Photoshop to add one layer of kk_way on soft light at about 50%.
Have a wonderful Tuesday!
Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com
Friday Finds: Inspiration
Friday Finds … what did I find this week?
Well, I found two plaid flannel shirts at Superstore. What shouts “autumn” more than that?
kk_gentle
Bright, cozy, classic.The colour of leaves. But I found lots of other things too.
Such as how much I love the photo processing and inspiration that I’m finding in both Start to Finish, and Be Still 52. In fact, last week when I saw Kim’s photo of a pear and some leaves, I absolutely knew I had to re-create the whole darn thing! Incredibly it has ended up as my new blog header! I’ve been trying to come up with a new idea for ages but was at a loss as to what to do.
My WordPress theme is set up with a rather (giant) space for a header and I have no idea on how to change it. It’s simply too complicated and risky for me to go into the html code and mess around. I’d be flirting with disaster.
Suddenly, I saw potential with my pear and leaves photo. I took it into Lightroom; toning, straightening, and cropping. Then I used the preset kk_darkmood and finally, sent it over to Photoshop.
What you see in my final header is a combination of four copies of this photo, merged and cloned to extend the white bead board. Here’s what I started with (after LR edits) …
I’m pretty happy with it. I needed something that fit with the photography element of my blog but still had lots of white space.
I also want to thank Beverly (our sweet blogging friend) from Lavender Bleu … she felt the same way about Kim’s photo and we conspired together that we were going to re-create it! What an inspirational community!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Friday Finds at kimklassen.com
Texture Tuesday and “On a Chair”
I’m combining Texture Tuesday with some of my Start to Finish lessons. I used a white vintage chippy chair, baby pumpkins, an old bowl, and some burlap.
We’ve been enjoying the most wonderful Indian Summer … which is hard to believe after the dump of snow we had six weeks ago!
I want to take advantage of every second, so yesterday, I took my chippy chair outside and sat on the lawn and stared at it. I found this chair several weeks ago at “One Man’s Treasure” and nearly fainted when I saw it! Then I nearly fainted again when the dear owner said she only wanted $20.00 for it! How could I leave without it? I’d been watching for it for months and months.
Once I set it on the lawn, and saw the tall crispy grasses and semi-bare trees behind it, I instantly “felt” it, and I spent a couple of hours playing with different setups!
I wasn’t entirely happy with all of the results (simply because I couldn’t express what was in my “minds eye”), but they are certainly OK.
I processed them in LR with the Start to Finish – Day 8 lessons in mind. So much to learn there … I could go over them 10 times and still find some new tip or trick! The biggest thing I learned had to do with cropping … nothing earth-shattering, just something for me to think about.
I used the texture kk_simple on all of the images, except the last one.
Happy Tuesday! and thanks so much for dropping by!
Texture Tuesday at kimklassen.com
Friday Finds: Red Pepper Berries
Friday Finds already? I can’t believe how time flies!
Over the Thanksgiving weekend, we received not one, but two beautiful bouquets … love … and in one of them, I spied what I thought looked like red pepper berries.
After picking one, and first crushing, then tasting it, my suspicions were confirmed—spicy, peppery, aromatic!
Happily, I’m still alive today, so I guess it wasn’t a poisonous variety.
I thought they looked pretty nice paired up with my red pears …
… berry bokeh …
So this will wrap up my week-long obsession with red pears, that is unless they end up in a beautiful pear tart that I have to show you!
All images were processed in LR with the kk_warmandslight preset.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Shooting Still Life on an iPhone
Shooting still life on an iPhone can sometimes turn out as good as, or better than when using a DSLR.
I find it easier to shoot “from above” images since the phone is so much lighter. I also like that I can set the camera for a square format, which is probably my favourite ratio for images lately.
I took this photo with Camera+ and edited it in Mextures. When I checked the metadata, I was surprised to see that this image is 1068 x 1068 at 240 ppi which is plenty big enough to print.
Yesterday I posted my Pear Still Life using my DSLR. I was able to control the focus and depth of field much better with my DSLR, but I’m still kinda liking this one, especially the composition.
So what’s my take-away today? It’s that I’m going to have to figure out how to see square while looking through a rectangular format. I’ll let you know how that goes …
Thanks so much for dropping by today!
