still life Archives - Keeping With The Times

Meeting Online Friends: Making it Happen

January 26, 2017 by Barb 11 Comments

Meeting online friends these days has become pretty common … and when said new friend visits you in your home, you make lemon loaf, serve tea, and then you shoot it ;) (that is, if your new friend is a fellow photographer and lover of still life styling!)

Meeting online friends is easy ... serve tea and lemon loaf ...

I’m loving the new Lightroom presets by Kim Klassen. Today’s photo edited with kk_claro: click, boom!

I met Kathy @kpardell at #findingstillness2016 with Kim @kimklassen back in September and I was immediately struck by her enthusiasm and determination to learn everything she could; from styling, to photography, to editing. She was already styling beautiful images which I’d been noticing online in The Studio 2.0 and I was curious to discover who this new talent was!

So after a few days of getting to know her (in real life), and because she lives in the same province as I do, I invited her to come stay with me “someday”. Well, with Kathy Pardell “someday” is not a day of the week ;) quote by Denise Brennan-Nelson

As soon as I uttered the words, the wheels were in motion! So after spending several months trying to come up with a mutually agreeable date, we finally settled on a late January visit.

Suddenly, I was nervous. Very, very, nervous. I (would have said) Kathy and I are on opposite ends of the personality spectrum. Kathy being a Type A, and me being a Type B. And while there may be a bit of truth to that analysis, it certainly wasn’t a problem. We got along famously!

She arrived around noon so I had homemade soup simmering on the stove, ready to warm hearts and hands. A perfect way to break the ice!

I also had a lemon loaf I’d baked just that morning, so I suggested we use it to create a few still life images around two friends enjoying tea and cake. That kept us busy for hours … shooting, editing, and finally eating some of that yummy loaf.

After lunch we took a walk to soak up the bright January sunlight and work off a bit of the sugar high from the cake we’d eaten. I also wanted to give Kathy an idea of how I live—quietly, on the shores of a small lake, in a somewhat secluded area.

For dinner I made a simple salad (recipe to come later this week). I’d marinated a salmon, which I barbecued and served with asparagus and rice. Easy, but elegant.

With bellies full and feeling like we’d known each other for ages, we retired to the living room where we talked and talked: about food, photography, and life. We enjoyed tea, wine, and a roaring fire.

Yesterday I took her around to visit my favourite little stores: one a country store about 5 minutes from my home, and the other a junque store in a small town about 20 minutes away. A few purchases and a delicious lunch later, we headed back to relax for the evening (but not before a few more still life images were created and shot.)

Today I find myself alone at the kitchen table … basking in the beautiful sunlight pouring through the windows and thinking about this new world we live in; where meeting a new friend does not depend solely on geography. You can simply remain on-line friends (which is great), or when possible, you can take it to the next level and meet in real life … you just have to make it happen … because someday is not a day of the week.

This has been a bit of a ramble, I know, but I wanted to document our visit before the details fade into oblivion. I’m still in the processing stage … and writing this post has helped so much.

Click image to download.

**Word Art is for personal use only :)

Journal Series: the Emerald Lake Edition

September 29, 2016 by Barb 11 Comments

The idea for a journal series actually came to me while we were visiting Emerald Lake (2015) a year ago … ah yes, I’m fast like that ;)

I’d been sitting in the Lodge having a coffee by myself (the hubs was still sleeping blissfully in our little hobbit hole ;) and was trying to express how much I loved the flora and fauna of the area.

I couldn’t find the right background pieces and vowed that if I ever returned to Emerald Lake (which I did) I would have a special journal with me.

So, just before we set out on our travels this year, I made a trip to Chapters Indigo and chose this gorgeous leather journal … I love the simplicity of the closure, and the texture of the pages inside.

Journal Series Emerald Lake, Keeping With the Times, Barb Brookbank

The red plant is Cornus Canadensis (as identified by one of my IG followers :) and the white background pages are from a Bella Grace Magazine … yes, I tore them out and actually used them!

I adore this tiny vine that literally turns itself into a wreath:

Journal Series Emerald Lake, Keeping With the Times, Barb BrookbankJournal Series Emerald Lake, Keeping With the Times, Barb Brookbank

More Cornus Canadensis (pressed from last year)

I love that I can not only record my travels, but I can slip a leaf (or wreath) inside my journal as a reminder of the beauty of the area.

More of the journal series to come … .

The lovely spoon is from Luke at Hope in the Woods
Journal, pen, and coffee cup from Chapters Indigo
Papers from Bella Grace Magazine

You can also check out my latest post Emerald Lake 2016 if you like :) and thank you so much for stopping by!

30 Ideas to Make June Magical

June 15, 2016 by Barb 18 Comments

Coming up with 30 ideas to make June magical may seem like a lot, especially since it’s already the middle of the month, but trust me, there’s still time to dream!I live on a small lake in the middle of the beautiful boreal forests of Central Alberta, Canada, and I draw inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounds me. As I type this post I’m listening to loons, geese, crows, and robins as they begin their day. It’s a regular cacophony!

It’s also pouring rain (again) for which I am always thankful! When you hear me say I’ve had enough rain, it will be time to get on the Ark ;)

For the last few years, I’ve primarily been a still life photographer, but there’s this other side of me that swoons over the dreamy, the impromptu, the unexpected.

