I can see it

May 13th, 2012

We love tow-mater in our house.  Not to mention Luigi.  I’m talking about the Cars characters of course.

I can totally see how with a couple of buckly teeth and some eyes this will look like Mater.  You think I’m joking?

I met the owner of this old heap and learned all about his hilarious idea of working this pick up truck over to look like Mater only to place ‘him’ along side some of his Cars character buddies,  Fillmore and Sarge, and who knows who else.

We’ve passed this truck many times and today I caught it.  I caught some of the truck’s character before being interrupted approached by Bob, the property owner (yes, I was trespassing again). He asked what I liked about this truck. Like?  What’s not to like?  This bad boy is full of character!

Well I thought this ol’ pick-up was fullllll of character until I met Bob.  Bob’s got lots of plans in addition to re-creating Cars on his side yard.  Bob’s going to open up an old fashioned shiny steel diner!  You guessed it, right on his property.  That, along with modifying his vintage firetruck in to a jungle gym for the little ones will make his place the most sought after breakfast in town.

I’ll hope to get some shots of Flo, Fillmore or maybe even Hank the tractor next time. Maybe even Bob too.

 

Happy Mother’s Day!

 jd                                                                                     follow me on Pinterest!

Purchase prints here!

jenn@jenndiggs.com

 

 

 

 

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So you want to be a show junkie?

May 11th, 2012

 

          “I love your frames!!!!”

 

Despite my pain-staking efforts to present beautiful photography prints to sell, this is the most frequently expressed sentiment when a person enters my (arts & crafts) festival tent.  It’s true, and it’s okay that my frames catch the attention of festival goers. That sentiment is always followed by “and your photographs…they are just awesome” (insert paraphrasing).  Always, always it is noted that the two together, my prints, his frames are a wonderful marriage indeed.

   

This is what I do, arts & crafts shows, or festivals as some are called.  After less than 2 years at it I am still a show junkie in the making.

It all started with some mediocre (and I mean mediocre) landscape photographs in my husband’s classic farmhouse style frames  (he’s not a frame-maker by trade, he’s just really good at it :) .

Of course the pretty pictures and frames weren’t enough – what I needed was a “tent” or booth.  And a cheap one!  Some tents cost $200+ (I found one for $80).  Interior walls to hang art work can be $400+ easily but with a limited budget and short time frame my husband (yes, him again) came up with make-shift walls to hold my framed prints. Embarrassing as it is, here’s a shot of that first tent that I used at my first art festival. 

ouch.  

it’s okay, I’m speechless too.

Ironically, my sales at that show defied all laws about having a handsome booth in order to be successful.

With the framed images, the tent space and the first show under my belt, I arrived at this look for my third show. So much cleaner, right?  The grey walls replaced the hideous wooden lattice.  and you are correct, my husband fashioned these too!

 

The tent space I have today has evolved even further than the one above but, alas, I don’t have a picture of it because I forgot my camera at my last show – Guess I was running around like a nutcase busy getting ready, double checking my truck load, checking directions, checking my hair, outfit, etc.

In the meantime, if you are starting out, here’s a neat little list of some things to think of, do and look for before doing a show.  My recent post show analysis is in green and red.

Before the show

  •   2-3 months in advance: If you have a website, post your show schedule.   check
  •   2-3 weeks in advance: Postcard/Invitation mailing to previous customers in and near the show.  fail  (I figure they’ll come back if they are happy customers – and they do)
  •   2 weeks before: Check your business cards/brochures supply, replenish if necessary.  check/fail  (my cards had a typo. on them!)
  •   1 day to one week before: Get a haircut if you need it.  check *strategically placed highlights applied*
  •   1 week before: Plan show clothes and have them cleaned for the show.  fail.  (did this morning of)
  •   Day before: Review map of route to festival. The website mapquest.com is used by many. fail (en route)
  •   Days before: Pack carefully.  At every festival, someone has forgotten a vital piece of their display.  check  (thanks to my husband)
  • Week before: Pack camera/film so you can photograph your booth.   fail  (loser!)
  • Week before: Check your vehicle: tire, fluids, belts, etc.   fail  (having full tank of gas is over-rated)

