I am so grateful for the internet community, and the ability to link up with so many like-minded souls around the world to share our struggles and triumphs in the arts (and every other field under the sun). I am grateful for the creative tension that this community inspires in me. There is a constant push-pull in my energy, between reading other blogs and gathering inspiration -- and actually creating my own art. Both are necessary, but finding the balance is vital.
I participated in the Scott Kelby World Wide Photo Walk this weekend. Our walk was in Kent, Connecticut, and despite all the predictions of steady rain, it was a perfect day. I took lots of pictures of whatever caught my eye as we wandered through town. As I edited my shots, I learned a lot about the kind of stories I like to tell with my photography (although the light bulb went on only after I waded through hundreds of really bad images.... ). I was grateful for the gorgeous weather and for the fact that such a beautiful town is nearby!
I used textures on the first few images here -- I think you either like textures or you don't. My family (in general very nice, intelligent people) just do not understand them, and 9.9 times out of ten will prefer a photo without the textures. Sometimes I think they can't really be related to me; even my artsy youngest daughter preferred these shots in their pristine state:
 |
| Processed with Kim Klassen's "Warm Sun" (overlay @100% and multiply @47%) and "Word" (multiply @75% and color burn @50%) |
 |
| SOOC |
 |
| I first ran a Coffeeshop blog action on this shot, then added Kim's "Crackerjack" (linear burn @25% and multiply @100%) and "Serendipity" (overlay @100%) |
 |
| SOOC |
 |
| Processed with "Word" (soft light @100% and 2x color burn @100%) and "Crackerjack" (overlay @100% and color burn @80%) |
 |
| SOOC |
This barn reminded me of the one on my grandfather's farm when I was a little girl, although my mom will probably disagree. Still, for a minute there it transported me back to Southern Maryland and the delicious smell of tobacco drying (not to be confused in any way with the disgusting smell of tobacco burning.....)
Several sub-themes emerged from the day.... I guess you can tell that this one was "old wooden things."
I'll post more soon!
22 comments:
Hello Kathleen,
Pictures without texture now look naked to me. They didn't used to.
I like all the dilapidation in today's images from you in the barns and the benches and chairs. Lovely shades.
Wonderful vintage feel to these. Nice work.
The walk sounds fun! The only one in my area started at 10pm and ended at midnight so I guess they are into night photography. I love every one of your images. I think the two chairs and the first barn are my favorites.
Very nice photo! These are well composed shots
Wow...what gorgeous shots. I really wanted to go on the walk too.
Hope you have a blessed day♥
Gorgeous photos! love the use of textures!
Wonderful set of photos - I like both versions!
Hi Kathleen, I'm with you on this one - I really like the textures - they look like vintage 30s photos. Very arty and you are very good!
Susanne x
Visiting from TT. Lovin' those two adirondack chairs....the texture is gorgeous. I want to sit and have a cup(s) of coffee there!
Kathy
I love all of these! Very rustic!!! My faves!
I always think that tasteful textures take a good photgraph and make it art. I think you have done that here. V
Hi Kathleen, These are wonderful shots you got on your walk. I love the old and falling down stuff to photograph too. Love them with the textures and since I have started using them I rarely leave a shot "naked" so to speak. I did the walk on Sunday in my city. Fun day, and like you we had a rainy day but it held off for the most part during the walk. I posted photos on my flickr and also on the blog of some of the things we shot.
All of your photos are terrific. I especially like the weathered bench.
I am loving those weathered chairs and the bench. Very well done!
I agree: either you love the textures or you don't. They give so much variety and artistry to a photo! I especially love the chairs and bench.
Beautiful texture work - just great!! :)
These are lovely shots! I like to use textures too. I feel that they can add depth and richness to many shots, without taking away any important details.
Great shots and how much fun was your photo walk. I think the textures were very appropriate and gave the old wood a more vintage look and feel to them. I like photos with and without textures...depending on my mood I suppose. But sometimes that extra little bit of texture just adds a bit more character to the photo, that maybe I was feeling when I shot it.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your kinds words.
Bright blessings,
Kathy
Kathleen,
Your post spoke to me in every aspect. I definitely have the push-pull feeling of enjoying learning from others and then falling into the zone of becoming an "armchair artist" and missing out on just exploring on my own away from technology. Maybe that is a by-product of our time. Not sure who, outside of photography groups online, appreciates my textures. Must be an acquired taste for those who are not involved in photography. Loved your Scott Kelby walk (wish I had that opportunity) and your photos are AMAZING. The decrepit barn and railroad tracks are my favorite shots.
Hi. I love those chairs! It seems that the chairs are alive. haha! :)
the texture on all of these is great!!
(and i hope my comment will come through, my 5th trial at least!!)
I love the textured chairs! I really think the old fashioned feeling fits the serene mood and wooden texture of the adirondacks. It seems the weather here in New England has been all wacky lately, but for the best! :) ~Mary
Post a Comment