Artful images that make my heart skip a beat when the light hits a subject a certain way, and reveals the magic in a seemingly ordinary moment.… or leads my eyes (and my thoughts) into the distance …

One of the things I want to see this month is fireflies flitting through the aspens. Little sparkles that, when you first see them, defy comprehension. The first time I saw these little miracles, I was incredulous. I stared into the darkness and laughed and pointed in amazement until I realized how many there were, then I fell silent and simply watched. And I want to see them again.

So here’s my list of ideas to make my June magical:

30 Ideas to Make June Magical

Watch fireflies on a warm evening.
Wear comfortable clothes that flatter and flow (maybe even a skirt)!
Explore the beautiful countryside where I live.
Photograph it’s beauty.
Spend an afternoon on a blanket spread out on the lawn, with only a stack of magazines and a cup of tea to keep me company.
Find a great used book store.
Take photos of fences, and barns, and cows.
Visit the Devonian Botanical Gardens. It’s a half hour drive from my home and I haven’t visited in years and years.
Spend as much time as I can in my garden. Maybe even stay out until dusk, coming inside just in time for a soak in the tub, and then to bed.
Photograph my garden in creative ways.
Have a campfire. Roast marshmallows.
Pick and arrange tiny bouquets from my back yard and garden.
Press flowers.
Snip a few peonies before they open and place them in a bag in the fridge to be brought out and enjoyed a few weeks later.
Use fresh herbs in all my cooking (I have tons of them growing in pots on my deck).
Eat extra fresh fruits and veggies.
Try a new recipe from one of my many beautiful cookbooks.
Sit on the dock early in the morning with a hot coffee and muffin (and maybe my hubby ;)
Take a slow boat ride around the lake, again with hot coffee and a muffin, and definitely hubby!
Say “no” to extra commitments.
Go to the local town garage sale (this weekend – woot)!
Keep my home clean and clutter-free (now that’s a dream).
Sit at the kitchen table one afternoon with tea and a beautiful magazine. Watch the leaves on the aspens shiver in a light breeze.
Have a pedicure.
Get a haircut.
Dream about a few classes I want to take this fall. Actual “in-person” classes. Maybe even book one or two.
Sleep in as much as I can. I’m such an early riser, so a lazy morning is truly special.
Have the occasional glass of wine … preferably red.
Eat dinner outside.
Put up patio lights.

I invite you to make a list of 30 things you want to experience this June. They don’t have to be big, earth shattering moments … keep it simple, and think magical.

Imagine … if you dream of 30 things, and 15 or even 10 come true … what will that feel like when the calendar turns to July? Pretty fabulous I’m betting!

*This post was inspired by my Bella Grace Instagram takeover earlier this month.

Trying to Stay Positive

May 27, 2016 by Barb 13 Comments

If you could see me, and my days, the title of this post “trying to stay positive” would seem ludicrous. My life is good, and rich, and happy.

Trying to Stay Positive, Keeping With the Times

The one lone lilac image I captured this year …

It’s just … that I’ve been too busy. Too on the go. I feel overwhelmed and discombobulated.

I look at emails in my inbox and my eyes glaze over. I see the mountainous pile of laundry and my heart pounds (can I not just throw it all out?) I look at my garden and think “I’ll never get a handle on this.” I think about capturing a photo for Instagram, or writing a blog post, and I freeze. My friends have been wanting me to go for a walk for weeks (and I’ve been declining.)

This morning I woke up (with the robins) before 5:00, and started thinking about the days I could hardly wait to get to the computer, or the camera, and I started wondering … what is going on here? It has me a bit concerned. But then I poured a coffee and went and sat on the deck for a bit. I listened to the birds, checked the rain gauge (more rain!) and marvelled over the incredible green wall of trees that surrounds our yard.

I began thinking about this coming summer, and how I want to spend it. It’s right on the doorstep and I’m not ready.

More and more my heart is telling me that I just want to “be”, but what that looks like, I’m not sure. The one thing I do know is that I can do whatever I want. I just need to get some laundry done, and stay positive.

Still Life Styling Process Mini Class

February 11, 2016 by Barb 7 Comments

Today I’m excited to announce my still life styling process mini class is available (for free!) at Kim Klassen dot com.

I put my ♥ into it and I hope you try it (and like it) :)

Day 11 of blogging every day in February.

My Art is not Frivolous

November 25, 2015 by Barb 22 Comments

I often wonder why I do what I do, and is it frivolous?

frivolous \

of little weight or importance
lacking in seriousness
irresponsibly self-indulgent

I puzzle over why I get up in the morning so eager to set up a still life and take photos …

But it seems I’ve been staging “still life” images my entire life. To me “still life is real life is still life.” To have a chippy chair sitting in the dining room, an apron draped over the top, and treasured linens stacked on the seat is calming. And those poppy seed heads … I grew them, I picked them, and I dried them. What is more real than that?

Right from our first apartment I’ve decorated my home; from the kitchen, to the living room, to the bedroom. I’ve always liked to surround myself with pretty things and while the objects have changed over the years, the passion has not … in fact it has grown to such proportions I can hardly contain myself. And it’s because I now love photography.