The Booth 

Before the show: Details count. Review every element of your booth, just as you review your work. I strongly recommend a fabric panel wall system.  check  (yes, my husband’s inexpensive wall system made of carpet – that you would never find in my home  + wood legs)

 

                              

 

 

 

 

 


  • Before the show, and at the show: Have professional price tags. Ideally, price tags are typed or laser printed on heavy weight paper, or glued to mat board. Price tags authenticate the price, reducing the “haggle.”  check (well, I think they are neat anyway – tags and stamp bought at Michael’s and twine for hanging)
  • At the show: Use a floor covering. It completes your booth and covers up ugly directional traffic markings and muddy ground.   fail  (tried that before – don’t want to have a tripping hazard in my space)
  • At the show: Hang 2D work level, and adjust often during the show. Shelf work should be arranged neatly. Keep glass clean, and bring touch up paint/markers for those unexpected nicks.  check
  • Don’t over fill your both. More is not always better.  Have more stock in back, so that you can pull out that special piece for the right person. check
  •  At the show: Have plenty of business cards and if you are redoing them, include an image of your art.  It greatly helps people remember who you are.  check (albeit with a website typo. – the most important element to the card – I’m not good with details)
  • Keep a guest book, and maintain a database for future mailings.  fail  (I don’t want anyone to feel pressured in to my stalking them!)
  • At the show: If you love how your booth looks, take a photo for next season’s juries.  If you don’t love your booth, evaluate how it could be improved.  check (see above booth when I was a rooky). 
  • At the show: Keep your booth tidy so that the visitor at 4 pm on Sunday has the same positive experience that the visitor Saturday morning had.   fail  (I dismantled one wall at 4:30 to speed up the break down train)
  • At the show: maximize your experience, and take a look around for great booth ideas from other artists.  fail  (mine is the best)
  • Wear your name badge during the show. This lets the public know who you are right away.  fail  (I thought tent sign is enough!)

Your Work

  • Have various price points so that you have broad appeal to the masses.  check
  • Show your body of work. A tighter body of work increases sales by making it easier for the public to make the buy decision. check
  •  Frame your work well. If at all possible, avoid using cheap metal or wood frames (what?).   check (work is framed in my one- of-a -kind style wood frames thank you very much)
  • Be true to yourself. Time and time again, I see that it is the artists who really have something to say that sell the best, regardless of price. check (I abhor hagglers or disrespectful people in my tent (and boy do I have stories on that).

You

  • Be clean and smell good. Basic, but true. People do not want to talk to, let alone buy from, someone who smells. Don’t eat onions and tuna  fish and expect to sell.   um, check
  • Be well dressed. People buy more from people who dress (shoes too) like them.  check!
  • Don’t smoke or drink alcohol in your booth. This is a turn-off and many people will stay away.   check for me but apparently not for my neighboring exhibitors of late – lighting up during the show in their tent.  Yuck!
  • Don’t sit behind your booth reading a book or the newspaper and expect to sell. You’ve got to interact with the public.  check (really??) 
  • Don’t leave your booth for long periods of time, or with a booth sitter for more than 20 minutes. People will give up on an artist they can’t find after a few tries.  check (coffee run is a must though in the afternoon)                 Source

Next up on my schedule is a summer of bigger scale festivals  (Haddonfield Festival of the Arts, Mt. Gretna Art Show).  I will be ready with a refined and welcoming tent space full of my framed prints.  One of the new things I’m adding is a  candelabra.  I know.  But don’t worry I won’t burn the tent down with it.  There’s a greater chance of a fire catching from one of the neighboring exhibitors/smokers. 

just sayin’.

I’ll bring new festival tips in June!  

 

                                                                                         follow me on Pinterest!

                                                                                          Purchase prints here!

                                                                                           jenn@jenndiggs.com


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soccer first

April 21st, 2012

She’s #4 and she’s a wonderful soccer player, who happens to be  my baby girl.

