according.to.kim

Picture series scrapbook layouts

I really enjoyed making these layouts on the weekend! I started this series in May 2010 when I created my Picture Spring layout. At that time, I knew I would be taking more seasonal Picture classes from Tracey Clark at Big Picture Classes and that I would make more layouts with the same design, so I set aside the set of paper that the green paper had come from. And then I didn't manage to make any more of these pages over the past year! I didn't plan to do them all this weekend, but once I got rolling, I decided to complete the series and check this item off my scrapbooking to-do list.

P.S. I created a template for my photo collages and you're welcome to download it here:

Download Picture-collage-template.psd (1324.4K)

I had them printed on 8x10s and then trimmed the prints. There are 15 photo layers on the template, but I only used 12 photos per page which allowed me to be a little more selective about the photos I included (and left some room on the LOs).

Picture the seasons

Just thought it would be fun to see all of the photos together that I took during four of Tracey Clark's Picture classes at BPC. These are simply screenshots of the photos inside iPhoto, with text added in PSE.

April 30: May basket

Picture Spring: Today's prompt included instructions for making a little basket using a photo we have taken. Here's mine filled with flowers from the bouquet I bought yesterday. The photo I used is the close-up of flowers sitting in front of Regina Florist (which printed out darker than I would have liked). "May basket" refers to the May Day (May 1st) tradition of filling a small basket with flowers or sweets and then leaving it, anonymously, on someone's doorstep.

So that's it for Picture Spring. I really enjoyed this class! You could probably tell from my daily posts. I was excited to learn there will be a Picture Summer (as well as Picture Fall and Picture Winter) -- and I wouldn't miss it -- so I will be posting another series of photos in July!

April 29: Gatherings

Picture Spring: The idea for today was to celebrate our Picture Spring journey with flowers, and we were encouraged to shoot using an unexpected angle or detail. I'm quite pleased with my photo, but I must confess it's a product of circumstances rather than creativity! Today was one of those days. No time. Work to piano to Girls in the Game. So, while the girls were in GITG, I zipped over to the Lakeshore Sobey's. I was sort of hoping to just take a picture of the flowers in the store, but once inside, I just couldn't do it. There were too many people right there, plus the lighting and surroundings would have made a rather poor photo. As a result, I decided to purchase one of the more inexpensive bouquets ($7.99) and take it home. I headed back to the University to pick up my family, and when I got there, I realized it was probably going to be too dark for a good picture when we got home. So I decided to take pictures while I waited in the parking lot for Neil and the girls. I looked around for a suitable place to set the flowers and found nothing, so I stuck them in the roof rack, angled my camera toward the sky and snapped a few pics (and I don't think anyone saw the crazy lady with the camera and flowers, but I can't be sure!). I like how it turned out! And I never would have come up with an unusual presentation like this if I had been at home. I think it's a bit serendipitous. :)

April 28: Charmed

Picture Spring: The prompt today was to commemorate a favourite charm, necklace, or keepsake in a photo; especially a token of love, remembrance, hope, faith, family or friends. Perhaps I should have selected something more meaningful for my photo, but I was short on time today and decided to simply get a shot of the necklace I wear most often. The pendant is an Aztec calendar design that I purchased in Mexico a few years ago. I love silver and I like the simplicity of this necklace. It's me and I like wearing it. Good enough!

P.S. Hmmm, it would be great to have photos of my treasures (jewelery and other), so I'll have to do that sometime. There are some very inspiring photos in the gallery for this prompt.

April 27: The shape of things

Picture Spring: The prompts are getting harder! The idea today was to discover a "shape of delight" or "surprise of spring" in ordinary, mundane objects. The instructor's example, and several of the photos in the gallery involve fruits and vegetables because if you cut a cross section, a flowery shape is often revealed. I love the organic nature of those photos, but I found a few shapes in other things. This is a silicone barbecue basting mop that's trying to be a flower.

Here are a few more photos from today. (1) A bird! I've never noticed a bird shape in the Big Green Egg before today. (2) A white dahlia, or perhaps a dandelion seed head. (3) More buds. Couldn't resist! The background is just the neighbour's house, out of focus. (4) Spruce trunk, taken for no particular reason. (Hoping to see a shape, I guess.) (5) A view that I enjoy from a pedway on my way into work. I liked how the flags were hanging down so nicely this morning. Love the calmness of it.