I can no longer dismiss this (photography) passion as “frivolous“. It’s become as much a part of my life as creating a comfortable home for my self, my husband, and my children and grandchildren. It’s as important as a home-made meal … as important as freshly baked cookies coming straight out of the oven … and as important as a bouquet of wildflowers sitting on the windowsill for no other reason than to delight the senses.

It’s as important as anything I do because it fills me up, and then spills over into my life.

It gives me purpose at a time when I could be feeling lost. I could be stressing over the fact that I’m aging and my face and body are definitely not what they used to be. But I don’t have time. Where would I find the time to stand in front of the mirror agonizing over sags and wrinkles when there’s a still life waiting to be brought into the world? Oh, and before I bring that still life into the world, I may have to bake something, or paint a background, or find the perfect new semi-opaque curtains for the dining room … the list is endless.

And I mustn’t trivialize the fact that I’ve spent over six years learning how to use a dslr so that I may bring these images to life in as creative a way as possible. I can’t count the hours I’ve spent learning this craft … and I cannot think of one other thing in which I’ve invested so much of my time and effort (unless it’s my blog.)

That’s why the quote by Henry Miller spoke to me … it sums up how I want to live my life. I want to live as artfully as possible … and that’s not frivolous.

#stilllifeisreallife @stilllifeisreallife

Day 25 #nablopomo

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:
… and here’s the after …
Since 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 … .

Day 19 #nablopomo

Autumn is Definitely on the Way Out

November 18, 2015 by Barb 5 Comments

As much as I am in denial, autumn is definitely on the way out. Pinecones and holly berries are waiting in the wings, along with shortbread and sugar cookies.

Last night’s blustery snow squall, and today’s freezing temperatures are the cold hard reality.

I just got back from shopping for groceries and my hands are so cold! I neglected to wear gloves, but at least I was wearing shoes and socks, which is something I put off for as long as possible. Sandals, sandals, sandals … to the end … brrrrrr.

So now, I shall bid adieu to autumn with a few more pressed beauties:… and another one for Frankenstein …

Dragging my b*tt today for Day 18 #nablopomo

Supporting Actors

November 17, 2015 by Barb 7 Comments

The prompt in The Studio|Online is about allowing the supporting actors (i.e. tables, etc) be the star for once. As usual, it’s open to interpretation, so I’m letting “the chair” shine.

I’ve had this little beauty for a few years and I don’t believe I’ve given it the respect it deserves. Somehow it got relegated to a bedroom in the basement and as they say “outta sight, outta mind”.

Well, no more. Meet Ms. Chippy Chair.

She’s really quite lovely.

And so are these apples … I still have apples I picked from my neighbours orchard last September, and I don’t want them to go to waste. So, what to do …

I think making apple sauce is once again on the agenda.

Since most of the apples I picked were teeny tiny, I gave up with the peeling part and found I liked it much better. That went for the pies and crisps too … no more peeling for me. I also discovered that after a whirl in the blender the peel virtually disappears. All those years of peeling … what was I thinking?

How do you make applesauce?

Day 17 #nablopomo

Thirty Days Hath November and Nablopomo

November 16, 2015 by Barb 8 Comments

OK, so it just occurred to me that we are halfway through November, and that means halfway through nablopomo as well. And bonus … I just realized there’s only 30 days!

I’ve posted every day for 15 days, and that’s a record for me … hope it’s not sounding like a broken record around here …

Thirty days hath September,
April, June, and November.
All the rest have 31,
Except for February all alone,
It has 28 each year,’
but 29 each leap year.
Thirty days hath September,
April, June, and November
All the rest have 31,
Except for February.
Thirty days hath September,
April, June and November
All the rest have thirty-one
But February’s a different one
~Mother Goose~

nablopomo, November Leaves, Keeping With the Times

kk_BurntAlmond

kk_Eve

Please don’t get me wrong, I am not wishing away my time. On the contrary. I want to hold on to November and all the beauty it offers.

I’m actually feeling pretty energized by this exercise, and so far there has been only one day where I truly struggled.

Ideas are spinning around in my head all the time and this has given me permission to release them … even if they’re not perfect, so

I have a recipe I’ve been meaning to publish but I keep putting it on the back burner (snort).
I have an update on my “Blogging Bits and Bytes”.
And, I have this fear that if I miss a day I might have to apologize … that’s enough to keep me awake at night ;)

Day 16 #nablopomo

Wabi Sabi Wood Table Study Part I

November 12, 2015 by Barb 9 Comments

Hello, today I have a little “wabi sabi wood table study” as well as a study of the light and how it changes in our little end-unit condo in Arizona.

When Kim posted the new prompt in The Studio | Online, I was astounded!

It was exactly what I needed … I’d been thinking I should get some shots of this wabi sabi table before we leave for home, but I hadn’t felt inspired.

Wabi Sabi Wood Table, The Studio Online, studying light, shadows, focusing on tables

kk_Lilly – photo taken at 2:00pm north and east light

Here I am, holidaying in the sunniest state, and yet feeling completely blah about taking photos … specifically still life photos—and not just blah … a bit blue … I think I miss my props :( which is silly because I’ve been gathering many wonderful items for this place as well.

Items like this sweet little Wabi Sabi Wooden Table I found last year at a garage sale for $0.50. The story is comical and fits perfectly with the new hashtag #stillswithstories I’m hosting with Kim on IG (have you checked it out?)