Our first priority was going to the soccer game today.  I’m sure those in earshot of my husband and I were exhausted by the end of the game, and not from enduring the hot sun or the intensity of the game. Hearing us cheer on and gush over our little wonder was probably even too much for her adoring grandparents to hear.  It’s our job, instinct, a parental rule, moral obligation to be her biggest fans.  We just want her to have fun – which she does 10x over.  She loves playing on a soccer team.  So what if she happens to be great on defense.  Or a fabulous goalie.  Or a fast runner.  Or keeps an eye on the field and not just what’s going on in front of her. What ev’s!

It just so happens that the drive to the soccer field is surrounded by great stuff to shoot.  I’ve shot these trees in the snow a few years ago but always wanted to get them in another season.  It is now spring and this is now my new shot of them!

Can’t wait till the next game!

jd

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yes, more

April 3rd, 2012

No time to chitty chat! Here are some new spring shots that will be framed and ready for my first festival of the season. The Clover Market, Ardmore PA. http://theclovermarket.com/


( I don’t think this type of “crib” is what mtv talks about )


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yep, barn red

April 1st, 2012

Here’s why they use the color reference “barn red”.

Yes, I’ve taken this door’s portrait before but wanted to capture it another way.  I think it was worth trying it again because it has a load of character!

And since I was already on the posted no trespassing property I got a shot of the other barn doors which carry a different shade of red. Which one do they mean by “barn red”?  And who are “they” anyway?

Nothing like being on a farm in the spring time – just me, the spooky empty farmhouse, barn, endless pastures, and of course, a cacophony of bird song.

I’ll be out again soon.  Can’t wait!

 

jd

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The tulip touch

March 29th, 2012

I love shooting tulips and got the chance to do so this week.  Unfortunately, after my little tulip session our tulips ended up looking as though they had been shot but not by my camera.  But I think it may have all been worth it.

Backing up, my daughter is turning 8 this week (!) and for her party at home I bought some pink tulips – here’s what they looked like:

Glorious, right?

Hold that thought for a trivia detour that I just came across:  The American Floral Marketing Council conducted a survey half dozen years ago on preference of tulip color by men and women.  In order of preference, men purchased red, yellow, pale pink, hot pink, white, and purple tulips.  Women liked pale pink, pale purple, hot pink, peach, red, and yellow.

Anyway, yes, I captured the tulip bouquet in all of its splendor but was determined to see them in another light.  catch the pun?  And so I did.  But before I did I had to dismantle most of the robust leaves from the stems – by hand – no scissors – what in the was I thinking by doing that?  Rather than a bunch of tulips I created a bottled up tulip garden.  I love this look.

If you had to choose, do you like the bottled tulip look or the tulip bouquet look?

Which look do I prefer – bouquet or bottled?  I love them both but I learned my lesson. Yes, next time I won’t show up for the shoot without some scissors. Big ones.  That will save the bunch from my in-delicate tulip touch.

And they won’t end up looking this shabby.  I don’t suppose you’ll believe me when I say I really do have a green thumb-?  Just not this week.

For the tulip people out there – some tulip tips and warnings:

  • Remember that cut tulips will continue to grow after they’ve been cut, usually adding at least an additional inch, and sometimes more.
  • Cut tulips seem to bend every which way for no apparent reason, and this is what contributes to much of their charm. However, the bending is actually caused by the pull of sunlight on the bloom.
  • Never place cut tulips in the same container as daffodils with re-cut stems. The sap from the daffodils can damage or ill the cut tulips.

I’ll be back with more spring images soon.

 

jd

 

 

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Spring love

March 24th, 2012

I have been inspired by this early spring – so many greens and pinks – very dreamy.  Here’s more of what my spring is looking like here in Penna. Can’t wait to frame them and show them at my art festivals this year!

Enjoy your spring.

j

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The collection

March 23rd, 2012

I’m a very organized person and as such, I needed to gather my art prints in one place  – I do sell most of these at my art festivals but some are thrown in here just because I wanted to throw them in there. :  )Please contact me to order or with questions!  I ship internationally!  jenn@jenndiggs.com

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those old-time farmers

March 19th, 2012

Mar 13-19: Rain and snow, then sunny, cool    <—————  That’s what the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicted for this past week her in the Eastern Corridor.

