Double Exposure

I’m a relative novice at creating in-camera double exposures, but it’s certainly a unique way to view the world. Basically it’s like taking a photo on top of another photograph. I first used it with Christmas lights last year, but have found it fun in the fall too adding bokeh and depth and texture to portraits and nature images.

Honestly, some times it works out better than others. As with all art, it’s a matter of a vision that comes to fruition in unexpected ways. ❤

To get an idea of the process and the power of processing, I’m including the two images used in the double exposure and then the final edited product. Enjoy!

For the first few I used photographs taken at the same place and time – both the nature and portrait shots were in the mountains by a creek.

I quickly found, with this technique, that it’s important to underexpose a bit, thus the darker base images.

An “ordinary” autumn sunset transforms into an almost surreal scene in double exposure.

When I saw this sunset I was able to place it over an image I already had on my camera. A bonus of forgetting to format your memory card!

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Please click HERE for Sharleen Stuart’s interpretation of this months theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your Double Exposure images on our Facebook page at Share Six  and to our Instagram gallery, by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_doubleexposure.  A new theme will be posted on November 6th.

Advertisements

Reflections

Photographers often seek reflections as a means of artistic expression: to enhance the story and add a bit of wonder and even confusion to images. Reflections often trick the eye or cause a viewer to linger with curiosity. However, photography also causes one to reflect: primarily on the what, the who, the why of the creation…

I captured this series on my 38th birthday. A rainstorm hindered our original picnic plans, but as we finished up dinner and cupcakes around our kitchen table, the skies cleared and we headed for the mountains. This place always causes me to breathe a little deeper, to add perspective, to increase my thankfulness. What better way to spend a birthday?

As we arrived the clouds still hung low creating a gorgeous blue on the mountain and water.

As the sun set behind the hill, the clouds broke and added a gorgeous glow framing my sweet children.

The depth and contrast of the water’s reflection combined with the layers converted to monochrome.

I love how the clouds reflected on the water created a creamy background for a messy bun of summertime.

At first the stick’s reflection threw me off a little (and frustrated me by its placement) but I’ve come to embrace it as it mimics the movement of my son exploring by the water’s edge.

The bird, the trees, the mountains and sky all amplified in beauty in their reflection. Which, in turn, increases my gratitude. ❤

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Please click HERE for Sharleen Stuart’s interpretation of this months theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your Reflections images on our Facebook page at Share Six  and to our Instagram gallery, by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_reflections.  A new theme will be posted on October 6th.

Collections

While capturing spontaneous summertime adventures, my eye is often drawn to not only the action and interaction, but also the life around us. I develop “collections” of photographs connected by their shared presence in space.

This particular day we ventured to Gettysburg, PA – site of a pivotal Civil War battle. In the midst of exploration and solemn remembrance I witnessed the peaceful beauty of the tall grasses and wildflowers caught in the breeze amidst the towering steadfast boulders. So while my family collected memories, I collected atmosphere – images that transport me to that place and time and perhaps to wonder of another…

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Please click HERE for Sharleen Stuart‘s interpretation of this months theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your Collections images on our Facebook page at Share Six  and to our Instagram gallery, by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_collections.  A new theme will be posted on September 6th.

Vantage point

I was given the idea by a new camera company called “Light”  (Click HERE to check out their site) to join in on their #VantagePoint project. They are marketing a new camera that looks amazing which provides DSLR quality images in the palm of your hand.

The project is all about sharing your favorite stories and photos from different locations and how you captured that special moment.  When considering the theme of #vantagepoint I knew exactly what I’d share. Living in South-Central PA, in the Cumberland Valley, it’s a short drive to the mountains. I grew up hiking and exploring and picnicking in the local State Parks with my parents and brother. Our family has followed that trail. For Father’s Day we packed up the kiddos and pooch and headed on a short hike down a snowmobile trail to a secluded stream. I knew I wanted to capture this special occasion so I loaded up my Canon 5D Mark III with a few lenses (24-70 2.8 L, Lensbaby Velvet 56, Lensbaby Sweet 35) in tow.

Of course, I could have stood on the bridge or the shore and caught quality images of my family in the creek. But when I took the risk, the leap, to step into the rocky stream and bring my camera with me, I truly found the magic.

According to Dictionary.com, “Vantage point” is defined as “a position or place that affords a wide or advantageous perspective; viewpoint”. So I hope you enjoy mine and I challenge you to find yours and share it with the hashtag #vantagepoint …

Artificial Light

Certainly not my favorite “type” of light, yet sometimes I find it creates the backdrop for story-telling that adds a certain depth. Check out the shadows and contrast in these images. Witness the movement. Imagine the sounds, the smells, the tastes. What memories do these images bring to your mind and soul?

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Please click HERE for Katherine of Cobert Photography‘s interpretation of this months theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your Artificial Light images on our Facebook page at Share Six  and to our Instagram gallery, by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_artificiallight. A new theme will be posted on August 6th.

Turquoise

Photographs tell stories. No words, void of descriptors, simply snapshots in time. Here’s one. Imagine what you will about the environment, the sounds, the conversations… What do you feel? Because part of the beauty of photography is creating art that evokes and connects to emotion and memories and experiences of the viewer. ❤

This post is part of the Artist Inspired Blog Circle series. Follow the links for more amazing visions of the theme, “Turquoise.” Next up is the talented artist, Ceri Herd of Ceri Herd Photography – Click HERE to enjoy the beauty she has shared.

The Artists Inspired Blog Circle is made up of an exceptionally talented group of photographers from all walks of life, from all over the world. They are wives, mothers, friends, daughters and visual storytellers who draw from their own experiences to create art that is inspiring, unique, beautiful and thought-provoking.

Dreamy

I have never considered myself much of a “dreamy” photographer – I’ve always aired on the side of contrasty, shadowy, and daily lifey (yeah, I know, not a word ;). Yet, at times when I use my Lensbaby Velvet 56 (a “creative” lens), it adds a “dreamy” feel and I find myself moved and inspired. For it’s almost in what is left out: the clarity, the crispness, the detail, I find intrigue and wonder. 

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Please click HERE for our guest blogger, Ellie of Live Life Inspired‘s interpretation of this months theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your Dream/Dreamy images on our Facebook page at Share Six  and to our Instagram gallery, by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_dream #sharesix_dremay. A new theme will be posted on July 6th.