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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Photography Practice

I am on a quest. I'm going to learn to take better pictures.
 
After looking at some of my past photography, I seriously owe you guys better than you've gotten. I've still been snapping images like I'm using a disposable camera at Disney World on Splash Mountain while wrangling toddlers and hoping for the best.
One thing I've been disappointed in is how my display in the entry way has shown up,
particularly my mother's beautiful porcelain doll that my grandfather brought back for her from Japan in 1944.
She inspired the touches of red and the Asian vibe of this vignette. I very carefully cleaned and repaired her when she joined my home.
I added apple cinnamon candles with Harmony and Tranquility on the glass holders to add to the restful feel.
My goal is to have you feel totally relaxed, welcome, and at home the minute you walk through the door.
The tray was a steal at Home Goods at $5; I taped off the sides and sprayed the bottom black to add contrast and drama. Do you love the details?
I have a mad crush on Japanese teapots. You'll notice that as more of my house comes back together. This little guy was from The Nature Company when the children were little. He originally commanded an $80 price, but because of a tiny chip in the rim that you'll never see he came home with me for $7. I love his soft green nestled in with the orchid.
A little white and light to soften the red and blend it in with the room.
She's well aware this is her show.
Hopefully, you've noticed some improvement in my work.
You guys are awesome and encouraging, and you deserve my best efforts.

13 comments:

Heather{Our Life In a Click} said...

I'm with you on trying to improve my photography skills too! Yours is looking great. That doll is a really special piece. Love the whole vingette!

Sherri B. said...

I must tell you that I always appreciate everything you share with us. I could use much improvement on my picture taking too so I am right there with you.

Your doll is beautiful and how special that your grandfather brought it back for your grandmother, you have made a very fitting place of honor for her.

Unknown said...

You did a great job on that vignette! I love the story behind the doll as well - in my opinion, the best art always has a history. :)

~Chelsea

Amanda said...

I'm right there with you. I try to follow others' tips of not using the flash and opening as many windows as possible for maximum natural light, but when there's no flash it's really easy for the picture to come out blurry. I try to find a stable object to rest the camera on or against so my hand is as steady as possible.

I'm not the type to buy a fancy DSLR camera for my little ol' blog, but my man has one, and the difference in the pics really is quite remarkable, even if you just use the "auto" setting. All the pictures from my recent post about The Dirty Dash were taken with his nice camera, and the difference is night and day to me.

Jane @ The Borrowed Abode said...

Yes! I do see improvements! These are great!

And if you are working at night and have to use the flash, you can totally fix the yellow-ness that happens by going into Picasa and adjusting the color. Seriously, it's easy.

Also, you can have one of your helpers (the child kind, not the feline kind) hold a large light behind you or above you as you shoot.

Carol said...

Love the teapot... it is adorable! I know you are going to paint the dresser, but in this photo, it kinda goes with the Asian vibe. I must confess that even though I am better than decent at outdoor photography, I really really stink at indoor... as you can tell from my blog. My only saving grace is that my 1500sf house has 16 large windows. Picasa does a pretty good job at salvaging photos, too.

Carol
antiquetexan.blogspot.com

Xenia said...

I'm always trying to take better pictures as well - I think yours look great!

Thanks for stopping by, I'm following! :)

Anonymous said...

Stopping by to follow your blog from Follow Me Back Tuesday :-)

Carrie A Groff
http://livingahealthybeachlife.blogspot.com

Tana said...

Hi, I saw your link on Survey Junkie, and thought I'd pop over and check ya out.
I super love the frog teapot.:)I'm now a new follower.
Anyhow, I'm just starting to try to get out there in the blogging word,and would like to invite you to check out my blog at http://littlebirdseeds.blogspot.com/. Feel free to become a follower, grab my button, or just grab the bat image I created to share with fellow bloggers, so they may decorate their blogs for halloween. :)

Fowl Single File said...

I do see some improvement and I commend you for trying to improve your skills. That's more than I can say for me and my shoddy photography. I also enjoyed your Disneyland analogy.

Heather said...

Sunny, just one more post that show you're the real deal!

Looking forward to watching your photographic endeavors! Thanks for sharing about your lovely doll.

Anonymous said...

You are SO creative...you have no idea how jealous I am!!

Stopping in from FMBT to return your follow & wish you an awesome week!

Michelle L. said...

Love the vignette! That tray is the most lovely thing. I want to saw it up and make jewelry out of it, so aren't you glad it's at your house? (Mich runs out to look for similar tray.) Great pics, Sunny!