Pear Still Life for Start to Finish
Pear Still Life
I kind of fell off the radar for a few days due to our Thanksgiving holiday, and a couple other commitments that needed to be taken care of. Now I’ve developed a nasty cold. Boo.
I think I’m going to poach a couple of my subjects from my shoot today and call it dinner, and then bed time …
kk_oldendays on all but the first image, where I used kk_lettherebelight and adjusted the red hues to my liking. Kim has the best presets … they work magic.
Thanks so much for dropping by today!
A Perfect Match!
I was re-potting succulents (as I’ve mentioned about a million times), and when I plopped this particular plant into this particular pot … I immediately saw that it was a perfect match!
I’m taking the Start to Finish class and these images are a result of Kims prompts, tips, and techniques.
My setup was a bit wonky because I wanted bright light on the plant, but not on the dark background, so I set the foam core quite a distance from the plant, and pulled the blinds to block the sun on it only. That meant turning the wooden bench sideways, which meant moving the kitchen table, several chairs, and plants and other props … really quite a mess …
I used the grey waffle tea towel, not only because of the colour, but because I felt the simple, straight, and flat lines also added just the right touch.
These two images were taken when the sun was just a bit more harsh, and yet I like the effect. It seems to complement the hard edges of the plant and the pot.
Thanks so much for dropping by today!
“app” happy wednesday #24!
Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #24 and all things phone photography! If you are 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.
PLEASE NOTE: Instead of having a link-up every Wednesday, it’s now going to be on the first Wednesday of each month.
So, the next one will be November 5th, and then December 3rd. Each party will start at 5:00 am.
I do hope to see you here!
You may have noticed that I’m a little obsessed with my succulent plants … I’ve been uprooting and re-potting a few in order to over-winter them. I set this one inside a grey pot without thinking much of it, and then I did a double-take … what an amazing match!
I set it down on a rustic bench with a piece of black foam core behind it. It was the bright and harsh sunlight that caught my eye …
Original taken with Camera+
Then I took it into Mextures where I pretty much had a field day!
What an amazing difference a few filters can make! I have to admit, I can’t remember which ones I used but all it takes is a bit of playing around to find a combination that you like.
Earlier reviews:
Camera+ Part I
Camera+ Part II
So 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?
- 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!
- Each party will start at 5:00 am on the first Wednesday of the month.
*sorry … this series is closed
Potting Bench Adventures
From the potting bench this morning, I bring you my crabapples, clay pots, succulents, pumpkins, and mums, with a sprinkling of autumn leaves! #iseehearts
Yesterday we had a “Be Still Connect”. I always look forward to them and inevitably come away with fresh new ideas.
One thing that struck me was how overwhelmed a lot of us feel with all our commitments. Everyone agreed that we should cut ourselves some slack, and then try to whittle away some of the stuff that isn’t working for us anymore.
I made a list and found one thing I could finally let go … it was a hard decision and has taken me over a year to finally get to this point. We resist change, but it’s happening to us every single day.
Our interests, goals, passions … they change … just like the seasons. I first needed to accept that, and now I can let go. I’m off to send that e-mail …
Have a happy Tuesday!
kk_within LR preset with adjustments
Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com
“app” happy wednesday #23
Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #23! If you are new to the party, this is a link-up to share your phone 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.
PLEASE NOTE: Instead of having a link-up every wednesday, it’s now going to be on the first Wednesday of each month. So, the next one will be October 1st, then November 5th, and then December 3rd. Each party will start at 5:00 am on the first Wednesday of the month and will stay open until the next party begins! so party on!!
I do hope to see you here!
In an effort to use my phone to create still life images that I could use for TT, or Start to Finish, or Be Still 52, I’m experimenting with VSCOcam.
I took this shot, cropped it, adjusted exposure, and then applied the S1 filter. Even though this is not the best shot ever, I’m pretty happy with it! And the coolest thing is that when I uploaded it to WordPress, the description area reads: alt=”Processed with VSCOcam with s1 preset”. Way too cool! That information was saved with the photo!! A.ma.zing.
When I downloaded the app, I decided to buy the Launch Bundle for $5.99 which was basically all the presets.
I must say that the interface is not all that friendly but I found a great tutorial at iphonephotographyschool dot com which I would highly recommend. If you can’t find it, email me and I’ll send you a link.
So 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?
- 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!
