Wednesday, August 29, 2012

The 365 Project: Week 34

Lake superior agates in the water

This week on Picaboo was all about photographing water.  Considering I live right along Lake Michigan's Little Bay de Noc, I'm pretty familiar with photographing the stuff.

Lake Stella in the early evening

The rising sun and thick morning mist made for a dramatic effect

There are of course  a few tips and tricks to keep in mind in order to get great shots of water however.  Many of my water photos are either along the beach or of waterfalls, which are my favorite.  In a general sense, consider your time of day.  The best times for taking gorgeous photos of water is morning and late afternoon though evening.  Cloudy or partly cloudy days are best for reflections and reduces glare off the water, giving you better color representation along with a better photo all around.  Of course if you're taking photos of a shaded water fall or creek for example then a sunny day may give you the best ambient lighting and give you a cool light filtering through the trees look.

Reflections of reeds in the early morning

Wagner Falls near Munising Mi

For capturing waterfalls there are a few ways to go about it.  You can set your camera to landscape and just point a shoot for a general photo or you can freeze the water or speed it up to give that silky water look.  To freeze water you can set your camera to the action setting or if you have a dSLR use a fast shutter speed such as 1/5000th of a second.  You may want to use a tripod to reduce camera shake.  This is also how you can capture those neat shots of dripping water or frozen in time fountains and sprinklers.

Water rushing over the rocks

To give the water a silky appearance as I have, you have to slow your shutter speed down.  Something close to a second should do the trick but play with the speeds till you get a shot you like.  If you don't have a dSLR you can try and use the night or firework setting but be sure to change your light meter (the +/- button) high on the + side to get more light in your picture. 

Water droplet on a coleus leaf



Thursday, August 23, 2012

Finders Keepers

After dropping my daughter off at her Nana's, I saw the most amazing thing at the end of a neighbor's driveway.  A milk can.  A "free" sign.  What a beautiful sight.  I slam on the breaks and toss it in the back like I'm stealing it for fear that some other person may have set eyes on the glorious thing and fight me for it.  I can land a good punch, be warned.  I never ever see things like this for free, I usually see them in some antique shop with a price tag on it that would make you think it was gilded with gold.   I got the hell out of there as fast as I could before the neighbor perhaps realized how utterly insane they were for getting rid of such a beautiful and wondrous treasure that is an antique milk can.  However, I think it's more likely that the neighbor thinks I'm the nut, but we won't go there. 
I took my treasure home and hid it from any curious onlookers and headed to the hardware store in search for a nifty color to spray it.  Most of my planters (by the way that's what I'm turning it into) on my porch are orange, green, cream, and various shades of coppery brown.  Purple seemed like a lovely pop of color, although I would have preferred an eggplant color which would have required a trip to the specialty paint store and my husband says I'm no longer allowed in there.


After much scraping with a wire brush to remove the old peeling paint, I sprayed a coat of rust colored primer and then two coats of high gloss purple enamel.  It was a little breezy and I'm pretty sure I got about as much on me as I did on the can.  Oh well, purple is fashionable.

It's coming up on fall soon, so while at the hardware store I also picked up a pretty orange mum to match even though I'm sure my hubby is tired of me buying more plants.  Too bad.

I think it turned out pretty darn snazzy!  I'm sure the other plants are jealous of the mum for having such a cool planter but I'm sure they'll get over it.  And no, you cannot have my milk can, I found it first :)




Tuesday, August 21, 2012

The 365 Project: Week 33


This week on Picaboo the theme/challenge was taking photos in the midday sun.  I forgot to submit my pictures for this week, so I lost my chance to get featured, oops!

My lil diva!  And check out my re-blooming lilacs ;)

Not every great photo opportunity comes with the ideal setting or lighting conditions but that doesn't mean you can't have great photos!  There are a few tips you can follow to make the most of what is available to you at the moment even though, I admit, not all of my own photos this week follow those tips! 
Bubble fun!

First, try to put the sun behind your subject if possible.  This eliminates squinting and still creates a nicely lit photo.  Find some shade preferably.

Momma and her twins raiding the birdfeeders

Check your white balance.  This is your cloudy, sunny, etc settings.  Use a custom setting if you can to balance out your colors better but if you can't my own go to setting is cloudy regardless of weather conditions.  It makes for a warmer photo if that makes any sense to you.  My photo subject is typically my daughter if not something nature related so I don't always have time to tweak my settings.

