You would not believe how many hours, and how many photos were shot, for me to get this Chocolate Ranunculus and Tea series just the way I wanted it! Whew! It was quite the production and I’ll tell you why … but first … the story behind my finds.
This week, I was on my own for a couple of days while hubby was away on business.
But just before he left, we stopped at Trader Joe’s because … well … really, do you honestly need a reason to stop at Trader Joe’s?
I’m just looking, I said …
… but he was on to me … and, as a matter of fact, hubby was the one who spied the ranunculus and was more than happy to lead me to them. I tell you, I nearly fell over (really). I turned a bit quickly and stumbled ever so slightly.
I’ve been dying to get my hands on some after since seeing so many gorgeous images on Instagram … every time I saw one I was filled with longing (drama queen here).
I ended up buying four bunches, three brightly coloured, and one white because at $4.99/bunch I did not feel one bit bad about it. In fact if I get the chance I’m going back for more.
But today I’m sharing only my white ranunculus. When I started arranging them on this sweet teacup (which I also found this week) I was swept up and way (more drama).
When I applied Kim’s kk_chocolate preset I was stunned. That preset tends to blow out whites in photos but oh.my.good.heavens … when my heart starts pounding, that’s when I know I’m on to something.
I spent almost a whole day taking shots and as I was posting them on Instagram, I noticed an old problem of mine. I had used different white backgrounds and shot my images in different lighting. Well, that’s OK for IG I thought, but I’m going to fix this because I wanted a good cohesive series. So the next day, I redid the whole shoot using the exact same setup for each one and I also shot them all within an hour, beside an east-facing window …
… because I wanted this …
… a collage with matching tones.
I learned so much by doing this shoot, even more than I’m going to share, so as not to bore you to tears … oh, hello? … are you still with me? If so, thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful Friday!
Oh my gosh, so much lovelyness in this post! Your the queen of top down – squares, and I love to read about the shooting. Your blog is really full of inspiration!
Thank you so much dutchbarb56 – I so appreciate your comment!
These images are drop dead gorgeous! The chocolate preset never looked so good. It really shows that you took the extra time to get the images just right.
Thank you, Michelle :)
Oh Gasp!!! Barb! These are incredible….so creative, so fun, so perfectly beautiful!! I love your polka dot cup and saucer, and it is the perfect accessory for the ranunculus! (My TJ’s didn’t have them again this week! I’m dying down here waiting for them). And I really understand about shooting to get all the same light tones in the background. I too know that feeling of clicking on a preset and my heart just stops, and my eyes get wide…Ahhh, the magic was done in a click! Wondering if you are going to sell these prints!! LOVE the one in that zinc jar lid!! Just fabulous!!!
Thank you Beverly … that’s high praise coming from someone as talented as you … just thank you …
gorgeous images! wonderfully, wonderfully done!
These are simply GORGEOUS!
Oh my! THese are simply gorgeous! I love this entire series. I know what you mean about applying a preset and then being blown away. Wonderful job on these.
Trying to get perfectly matching light in a series of any kind is always a monumental challenge. You did this beautifully!
Thank you, Dotti!
I’m just dying over here….and drooling. I Love, adore, ranunculus and haven’t been able to find any. I even went to a wedding florist and they said they would order some extra for me, and I still don’t have any. And that tea cup and saucer, sigh…..just so cute. Love this whole series so much!
Thank you so much, Kim! I so appreciate the love xo
I’m swooning and drooling at the same time , my goodness these images are beyond gorgeous ! I’m so envious of everyone who can go to a TJ’s, there are none within a decent distance to me …booooo. Congratulations on opening your shop too, I know it will be a great success ! Also well done on the backgrounds, it was so worth your extra time :)))
Thank you so much, Caz xo
I’m just blown away! I have the hardest time getting that cohesive look at different angles. You nailed it! And $4.99 a bunch? I’m jealous! A very beautiful series!
So worth your time and efforts – they are spectacular!!! Can’t pick a favorite – love them all – you need to make a series of cards out of these stunning images!!
Your tenacity surely paid off, Barb, as these are just beautiful.
I really love each of the compositions, and what more can one say about ranunculus?
They are one of my very favorite flowers, and seeing the white ones are extra special since we see mostly the brightly colored ones here.
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgous . . . .. and not ever bored … I am listening!!!!