- Each party will start at 5:00 am on the first Wednesday of the month and will stay open until the next party begins! so party on!!
*sorry … this series is closed
Autumn is a New Beginning
Good morning, and happy first day of autumn! Where I live, the autumnal equinox started at 8:29 pm last night. It’s astronomical! Literally …
“autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower” albert camus
I love September, I love autumn, and I love the feeling of a fresh new start. To me, it feels more like a new beginning than January 1st.
I’ve been feeling extremely energized and creative. One minute I’m outside cleaning flower beds, then suddenly I spy a mushroom and I’m off to grab my camera … 30 minutes later I remember what I was doing in the first place, and head back to the garden.
Next, I spy some gorgeous, mottled cotoneaster leaves and am off to grab my camera again. This time, the quote by Albert Camus came to mind and I ended up creating an autumn flower.
Right after breakfast I’m heading out on a photo search … it’s another perfect day with a little bit of cloud cover. I want to soak up every single delicious autumn moment before it’s gone.
I’m excited to begin the new Start to Finish class later today, and I have some more baking to do, so I’d better get a move on!
Have you signed up for my newsletter? I’ve already sent out two this month, and there’s been a great response so far. You can sign up using the form on the sidebar – I’d love to have you!
One last thing … there’s going to be a slight change to “app” happy wednesday, starting tomorrow. I love seeing your art, and I hope to see you there!
Have a wonderful Tuesday!
“app” happy wednesday #22
Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #22! 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.
The trees are turning very quickly now. Every morning I notice more colour, and I swear by the end of the day there’s even more again. Oh how I wish I could hold on to it!
I edited this photo in Mextures with a very soft touch, just enough to deepen and brighten ever so slightly.
Camera+ Mextures
Camera+
I’ve been experimenting with VSCOcam this past week, but I don’t feel comfortable sharing anything yet. It’s a great camera and I want to do it justice. So that’s what I plan to post next Wednesday.
If you missed it before, you can check out my post on PS Touch, or Camera+ here, and here.
So 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?
- 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.
- Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
- Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.
- You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.
*sorry … this series is closed
Wabi Sabi: Setting Up a Still Life
Today I want to share my process in setting up this still life, and how a simple change of angle gave my wabi sabi image much more impact.
I’d been watching a gazania wither and dry for over a week. As the days went by, I knew it was going to be my post for Texture Tuesday. It could qualify for Be Still 52 as well because it took some thought (but not effort), for me to visualize what I wanted to do with it.
I knew I was going to set it on an old wooden door I’d salvaged quite some time ago. I also knew the photo was going to be taken “from above”, and that I’d be using my little garden snips, and twine.
I really wanted to show you a “before” image as a mouseover, but I cannot get it to work in WordPress… grrrrrr … if WordPress doesn’t like a certain html code, it takes the liberty of stripping it from a post … major grrrrr. If anyone knows a workaround for this annoyance could you please share it with me?
Anyway, following is the image I was working on to start with, and I just did not like it … can you see what’s wrong?
This is the back of the door, and the support board was going straight across from left to right and it was really bothering me. It didn’t look crooked, but it did not look straight either.
So, I ended up tipping the whole image, and instantly, everything felt right! ahhh … don’t you agree?
I think this is a much better version… wonderful and very wabi sabi!
I processed it in LR with kk_whisper, then added a layer of kk_quiet on soft light at 50%.
The following close-up image was processed in LR with kk_gentle.
I’m loving these presets from Kim I tell ya! They add instant charm and a beautiful feel to every still life, and you just know it’s going to be perfect.
lr preset: kk_gentle
I hope you’ve enjoyed the explanation of my process!
I’ve registered for the new round of Start to Finish that begins later this month, and I’m so looking forward to it! Who else out there is taking it?
Oh, and please don’t forget to join me here tomorrow for “app” happy wednesday!
“app” happy wednesday #21
Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #21!
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.
So, when I heard we were going to get snow and freezing temperatures, I went out to my garden and picked as much as I could and then made a few flower arrangements. I took photos with my DSLR and my phone, and I have to tell you I much preferred the phone photos. Hipstamatic wins again!
Dream Canvas with Jane lens.
I was struck at how “autumny” my coleus looked so I added a pumpkin to the mix …
These photos also remind me of the 70’s or 80’s or something … hmmm… must be the harvest gold and green …
Dream Canvas with Jane lens.
