Keeping With The Times

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

December 23, 2016 by Barb 2 Comments

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

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

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

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

5 Photography Resources to Help Capture More Life in Your Photos this SeasonBecause I’m definitely not an expert in capturing the human touch (or any other area for that matter ;) here’s a list of resources I think will be valuable in helping me achieve my goals this Christmas season:

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

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

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

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

xo

You might also like:

Snippets of our Christmas 2015 (photo goals)

 

Filed Under: Photography Resources Tagged With: books

Wood Photography Background

November 19, 2015 by Barb 6 Comments

I’m always on the lookout for new wood photography background ideas. I dare say a person cannot have too many choices … one day you may feel like using barn wood, the next day you may feel like using an old rusty old drawer … and the next … well, nothing seems right.

And what if you aren’t home and don’t have access to your “stuff”? We travel between two places and of course it’s not possible for me to throw my chippy potting bench into the trunk along with my suitcase … hmmmm, or is it? … nah. not.

Anyway, as I’ve been staying in my “city home” the last few days, I needed something small and easy to carry, so I made a quick trip to Michaels where I found a 28″ x 11″ piece of wood (and it’s light as a feather – bonus).

I have no idea what it’s really for … a sign perhaps? I quickly scooped up 2 pieces and a small container of Martha Stewart’s Vintage Decor Paint with a matte chalk finish.

Here’s the before:
Wood Photography Background… and here’s the after …
Wood Photography BackgroundSince I was going for a rough finish, it took me about 15 minutes to paint both boards. Initially I was going to give them 2 coats but decided it wasn’t necessary (I must say Martha’s paints are very thick and easy to apply).

There was also a lot of paint left over, so I’ve been painting up a storm … more backgrounds to come … .

You may also like 5 Photography Background Ideas, or Rustic Photography Background.

Wood Photography Background, Easy "how-to" paint a photography background, Keeping With the Times

Day 19 #nablopomo

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS, Photography Resources Tagged With: diy, still life

Rustic Photography Background

August 25, 2015 by Barb 17 Comments

When shooting still life, I love using a rustic photography background. Therefore I’m aways on the lookout for new and unusual pieces to add to my collection. I have a lot of barn wood in the form of coffee tables, side tables, and potting benches. I use old doors (front and back), and my recently acquired old table, covered in scratches and paint splats. But it seems I’m never satisfied!

So begins my (shameful) story of … dumpster diving … . As we live in a rural setting, we don’t have garbage pickup, and I have to take our garbage to the dump once a week. Well, at said dump, there’s an area called “take it or leave it” and I’ve done my share of leaving (mostly junk that could go into the landfill, but with a little tlc, could be salvaged.)

But on occasion, my eye wanders as I’m dropping stuff off … and one day I spied these … and of course it’s not the poppies … or the books …

Rustic Photography Background, Keeping With the Times

kk_MatterFact

At the back of the building sat a pile of something … something I recognized, but couldn’t quite believe. It was an old Hoosier, falling apart, and not all there. I gasped. I have a Hoosier, and it’s a treasured family heirloom from my husband’s parents. Check it out here if you feel the urge to see what I’m talking about.

With a sinking feeling, I knew in my heart I wasn’t going to be able to drag the whole thing home. I’m not physically capable, my car isn’t big enough, and I couldn’t involve the hubs. On top of that, it would need to be completely restored with new pieces built from scratch … just.not.going.to.happen. What to do.

Well, I knew I could not walk away from the enamel table top, so I sheepishly dragged it to the car and hoisted it into the trunk. This table top sparked a whole series on white enamel #fromtheenameltabletop so I have no regrets about it. I know I’m going to be using it all winter, it’s easy to move, and will work extremely well with the changing light in my home.

After that,  I couldn’t stop myself … into the car went all the drawers … the pile was impressive …

old hoosier pile

When I got home, I washed the pieces, and proceeded to hide them under the deck, all the time wondering what I was turning into … an eccentric hoarder perhaps? During the summer I felt guilt and angst every time I saw the pile … but I knew … I knew I’d be using pieces of it sooner or later. And what the heck, I could always take all of it back to the dump.

So, the background for my images today is metal … a metal drawer and a metal lid. I think it looks beyond amazing, especially when one of Kim’s Lightroom presets is applied. Pure magic.

Rustic Photography Background, Keeping With the Times

kk_Truly

Rustic Photography Background, Keeping With the Times

kk_MatterFact

Rustic Photography Background, Keeping With the Times

kk_MatterFact

My only regret is I didn’t drag home more.