Real life:   Mar 13-19:  Unusually warm. Cherry trees in full bloom, maple trees, spirea bushes, pear trees are all budding and some are already out.  Enjoying ave. temp. of 68 degrees each and every day.  Welcome early spring in March!

Here’s some proof of what I’m selling.  No pun intended.

Yep, I’m pretty damn happy with this early spring.  Can we do this every year?

Enjoy your spring, and come back to see more of mine!

 

jd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The light can be a deal breaker

March 8th, 2012

I haven’t done a portrait photography tip in a while and to all of my adoring fans, I apologize.  wink 

So here’s a gem of a tip about natural lighting. And I know what you’re thinking, who needs guidance about lighting, the right light is sunlight dummy!   Au.contraire.

I found this on Pinterest and agree it’s a wonderful mantra – bringing sunshine where ever you go -  um, please just don’t bring too much of it on a photo shoot unless your subject can hide from it.  And I mean it.

source

Believe it or not, sunny sunshine is not ideal in most OUTDOOR portrait shooting situations. In fact, when taking portraits in natural light get both the subject and yourself (shooter) out of the direct sunlight (unlike here with me capturing my daughter on a boat).     

                I know I have sensitive eyes but does anyone else have to squint when they look at this photo?  shesh

Taking pictures of your kids in harsh sunlight will create unwanted contrast between shadows and light on their little faces. Not only that, the sun will hurt their eyes.

When does harsh light rear itself?  The middle of the day, or more accurately around 11 – 3:00 pm (that’s for spring, summer and early fall day light).

In intense light, or overhead light you’ll start seeing raccoon-like eyes looking back at you. As is the case here on my son as the sun looms over him and the gorgeous sunflower field.

The light here may not have been absolutely ideal and may have produced small (albeit cute) raccoon-like circles but it’s a great shot!

And I certainly wasn’t going to say to my son, “oh, honey, I really can’t take your picture while you stand in the middle of these beautiful sunflowers because the sun is casting harsh shadows on your sweet little features.  I know, I know it would make for an awesome picture (especially in one of your Daddy’s custom frames) but no, I just can’t do it.  I have to follow the rules of (photography) lighting.”   ha! Not happening!

 

This shot of the Mennonite boy was taken in intense late morning light which caused uneven patches of light & shadows.  Is it completely unacceptable that the boy’s face is patchy with sunlight?  Not really.  Ideally though the lighting should be consistent for a cohesive, less distracting look.

To avoid these distracting light spots find light that is naturally diffused.  Shooting on an overcast day is one way to do this. Below is my daughter sitting outside on a cloudy day.  The clouds helped create this even natural light. (and yes, it’s true that I never like my clients to wear white on portrait sessions….but this isn’t a client!)

Other naturally diffused light sources are porches, or in shaded areas like under trees or in the woods, on a porch. This below image was taken in the late afternoon after the sun lost it’s intensity. The light was softly diffused with a warm glow – perfect to capture these funny kids.

   I captured the below on a porch with the light behind me.

For INDOOR natural light portraits head for the windows and doors!  These locations can be great light sources of diffused light.  The subject should face the light source but note – the closer to the window the more intense the light will be. Here’s my son in our foyer near our windowed front door.

Okay, so the last thing I want to do is make this post about natural light boring with a bit of jargon.  But I have to detour for a sec.

See the shadowed light on the one side of my boys’ face?  It looks good, right? The partially shadowy area is a way position your subject in order to capture a more artistic portrait. This shot shows some “loop” lighting.  One side of my son’s cute face is highlighted with the other side having a slight shadow.  There are more lighting techniques but that will have to be for another day.  End of detour.

 

Still with me?   Now for camera setting suggestions for shooting in changing light.

Aperture and Shutter Priority modes are sort of like semi-manual (or semi-automatic) mode.  While you can control some of the camera settings (depth of field – blurry part of photo), these settings will manage the proper image exposure for you. This is a great thing when you’re busy chasing your kids around while shooting in and out of different light!

 

So what are the take-a ways from this post?

