Keeping With The Times

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A Creative Retreat with Kim Klassen

February 27, 2017 by Barb 6 Comments

In June I’ll be heading to Brandon, Manitoba to attend the amazing creative retreat Finding Stillness | Summer 2017  with Kim Klassen.

It will centre around creative connection through still life styling, shooting and processing…..a gathering of like minded creatives… learning and growing together
Kim Klassen

This will be Kim’s third creative retreat, and the first one to be held in early summer. Just imagine. Just imagine the peonies … oh.my.oh.my.

Oh, dear. But first, let’s back up a bit … back to Finding Stillness |September 2016 (which I attended) and take a look-see as to what was still blooming in Manitoba at that time.

This little bouquet was one of the most photographed scenes at that retreat. A handful of sweet cosmos and delicate yarrow in a rusty bucket almost caused a stampede ;)

Creative Retreat, Finding Stillness 2016, Finding Stillness 2017, Barb Brookbank, Kim Klassen

Creative Retreat, Finding Stillness 2016, Finding Stillness 2017, Barb Brookbank, Kim Klassen

And then there was this absolutely stunning bouquet created by Irma of @prairieblossomboutique brought to us by her sister, the beautiful barista and photographer @simplyrosiephotography … insane … right?

Gah, I can’t even believe I was there …Creative Retreat, Finding Stillness 2016, Finding Stillness 2017, Barb Brookbank, Kim Klassen

Creative Retreat, Finding Stillness 2016, Finding Stillness 2017, Barb Brookbank, Kim Klassen

Creative Retreat, Finding Stillness 2016, Finding Stillness 2017, Barb Brookbank, Kim KlassenBut I was.

Creative Retreat, Finding Stillness 2016, Finding Stillness 2017, Barb Brookbank, Kim Klassen

Hand dyed linen by Aeleen Sclater

Creative Retreat, Finding Stillness 2016, Finding Stillness 2017, Barb Brookbank, Kim Klassen

“lunch is served”

The retreat is not a formal workshop, but Kim is always milling around, ready to answer any and all questions regarding cameras, Lightroom, and living a creative life. I’ll never forget the first tip she gave me regarding camera settings … it probably seemed small to her, but to me it was like a lightbulb exploded in my head (true story!) and I’ve heard many people say the same thing.

As well, all the other attendees are more than willing to share their process (Kim’s vibe attracts her tribe) and it’s a very uplifting and supportive environment.

When I was asked to create a flat-lay and to share my process, I was more than happy to do so. There were no secrets after I was finished, and when I look back at this image I’m kinda blown away by it … the colours, the textures, the design. Yeah … I’m pretty chuffed ;) it’s one of my fav’s … and take a look at Kim’s props (that linen! swoon!)

It was interesting to see everyone else’s take on it (photos in gallery on IG)

Creative Retreat, Finding Stillness 2016, Finding Stillness 2017, Barb Brookbank, Kim Klassen

Flatly by Barb Brookbank

To date, I haven’t shared much on my blog about the 2016 retreat. But from the moment I boarded that plane on my way to Brandon, and then to Rivers, and Kim’s studio, I felt as though I was living a dream. I was filled with excitement, anticipation, and a sense of pride. Never in my wildest imaginings did I think I’d be traveling across Canada to meet and mingle with like-minded creative souls, one of which was my oldest daughter, Jo-Anna from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs (but that’s a whole other post!)

I didn’t get as many people photos as I would have liked, but here’s a talented trio for you … friends forever …

Creative Retreat, Finding Stillness 2016, Finding Stillness 2017, Barb Brookbank, Kim Klassen

Shelley Rounds, Kim Klassen, Aeleen Sclater

In the end, I’m mostly struck with how the positive energy and empowerment of a retreat continues for not just days, or weeks, but for years! and perhaps even a lifetime. And now, I can hardly believe I’ll be boarding that plane once again!

Finding Stillness | Summer 2017 here I come!!

Oh, and I think there are still some spots available (just sayin’ ;)

 

I do realize I’m very blessed to have the support and encouragement to keep on following my dream no matter what, so I’m sending much love and hugs to the hubs (my staunchest supporter xoxo).

*You can read my posts on Finding Stillness | Autumn 2015  Part I here, and Part II here. As well as how we were published in Mingle magazine in 2016 (a Stampington publication) here.

Filed Under: LIFE, Still Life Tagged With: finding stillness 2015, finding stillness 2016, finding stillness 2017, photography tips, retreat

Mingle Magazine Feature and a Giveaway!

May 2, 2016 by Barb

Mingle Magazine is a beautiful publication by Stampington & Company and today I have the utmost pleasure in being able to offer you, my readers a chance to win a copy!

Brighten your day with the visual feast of imaginative gatherings that unfold from the pages of Mingle, along with the uplifting stories behind uniquely creative get-togethers — from small and intimate “girls’ nights in” to larger scale art retreats.

Mingle Magazine

Mingle Magazine Giveaway, Keeping With the Times, Barb Brookbank

So what does Mingle have to do with me … well I’m so excited to tell you!

Last September I attended “Finding Stillness|2015” with Kim Klassen and 9 other photographers in her brand new space in Rivers, Manitoba, Canada.

“The Studio” is a light-filled photographer’s dream, full of lovingly gathered teacups, books, pillows, throws, baskets, tables, chairs, and other vintage items too numerous to mention. It’s completely magical.

The retreat focused on styling, shooting, and editing still lifes. But there was so much more to it. Meeting people who “get” you, who understand why you would stand on a step-ladder, teetering over a collection of various objects, taking dozens of photos, and discussing shutter speed, ISO, focal points, etc. is not something many of us experience on a day-to-day basis. It was amazing.

And then, two of the participants, Gigi Thibodeau of The Magpie’s Fancy and Diana Foster of the Studio 56 decided to put together a submission to Mingle Magazine about the retreat, and drumroll please … it was accepted!

So, if you’d like to win a copy of this beautiful publication and read about our retreat, just leave a comment … that’s it, that’s all!

A winner will be chosen on May 8th (Mother’s Day.)

Contest open world-wide!

Many thanks to Stampington & Company for providing me with this copy of Mingle!

PS … that is not my photo on the cover :)

Comments closed … we have a winner!

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Still Life Tagged With: finding stillness 2015, giveaway, mingle, stampington

Rivers, Manitoba Walk-About-Town Part I

November 6, 2015 by Barb 3 Comments

One of the many things I enjoyed while attending Finding Stillness|2015 in Rivers, Manitoba were the walks we took …

Not only did we take walks along the many beautiful trails, we also walked around the town itself, and were delighted to find some of the most intriguing buildings you are going to find anywhere!

While I know it’s not a true still life, as I composed this first shot and then later edited it, I found stillness in there; the weathered wood, the window, the door, and the chippy paint … these are all things I love to incorporate into my photography … I just wish I could have brought everything home with me!

Rivers Manitoba Walkabout

Rivers Manitoba Walkabout

Rivers Manitoba Walkabout

Keeping With the Times, Barb Brookbank

Don’t you just love it when a photo opportunity is just sitting there, waiting for you to take notice!

All photos edited in Lightroom using kk_DarkMood

Read Part II here.

Day 6 #nablopomo

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Still Life Tagged With: finding stillness 2015, finding stillness 2016, finding stillness 2017, lightroom, lightroom preset, nablopomo

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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