Texture Photo--Before and After

If you have been following our blog, you know that I am a huge fan of Kim Klassen and her textures.  She is simply amazing!  Her beautiful work has been a huge inspiration for me and has opened my eyes to a whole new way of creating art through photography (even if it is just for me).

Throughout the past year, I have learned so much through Kim's classes, inspirational Flickr groups, and by just plain old experimentation and while I still have a lot to learn, I thought I'd share a few before and after photos to give you a sense of what you can do with textures....... (and not to sound like a broken record, but I highly recommend you taking one of her classes or joining Beyond Layers --a round two group is forming).

So with that said....I'll walk you through one of my texture photo shoots........

Today, I set up my little photo shoot on my porch.  I clipped some lavender from my garden (it grows on the other side of the screen)  and found a pretty pitcher (an awesome garage sale find) to place it in.

My porch is the one area in my home that gets nice afternoon light and is where I  most often take my still life shots.  I love the old trunk (I've schlepped that thing from coast to coast as the dings and dents can attest to) and use it as my table a lot.   After placing the table lamp on the floor and getting my Photoflex disc out, I had a nice little set up and was ready to start snapping.

After taking nearly two dozen shots at various angles.....I decided to work with the photo below (I actually think it looks quite nice even straight out of the camera):

f2.8, ISO 200, 1/160

My dog, Lulu (who is always following me around) was very curious about my antics.....

Next,  came the fun part.....playing with textures.  I won't get into all the details here but I cropped the photo, used a couple of layers of  Kim Klassen's  texture Phoebe, adjusted the saturation,  added a little text and voila.......created this:

I really love how it turned out.   And while I may never print this image, it was a great way to spend an hour or so of time on a rainy day..........

Less is More From Beyond Layers--Wordless Wednesday

by Kristina

One Word Project--Getting Focused

I'm so excited about the Skinny Mini Class I've been taking with Kim Klassen.  I thought I had a fairly good (albeit basic) understanding of Photoshop Elements, but oh my am I learning little tips and tricks and short-cuts that are truly making a difference in my editing abilities.   I can't believe that after only 4 short tutorials, how much I knowledge I have gleaned and there are still 6 more lessons to go!

Here is a photo I edited using some of the great tips from Kim's class.   As you can see, I've incorporated my One Little Word theme into this image.  I've been thinking about my word a lot lately...FOCUS....and feel the ripples of change starting to take effect.  

For example, I've been using Photoshop Elements for years.....but now that I have taken some time to FOCUS on this tool by participating in a class, my understanding of the program has totally increased.   Really!   I recommend you check out Kim's classes.  She is an excellent teacher and has fantastic videos that walk you through each lesson.

How have you been incorporating your word into your daily life?  

Picture the Holidays--Week 3

I'm in the homestretch of the Picture the Holidays photo prompts.   This week I found it a little tough to keep my momentum going with all of the holiday commitments on my plate (school party, our own holiday cocktail party complete with 50 guests, kids being home from school, finishing up holiday shopping, etc.) but I plugged away.  After all, the whole point of this project is to take time out for myself and enjoy a few moments with my camera.  So that I did......

Anyway here is a recap of week three......

Day 15:  Got Gifts?
The idea here was to shoot an image that you would use as a gift tag.  I have not had a chance to turn this into an actual gift tag yet (I better get on it).  This ornament is special to me because not only does it signify love but it was made by my mom using lace from my wedding dress (which she also made--yes, she is amazing!).

Day 16:   Season of Lights
Here was our chance to capture some intentional bokeh.  I never really tried to do this before and found this to be a fun little exercise.

Day 17:  Warm Glow
There is nothing like the glow of lights during the holiday season.  Rather than photograph candles, I decided to capture the glow of the lights through my tasty champagne cocktail.

Day 18:  Recharge
Today the prompt involved taking a moment to recharge your batteries.  The holiday season can get hectic and feel rushed and sometimes all you need is a nice hot bath, a diet coke and your favorite magazines to unwind.

Day 19:  Make a List
I love making to do lists.  I feel an enormous sense of accomplishment every time I cross off an item.   For this photo,  I decided to make a list of my hopes and dreams for 2012.  I used the inspiring texture from Kim Klassen to give myself a few extra reminders.....

Day 20:  Wrapped with Love
Here the idea was to find a gift adorned in its holiday best.  Typically, I find wrapping a presents a bit of a chore.  But taking a few moments to wrap even just a few gifts with extra special touches was actually a great way to spend time this afternoon.

Day 21:  Attitude Adjustment
Here we were asked to have some fun.  Capture something that would help you lighten your mood.  This photo was taken earlier in the month (on a girls' trip to San Francisco) but it makes me smile every time I look at it.  I love my zany friends (and the unsuspecting tourist who was willing to take our photo in the wee hours of the morning).

Another Beautiful Texture From Kim Klassen

This week, I'm very late to Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday party but I wanted to put something up despite the fact it is Saturday!

I just love her textures and this week's challenge, put your twist on the number 2, was one I was excited to take on. The problem was kicking my boys off the computer to get a chance to work on my photos.

So here you go.....two leaves......

I used Kim's texture Phoebe at 85% soft light.

Kim Klassen Texture--and then some.......

I've never officially participated in a Texture Tuesday by Kim Klassen  but this week I decided to finally join the party.  As you probably know, we are HUGE fans of Kim.  She is an amazing artist and talented photographer and each week she shares a texture with her readers.   If you have not visited her site yet, click on over.....you will truly be inspired!

The photo above was edited with her texture "and then some." I used two layers (one as an overlay and one linear burn at varying opacities) and I love it!




Oh and guess who I met at Camp Shutter Sisters?  Yep, Kim!!!  Here is a picture of us on the last day of camp.   I was absolutely giddy to meet her.  Can you tell?

New Texture to Check Out by Kim Klassen

I am a "frequent downloader," if there is such a thing, over at Kim Klassen's Cafe.   This week she has a cool "Fall-in" texture to try.  I used it below in a photo I took of some beautiful Japanese maple leaves.  I think the Japanese maple is my favorite tree, -next would be the Magnolia.

So check it out, and head on over to Kim Klassen's Cafe to download this texture yourself.  And see the wonderful array of tutorials and other textures she has to share or purchase.  To be sure I don't miss any I subscribe to her blog to be alerted to her many wonderful treats.

Friday Finds--Kim Klassen Textures

I know we've mentioned her before, but if you have not visited the Kim Klassen Cafe, you definitely should.  She has AMAZING textures and tutorials on how to use them.  You will definitely be inspired by her work and artistic talents.

And this very generous artist/photographer, offers a free texture each week.  You just need to sign up on her "Texture Lovin List".

It's been awhile since I've played with textures, so this morning I thought I'd have some texture fun.  The photo below uses Kim's texture "Just Stitched."  

Before

After