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

Tips for Taking Photos in Low Light

November 24, 2016 by Barb 7 Comments

I want to share a few tips for taking photos in low light (still life photos, that is.)

It may be hard to believe this image was taken at 2:30 in the afternoon on one of the foggiest, most overcast, grey days imaginable.

Although, before I go any further, let me add that Lightroom helps.
Tips for Taking Photos in Low Light, Keeping With the Times, Barb Brookbank
But first, let me expound and expand on the beauty of the grocery store flower … and the humble chrysanthemum.

I don’t have many choices when it comes to purchasing affordable flowers this time of year. On Monday I checked out a few flower shops and one (1) single hydrangea stem cost $16.00! (It was a beaut tho ;)

I’m always dreaming of the exotic, the unattainable, the out-of-season gems: peonies, dahlias, roses, and ranunculus. But since they’re most likely not going to materialize, I turn to Safeway and what they had were mums. I’m not drawn to chrysanthemums, but I buckled down and gave them a real good hard look, and it was like coming out of a fog (fitting terminology due to our weather lately.) Suddenly the soft mauve and white spidery petals began to look magical, almost like a dahlia.

How did I not see that? I think my mind has been clouded by the bright orange, rust, and burgundy shades I associate with chrysanthemums and autumn. I wanted pastels, and there they were! So I chose two different bunches and when I couldn’t find the greenery I wanted, that’s when I went to the florist and paid $2.00/stem for two bits of eucalyptus (a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do, right?)

So onwards! How did I shoot this in such low light?

It helps that I have large kitchen/dining room windows and sheer curtains. And yes, I’m sorry I can’t make that come true for everyone, but I do have a few tips.

Tips for Taking Photos in Low Light

  • Set up near the largest windows you have (of course.) Back and side lighting (if possible). If not, go for the back lighting.
  • Use sheer curtains as a background, at the settings I use, they get really blown out and almost glow.
  • Use a tripod, and your camera’s timer. Say that ten times over; otherwise this isn’t going to happen.
  • Taken at 2:30pm on a grey, foggy, overcast day. I metered on the centre of the bouquet, which was quite dark:
    • Nikon D750 Lens: Nikkor 24-120
    • Focal Length: 48mm
    • Exposure: 1/60s at f4.0 IS0 3200

The image was quite overexposed and I didn’t have to make too many adjustments in Lightroom. I increased the whites and the blacks, and used a radial filter to lighten the shadows in the centre of the bouquet.

So pretty much what you see here is pretty much the way it was shot. Truth: I did not use Auto Tone.

I hope this makes sense … what I’m saying is “use a tripod, a slow shutter speed, and high ISO”. If you have any questions, please ask!

Here’s the “before” image for comparison:

chrysanthemum-mauve-barb-brookbank-3305
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PS: today (Thursday) I came home with fabulous floral treasures: pretty poinsettias from a greenhouse, and tulips from Costco!! I cannot believe I found affordable tulips … just after I did all this complaining … sorry ;)

#NaBloPoMo

Filed Under: Still Life Tagged With: photography tips

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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