Filed Under: Photography Resources, Still Life Tagged With: lightroom preset, photography background, poppy

5 Photography Background Ideas

August 24, 2015 by Barb 15 Comments

A great photography background is the foundation of a great still life image. We all use backgrounds … weathered wood, white foam core, or simply areas of our home.

I love to use my mantle because it’s a true part of my life. With it’s white shelf, and the low-key, mossy green wall behind it, it’s the perfect starting point for a great image. There’s also a window to the right which lets in some killer light, especially in the winter.

The pretty “painting” is a canvas I found at HomeSense … it was fairly inexpensive and works not only for decorating my home, it’s the perfect photography background for my beautiful globeflowers. For late summer, I could change up the flowers for green grass, or wheat, or oats, picked from fields nearby.

To give the painting a bit more “oomph” I used a tiny bit of hot glue in each corner and glued it to the wooden background, which is actually a framed mirror. I can easily pop the painting off the wood and replace it with another canvas for a different look.

Photography Background Ideas, Keeping With the Times
Here’s another example using my mantle, a different canvas, and some globe thistle (not on wood frame):

Echinops in a Corner, The Studio Online, Keeping With the Times

So, I’ve been using canvases in my still life images … but the thing is … they’re mostly abstracts which I’ve come to really love. They are also quite inexpensive, and can be used in your home … bonus! When your not using it for a still life, simply hang it in a room somewhere! Our guest bedrooms have never looked so good!

Sunday Sundries, Vintage Colander, Wildflowers, Keeping With the Times

My mantle is simply one still life image after another … changing with the seasons. Even my Quirky Autumn Mantel is a still life in real life.

Here are four more great ideas for photography backgrounds:

  1. This tutorial by Cristina Colli is fabulous! In fact, it’s how I got started on the canvases … and I do plan to follow her tutorial and make my own real soon.
  2. Scrapbook paper.
  3. One of my favourite shoots was done on the back of a cork board … it was all I had at the time.
  4. Breadboards …

Photography Background Ideas, Keeping With the Times

So look around, turn things over, look for surfaces that are not obvious at first glance … it’s amazing what you can come up with!

Later this week, I have a photography background that I’ll be sharing with The Studio | Online for the “Stories” prompt. I cannot wait to tell you about it!

I have an exciting new series coming up this autumn and I’m really hoping you’ll join me. It’s going to be quite different and presented in a way I’ve never done before … I’m excited … and scared … more on that later.

Have a wonderful Monday!

Photography Background Ideas, Keeping With the Times

Filed Under: Photography Resources Tagged With: photography background

Fix Photos Fast! My Experience

June 26, 2015 by Barb 2 Comments

Have you had a chance to check out the class Fix Photos Fast with Actions by Linda Sattgast which I’m offering at a discount price?  If you are at all interested, please don’t wait … I can personally attest to the fact that you will be getting more than your money’s worth, and the offer ends tomorrow night.

Fix Photos Fast with Actions, Keeping With the Times, Actions, Linda Sattgast, Digital Scrapper

Final Image

I used a few of Linda’s Photoshop actions on this peony image to create an invitation for an “imaginary” garden party I plan to hold in July ;) oh wait … I think I’m having a garden party all summer long …

Here’s my original image, straight out of camera:

Fix Photos Fast with Actions, Keeping With the Times, Actions, Linda Sattgast, Digital Scrapper

Original

I played the action “Lighter: Shadows/Highlights-minimum” and with one single click I achieved what I was going for; I wanted to lessen the shadows but I didn’t want to blow out the highlights on the peonies. Ya gotta love these results …

Fix Photos Fast with Actions, Keeping With the Times, Actions, Linda Sattgast, Digital Scrapper

Lighter_Shadows_Highlights-minimum

Then I played “Smart Sharpen-Low” and “Color: Boost” which gave just the right amount of color without being overwhelming. I could have played more using the mask to brush away some color, but I had to stop somewhere! It’s addictive and it could not be easier.

Subtle, but powerful changes:

Fix Photos Fast with Actions, Keeping With the Times, Actions, Linda Sattgast, Digital Scrapper

Lighter: Shadows/Highlights-minimum, Smart Sharpen-Low, Color: Boost

The class comes with a money back guarantee so you simply cannot lose … .

Click here to find out more about this class.

Thank you for dropping by and have a wonderful weekend!!

Filed Under: Photography Resources Tagged With: affiliate, digital scrapper, Linda Sattgast, photoshop, photoshop actions, Tutorial

Layer Mask Basics Free Tutorial

June 25, 2015 by Barb Leave a Comment

If you like adding artistic effects to your photos, I have the perfect short (approximately 6 minute) Layer Mask Basics how-to video for you.