Anyway, after reading the prompt and listening to Kim’s inspirational video, I jumped up and started gathering a few treasures to set on my table. I’m also “studying the light” in our little condo, and I’d have to say it’s abundant … we have an end unit so we get north, west, and east light. Mostly, I prefer an east or north exposure for the cooler light and when I get a corner with both lights … well, I’m in heaven.

So, my table doesn’t have great legs ;) but what I love are the grooves along the edge. Apparently they’ve formed because the softer part of the wood has worn away over time and left the hard ridges.

So that’s where I put my focus, on the rough edge.

Camera Settings **
f4.5
1/100s
ISO 250

Wabi Sabi Table, The Studio Online, studying light, shadows, focusing on tables

kk_Chocolate – photo taken at 2:00pm north and east light

It’s dry as tinder and the top boards fall out if you don’t handle it properly … someone suggested glue, but I think I’ll just leave it and see what happens.

kk_Air

… same image, different crop …

Sweet little oak leaves from our trip to Mount Lemmon …

kk_Lilly

I’m now on a mission to capture this table in all sorts of different locations and lighting situations.

** Just wondering** do you find camera settings helpful when listed on a blog post? Does it ever influence how you shoot?

Updated Shoot Info (for Petra) thank you Petra! Your comment made me think a lot harder about my settings, and I’ve tried to answer in the order you asked ;)

I’d say, that it’s interesting to see camera settings when they are listed on a blog post, I always have a look at them, but generally I don’t find them helpful. They usually represent just part of information, don’t they? You don’t know where and how far from the scene the photographer stood, whether they had a lens hood in place and where exactly the focus was aimed, whether the flash fired and at what power, what metering the camera was set to and what kind of light there was, whether they were shooting in manual or aperture/time priority… Also, if you don’t have that particular lens, you can be sure that with your lens the conditions would be different… Yet I admit that if there is most of the above listed explained, then the data have some value. They may not be comparable with your data but they may teach you some principles. They may not give you a detailed manual but they may show you a way. Well, does it make sense, as contradictory as it seems?

~Petra~

My Camera Settings: (these setting are based on the second photo, although they are almost identical for all the shots.)
f4.5
1/100s
ISO 250

now, in answer to Petra:

I was sitting about 3 1/2 feet from the table.
focal length 38mm
no lens hood
focused directly on the edge of the table
no flash (I never use a flash)
matrix metering (now I wish I had used spot metering!)
north and east light (2:00 pm)
manual mode
18-105mm lens

Oh my … you just never know how a reader may challenge you! and in a great way – thank you once again Petra. Please feel free to challenge me some more!

Day 12 #nablopomo

Quail Eggs Celebration on Steller

September 1, 2015 by Barb 1 Comment

Just popping in to announce my Steller Story “A Celebration of Quail Eggs” is showing up in the Editors Picks … whoa! I think it’s safe to say I’m hooked on Steller! I’ve seen a lot of my IG friends featured as well … so.much.fun.

It’s just another beautiful way to tell your story. Have you tried it? Instagram on Steroids.

Succulent Celebration

August 21, 2015 by Barb 6 Comments

All summer it’s been a succulent celebration around here … and now I’m potting up the babies …… into muffin pans …… clay pots …
… and cake pans …
… but sometimes it all just wants to fall apart …
All these new babies already had roots, so I simply pulled them off the main plant and stuck them right into the soil. I don’t know how they’ll do … but I’m guessing they’re going to flourish!

Last year I found some cute little ceramic pumpkins at Home Sense and I thought they would make great plant pots. They look great in a simple display, but also fit nicely with a Thanksgiving tablescape. I think its time to dig those out of storage.

For more beautiful images and information on succulents, check out My Succulent Obsession on Pinterest

Sunday Sundries … Summertime

August 2, 2015 by Barb 5 Comments

Hello, and welcome to Sunday Sundries! I’m here to ramble on about my week, it helps me be grateful and to “celebrate” all the small (and large) extraordinary moments in my life.

This week I’m celebrating summer … I want to hold on to it … it’s flying by so fast …

I’m also celebrating:

My family … and having summer get-togethers at our lake home.
Trying new recipes.
Fresh juicy apricots for breakfast.
Picking Saskatoon berries from my own back yard, making pies and jams with them, and sharing with my family.
An abundance of flowers in my garden.
Early morning thunderstorms and soaking rains.
The beginning of August … a most beautiful month.

This month I’m participating in The August Break with Susannah Conway, and I’m posting my images on Instagram … it’s a bit of a challenge so I hope I can keep up. The prompt today is “air”. How the heck do you shoot “air” … I think I have an idea … .

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Serendipity Part I

July 30, 2015 by Barb 8 Comments

Today I’m sharing a story of serendipity … after you read it, let me know if serendipity is the right word … can you think of a better one to explain this event?

The New Oxford Dictionary of English defines serendipity as the occurrence and development of events by chance in a satisfactory or beneficial way, understanding the chance as any event that takes place in the absence of any obvious project (randomly or accidentally), which is not relevant to any present need, or in which the cause is unknown.

say wha? lets just go with this:

Serendipity = the luck of finding valuable or agreeable things not looked for.

If you’re part of The Studio | Online I need not explain why I had to have a ladder … well, actually not just a ladder, but this ladder … this vintage, weathered ladder, covered in paint splats, splotches, and drips.

