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archived posts

Entries in black and white (40)

Monday
May142012

blinded by the white

We talk a lot around here about inspiration. And muses. And a million other things that spark our creative spirits. There's no telling what might strike our photo fancys from one minute to the next and what we just might discover. Maybe it's a new lens, maybe a new action or preset. It could be mobile photography or a new app. Maybe it's a Polaroid camera or even film. Whatever it is, it tends to move us forward in our craft. We challenge ourselves, we lean into learning curves, we test and try and experiement. We find sisters who are sharing our love affair of the moment, we take classes, we join communities, we ask questions and we pick up our cameras and shoot.

Currently, I'm focusing on black and white photography and I'm watching others do the same. I'm excited by the collective energy and the challenge of communicating using a monochromatic pallet.  

A recent prompt in class was to try your photographic hand in creating a high key image. Norman Phillips said,  "High key is the term used to describe photographs with white or bright backgrounds and usually with bright lighting situations that render subjects in a light tone similiar to that of the background." Who knew that this kind of photography could be so much fun to try to capture? I'm not saying it's easy. But, like with all other types, styles, ways to photograph our subjects, the more you set your mind to cracking the code, the closer you'll get to cracking it.

I don't usually shoot to achieve such a specific outcome, but in the case of high key however, I am having so much fun with it, I can't help myself! It reminds me of when I got caught up in gathering bokeh. Once you start looking, you can't stop. Nothing better or more fun than finding inspiration through our lens.

Today, won't you join us in hitting the high notes of photos that blind us with the white in the best possible way?

And, don't forget it's Best Shot Monday. Got a great shot from this week? We'd love to see it.

Friday
May112012

Illusions

 

Meet Sophie....my brother's very silly labradoodle...and Ben's bestie. The other day when we were out on our walk. The pups were playing away in the lake. I crouched down low and proceeded to snap some pics...Sophie caught eye of the phone and headed straight toward it. Click, click....

I was surprised to see the result when I arrived home. It appears as though she is walking on water. It's amazing what happens when we experiment a little with position, perspective..... etc. This was a happy accident, but it's inspired me to get a little more creative while snapping pics of the puppy dogs.

Today, share a little illusion... or perhaps a happy accident of your own. I'd love to see.

Tuesday
May082012

stolen moments

Just when I thought my night was ready to wind down, my son tells me he has nothing for breakfast the next morning and that we're out of bread to make sandwiches for his school lunch.  To say that I was not pleased about having to go the store at 9 p.m. is an understatement.  I grabbed my keys and purse and stomped out of the house while grumbling all the way to the car. 

Once I arrived at the store, I grabbed a basket and continude my grumbling as I headed out for the items I needed.  Of course the items I need are on both ends of the store.  First I grabbed a loaf of bread on one side and then stomped my way to the other side of the store to the cereal aisle.  I located the requested box of Fruity Pebbles and tossed the box into my cart.  As I prepared to move on, in front of me was a couple, both easily in their 80s.  With their basket sitting in the middle of the aisle, they stood there arguing about which cereal to get and just listening to them made me smile.  

Now I have tell you, I have a thing for the elderly.  I mean, I really do.  If I had a choice of sitting in a room of my peers or a room of senior citizens, seniors win, hands down.  I want to sit with them and soak in as many life lessons from them as I can.  I miss my grandparents tremendously which is why I think I tend to gravitate to seniors so much.  Being near this couple made me miss them even more.   

As I stood there in the company of this sweet couple, my irritation instantly disappeared.  I grabbed my phone and took this photo as they finally decided on their cereal choice and made their way slowly down the aisle. It was my little gift to myself, a stolen moment just for me and I reminded myself that life is too short to sweat the small stuff, fruity pebbles and all.

Today, share your photos of stolen moment with us and let us have a peek inside, too. 

Monday
Apr302012

a timeless sparkle

Wrapping up a long, busy week I spent some time sorting through some things. Thoughts, feelings, and stuff. Funny thing about going through stuff (on any level) it takes a lot of work. But, it also often yeilds surprises and maybe a treasure or two.

 I found this pristine Polaroid that I forgot I had. Camera case, manual and a few other accessories made the discovery all the sweeter. Despite her age, she's got plenty of sparkle left in her. And I'm guessing because of her age, she's got shine that only a gem like this one can provide.

I loved the synchronicity of this find as I have had all kinds of nostalgia on my mind lately with the coming of my next class Picture Black & White. Class begins this week and I am all geared up for some monochromatic magic. I do hope you join me.

And speaking of joining in, I want to thank you all so much for supporting the #shot4shot project over hte last week. Today may be the last official day of the project but the need for support and awarenss will continue so please, keep spreading the word about Shot@Life! Don't forget if you did play along to send a link to one of your shots from the week to our email so you can receive your complimentary 'thank you' photo journal from Paper Coterie. YAY!

Speaking of your shots, today is Best Shot Monday and the last day of April so it's time to share your best shot with us and send off this month with some sparkle and shine.

Just for fun, we're giving away a spot for Picture Black & White today so leave your best shot link to be included in the random drawing. Commments must be left by midnight EST  tonight (4/30) and winner will be announced on Tuesday. 

Oh, and the lovely Kate shared such a sparkly weekending shot and the link to her blog was broke. So be sure to pop by today and tell her what a great shot it was!

***congrats to Heather for winning the spot in Picture Black & White. Woot!***

Thursday
Apr262012

Every Child Deserves a Shot@Life

Today marks the launch of the United Nation Foundation's Shot@Life campaign. Tracey and I are excited to support Shot@Life and their mission to provide much-needed vaccines to children around the world.

I think about my own children and the relative ease I have here in the United States to get the vaccines I need to protect them from preventable diseases. I'm aware of the options and can access information about vaccines to make an informed decision on behalf of my children. I can afford the costs of vaccines. I have a pediatrician I trust. And I have the means to transport my children to obtain the vaccines we need. This is privilege. One in five children around the world don't have access to life-saving vaccines in developing countries, so they need our help. For just $5, you can protect a child from polio and measles. For just $20 you can help give a child a lifetime of immunity to protect him or her from pneumonia, diarrhea, measles, and polio. To help give a child a Shot@Life, I hope you'll join us here.

........

An added note from Tracey:

Thanks to all of you who are using your photography to support Shot at Life! The collection of images for our #shot4shot project is awesome. Take a peek here and keep up the amazing work! You are appreciated.