Then there’s my pretty echinops:
Dream Canvas with Adler 9009 lens
Now you might want to put on some sunglasses for my bright “pink sunrise” in Waterlogue!
Waterlogue now has the option to not use a frame, so I thought I’d try it, but I think I like the frames better.
Well, 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 combine apps?
- 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.
- Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
- Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.
- You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.
*sorry … this series is closed
Texture Tuesday: Silverware and Serviettes
Wrap vintage silverware with twine and a spring of rosemary for a great addition to any autumn tablescape!
Good morning! I’ll try not to whine too much about our overnight dump of snow … but I did have to mention it, so as to get it out of my system … ugh …
Many of my flowers are mush now … but not my herbs, they’re fine, so I decided to bring a few in and play around with them.
I edited these images in LR, first adjusting exposure, cropping, and then I applied the preset kk_lightly.
For the first two, I added the texture kk_leslie, at soft light (65%) which warmed them up …
The following set has just the preset with no added texture, which left them cooler …
I can’t decide which I like best! Usually I prefer the cooler tones but this time … it may be a tie! What do you think?
kk_lightly only:
Many thanks to all who have signed up for my newsletter! I’m thrilled and honoured that you did! I’m looking forward to communicating in a more personal way.
So … exciting changes for me! The automatic RSS driven e-mail subscription will not be available after today …
Pink Sunrise
Good morning! Happy Sunday to you!
Last week I was sitting in my office and glanced out the window to see a sky that was so pink I could hardly believe my eyes. I grabbed my phone and hurried down to the lake.
After I took all these photos I was wishing I’d taken my big camera … I’m just so out of the mode … and I need to change that … but here is what I did get:
It lasted maybe 10 minutes maximum, and then it vanished.
Today we are going on a mushroom hunt (I know how strange) but I think it’s going to be quite interesting. My friend is most interested in finding the mushrooms to eat … I’m most interested in taking photos… and yes, it’s guided so we shouldn’t be poisoning anyone!
See you tomorrow … hopefully …
Printing Instagram with Printstagram
It’s no secret that I love Instagram, but I love it even more when I get my photos printed!
I’ve tried other companies and have always had great results, but this time I chose Printstagram because they offered greeting cards in three different sizes. I chose the 4×4 square complete with kraft paper envelopes.
There’s something so intriguing about seeing your very own, little works of art, printed out as cards.
I wrapped up a few cards and gave them away as gifts! but I have to admit I had a hard time parting with them …
I highly recommend Printstagram (I first learned about them from Kim Klassen) … thank you, Kim.
Ordering was easy, delivery was very prompt, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the quality. Here is where I mention that this is NOT a sponsored post, this is my own, authentic opinion and I will be ordering from them again in the future.
So this was basically my big find for the week! Love it when happy mail arrives!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
“app” happy wednesday #20
Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #20!
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.
Today I simply laid down on the sofa and played around in DistressedFX. I haven’t used it for a while and I thought my barn was a good subject.
I used “Pith” and added the “swirl” birds.
Then I took it into Camera+ and softened it with a blur and added the Vintage frame.
My favourite barn never gets old!
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 combine apps?
- 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.
- Spread the word about the link-up, the more the merrier!
- Each party will start at 5:00 am on Wednesdays and will stay open until the following Sunday night at midnight.
- You can now use Instagram to link your images! Way cool! Check the article here. I also added some tips on this post here.
Feeling Wishy-Washy
I’m feeling kind of wishy-washy tonight as I prepare my post for TT. A busy week last week and a busy weekend combined with computer woes, e-mail problems, updates, passwords … all spinning around in my head … ugh … double ugh … I’m really hoping I finally have everything sorted out. I look forward to a quiet and uneventful September … fingers crossed.
I did so much to this photo that I can’t even begin to explain … I’ve been practicing in LR with presets and I’m pretty sure all that really ended up on this is Kim’s kk_lightly. I’m loving the 31 Days of LR with all the fantastic info and wonderful free presets! Yes, I’m behind but what can I say. I’m behind in just about everything right now.
So for now I’ll bid you a “good-night” even though it will be morning when you see this!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
PS: I’m giving away a copy of Photoshop Elements 12 (draw on Friday, September 5). Check out this post for details.