  • Avoid very bright or intense sunlight on your subject’s face.
  • Use shaded areas to diffuse bright light and position the subject in a flattering way.
  • Set your camera to Aperture Priority Mode when shooting in changing light.

I hope this short post on natural lighting is enlightening.  Just remember to figure out the best position for your subject in relation to the available natural light source.

      <——- not only is this ridiculously cute it’s got great lighting.

 

Happy shooting!  Email me with questions!  jenn@jenndiggs.com

 

 

 

be different act normal

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So you want to throw a pirate birthday party?

October 11th, 2011

 AHOY! 

Well, up until this week I really only had birthday party planning experience involving princesses and fairies for my daughter, and with a few dress up clothes and wands we were all set!  Last year, we had a small trucks-theme party for my son but that included decorative cups, plates, etc. – exciting, right?  So this year for my son’s 4th birthday party we threw a pirate party!  We had a heavily decorated house-full-of-kids with an elaborate treasure hunt kind of birthday party. It was fabulous.  A pirate birthday party lends itself to creativity even for a novice like me.  We started out by making our home feel a bit like a pirate ship with little pirates running around.    

Here’s my handsome little birthday boy pirate!  (costume was bought from online store – only $10!) 

Keeping with the theme we used ”message in a bottle” (complete with sand) invitations which is fun for kids to open the bottle to get the scrolled invitation along with a pirate eye patch. These, too, were purchased on line with a simple “message in a bottle party invitations” google search.

     One way to get the party started is getting some pirate toys like ships, treasure chest, etc. so the kids have party themed  toys to play with while the other kids run amuck and make a mess of the house.

For our party some of the party favors were given out at the door so the kids could join in on the pirate play right away - pirate hats and foam swords from Target.  (I know, there was a day not long ago that I would have been pissed if my child got a weapon as a party favor!!) 

 So, I’ve been eager to get to this part because the best part of the party was our TREASURE HUNT!  My husband created an awesome treasure map that led the kids through our yard (“island”) and ultimately to the treasure chest.  To make the map he used a paper bag torn in sections and then wet/scrunched up each piece.  Each section then becomes part of the map to the treasure.  As the kids reached each marker on the map they found the next missing piece to the map.  We had the kids begin “on the pirate ship” and pretended they went to an island to find the complete map to the treasure.  Obviously, you will need a treasure box – or in our case we used an actual chest. We chose to put the kids’ party favor bags in the chest (they included doubloons, compass rings, tiny telescopes and some other fun gagets as well as candy (duh!).

Here’s some examples of how ours looked…

 

   

 It was a great party theme to make it a party to remember.

Good luck!

featured on TIP JUNKIE

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Handmade frames and JDP art prints

October 17th, 2011

Since I do quite a few art festivals I thought I’d shoot a few of my pieces and show the space that I use at the shows. I have been told many times over that my tent space feels like a mini gallery and, more importantly, visitors always comment on how peaceful and beautiful my framed images are.  This, of course,  makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside!  It’s wonderful to hear that what I love to do makes people happy. :)  

To custom order my framed prints please contact me at jenn@jenndiggs.com.  I can deliver locally (Phila. area) or ship nationwide.

 

 

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When a horse retires

November 10th, 2011

… and they are lucky, they go to a rest home – the biggest one is in Chester County, Penna. (1 hour from Phila.)  

          

And yes, the sign says “dumb animals”.  They’re not actually dumb as in low IQ and if you thought that you are the dumb one, yes?!   These are aged equines in a resting home.  Isn’t that sweet they have some where beautiful and safe to go?? So many of the horses here served in the pharmaceutical industry by saving lives by donating their blook to product anti-venom for snakebites or spider bites.  Some were on police forces, racetracks and some led terrible lives of being abused or on their way to a slaughterhouse. Trivia:  Know why humans don’t eat horses?   eh?      

My sweet boy and I went yesterday and had fun feeding these old boys and girls. Caught a great shot of this one’s choppers.  Will ya look at the size of those teeth?  Chiclets I tell ya and in X-large.     

     

                                                  

                                                                                   here’s a more flattering shot of the rest of her head from about 6 mos. ago!  