For the Photoshop version, click here. For the Photoshop Elements version, click here.

You’ll learn how to blend a photo of an old wooden clipboard with an ordinary photo to create extraordinary results!

Start with a photo like this cute kitty sitting on a column.
Layer Mask Basics Free Tutorial

Add a photo of an old wooden clipboard above the kitty.

Layer Mask Basics Free TutorialLayer Mask Basics Free Tutorial

Change the blend mode of the clipboard layer and use a layer mask to put the slightly grungy effect exactly where you want it.

Layer Mask Basics Free Tutorial

This tutorial is especially helpful for anyone who doesn’t really understand how to use layer masks or why they’re even useful in the first place. The instructor, Linda Sattgast, says, “I use layer masks all the time when fixing or enhancing photos. It’s one of my most often used tools!”

Linda is the instructor for the Fix Photos FAST class I’m offering, so if you’re wondering whether you should take her class, this is a great way to see how she teaches.

Now through Saturday, June 27, 2015, I’m offering a discount on the Fix Photos FAST class. Click here to see my original post, and to get all the details.

Please don’t wait! This is an amazing class at an incredibly low price, and I can hardly believe Linda offers it at such a discount!

Again, for the Layer Masks Basics how-to video, Photoshop version click here. For the Photoshop Elements version, click here.

Filed Under: Photography Resources Tagged With: affiliate, digital scrapper, Linda Sattgast, photoshop, photoshop actions, Tutorial

Fix Photos Fast with Actions

June 23, 2015 by Barb 3 Comments

Actions: Fix Photos Fast! Header
As a new affiliate with Digital Scrapper, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to offer the class “Fix Photos Fast with Actions” by Linda Sattgast, at a discount price!

But first, a little background information … I joined Digital Scrapper in March of 2009, and it has to have been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’d just purchased a copy of Photoshop Elements 4 which included the “Learn Digital Scrapbooking” CD by Linda Sattgast. Linda’s teaching style is friendly, clear, and concise, and 95% of what I know about Photoshop and scrapbooking I found at Digital Scrapper. Amazingly, I went from learning Photoshop to teaching Photoshop! True story!

What if you don’t scrapbook? I say … no matter … we all use photos! We have them in our personal albums, on our blogs, on Instagram and/or Facebook … so why not make it easy on yourself (and your viewers) by using Photoshop actions to enhance them?

Click on the following image to be taken to the full class outline, and an opportunity to purchase at a discount price!

Actions: Fix Photos Fast! Class Contrast

I firmly believe in Linda and her dedicated team of professionals at Digital Scrapper, and am confident you will love this class (I know I did!)

Here’s an excerpt from the class description:

Here’s What You Get With Fix Photos FAST (by Linda Sattgast)

  • Receive my personal set of 36 time saving photo editing actions that I use constantly to fix my photos.
  • These actions are available for the following versions: Photoshop Elements 7 through 12 and Photoshop CS2 through Photoshop CC.
  • You receive both versions of this class: Photoshop Elements and Photoshop, so if you change versions, I’ve got you covered.
  • Print out my action “Cheat Sheet” to use as a quick reference until you get acquainted with what each action does.
  • For those who want more training, I’ve provided more than 25 video tutorials on various topics from how to use individual actions more effectively to my personal approach to photo editing.
  • I’ve also included more than a dozen Watch-Over-My-Shoulder videos where I go through a photo from beginning to end and tell you my thought process. In my opinion, this alone is worth the price of the class. You’ll pick up so many tidbits and ideas you may never have thought of before!

Limited Time Discount

For 4 days only this class is on sale for $10 off, so if you’re interested in a faster way to quickly fix your photos using actions,  click here to find out more about the class.

Here’s what one class member had to say:

I learned in a few weeks what I had tried (and failed) to learn in the prior 14 years.
Terri Fullerton, Michigan

This is a sample video from the Fix Photos FAST class:

Actions lighter less contrast video button

In the spirit of full disclosure, this is an affiliate link, which means I may get a commission if you decide to purchase this class. I only recommend products & systems that I use and love myself. I truly believe in Digital Scrapper.

Do you have questions or concerns? Please leave a comment and I’ll be very happy to answer them!

Click here to find out more about the Fix Photos FAST class.

Filed Under: Photography Resources Tagged With: affiliate, digital scrapper, Linda Sattgast, photoshop, photoshop actions, Tutorial

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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