Oh, and just look at that hardware … that gorgeous grey hardware … love … .

If you’re not part of The Studio but you love the old, the weathered, and the worn … you’ll understand as well.

Ladder, Vintage, Keeping With the Times, Serendipity

kk_SoftLightMoreRight

Several months ago, one of the prompts in The Studio | Online was “on ladders” but Kim shared some images on her Still Sunday on Ladders blog post (take a peek if you want some amazing inspiration).

Ever since then, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect specimen, so I now own one red ladder, one 11′ grey ladder, and now this wonderful paint splattered brown gem. Newsflash: when Kim suggests a prop, said props are scooped up across the country … heck no … the world! So here’s the puzzling and amazing story as to how I got my hands on this …

kk_Hazed

One lovely summer day whilst browsing my favourite junque store “One Man’s Treasure” I spied an amazing ladder. The PERFECT ladder. But after looking at it and swooning and exclaiming loudly about how wonderful it was, I walked away. Why did I walk away? Well, I’ve pondered that decision a lot.

On that fateful day, I had three of my grandchildren with me, and I guess I thought I was going to demonstrate self-control to the kids … aaacckk … is it possible I didn’t want to appear impulsive? I really don’t know. I remember telling them I was going to walk around and think about it … but I KNEW better. Well, it wasn’t 5 minutes later when my granddaughter touched my arm and said “grandma … look! that lady is taking YOUR ladder!”

Gah! I spun around and stared at the woman as she began removing the items that had been set on it. She clearly was on a mission … and I swear she shot me an evil look. It didn’t phase me. I took a few steps towards her, my mouth open, wondering how I was going to stop this. But all I could do was gawk helplessly as the shop owner appeared and began to help that woman take it to the front of the store and out the door … and, er … I may or may not have followed them … I can’t remember.

Within 10 minutes the whole event was over, the ladder was gone. I turned to my granddaughter, and with some weak bravado croaked “I guess it wasn’t meant to be mine.”

Suddenly I didn’t feel like junquing anymore, so I suggested we should come back another day … for now, let’s just go to Walmart (insert a chorus of hooray’s from my grandsons) and out the store we went.

kk_Hazed

In the car, my sweet grandchildren expressed their sadness for me, so I had to make a joke out of “the ladder that got away”.

We discussed the whole matter at length, until I was sure they had had enough, and I promised to never mention it again.

But of course I brought up several times that week how the ladder wasn’t meant to be mine, how I had enough stuff already, how it didn’t matter, and oh yes … I won’t mention it again. It always elicited a huge laugh. I was having a wonderful time teasing them, and they were enjoying it wholeheartedly … a valuable and agreeable memory … one we weren’t looking for.

If the story had ended here, it would have been fine. But it didn’t.

Continue reading Serendipity Part II

Lilac Party II

June 9, 2015 by Barb 9 Comments

Today I thought I’d better get on with the lilac party … even though the shrub I picked these from has finished blooming. It happens so fast … but I have another type that’s just starting … too much fun around here I tell ya!

Lilac Party II, Keeping With the Times, Texture Tuesday

kk_dreamlike

Original

You can’t even imagine the scent … or maybe you can …

kk_QuietDreams

Here’s a favourite from last year, edited with the new preset kk_Hush …

Lilac Party II, Keeping With the Times, Texture TuesdayLilac Party II, Keeping With the Times, Texture Tuesday

kk_Hush

I take hundreds of photos and it seems that once a few weeks (or years) have passed, I don’t feel right using them. Well, I’m on a mission to get over that! Does it matter whether I took a photo today or last year? I don’t think so … a lot of work goes into setting a scene, shooting, and then processing images. It’s a self-imposed restriction I’ve put on myself … one of many it seems.

I do think a side note letting viewers know you’re using an older image is all a person needs to do … or maybe not even that? Anyway, seems like I was into a lilac series last year as well:

Melancholy Lilac I

Melancholy Lilac II

Melancholy Lilac III

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

Lavender Love

June 5, 2015 by Barb 17 Comments

I can’t believe how fast I went from the lilac party to lavender love … but when I spied these lovely plants at Costco I was thrilled!

I haven’t been able to find this specific type at any of the greenhouses I’ve been haunting. I love the small, slim wands with the tiny flowers.

The scent is beyond words … but even more so when dried (I know because I’ve already dried a few sprigs).

So far I’ve simply photographed the plant like it’s growing in a field that goes on forever, but ideas are spinning around … small bouquets, dried bunches, perhaps even a wand or two …

Lavender Love, Keeping With the Times, Friday Finds

kk_Hazed

I want my summer to look like this … lazy, hazy, and dreamy …

kk_Hazed

Thank you for dropping by, and have a wonderful day!

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Lilac Party Part I

June 2, 2015 by Barb 13 Comments

Oh my heavens … it’s lilac party time around here and I haven’t shared any photos on my blog! And I’m so overwhelmed I’m going to have to break them into Parts I to III, or maybe even IV or V.

Spring is one crazy season in these parts … it’s like a dam has burst and every plant is pouring blossoms out in torrents. Everything from shrubs and perennials, to annuals in the garden and pots on the deck … flower overload … and then there are the wildflowers popping up everywhere I look.

Therefore, today I’m going to take it slow and concentrate on my #fromthechippypottingbench series from Instagram.