             

       So much for sneaking up on them at their watering hole!  Damn leaves.                               This one is splashing in the  tub creek.

                               

 And then there was this big-headed guy.  Dang that’s a big one.             This pretty white one has a long scar – who did that to her?

 

And the cutest one of all? 

 

And of course I have to throw in a artsy kind of a shot, alwaaaaaays! 

 

Make sure you got to any animal shelters or places like this.  So many creatures are in undeserving places and need us.

Giddy-up. 

Jennifer

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Simple living

February 24th, 2012

Time stands still when passing through this corner of south eastern Pennsylvania.

My real time wake up call is the traffic light ahead.

    

As I travel past these farmsteads and see the innocent faces on the children, I can’t help but think the simpler way of life, full of hard work a selfless mindset would be a peaceful way to live with my family.

Some would be repulsed by this slow, every day-is-the-same lifestyle but a part of me admires it and wants to live it for a day to see what it’s like.  But, could I handle an existence with handmade dresses, working in the kitchen almost the entire day, and riding my bike or carriage to the market?

 

 

 

I really don’t think I could give up my car, colorful clothing, ordering pizza.  Not to mention foregoing the hair dryer, Sephora instant de-puffing gel, camera gear, pinterest, yoga pants and whatever other worldly thing to which I am now accustomed!  I know, I’m shamefully attached to a few worldly things but you all know that after you’ve had them it’s hard to go without. Plus, they make me happy.

And then there’s this part I’d have a hard time giving up – vacationing in Cape Cod.  It’s a lovely place inhabited by clapboard cottages, white picket fences, tumbling flower gardens, quiet beaches and just the charm of it all!

      

But then there’s another modest road side farm stand that lures me every time!  Am I the only one that finds them to be charming?  Some of the Mennonite kids manage these stands with confidence that one wouldn’t expect.  So serious.

     

My kids, serious?  Not so much.  They’re too busy having a fun childhood.

So, if given the choice of setting up a new homestead and way of life, would I choose to get up with the roosters and meander on the farm all day?

 

It’s not happening!  That would mean missing moments like my little girl in her first ballet class, or enjoying Halloween in our neighborhood, and going to the playground with my family.

  

For these wonderful experiences in my busy, worldly life, I am staying put – right where God has led me.  I can handle the arduous task of being the Brownie troops’ cookie manager (trust me, it’s not a job you want), maintaining my irritation at the drivers in front of me, or even having neighbors with their Christmas lights on until early March.

Of course, I’ll go back (looking like an annoying tourist) to see this endearing way of life near Lancaster County, Penna. but I’ll be less envious as I approach the green traffic light as I head back home to my wild and adorable kids.


linked to:   Tip Junkie

For any publication interest please contact me at jenn@jenndiggs.com for appropriate image copies.

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I’m a mother alright

February 6th, 2012

I laughed when I first read this!

I mean, hey, we really do all the work for free!  And we are freagin’ nutso for taking care of all the whining, crying, Mommy-this, Mommy-that all day!  I mean why can’t they learn how to do their own laundry – they’ve seen the laundry room!  And I have a step stool.  In fact, I’ll get another step stool so they can get their own breakfast in the morning!  This way I’ll have more time to sit on my computer  A gift?  I don’t see any gift at my door.  What’s all this talk about a gift?

Like I said, I laughed, but then stopped.

I stared at this noun, and felt the energy resonating – it defines the most important part of me and my life. My just being a Mom is all the return I could hope for no matter what I need to do for my children.  Of course, I have to keep embracing this resonating-energy-of-a-noun when I enter my daughter’s bedroom in search of her floor.  And I’ll definitely put it to good use when I’m trying to do 80 things as I walk through the house to reach my son who needs my help (and who called out to me 10 mins. prior with “Mommy, I’m done pooping”).

Sure being a Mother is work but above all it’s love.  I praise God for his grace and blessings!

       

     

Okay, so I say just being a Mum is all the return I will ever need or want – but, if I could throw in some occasional interruption-free Saturday mornings, that would be great. I’d be good with that.

Gotta go, my lovies are screaming calling for me.

 

 

 

    

grab my button if you want!

