Beyond Layers - Day 44

Challenge: use Kim's photo any way we want.  Here is my take -

In addition to some adjustment layers, I used several Kim Klassen's textures plus the "Les Fleurs" overlay.

Here's the original picture:

Black and White show and tell..

I am fascinated with black and white photography. Here, I am applying what I've learned from Love That Shot's B&W workshop, using a 50mm 1.4 prime lens.

Variations on the whisper theme..

I was out photographing the flowers for our Beyond Layer's "whisper theme.  When I think whisper, I think dreamy, hazy, lots of white.  But, sometimes you end up on a different path.  This is the same tree as used in the whisper post below but what a difference. I tried adding the dreamy effect but the photo would not allow it.  In this photo I ended up removing the color entirely and then slowly added it back.



About the photo:
Annabelle texture from Kim Klassen.

f/2.8, ISO 100, 1/100 sec
Asahi f/1.4, 50mm fixed lens

Whisper...

The trees are in bloom, here in Northern California.  Here's a dreamy take on the pretty flowers on the tree in our front yard.


About the photo:
No textures this time.  Several level adjustments and lens flare filter were used.

f/2.8, ISO 100, 1/640 sec
Asahi f/1.4, 50mm fixed lens

Painterly Effect....

About my photo:

f/21, ISO 1600, 1/40sec

Asahi f/1.4, 50mm fixed lens

Kim Klassen "Poetic" texture

Eyes wide open...

I believe there are no coincidences.  Things happen for a reason.  Kim Klassen shared a story today about being grateful that she was able to help someone less fortunate than her.   The gist of her story was to keep your eyes wide open for opportunities to do the same thing.  I fully expected to be in “the right place, at the right time.” today for someone who needed it. The twist was, it was me (and a friend) who needed assistance when my friend lost her wallet.  A very kind soul found the wallet and it was returned to my friend.  

About my photo: 

f/1.4, ISO 3200, 1/640sec

Asahi f/1.4, 50mm fixed lens

Kim Klassen textures: Shine, Sweet Treat

It should be noted that I had an assistant today who basically directed the photo shoot.  Here is a behind the scenes shot of Binx helping me stage things.

Vision and Blur

I love being in the forest when it's snows.  You can hear the wind through the trees and feel the solitude.  I love the look on Kye's face, pure bliss.  Kye belongs to my sister Cyndi. She sent me the original photo awhile ago.  I edited it in CS5 using Kim Klassen's nutmeg texture.

Vermont after and before

So here's the deal.   I took this shot while chasing fall colors in Vermont. I edited the photo in CS5 using several adjustment layers and the  Dirt overlay from  Love That Shot.  The fall colors were in full bloom while I was there but it was very overcast and ready to snow.  I loved the original shot as I can feel cold just from looking at the photo but I think it's really a case of  "you had to be there".   So I took some artistic license and added a warmer, blue sky.

Here is the original picture SOOC (straight out of camera):

Can you feel the cold?

It's so thrilling to watch the hang gliders at Fort Funston, San Francisco, which is located right off of the Pacific ocean.  I can spend hours watching them disappear off the cliff and then seconds later see them sore into the air.

Taking off

 This photo was processed using Kim Klassen's Greyday texture.

Day 2 "Just enough......"

Sometimes a little bit goes a long way.  This is true with makeup, perfume and mayo.  In this picture, I removed the color, added a slight vignette and little else.  The idea is to bring you into the picture.

This is an old pier off of Treasure Island. You can barely see the Golden Gate in the background.

Lens 18.0-55.0 mm, set at 55.0; f/11, ISO 100

Day One.. My Story

I believe if you are open to it, your angels will guide down the path you are meant to follow.  Life can be tough when you resist, like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.  Best to follow your heart and enjoy the journey. 

I have always loved art.  I have painted, drawn, explored textiles and mixed media but  I have discovered my true passion is creative photography.  Using my photos, some of which were taken years ago, and making them shine in Photoshop has opened a whole new world for me.  Hours fly by when I am working on a project and my heart sings.

For this photo, a photo of Kim Klassen's was my inspiration.  Who knew that she had, of all things, a similar tart warmer!
The quote was provided in one of Kim's tutorials.
Lens: EF-S18-55mm, ISO 6400, f/5.6

I am going on a journey.....

Kim Klassen of Kim Klassen Cafe has come up with a wonderful 52 week workshop called Beyond Layers.  This promises to be a year full of new ideas and creativity.

Along the way, I hope to find

•  Inspiration, for me and for my art
•  A common bond with other artists on the same journey
• Ways to further my technical skills both with my camera and Photoshop