old and worn...tattered and torn.....

I have a love for old and worn, tattered and torn. I love rust and peeling paint...chipped and crackled... Bring it on! Definitely love old abandoned buildings....especially antique RED barns. The older the better. Even our home is 107 years old.  

'sigh'

Last Sunday (Mother's Day) John insisted we go for a drive.... he'd been out on an ambulance call the week before.... and discovered a few places he knew I must see! Oh my, was he right.  

We found this sweet old barn....on an abandoned yard.... I'm thinking it'd be a wonderful photo shoot location for sure! Is the red not PERFECT?  

I love images of old buildings, mixed with textures. Images such as this, and this and this...and oh my...THIS... Adore. Honestly, anything old ... and I'm in..... vintage pieces...yes please and thank you!

How bout you?  Do you love the old, and aged, creaky and crackled?  If so, I'd love to see...

beach party

Ben and I stumbled on this party at our local beach today..... 

As you can see, true beach weather has not yet arrived. Our feathered friends have the place all to themselves, and they seem to be loving every minute of it. It's hard to see the variety of 'folks' at the gathering...but there was a duck, a few geese, a gull and another fella I can't quite identify.  

Ben and I walk the trail from town, that leads to this very spot, each day.... it's certainly not a sandy ocean beach, but we sure do LOVE it.

Today share a little glimpse into your world....  the beach, the trail, the back yard.... wherever you may find a little inspiration and sunshine. We'd love to see it. 

obstructed view

I raced the sunset last night; home to grab my camera and back up to the highest hill in town in anticipation of the last light and color of the evening.

I made it in time but was disappointed by the view. How was it that I forgot about the fence up there that stood between myself and the expansive sky?

Regardless the obstacle, I shot a number of images. Looking up, across, vertical, horizontal and finally, through. And of all the shots, there was something about the shot that included the obstruction that captured my interest. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. In this case, it kind of worked.

Have you ever taken a risk and shot anyway, even when conditions weren't right, the scene not what you expected? Today share a view that clicked for you, regardless the obstacles.

transformation

On our latest family getaway, we opted to drive home using the road less travelled. When I say less travelled, I really mean it. Much of this stretch narrowed to a single lane and we didn't see another car for many miles. The landscape was stunning and surreal. As I was shooting, I knew exactly how I would process the images. Although I don't normally even entertain thoughts of processing as I shoot, there is something about these trees that beg for an infrared treatment. I just knew it. And, just my luck, with the new Lightroom, there is an infrared preset. Bingo!

Click of the shutter. Click of the mouse. Simple as that.

After seeing these images processed like this, I may have a new favorite preset.

How about you? What is your favorite processing technique these days? Does any particular treament tickle your photo-fancy? We'd love to see it.

horizon: a bel kai necklace for the capture collection (giveaway!)

Living in the Midwest has provided me with a lifetime of different seasons and ever-changing landscapes. We live through the long, harsh winters just to be rewarded with the stunning beauty of spring, summer and fall. The colors around me are constantly changing, but my favorite combination in nature and life is aqua blue, grass green and rich brown. My own logo and marketing materials utilize this combo and I am often drawn to these colors in clothing. So of course, my camera lens is always on the hunt for these hues.

I'm excited to share my Bel Kai Designs necklace, the latest addition to the Capture Collection of Shutter Sisters photographic jewelry. This piece combines all three of my favorite colors and upon closer inspection the layers of color reveal an image of a wide open green field and blue sky near my hometown. I can't think of a better way to remind me of growth and life throughout the long winter months (and the rest of the year).

We are delighted to be giving away one of these beauties today. Just leave your comment here by Saturday at midnight EST. Just tell us your favorite color scheme.

UPDATE: Congrats to Erin Faye for winning a Horizon necklace!