Lilac Party Part I, Keeping With the Times, Texture Tuesday

kk_Lilly

With the rustic nature of the bench and the tools, I felt stronger edits (presets) were in order; kk_SoftLight and kk_Lilly. Both enhance clarity and colour. Everything just pops, including the white paint, but believe it or not, there’s a slight (de)saturation adjustment as well … and that’s a good thing …

kk_SoftLight

Here I set a few snippets on the back of my “green” door, which is white …

kk_Lilly

OK, I guess I’ll stray one tiny bit and share my white lilac that clearly is not white … note to self … don’t buy shrubs unless there is at least one bloom for colour verification …

So, I'm going to go slow and concentrate on my #fromthechippypottingbench series. With the rustic nature of the bench and the tools I felt that strong edits (presets) were in order.

kk_DayDreaming

“Believe none of what you hear, and only half of what you see”

Oh I had fun trying to give credit for this quote! Who do you think said it?

Happy Texture Tuesday everyone!

Kim Klassen dot com

Spring Flowers

May 26, 2015 by Barb 23 Comments

It’s a good thing my friend asked me to go for a walk last week, or I may have missed these Marsh Marigolds entirely. There’s one spot in the ditch where these flowers flourish … technically its a mini swamp. A mosquito-infested mini swamp … ask me how I know … .

Quite honestly I think my head may explode … there are so many flowers starting to bloom right now and I can’t keep up. It’s like a parade on fast-forward.

Marsh Marigold, Keeping With the Times, Texture Tuesday, Still Life

kk_DayDreamingLightRight

So of course I had to have a bit of a play in Lightroom …

Marsh Marigold, Keeping With the Times, Texture Tuesday

Original

kk_Raw

kk_Midnight

Caltha palustris, known as marsh-marigold and kingcup, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the family Ranunculaceae, native to marshes, fens, ditches and wet woodland in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

Radish Tea Sandwiches

May 21, 2015 by Barb 5 Comments

My food styling post is now on the blog at Kim Klassen dot com where I explain my process, as well as the trials and tribulations of a still life artist ;) … but for now, here’s another version of the Radish Tea Sandwiches, and the travelling knife …

So what is the travelling knife? Well, it’s a knife that’s travelling the globe, making it’s way to several members of The Studio Online. My turn has come and gone, and I must rush to the post office to send it on it’s way to Spain! Yes, the knife is heading to Rosana … and I can’t wait to see what she does with it!

Thank you for stopping by today!

Fabulous Friday Finds

May 15, 2015 by Barb 21 Comments

Good morning! Another week has flown by and I have some fabulous Friday Finds to tell you about.

What an amazing week! I’ll start with my second best find—a chippy little green door … to.die.for. but I think I say that about every treasure I drag home … look at that chippy goodness, the dirt, the scratches, the colour … swooning here … and it’s small and light, which makes it easy for me to pick up and carry around.

When I walked into One Man’s Treasure, there it was … the sun was hitting it, and I think I heard angels (just kidding). But those people that own that store can see me coming, and they set these treasures right at the front, in a very prominent position, and I’m a lost cause … .

It was just what I needed to set beside my new chippy potting bench from the Carvel General Store …

… so let the fun begin, it’s green door party time! Notice that little door knob … I wonder how many people get excited about door knobs … adore …

So, now, here’s my best Friday Find this week: Carolyn! When I first “met” Carolyn in The Studio, I knew right away she was a lovely, lively, sweet lady. She’d made some comments that made me laugh out loud, and I knew she was for real. Then, much to my surprise (because I am hopelessly reserved, and an introvert as well), Carolyn contacted me and asked if I would like to meet her for lunch. She only lives about an hour away … amazing … why hadn’t I thought of that! Um, because I am hopelessly reserved and … well you know.

Anyway, long story short—we met, we hugged, we laughed, we talked—we connected. A kindred soul who shares a passion for food, photography, and life, (hey … that’s part of my blog by-line!)

We met for lunch at 12:00 noon and didn’t leave the restaurant until 2:30, and that was only because we had some serious shopping to do.

shaky iPhone shot …

I could go on, gushing and gushing, but I’ll finish by saying how amazing it is to be a part of The Studio Online. So much goodness in there … and not just still life, but real life. On-line friends, and “irl” friends. What more could you ask for? I am already looking forward to seeing Carolyn again, she has the biggest heart (truly).

So, have a wonderful weekend everyone! We’re heading into our first long weekend of the year. The dock is in, the boat is (almost) in, and the s’mores supplies are ready.

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Potting Bench for Friday Finds

May 8, 2015 by Barb 15 Comments

Of course you knew you were going to get more of the potting bench for Friday Finds … right? And about Friday Finds …I can hardly believe it … where did that week GO? It’s just … gone …

kk_MatterFact

It was a crazy, chaotic, and creative week—I had messes all over the house; from the basement, to the deck, and everywhere in-between …

kk_still

Parts of it were a bit more organized, like when I went to town to get a hair cut, and then groceries. Of course I had to visit every greenhouse in the area (just to look, I told myself).

However, I did bring home a few pretties … such a miracle after a long, cold, colourless season …

kk_litely

Oh yeah … we did have a bit of this … aaacckk …

… and I fell down some icy stairs (ouch), but other than that, it was all good …

Potting Bench, Friday Finds, Pansies, Keeping With the Times

kk_Midnight

Thank you so much for dropping by today!