Can you tell she's been playing in the dirt?

Watch for color casting on your subject's face.  This is that color cast of from brightly colored clothing or items that can leave a tinge of unwanted color on their skin.  Try turning them different angles from the sun, find some shade, or put something white in front of them (but out of the photo) to help reflect more light on their face.  Color casting can be fixed somewhat in post processing but it can be tricky.  It's best to avoid it altogether.

Yeah I know, another photo of a bumblebee, but they're perfect little subjects!

Of course my personal preference for time of day is evening because of the golden lighting conditions but some of my favorite photos have been taken in the midday sun!


Thursday, August 16, 2012

Treasury Thursday

I wanted to share with you some awesome treasuries I've been in this week!  Here's a few of my faves!  Thanks to all who have included me this week!

'Bohemian Love' by miraliem

Bohemain Feather & Leather upcycled necklace - musestudio
Bohemain Feather & ...
$19.95
crochet barefoot sandals black anklet cuffs beach flats beaded robe cotton bleu beads - aabracadabra
crochet barefoot sa...
$53.00
Peacock feather earrings,  peacock, Etsy Wedding, ostrich feather earrings, Vintage style accent, Christmas , gifts for her - msformaldehyde
Peacock feather ear...
$25.00
Gypsy Feather Earrings in Vertigris Patina With Antique Brass and Copper Chain in Bohemain Style - heversonart
Gypsy Feather Earri...
$18.00
Bohemian Dreamcatcher Slave Bracelet Boho Hippie Gold Stone Tribal Gypsy Antiqued Brass Twilight Dream Catcher Native American Inspired - PurpleFinchStore
Bohemian Dreamcatch...
$24.99
Bohemian Barefoot Sandals Beaded Sandals Gypsy Hippie Shoe Toe Thong Coral Turquoise Barefoot Jewelry - MoJosFreeSpirit
Bohemian Barefoot S...
$35.00
Long Bohemian Turquoise Necklace w/ Braided Leather & Feathers - SoulMakes
Long Bohemian Turqu...
$128.00
Chain Headband Headpiece Bohemian Hipster Boho Hippie Bronze Turquoise Two Strand Feather Pendant Bridal Statement Jewelry - FunnyPeopleCo
Chain Headband Head...
$23.00
strapless lace wedding dress arm bands, bohemian floaty - Graceloveslace
strapless lace wedd...
$1050.00
Cream Ivory French lace wedding dress capped sleeve lace up back vintage - Graceloveslace
Cream Ivory French ...
$1000.00
Navajo inspired bohemian crystal dreamcatcher wall hanging bronze and gold - CindersJewelryDesign
Navajo inspired boh...
$55.00
mariposa. a bohemian headband. 'in stock/ ready to ship' - RunWithTheTribe
mariposa. a bohemia...
$25.00

'Anticipating Autumn' by LittleAppleNY

Leather medium size  cross body bag / hipbag in orange red  leather and two zipper compartements - rinarts
Leather medium size...
$55.90
20% Off SALE - Stationery Set of 8 Folded Cards - Vintage Floral Motif - Wedding Thank You Notes - Gift for Her - MaiAutumn
20% Off SALE - Stat...
$15.20
Red Flowers Necklace - ChayaGallery
Red Flowers Necklac...
$68.00
Hairsticks, Red Orange Lampwork Beads, Sterling Silver, Hair Sticks - OzmayDesigns
Hairsticks, Red Ora...
$27.00
Brown Felted Acorns - 10 Wool Home Decor Rusty Autumn Orange Handmade Waldorf Woodland Natural Nature Autumn Fall Thanksgiving Needle - Fairyfolk
Brown Felted Acorns...
$20.00
Tangerine Pyrite Sterling Silver Earring, Tangerine Boho Earrings, red hot spicy fall autumn - cooljewelrydesign
Tangerine Pyrite St...
$39.50
Red and Golden Fern Spring Autumn Leaves Embroidered Pin Brooch - leeandlatimer
Red and Golden Fern...
$15.00
Earrings - Golden Sleeping Fox - Light Gold, Pumpkin Dark Orange, Black - 24ct gold plated glass beads and sterling silver hoops - AmaltheaCph
Earrings - Golden S...
$440.00
Garden Variety 1 - Cut Paper Art Print - ruralpearl
Garden Variety 1 - ...
$20.00
Dark Orange and Black Dots Lampwork Spacer Beads (4) - crazyladyglass
Dark Orange and Bla...
$5.00
Autumn Fall - Four Seasons Branch Sachet Leaves Orange Nutmeg Balsam Fir Gift Under 25 for Her Home Decor by Harp and Thistle Stitchery - HarpandThistle
Autumn Fall - Four ...
$24.00
25 Dark Orange Elegant Butterfly Die Cuts Punch Wall Decor Scrapbook Embellishments - No669 - BelowBlink
25 Dark Orange Eleg...
$1.50
Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads - look me in the eye - 3 Beads - Ivory, Dark Orange, Black. - glass72
Handmade Lampwork G...
$9.00
crochet ARM WARMERS FINGERLESS you pick the color sports team gloves warm wrist warmers soft wool burnt orange spice fall - HandmadeMonster
crochet ARM WARMERS...
$18.00
Crate of Vegetables - Dollhouse Miniature one inch scale - vesperminiatures
Crate of Vegetables...
$35.00
Owl Scrabble Tile Necklace Hand Painted Vintage Tile -Hoot at the Moon - heversonart
Owl Scrabble Tile N...
$18.00

