Words & Image.... Image & Words

Often I read a beautiful quote, and imagine an image in my mind.

Other times I see an image and then go looking for words to accompany it. 

I hung these lovely little sweetheart roses in the back of the closet several months ago. I had totally forgotten them. I went looking for something today, and there they were, waiting patiently. 

The timing was perfect. I had just read this beautiful quote.....

“Do not watch the petals fall from the rose with sadness, know that, like life, things sometimes must fade, before they can bloom again.”

The words spoke to me, taking me back to a time of deep sadness and broken hearts. These words allowed me to pause, and give thanks that we made it through. We survived!

The subject and words came together in perfect harmony. As if they both found me!

Don't you love when that happens?

Today, what words have moved you to take a photo, or what photo has moved you to find just the right words? Or perhaps, like me, they found you! Please share with us today.

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p.s. Today's image was processed using Totally Rad's new plugin, RadLab! I can't even begin to explain how incredible it is!! It's beyond anything I could have imagined! I will be back soon to share a review of it's AWESOMENESS. But in the meantime, run, don't walk, over to the Totally Rad site and check it out!

A Touch of Drama

mouse over to see the original image.

There's a beautiful field of black-eyed susans on the trail, Ben and I walk each day. They are such a happy flower...one of my favs, for sure.

I took my camera out the other day, so I could capture the gorgeous yellow before it fades away. The summer, as always, is flying by so quickly. 

After I snapped a ton of yellow field photos, I thought I'd focus in on just one. I got down on the ground and shot from below. I love the dramatic feel of the capture. The sweet susie seems to appear strong and stately.

I decided to add some texture, just to give it a little more drama.

What can I say? I can't help myself! 'smile'....

Here's my photoshop recipe.

• Ran the MCP Action, called charming, from The Fusion Collection. I love what it did to the sky.
• Added a layer of Light Paper 4 texture (part of The Ultimate Texture Bundle) at soft light 100% opacity.
• Added a layer of Waterstained Framed at soft light 100% opacity. (the latest Texture Lovin' List freebie)
• Created a new blank layer. I set the layer blend mode to soft light and with a black soft round brush at 50% opacity I painted over the petals and leaves, and a little around the edges of the photo. (a simple and fab non-destructive 'burn' technique.)

There's all kinds of tricks for creating drama. You can add a little something extra in your post-processing, or shoot from below, or maybe from above, maybe with a wide angle or perhaps up-close. 

Share a little something dramatic with us today.

escape

Do you ever wanna escape? run and hide? disappear?  Even for just a bit?

Some days, life can be a little much! I catch myself moving too fast, doing too much at once.... and I know it's time to slow down and breathe. Even if it's just for a few minutes. 

Recently we painted our guest room in shades of white. Everything including the bedding, the curtains and the furniture is white. It's fabulous. And because it's our guest room, it stays fresh and clean... orderly.... and so peaceful.

Often, just a peek inside can fill me with calm. And, my oh my, if I step in, lie down on the big fluffy (always made) bed, everything seems to stop! Ahh.... I can b r e a t h e, again. 

Where do you go to escape, be and breathe? Maybe it's your bedroom, a tiny corner of your home, a park bench, maybe it's an open field, under a tree, a window seat, the beach... Share your 'space' with us today.

sweet puppy love

Oh my word...  look at this little sweetheart!

Is she not ADORABLE?

'sigh'

Meet 6 week old Roxie.... a precious little lab, spaniel cross.

She's not mine....  but honestly, I would take her in a second.... :) Ben loved her too....

In fact, we all turned to mush....right here..... every one of us... kissing her...loving her... holding her..... oooing and awing...... 

There's something about a puppy that makes my heart melt.... How 'bout you? What makes your heart melt? Please share with us, today.

accidentally ... on purpose

Ben and I were sitting on the front porch.... looking for a little inspiration.

We spotted this Mama, her baby and sweet golden coming down the street. They were a fair distance away...so I snapped a few shots. I then waited til they 'strolled' past the house....and kept going... planning on 'shooting' them from behind. 

But at the same time, Mr. Ben spotted a cat, entering our yard.... a big kerfuffle took place, which allowed me just 2 shots before they were out of site.

The first was in focus....and just plain boring... The second... out of focus and so much more interesting.

Do you have any accidental or perhaps on-purpose 'out-of-focus' shots you just love?  Please share with us today.