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archive goodies

February 7th, 2012

I love finding images from my archives – this one is circa 2009. When you take 200+ images in one outing there’s bound to be some that are overlooked. Sorry stormy pier. I’ve seen you in black and white but I like you much better in color – your moodiness is still impressive.

JD

                                              

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Give me 5-seconds | It’s an easy portrait tip

February 8th, 2012

Yes, this portrait photography tip is called the 5 second strategy (I just made that name up).  What is it?   It’s when you ask the subject to close their eyes when you tell them to. Really.

Anyone know why telling your subject to close their eyes for 5 seconds can be helpful?  It is not because the photographer wants to pick her nose in private, or because it makes blue eyes bluer, green eyes greener,or brown eyes browner.  It’s because of bright sun light getting in the way of getting the shot you want.

I’ve got a photo collage of sorts to explain how this 5-second gem works.  We were photographing in an ideal location as far as natural light can go – on the front porch in the late afternoon – my daughter was facing the light source/sun, and although it was blocked by the porch roof it was still bright on the porch.

The first attempts at holding her look for me resulted in a lot of squinting. After looking at me for about 3 seconds she lost it – she couldn’t hold her gaze any longer due to the bright (albeit indirect) sun light.

So there she was, annoyed that she had to look at me in the light, and there I was loving the natural light that was showering upon her!  Oh my poor girl, she has been such a trooper over the past 4.5 years. It is with her help that I became a photographer. She was my practice subject, and a wonderful one at that.

So I told my sweetie to do the 5-second strategy!  I had her close her eyes until I counted to 5, at which time she opened her baby blues and held her gaze with ease.

 

This 5-second count allowed us to time the shot together without irritating her eyes further.

And there it is…

You must try this next time you’re taking pictures of your kids or clients.  There have been many times that I have relied on this 5-second strategy and it has made my job as the photographer so much easier.

Happy shooting!

 

 skip to my lou

savvy southern style

be different act normal

 

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spooky

February 14th, 2012

Sometimes I’m just going to post some of my new shots.  Call it eye candy, yes?

Today, an apple orchard in the heart of winter.

I took a stroll during a recent snow fall and here’s what I captured – I’m inclined to think some will find it mystical, dreamy, surreal.  Of course there may be a few who find it well, just plain freaky spooky.  But you see, that’s my job – to conjure up emotion!

[ The white orchard ]

In my Etsy shop in case you’re interested.  And yep, self-promotion because 1) this is my blog and 2) i have bills to pay!

 

 

 

 

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My masons

February 18th, 2012

One of my favorite farmhouse-y things that I do love are mason jars – but not for the typical reasons like canning, or for sun tea, solar lights, snow globes, seeds, bath salts.  No, I use them as flower vases, which, I end up photographing because it looks so beautiful to me!  A vintage jar and fresh flowers is the perfect juxtaposition of old and new and my kind of country living style.

I’ll admit, it sounds like an awful lot of fun to go foraging in the fields for berries to can and store away for a rainy day!

  + 

But, I find it much more satisfying to pick flowers from my garden and pair them up with a classic mason jar.  If I could keep fresh flowers like this in every room – all the time – I would be one happy camper.  Can’t get enough of flowers and my beloved masons.  Is that too much to ask?!                  

 

   

And it doesn’t have to stop at flowers in my house – I use them to display vintage things like tools, kitchen utensils.

So there’s how I enjoy my masons.

 

Happy shooting, painting, building, drawing, crafting, or whatever it is you do!

  ****  Please contact me with publication interest so that I can supply high resolution files.

 

 

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Used

February 19th, 2012

I have a hankering for vintage (aka used) “tools”.  In this case, kitchen utensils. But no, they aren’t to use because, well, that would be – gross.  I prefer to display these worn treasures on my kitchen window sill.

I’ve paired them up with my mason jars.  Putting two vintage things like these together just seems to make sense.

But alas, aside from collecting old implements like these,  I photograph them!  Surprising, eh?