Wreath Play in Photoshop

April 29, 2015 by Barb 11 Comments

I had to have a little wreath play in Photoshop and thought I’d share it with you.

These days I’m taking advantage of every single bit of floral inspiration I see when I look out my window.

It’s a blessing to be able to stay in Arizona until the weather in Alberta turns lovely … not just spring in the technical sense, but warm, sunny, and green … sigh … I know it’s happening and I’m so looking forward to returning home … it’s starting to heat up here in Arizona—big time. I’m not complaining … just sayin’ …

Now, on to my wreath …

or is it two wreaths … you tell me …

I’m guessing you sense there’s a bit of trickery going on here since “Photoshop” is part of my blog title. OK … here’s the scoop.

I created a wreath on a piece of white foam core and took a few shots in Auto mode … er … yes … I used Auto (and why not?) it gave me the sharpest image.

In Lightroom:

I adjusted exposure using Auto Tone, then did a bit more tweaking to get the colours brighter, whiter, and sharper.

With the Tone Curve tool I clicked and dragged in the white part of the photo to whiten the background as much as I could without blowing out any of the whites in the flowers or the wire frame.

I exported the image to Photoshop and dragged it onto a new 12in x 12in, 300ppi document. I duplicated it and moved the duplicate into the upper right corner … looks weird right?

Here’s the magic, change the blend mode of the top image to Multiply:

How fun is that?! When using the Multiply blend mode in Photoshop, areas on a layer that are pure white completely disappear from view!

I did have to tweak the white backgrounds again in both images, and used a bit of layer masking to hide edges but really the initial effect is pretty good.

When I posted it on Instagram I suddenly lost my mind and went off the rails … and created a kaleidoscope (not once but twice). I’m not sure how much it was appreciated, but I had fun!

I hope you enjoyed my little Photoshop tip today!

Chocolate Ranunculus and Tea

April 16, 2015 by Barb 19 Comments

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!

Hyacinth Print Download

April 9, 2015 by Barb 6 Comments

Just popping in with a quick note to let you know I’ll be including the full resolution file of my “Hyacinth and Tulip Fling With Spring” in my next newsletter as a free download.

It’s approximately 8″ x 8″ and I printed it on plain white photo paper using my colour laser printer. I was pretty pleased with the results.

It now brightens up the table at the entrance to our condo.

Original:

Then of course I had a bit of a play in Lightroom using Kim’s presets, and because you will have the full resolution image, you could edit it too.

How fun! I’d love to see what you do with it!

Please use it any way you want – as a framed print, card, journaling material … all I ask is that you use it for personal use only, and give credit to me if you post it online.

So, if you haven’t signed up for my newsletter and would like to have this print – check the sidebar for details!

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Barb

PS … my copyright won’t be printed on the image …

Gift from Cristina Colli

April 3, 2015 by Barb 14 Comments

I recently received a beautiful set of prints from Cristina Colli as a “thank you” for sharing my dinner plate art to #12monthsofhappystills.

I live in a rural area, and as I sat in my car at the community mailbox, I took a quick peek inside the package before carefully wrapping it up again. I was very excited, but I wanted to save it until I got home so that I could savour and document the moment. After sending a quick note to let Cristina know I had them in my hands, I carried on and didn’t fully open it for a full two days! Is that crazy? I don’t think so … the weekend was busy and I wanted to be alone … sitting with a cup of tea with no chance of being interrupted.

When I finally had a quiet moment, what I found was a lovely tag, a beautiful “polaroid” of pink blossoms against an impossibly blue sky, and a gorgeous origami envelope. Cristina demonstrates how to make these envelopes on her blog here. I’m pretty sure I’ll be trying my hand at this real soon.

When I opened that beautiful envelope, I discovered 5 more stunning prints.

As I set the string down, it fell into a heart! This is the absolute truth … oh … my … I was spellbound for a moment … .

Of course I had to rearrange the string on top of the prints, so I pinched the bottom where the string came together, and carefully slid it on top. Can you believe the perfect bow on the side?

Cristina’s images have inspired me to get busy and have a few of my own florals printed. I have tons of them sitting on my hard drive … and I hope to “pay this forward” very soon.

Sharing with Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Home Decor Styling Tips

April 1, 2015 by Barb 23 Comments

April made a typical entrance again this year: Friday, March 31st … one of the most beautiful days ever … warm, sunny, calm, and then … boom. Overnight the winds picked up and by morning they were absolutely howling. At 6:30 am the power went out and by 9:00 am snow was being driven sideways across the yard. Yep … spring in Alberta … aaarrrgh.

Lucky for me I had risen early and made my coffee, so I was sitting on the sofa, bundled up in fleece blankets, sipping a hot cuppa, and feeling grateful.

As the first slivers of morning lit up the sky, I watched the outside world come into my view. The barnwood tables and benches that I had set up on the deck in preparation for the new season sat sturdy and solid … waiting.

Earlier in the week I’d picked a ton of pussywillow. Some I’d set in a stoneware pot and was happy to see it hadn’t blown away. The new wreath I’d made was safely stowed against the house, under the overhang, and was no worse for the wear. Whew!