April 26: Make a wish

Picture Spring: Today's prompt was all about dandelions, and experimenting with angles and light when shooting them. It's just a bit too early for dandelions here. Since finding a real dandelion seed head was not going to happen, I just decided to have fun with this and try making my own seeds. I had this idea at work, so I emailed Neil with instructions and he made them for me since I needed them to be ready when I got home (so I'd have time to take photos while there was still enough light). I don't think it took too long. The seeds are punched paper stars with straws hot-glued to them. As for the photo, it took quite a bit of trial and error to get a usable one! Sophia and Georgia helped me for a few minutes, then Neil. It was very hard to get the "seeds" in the shot. Also, when there was a bit of wind, they went some distance (just like real seeds!) and it took time to gather them up again.

I was very excited this morning when I learned that my photo from yesterday was selected by the Picture Spring instructor for her website, Shutter Sisters! Amazing! Check it out: http://shuttersisters.com/picturespring/

Here are a couple more shots from today. The first one is an interesting, and very unexpected, result from putting my camera on shutter priority when I was trying to capture the fake dandelion seeds. I thought it looked pretty cool -- another one for "picture a canvas"! The next one is a little project that Georgia is working on. She LOVES to sort things and was begging me to find something for her to sort this evening, so I got out some scrapbooking embellishments for her to sort by colour. She has already sorted (with help from Madeline and Sophia in some cases) all of my buttons, brads, and flowers. I'm curious to find out what it will be like to have all of my scrapbooking stuff sorted by colour rather than type. I've heard it works well for some and wanted to try it.

April 25: Ode to inspiration

Picture Spring: Today's prompt was to find a photo that I love, that was captured by another photographer, and use it "as a springboard into shooting a specific subject matter, a unique angle, or using a similar processing technique." I didn't have to look very far as I've been admiring the work of many others in the Picture Spring gallery, especially that of photographer Stephanie Smith. I chose to recreate a photo that she posted yesterday for the pairs prompt. Here's the original photo by Stephanie Smith. There was actually more to the prompt than pure imitation -- that we should bring our own creativity into the process so the end result would be unique -- and I had forgotten all about this when I composed my photo so I copied as closely as I could. I posted my pure imitation version to the class gallery, but what I've posted above is a slight variation. In addition to the Pioneer Woman Seventies action I had already applied (at 60% opacity), the photo is now sporting PW Edge Burn as well. I have to say, I'm pretty much in love with this photo! I had never really thought about trying to emulate an existing photo before, but I'm sure I'll be looking for more photos to inspire my own. I really enjoyed the process!

April 24: Finding pairs

Picture Spring: The idea for today was to find pairs of things, and try to find pairs in which you can see human characteristics such as caring and connection. I found a few pairs today, and though I don't really see human gestures in this pair of tree trunks, it was my favourite picture of the day. I found this tree when I went out looking for a pair of ducks that I've seen three times in the past week. This time, I took a telephoto lens with me, but didn't see the ducks, of course.

Here are a few more photos from today -- some pairs, some not. (1) In this pair of shampoo bottles, I see a parent and child. Human connection! (2) A pair of leaves on a house plant. (3) A pair of leaf buds on one of our lilac bushes. Yay! (4) These interesting flowers(?) are what came out of the buds I photographed on April 12. I had no idea this would happen! And I don't know what kind of tree this is. I had mistakenly said it was our neighbour's apple tree, but later realized the buds were attached to another tree in close proximity to the apple tree. Anyhow, I have lived beside this tree for more than a decade and yet I have only truly noticed its details this spring -- thanks to this class. It is amazing to suddenly SEE all of these things around me! I am so much more aware. Today, I noticed that the red flowers (I guess) that were hanging from a tree just two days ago (April 22) are finished; they've fallen to the ground. Our outside surroundings are changing so quickly now! I'm just delighted to have noticed. (5) The sky again. This is getting addictive. :) (6) A nice foot bridge over the not-so-nice (due to garbage) drainage ditch not far from our house. I've crossed it a number of times during the past couple weeks. (7) Another sign of spring around here -- a squirrel in our front yard, photographed by Neil a few days ago.

April 23: Project minded

Picture Spring: Today's prompt was to celebrate a project I've started. This photo represents my latest photo-keeping project. I'm putting together simple photo albums for my girls that will include 18 pics from each year of their childhood, plus two 4x6 journaling spots/year. I bought these brown albums at Winners years ago with this project in mind and I'm just getting started on it now. At the same time, I'm working on some other stuff with my 2004 photos, so that's the year I started with for the annual snapshot albums. Here you can see Madeline at one and Sophia at three. The plastic containers are for pulling random photos into LOM categories: Us, People, Places, and Things, and one for pics I plan to scrapbook soon.

Here are a few more from today. First, Dash wishing he could go downstairs with Neil. He can't squeeze under the gate anymore! Just a few minutes later, we welcomed a new house guest -- a one-year old puggle named Scooby. We are dog-sitting him for four days. Dash and Scooby were in constant motion for quite awhile and it was very hard to get a decent photo of both of them! This was by far my best shot until they zonked out on the couch at supper time. :) Next, oven-roasted asparagus for Neil and me (other veggies for the kids). Yum! Lastly, cool sky from our back door at 8 p.m.