'Fleeting' by elbowsdesigns

The Monarch - UnaEstelle
The Monarch
$18.00
Agate Slice Statement Bracelet in Solid Sterling Silver Heavy Chain with Fancy Spring Clasp / stone black white cream organic / ooak - byjodi
Agate Slice Stateme...
$175.00
Outdoors Playground Photograph Nursery Decor childs art kids room decor swing playset tan black white fall autumn - Childs Dreams 5x5 - AmeliaKayPhotography
Outdoors Playground...
$16.00
Fall Flowers, Black and White Photograph, Dahlia, Autumn Garden, Garden Art, Abstract Art, Home Decor 5X7 - Fine Art Print by Finchfield - finchfieldart
Fall Flowers, Black...
$12.00
Medium Arrow Chalk Board Sign (2 Sided)- For your Rustic, Country, Woodland, Outdoor, Black and White Damask Wedding Reception - RiverRoadRustics
Medium Arrow Chalk ...
$10.95
Autumn Reflections and Boat Dock on a Pond near Yankee Springs MichiganA Black and White Fine Art Wall Decor Photograph - RandyNyhofPhotos
Autumn Reflections ...
$35.00
Chunky necklace in beige, black and white lake shells and wood beads. Perfect summer fashion.. Wood necklace. - VeniciaCreations
Chunky necklace in ...
$22.45
Monarch Butterfly Scrabble Necklace Hand Painted Butterfly Wing on Vintage Scrabble Tile - heversonart
Monarch Butterfly S...
$22.00
Natural History - Fall - Autumn - Botanical - Seed Pod Sprig - Limited Edition Print from Original Drawing - Worksonpaperart
Natural History - F...
$18.00
butterfly hair comb, orange monarch hair comb - serenitycrystal
butterfly hair comb...
$26.00
New York Photography, Architectural, Bridge Photography, Dreamy and Vintage Inspired, Home Decor, Matte Finish , Fine Art Photography - DreamyPhoto
New York Photograph...
$25.00
Black and White Stripe-Shoulder Bag-Pleated-Double Straps - marbled
Black and White Str...
$36.00
Tree Series: Summer Tree - RetroFutures
Tree Series: Summer...
$2.75
Black and White Ikat Pillows, Modern Trendy Cushion Covers, Decorative Accent Pillows Sofa Couch, Designer Fall Winter Home Decor 18x18 - PillowThrowDecor
Black and White Ika...
$25.00
Ethnic and Primitive Necklace - bone in black and white - NoneVeroBijoux
Ethnic and Primitiv...
$23.00
Hanging On - Fine Art Photograph Black and White Nature Flower Dandelion - 5x7 Free Shipping - OneDecember
Hanging On - Fine A...
$12.50