So even though our first day of April was atrocious (weather-wise) I spent it happily creating my spring willow wreath vignette, and came up with some home decor styling tips while I was at it!

I love an uncluttered look, but even so, there’s a lot going on here.

The wreath is hung in the centre of the wall with a small vintage chest and chair underneath. I placed the yellow birdhouse on several books to give it height and then used a yellow/green runner to draw the eye across and to the yellow pillow. Can you spot the repeating shape here?

So here’s my little still life mimicking life … or is life mimicking still life?

Do you not just love the little botanical print above the chair? Adore!

I was searching for books at Amazon and came across this little gem “Instant Wall Art – Botanical Prints: 45 Ready to Frame Vintage Illustrations for Your Home Decor.” So cute and fun! Botanical prints are hot by the way … .

Side note: I saw pussywillow branches for sale at Terrain for $48.00/bunch! Gah … choke … eek …

Try to incorporate meaningful items in your vignettes. A few of my favourite books include “In Detail”, “A Life Less Ordinary”, and “Vivian Maier Street Photographer”. I have so many amazing books, I could have stacked a dozen more, but it would have ruined the effect—less is more.

Mix old and new, organic and inorganic elements, but keep colour tones similar.

Making a pussywillow wreath is super simple! Buy a ready-made willow wreath at any craft store and proceed to stuff it with pussywillow branches! If you need a little more detail, check out my instructions here.

And last but not least, I’ll be sending the link to a full resolution copy of my little botanical print “Hyacinth, Willow and Tulip Play” in my next newsletter!! If you haven’t signed up, check the sidebar for details!

Thank you ever so much for stopping by!

All images edited in Lightroom
Presets by Kim Klassen
kk_breeze
kk_within

Hyacinth, Willow and Tulip Play

March 31, 2015 by Barb 16 Comments

I was happy to return home last Friday (home sweet home) but there isn’t much colour around so I remedied that with a quick trip to the grocery store for a spring bouquet filled with hyacinth and tulips.

But since I felt overwhelmed by the fullness of it … I plucked out one purple hyacinth, one yellow tulip, added a sprig of pussywillow, and suddenly I could see clearly … ahhh … simplicity …

A little preset play was in order … so on the following image I used kk_within … one of my favourites …

km_within

Next … kk_chocolate with a little brightening of the yellow in the tulip:

Hyacinth Willow and Tulip, Texture Tuesday, Keeping With the Tiimes

kk_chocolate

I’m linking up at Texture Tuesday with Kim Klassen dot com.

Food Styling Tips for March

March 12, 2015 by Barb 12 Comments

Good morning! My food styling tips for March are on the blog today at Kim Klassen dot com. I hope you’ll pop over to read my thoughts on setting the dinner table!

But first, here are a couple more images from the shoot that didn’t make it over to Kim’s.

Gift From a Friend

February 27, 2015 by Barb 13 Comments

When I went to the mailbox last week, I was delighted to find a gift from a friend! This treasure came out of the blue and into my hands on a cold, dreary, uninspiring winter day. Although I didn’t photograph it right away, it inspired me for the whole week and I went about my days with new enthusiasm.

All week I was dreaming about a still life “from above” which has to be my favourite type of image. Don’t get me wrong though, I can appreciate a stunning focus and shallow depth of field just as much as the next person …

I tried not to overthink it and went with the obvious sewing theme. Following is the original image with the usual tweaking in LR to get it presentable; exposure and tonal adjustment, lens correction, and cropping etc.

Read on for the rest of the story, and a couple different edits in LR …

kk_today:kk_gentle:

So what was the gift, and who sent it? Well, the gift was two vintage spools; one with blue thread and the other with no thread. The gifter was Caz and she blogs at Caz Sultz Photography. I am so bowled over that someone would send me a gift just because … thank you, Caz! from the bottom of my heart! You are a great on-line friend and who knows … we may meet someday. I’ve met quite a few blogger friends in real life, and it’s an amazing and enriching experience.

So just a few more tidbits about the items in my photo. I found the round (thing?) of needles sitting on a shelf in my favourite junque store … no one wanted it … it was dirt cheap … I gasped when I saw it. The embroidery hoop, key, and velvet perfume cover were my Moms, and I added a few dried poppies and leaves from an long ago bouquet.

Today, I encourage you to reach out to a friend. Tell them how much they mean to you. Give them the gift of you.

You will not regret it.

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Jade Plant Propagation

February 26, 2015 by Barb 7 Comments

Jade plant propagation is a great thing to do when it’s still February and warm weather is at least two months away. Anyway, what’s a girl to do when she thought spring was in the air and then reality hit?

Well, she goes inside to play with her plants and to continue dreaming … because you see, on Tuesday, I was outside at my potting bench listening to water pour off the roof, digging into some dirt.

Today, I’m in my pantry at my Hoosier (which is just as inspiring as my bench). Yesterday I emptied the whole thing and changed the direction it was facing, hoping to catch the north light a bit better. I think it helped, but I think it still leaves something to be desired. However you never know until you try something do you?

edit with kk_dreamlike:

edit with kk_within:

This is the direction I used to have the Hoosier. The side light does look fabulous, but the photo was taken in June when it was much brighter outside. I’ll post a photo of the way I have it now as soon as the light is a bit better.

Thank you so much for dropping by. I hope to see you tomorrow at Friday Finds!