April 22: Burst of colour

Picture Spring: The goal for today was to seek out vibrant, vivid colour. I thought this was going to be extra challenging today as (a) this is Saskatchewan and there's not a whole lot of vibrant colour happening outside just yet; and (b) I had to go to work, then straight to Madeline's piano lesson, and from there, straight to Girls in the Game (Sophia, Madeline, and our niece Bronwyn started this 8-session program today). But, I take these challenges seriously and in the end it wasn't too difficult. At work this morning, I thought, I need to find a florist -- that's where I'll find some beautiful colours. So, I walked over to Regina Florist during my lunch break. I was prepared to go inside and ask permission to take a few photos, but when I saw this lovely potted plant sitting outside the door, I was immensely relieved! Thank you Regina Florist!

Here are a few more from today. I took the first one in the park this morning when Dash and I went walking. I really like it (and would have used it if I hadn't taken the photo above). Next, a close up of the same potted plant as above. Does anyone know what this flower is? Third, Georgia at the U of R while we waited for the Girls in the Game session to finish. The last two are views of Wascana Centre (and an interesting sculpture/gazebo) as we left the university and headed home.

April 21: Daily rounds

Picture Spring: The prompt for today was to capture circles. Certainly one of the easier assignments, but fun nonetheless. Very fun! Circles are everywhere -- especially when you're looking for them. This view is something I see every morning on my way to work, but I hadn't really noticed the circles until today. I work in the building that you can see through the skylight. I snapped this photo with my small 'purse' camera.

Here a few more of the round things I spotted today. (1) Magnets on a metal strip behind the computer monitor. I accidentally took this photo with the camera on manual focus and I think it created a cool effect. (2) Drinking straws, used daily in our house, and then some. (3) Holes in a tree in our neighbourhood. (4) Cheerios (and the bowl). I see a few hearts in there, too. :) (5) Detail on a building downtown. (6) A great big circle that we see on a daily basis. (7) A decoration on our mailbox. This one gets me. I've been using this mailbox for thirteen years (as of May 1) and I've noticed the ring on it before, but I did not realize it was attached to a heart shape! Hello! These photo prompts make me so much more aware of my surroundings. (8) Water-spray rings at our local splash pad -- with some flare. (9) No circles, but another (much better) attempt at soft focus from the "picture a canvas" prompt. It's our cotoneaster hedge with a bit of sunlight on it.

April 20: Flirting with flare

Picture Spring: Today's prompt was to shoot directly (or near directly) into the sun and get shots with lens flare on purpose. I took a bunch of photos during my morning walk with Dash and then again in the evening before my dance class. The vast majority weren't good at all and my eyes were rather sore and spotty from looking into the sun! Still, it was quite interesting to see the unpredictable results. There are some very cool photos in the gallery which make me want to experiment with flare some more; next time, I'd like to try in the middle of the day. I took the photo above about 6:30 pm.

Here are a few more photos from today. The first one is an art form the girls call "Giraffakiki". It's from an episode of the kids' cartoon, Toopy & Binoo, from two or three years ago, I'd say. The girls get their hands and feet wet, cover them with sidewalk chalk, and then put their prints on the trampoline. They actually asked me permission (highly unusual!) to do this on Sunday and I said okay. It washes off! The next two are from my morning walk with Dash. I tried another shadow shot, and the next one has a little bit of lens flare (I cropped most of it out; Dash looks so big in this photo!). Fourth, our coton- easter bushes are leafing out! Lastly, another flare shot.

April 19: Hidden messages

Picture Spring: The idea for today was to capture "a word or words that offer you encouragement, kindness, or the gentle reminder you just might need today." This was the first song that came up when I hit 'shuffle' on my way to work this morning. I think this message, Don't Stop Believin', can apply to many situations and challenges. I'm just having a mid-career crisis right now, so this is telling me, Don't Stop Believin'... that I will someday (again) find a job that I love.

April 18: Appreciation day

Picture Spring: Today's prompt was to take a close look at grass, appreciate it's perfection, and remember that the grass is actually greener on our own side of the fence (an exercise in gratitude). Certainly a good reminder. I'm so happy there's new grass coming up in our yard! Part of today's challenge was to get close to the grass, so I laid right down on the ground in the front yard. I'm pretty sure several people saw me. Plus, my forearms were sore afterward from laying on prickly pine needles. Oh well -- I got some really cool shots! I selected the photo above for the prompt because I really like the strip of light in the middle of it. I took this just after 4:00 p.m.