'and such..' by M2wireworks

Monarch Butterfly Scrabble Necklace Hand Painted Butterfly Wing on Vintage Scrabble Tile - heversonart
Monarch Butterfly S...
$22.00
NOW  30% DISCOUNT-Black & Orange copper and Dark Orange Leotard - BinaSamet
NOW 30% DISCOUNT-B...
$50.00
Vintage Christmas Mid Century Ornaments Plastic Icicles Red and Orange (22) - LunaParkVintage
Vintage Christmas M...
$35.00
Red orange swirls earrings in antique brass - CitrusCat
Red orange swirls e...
$18.00
Wedding White Paper Butterfly 100 Pack - AFeteBeckons
Wedding White Paper...
$5.00
Vintage Canister Glass Storage Jar Red Orange Floral With Lid Retro Kitchen - ZenfulGoods
Vintage Canister Gl...
$9.50
Feather Necklace, Ivory White Leather Feather Jewelry , Swan Statement Necklace - LoveAtFirstBlush
Feather Necklace, I...
$55.00
Earrings Dangle with Posts, Red Orange Earrings with Three Lines with a twist - Aula46
Earrings Dangle wit...
$26.00
Gradational Color Fire Opal Bead Necklace in Red, Orange, Yellow, White and Clear - PalomaDeOro
Gradational Color F...
$32.00
Peace Pendants, White Howlite Stone,  35mm, 12 Pieces,  Peace Signs,  Peace Sign Beads - HEMPHUTT
Peace Pendants, Whi...
$5.49
Black Horn Earrings Spiral Gauges Expanders - GA002 H - organicethnic
Black Horn Earrings...
$9.00
Vintage Inspired Leaf Necklace Red Orange Leaf Glass Art Pendant Picture Pendant Photo Pendant - Lizabettas
Vintage Inspired Le...
$14.00
Classic Leather Bracelet - Red, Bown, Orange - perfectwear
Classic Leather Bra...
$21.00
Simple Black Hemp Bracelet - HempAndSuch
Simple Black Hemp B...
$3.95
Enamel earrings red orange tangerine semicircles by Alery - alery
Enamel earrings red...
$23.00
Stunning Catseye 1950s   BLACK and White layered  EYEGLASSES  Marine Brand USA - ifoundgallery
Stunning Catseye 19...
$65.00

'A Trip To The Bottom Of The Natural Sea' by filmshirley

Vintage Sperm Whale Natural History Wall Decor Print 10x8 - HighStreetVintage
Vintage Sperm Whale...
$15.00
Seahorse 10X10 Seahorse Print Ocean Decor Marine Art Sea Themed Seahorse Magical Ocean Beach Natural History - machelspencePHOTO
Seahorse 10X10 Seah...
$14.99
Jellyfish Print Chrysaora  Natural History Vintage Illustration - TheCuratorsPrints
Jellyfish Print Chr...
$22.00
Sandpiper Natural History Nautical Pendant Necklace Bird - thelittlechickadee
Sandpiper Natural H...
$35.00
vial necklace set earth, sea, sky preserved specimen corked top on extra long 35 inch silver chain. natural history bohemian chic jewelry - StudioBotanica
vial necklace set e...
$60.00
Brain Coral Formations & Brittle Stars Starfish Haeckel Vintage Print Natural History Oceanography Victorian Scientific Lithograph To Frame - SurrenderDorothy
Brain Coral Formati...
$11.89
Gold Trimmed Seashell Pendant - 14k Gold - missashleylu
Gold Trimmed Seashe...
$19.99
WHALE Digital Image vintage natural history illustration 072 - PixelsTransfer
WHALE Digital Image...
$4.00
Vintage Shell Print  - 8 x 10 - Natural History - Pecten - 1001treasures
Vintage Shell Print...
$12.00
Trinket Dish Ceramic Retro Fish Vintage Design Ocean Blue Jewelry Holder - DesertArtsPottery
Trinket Dish Cerami...
$14.00
Vintage Cuttlefish on Tea Stained Background Natural History Art Print 8 x 10 - BelleMerGraphics
Vintage Cuttlefish ...
$10.00
Old Sea Shell II Natural History - Signed Fine Art Print - NatureStudy
Old Sea Shell II Na...
$23.00
Romantic Shell Necklace with Pearl, Czech Glass and Brass -Ocean Treasures - heversonart
Romantic Shell Neck...
$20.00
Vintage Blue Crab Print - French Natural History - Seaside style - Beach Home decor - swanboroughprints
Vintage Blue Crab P...
$15.00
Two Drilled Shells For Jewelry - BlackSparrowFindings
Two Drilled Shells ...
$8.00
Vintage Art Print, Flower 33 Orchid, Aerides vandarum, India, China, Botanical, Natural History Book Plate, Framing, 1970, Kaplicka - MarcadeVintagePrints
Vintage Art Print, ...
$6.50