Keeping With The Times

living, learning, and keeping with the times

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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:

Vintage Window (Pains), Friday Finds, Keeping With the Times

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!

Vintage Window (Pains), Friday Finds, Keeping With the TimesI found the tulips at Costco (very affordable) and I plan to have tulips from now until at least the middle of March.

kk_melancholy:

Vintage Window (Pains) Tulips, Friday Finds, Barb Brookbank, Keeping With the Times

kk_breeze:

Vintage Window (Pains) Tulips, Friday Finds, Barb Brookbank, Keeping With the Times

 

 

Filed Under: Still Life Tagged With: lightroom, mantel, succulents, tulips

“app” happy wednesday #33

February 18, 2015 by Barb 8 Comments

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

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.

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 …

"app" happy wednesday #33, Processed with VSCOcam with t2 preset

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

"app" happy wednesday #33, Processed with VSCOcam with t2 preset

"app" happy wednesday

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

Filed Under: Phone Photography

“app” happy wednesday #32

February 11, 2015 by Barb 12 Comments

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

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.

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 …

app happy wednesday, distressed winter

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

Filed Under: Phone Photography

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.

Chocolate Brownie Hearts, Keeping With the Times, Kim Klassen dot com, Food Styling Column

Chocolate Brownie Hearts, Keeping With the Times, Kim Klassen dot com, Food Styling Column

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)!

Filed Under: Artful Photography Tagged With: food photography, food styling, kim klassen, lightroom

“app” happy wednesday #31

February 4, 2015 by Barb 10 Comments

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

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.

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 …

vsco-peppercorns, "app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times dot com

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.

vsco-peppercorns, app happy wednesday

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?

VSCO Veggies

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

Filed Under: Phone Photography

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

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.)

Filed Under: Artful Photography Tagged With: food styling, kim klassen, lightroom

“app” happy wednesday #30

January 28, 2015 by Barb 4 Comments

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

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.

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.

"app" happy wednesday, Keeping With the Times

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

Filed Under: Phone Photography

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 …

Props for Still Life

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

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Still Life Tagged With: kim klassen, still life

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 …

Quail Eggs on Twigs, Keeping With the Times

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

Quail Eggs on Twigs, Keeping With the Times

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

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Still Life Tagged With: lightroom

“app” happy wednesday #29

January 21, 2015 by Barb 9 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #29!

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’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 …

app-happy-bokeh

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.

app-happy-bokeh

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

app-happy-bokeh

Then I used the Fade function …

app-happy-bokeh

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

app-happy-bokeh

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.

app-happy-bokeh

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

Filed Under: Phone Photography

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…

Chocolate Hydrangea, Keeping With the Times, Studio On Line

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!

 

Filed Under: Artful Photography Tagged With: flower, kim klassen, lightroom

“app” happy wednesday #28

January 14, 2015 by Barb 6 Comments

Welcome to “app” happy wednesday #28!

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.

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:

"app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times

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

"app" happy wednesday, keeping with the times

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

Filed Under: Phone Photography

Gentle Pink Carnation

January 13, 2015 by Barb 22 Comments

Sharing my gentle pink carnation …
texture tuesday, pink carnation

texture tuesday, 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!

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Still Life

“app” happy wednesday #27

January 7, 2015 by Barb 12 Comments

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).

EspressoArtfulBlogging_1

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 …

Espresso Artful Blogging, app happy wednesday, keeping with the times

… 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

Filed Under: Phone Photography

Week 30: Be Still 52

January 5, 2015 by Barb 15 Comments

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.

Silverware_3

… 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!) …

Silverware_2

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!

 

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Still Life

Quail Eggs for Friday Finds

January 2, 2015 by Barb 24 Comments

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.
Quail Eggs, Friday Finds, Keeping With the Times

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.

Quail Eggs, Keeping With the Times

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.

Quail Eggs, Keeping With the Times

Of course I had to cook up a few … steamed in a double boiler in one of my new dishes …

Quail Eggs, Keeping With the Times

Quail Eggs, Keeping With the Times

A little play with kk_melancholy …

Quail Eggs

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

 

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Still Life

Texture Tuesday: On Ice

December 16, 2014 by Barb 21 Comments

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!

texture tuesday on ice

kk_oldendays

As the sun shone on the ice, it melted slightly and formed an even and perfect surface for skating.

texture tuesday: on ice

texture tuesday: on ice

Just in time for the holidays …

keeping with the times

Hot chocolate, marshmallows, and truffles …

texture tuesday: on ice

texture tuesday: on ice

keeping with the times

 

keeping with the times

skating and hot chocolate11

kk_gentle

Thanks for dropping by today, and have a wonderful week!

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Texture Tagged With: lightroom, texture

Friday Finds: From the Cutting Room Floor

December 5, 2014 by Barb 13 Comments

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.

Friday Finds

Friday Finds

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?