But I’ve got more tools in my collection!   Let’s see a raise of hands for those who have a vintage farm implements – perhaps a scythe?   Never heard of such a thing?  Well I’ve got one and let me tell you it’s a great accoutrement to any room to get that farmhouse chic look.  Although I will say it’s kinda dangerous.  I’ll post it later.

Part of the fun of old tools is discovering them so keep an eye out!

 

 

 

Funky Junk Interiors

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a top rated show

February 19th, 2012

I’m thrilled to be included this year’s Clover Market show in Ardmore, Penna. (main line to Phila.)!  Apparently it’s extremely popular and hard to get in to but I’ll be there with my framed art prints.

It’s been ranked one of the top vintage shows in the country by Flea Market Style – kind of a big deal, right?

And why my framed art prints in a vintage type of show?  I’m more or less in the arts & crafts end of the show.

Should be a good time and I can’t wait to see the other vendors!  Yes, of course I’ll take pictures to share.

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just get the shot

February 26th, 2012

I mean really, what I do to get the shot is sometimes not only amazing but just plain fun. For this new one, I trespassed on someone’s property (I had to), was exposed to whipping cold wind in an open field full of tall grass and mud.  I don’t think I could have gripped my camera and extra loose lens (I know, stupid move) any tighter!  Oh, but thank goodness I had on my fingerless gloves.  Now that was a smart move.  *sarcasm*

But I guess it was all worth it – it’s a Brigadoon sort of a shot of an abandoned barn that’s been fading for the past 50+ years in the midst of today’s world of aluminum sided homes – which are not all tastefully built I will might add.

This is a great property to squat.  In case anyone out there’s looking.  Just sayin’.

At the end fo the day I do think this one will make it in my collection of framed prints I’ll be selling at the art festivals I’m signed up for this year!  Good times!

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A before and after

February 29th, 2012

Okay, so here it is…..this is what I bought when I circumvented the Home Goods shopping plan for the smelly antique-y (aka horder) shop.

It’s a cottage-french-country sort of piece that at the time, seemed fairly priced ($135) and well-suited for my living room.  Yes, I just had to have it.  (it’s crazy, every time I see something I like it strangely makes it way in to my “have to have” category – what the -?)

Go here for hilarious dialogue about this whole buying episode.  I promise you’ll come close to cackling out loud in laughter.

But then my friend/neighbor-one of the cleverest people I know (meet Amy here) didn’t share my ignorant bliss about my new cabinet.  Yep, my friend o’mine pointed out all kinds of shabbiness going on with my sweet new cabinet – not the chic kind of shabby either.  But it was only $135!

 

Now, I think I can talk to you about photography with relative knowledge, you know those rules to follow and those to break, fast lenses vs. primary lenses, lighting, etc.  But don’t ask me to about chalk paint, sanders, clamps and the like.  That’s Amy’s territory.  And because she couldn’t bear to look at my new cabinet in such disarray, I agreed to her revitalizing it – with full poetic license.

Before I left her to it though I had to remind her that I did get this piece for a good price!

Right?

Amy?       

*Crickets*

what ev’s!!!!

  

So there she went – Amy worked some magic and rid this cabinet of the monotone color it once had, the drippage, the loose wood, and the whatever-you-call it that was on the top of it. 

Revitalize indeed.

The Salvage Collection knows her stuff.

 

The best part? those perfectly placed knobs.  And the little boy *mine* who’s admiring the “tires”!

So no, I didn’t get my little cabinet for cheap but the real value was found after Amy’s rescuing and revitalizing it’s underlying charm.

She what she can do??

–> 

  —> 

 

This is not a great representation of how it looks in my living room but here it is in it’s refinished glory.  Love it!!

 

 

And I know I owe Amy for this one. (and between you and me I’m a little worried about what she’ll want in return – she’ll probably expect a $500 credit to my etsy shop!)

 

 

 

 

 

Savvy Southern Style

Blue Cricket Design

 

 

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Garden party

March 4th, 2012

Second Etsy front page appearance this month.  Great press!

This one was in a “garden party’ treasury.  When I figure out how to copy the full treasury I will place it here but for now, here’s my contribution.

Some other new ones ~

Do me a favor and don’t download/save these.   Thanks.

 

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