Here are a few more photos from today. The first is of the grass that Georgia planted in preschool in March. I snapped this one before I realized the grass in the front yard is actually quite green. The next two are of a ladybug I tracked for about 20 shots. It went up and down blades of grass moving away from me. The second ladybug photo seems almost other worldly to me, and I'm amazed by the blur all around; I didn't do any editing other than a small levels adjustment. Fourth, another grass close-up. I like the soft background in this one. Finally, the girls and I went out selling Girl Guide cookies on this very fine evening. We're finished. Three cases gone!

April 17: Punchy patterns

Picture Spring: The idea today was to find fabric with patterns and textures that lift your spirits or evoke spring. I had to look no further than the pretty camera-strap cover that my sister-in-law, Shauna, made for me. I enjoy seeing it every day!

Here are a few more photos from today. Neil took the first two when he, Sophia, and Madeline took Dash for a play date with Chloe. In the first, Dash is looking up through the steering wheel at Neil. The second one is just funny. Puppies play hard! The next two are other fabrics in spring-y colours that I thought of and decided to photograph since I had time today. First, dresses from two years ago. Although they would still fit, the girls haven't worn them for at least a year (and I doubt that either Sophia or Madeline wore theirs last year). Part of me would really like to see all three wear them once more. Just because. Second, a quilt that Neil's mom made for Sophia a few years ago. I just adore the colour combination in this quilt. The last photo is Dash on the slide in our backyard. This afteroon, Sophia was training him to go up the ladder on his own and then slide down. She was doing a fine job. He slid down several times on his feet and seemed to like it!

April 16: Out of the shadows

Picture Spring: Today's prompt was to look for shadows. I lucked out -- the sun was out today after a few cloudy days, and I had the day off work so I was able to scout for shadows several times throughout the day. I took many pictures of various shadows, but in the end, this was my favourite -- what could say "spring" and "out of the shadows" better than this?! Originally, I noticed the lacy shadows of our lilac bush mixed with the net that surrounds the trampoline and I took several photos of just that, but then I thought it would be fun to add Georgia's shadow. She was happy to oblige!

Here are a couple more from today. I took the first one on my morning walk with Dash. Just behind these trees is a community garden, not far from our house, where I'm hoping we'll be able to share a plot with Aunt Glenys and Lee. She has applied for a larger plot, so we'll see if she gets one or not. The second is Dash and Buffy watching Neil and Georgia leave. Buffy stayed at our house for a few hours today.

April 15: Looking back

Picture Spring: Today was the half-way point in this class, so the prompt was to celebrate one's blossoming creativity by reviewing photos taken last year, or to try capturing an image to compliment an archived photo. Though I had very little time to spare during daylight hours today, I still wanted to take some photos. I ran out to the back yard at 6:45 p.m. and was completely surprised and thrilled to find chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow) coming up! Now this is truly SPRING! I shot for less than three minutes. I even set the camera on the ground for a few. I love this new-to-me technique! As soon as I had the top photo, I knew exactly what to pair it with: a photo I took on May 6, 2007 of a more mature chionodoxa in our yard. I just learned today that two photos paired together is called a diptych. I'm pleased with my diptych and I wouldn't have seen these plants today if not for Picture Spring. Love this class!

Here's another view of these little bulbs, taken today:

April 14: Picture a canvas

Picture Spring: The idea today was to purposely shoot out of focus to create a soft, painterly image. This was tough. Not only was it difficult to get my camera to do what I wanted, it was very difficult to find a good subject for this prompt. (Plus, the sky was dreary and I had little time to hunt for photo ops before and after work.) I settled on a pail of sidewalk chalk because I really wanted some colour and contrast in my photo. Well, I've learned something: I'm quite convinced that soft focus works much better with an organic subject such as flowers and foliage (there are many gorgeous flower photos in the gallery today!). I also learned a little more about my camera and using manual focus, so that's a good thing. Perhaps I'll try this again in August when we have flowers blooming. I suppose a nice vase of tulips would work, too.

Here are couple more photos from today. The trees are still very bare, but the grass is starting to green up nicely, especially after the rain we just had.

April 13: New point of view

Picture Spring: Today's prompt was to photograph something from the perspective of a pet or another person. I took Dash for a quick walk this morning before work (and before it started pouring, luckily!) and when he sat down briefly, I snapped this photo. My intention was to get the camera close to his eye level. I think it should have been a bit lower, but I'm very happy with this shot considering it happened really fast and I'm not even sure what I did! I think I just bent over and snapped without looking through the view finder, but I'm not sure -- and there was no chance of trying again! Dash was on the move and I needed to get home and catch the bus.