Friday Finds

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

 

Filed Under: Still Life Tagged With: friday finds, lightroom

“app” happy wednesday #26

December 3, 2014 by Barb 10 Comments

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!

"app" happy wednesday

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.

"app" happy wednesday

Roxi_Hydrangea

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.

Filed Under: Artist Interview, Phone Photography Tagged With: guest post, interview, texture

I Found Some Time!

November 28, 2014 by Barb 18 Comments

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).
Butter and Eggs, Friday Finds, Keeping With the Times

I found brown eggs, which I feel guilty buying, but the photographer in me can’t help it …

Butter and Eggs, Friday Finds, Keeping With the Times

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 …

Butter and Eggs, Friday Finds, Keeping With the Times

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 …

Butter and Eggs, Friday Finds, Keeping With the Times

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!

Kim Klassen dot com

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Still Life Tagged With: be still 52 class, friday finds

Chamomile Citron Potpourri Tea

November 27, 2014 by Barb 10 Comments

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.

chamomile citron potpourri

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 …

chamomile citron potpourri2

kk_darklight:

chamomile citron potpourri3

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!!

“Be

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Still Life Tagged With: be still 52 class, lightroom

Winter Berries and Pine Cones

November 25, 2014 by Barb 21 Comments

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.

Winter berries and pine cones, Texture Tuesday

Winter berries and pine cones, Texture Tuesday

Of course I had to play a little and add one of Kim’s presets (kk_darklight) …

Winter berries and pine cones, Texture Tuesday

And when they end up as a new blog header … well that’s a bonus!

Winter berries and pine cones

Happy Texture Tuesday everyone!

Texture Tuesday at kimklassen.com

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Still Life

“app” happy wednesday #25

November 5, 2014 by Barb 10 Comments

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 …

app happy wednesday, afterlight

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:

afterlight-1-copy

kus

app happy wednesday, afterlight

thorn

afterlight-bloom-copy

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!

app happy wednesday, afterlight

Here are a couple of photos I ran the kus, thorn, and bloom “fusion” on …

app happy wednesday, afterlight

app-happy_1-copy

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

Filed Under: Phone Photography

This Wabi Sabi Wooden Table

November 4, 2014 by Barb 21 Comments

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 wabi sabi wooden table, vintage find, start to finish

This is about as wabi sabi as it gets …

wabi sabi wooden table, vintage find, start to finish

I have to be careful how I move this table since the boards are ready to fall apart …

wabi sabi wooden table, vintage find, start to finish

… and are as dry as tinder …

wabi sabi wooden table, vintage find, start to finish

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.

Kim Klassen {dot com}

Friday Finds at kimklassen.com

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Still Life Tagged With: arizona, lightroom, photoshop

Texture Tuesday: Echinops on Potting Bench

October 28, 2014 by Barb 19 Comments

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 …

Echinops on Potting Bench

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

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Still Life, Texture Tagged With: texture

Friday Finds: Inspiration

October 24, 2014 by Barb 22 Comments

Friday Finds … what did I find this week?

Well, I found two plaid flannel shirts at Superstore. What shouts “autumn” more than that?

friday finds

kk_gentle

Bright, cozy, classic.The colour of leaves. But I found lots of other things too.

Autumn Plaids, friday finds

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) …

KWTT Header

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

 

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Still Life Tagged With: autumn, friday finds, lightroom

Texture Tuesday and “On a Chair”

October 21, 2014 by Barb 25 Comments

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.
Texture Tuesday, and "On a Chair"

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!

On a Chair, Start to Finish, Texture Tuesday

DSC_2491-copy

On a Chair, Start to Finish, Texture Tuesday

DSC_2479-copy

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

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Still Life, Texture Tagged With: texture

Friday Finds: Red Pepper Berries

October 17, 2014 by Barb 22 Comments

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.Friday Finds: Red Pepperberries

I thought they looked pretty nice paired up with my red pears …

Red Pepper Berries and Pears_4

… berry bokeh …

Friday Finds: Red Pepperberries

Friday Finds: Red Pepperberries

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!

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Still Life Tagged With: friday finds, lightroom

Shooting Still Life on an iPhone

October 16, 2014 by Barb 6 Comments

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.
Shooting Still Life on an iPhone

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!

Filed Under: Phone Photography

Pear Still Life for Start to Finish

October 15, 2014 by Barb 12 Comments

Pear Still Life

Red Pears Still Life, Start to Finish

Red Pears Still Life, Start to Finish

Red Pears Still Life, Start to Finish, pear still life

Red Pears Still Life, Start to Finish

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!

 

Kim Klassen {dot com}

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Still Life Tagged With: lightroom

A Perfect Match!

October 2, 2014 by Barb 11 Comments

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 …

A Perfect Match

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.

still life with succulent

Thanks so much for dropping by today!

Filed Under: Still Life Tagged With: succulents

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Welcome! I'm Barb, and this is where I practice my mantra to "learn something new, try something different". It's my hope that something I do here may inspire you! Read More…

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