It’s Martin Luther King Day here in the States which, for me, as well as many others, means a day off. (That is, of course, in addition to the historical importance of the man we’re remembering…)
As I’m in a bit of a lazy mood today, and it’s too cold to break out the bike, I’ve decided to play around in Photoshop a little and share some of my creations, along with a little tutorial I happened upon. The other day I created planets, today we’re creating what I’m going to call starbursts.
I always envy those people who have the discipline to do those “365 in 365″ blogs where you take one photo a day for 365 days and write about it. I tried it once… I got to about day 7… that was three years ago.
I am much better off jotting a random post, musing about whatever I might be working on, or, for that matter, thinking, at the time. That said, I thought I would take a quick break and swing by the old blog to write a quick post. Hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend thus far and, for those that are lucky enough to have a three day weekend (like me, YAY!) I hope you’ll be doing something fun.
It’s been a busy few days here on the blog… glad people are really liking the Little Planet Project I posted! I plan on posting more and more like it! I will respond to everyone’s comments but please don’t be offended if it’s not immediate. (occasionally I stop to sleep 
)
Whoa! I finally updated my portraiture page, check it out…jeesh! Took me long enough right?
I love portrait work, especially when kids are my subjects. Now, mind you, not every child goes to a portrait session willingly; dare I say, most won’t. Even those that do may prove to be a challenge greater than Everest so it’s important to be armed with a few tools to save the day, not the least of which is a sense of humor. Here are a few of my tips for making the most of your time when photographing children:
I’m one of those people who, when I learn something new, I’ll attack it with the voracity of a lion stalking its prey. (sorry, I haven’t eaten breakfast yet…)
My latest obsession is creating little planets from panoramic shots that I’ve taken. Now, I’m just saying up front, those I’ve attached are the first I’ve created, I’m still learning, but, now that I’ve provided that little disclaimer, I have to say, this has opened up a whole new world to me. (get it? See what I did there? World? No? OK…fine) Little Venice World, Little Paris World, Little Rome World, Little New York World… oh the possibilities. Little caricaturized planets from some of my favorite places around the globe!
While I’m perfecting the art, I thought I would share the link with you so you can try making your own little planets at home (a note, the directions in the upcoming link are using Photoshop, and that’s what I used with mine, but for those that use PSP, the same directions apply, just look for Effects/Distortion/Polar Coordinates up in the toolbar instead of Filters)
You can find great, step by step directions in a fantastic tutorial by photographer Dirk Paessler, here on Photojojo.
Try it! It’s fun! Please feel free to share your little planets here as I’d love to see them… Take me to your leader… Nanu Nanu…live long and prosper… peace out…
*tracey*
Venice World
Temple Bar World
Venice World 2
Today’s photo of the day is aptly named, “Twilight,” shot at dusk from beneath the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
I love how the burst of light from the sunset provides just enough to outline the amazing architecture and detail of the tower and the trees behind it. Aged for a vintage feel, this was one of my favorite evenings in Paris as it was the first day we arrived and, thankfully, the March weather was beautiful.
Find it, as well as many others, in my gallery found here.
Enjoy!
*tracey*
"Twilight"
"Monochrome 1- Gardenia"
As far back as I can remember, I have loved black and white photos for their understated beauty. Beauty aside however, as I’ve discussed in earlier posts (and thus won’t bore you again with all the scientific mumbo jumbo about brain synapses and color assignment), I believe it’s also due to the lack of color which forces your mind to process the photograph in a way much different from a color photograph.
I especially love monochrome botanical photographs. It’s easy to look at a picture of an orange poppy and say it’s beautiful, however it’s mostly due to the beautiful orange color nature provided it. Remove that color and you’re forced to look at the lines and curves of the flower itself and, quite frankly, in my mind, Mother Nature is a true artist.
My Monochrome Botanical Series is an ever-growing series of many of her best works. I am lucky enough to come across so many beautiful subjects in my daily life, that I’m excited about what’s to come. The series, as well as others, can be found here, in my online gallery.
Enjoy!
*tracey*
"Monochrome 3- Poppy"
"Monochrome 4- Poppies"
Monochrome 2- Succulent"
In honor of my favorite time of year (yes, I am one of those crazies who loves winter) I’m having a Winter Print Sale!
Now through March 31st, all large format prints (16×20 and larger) are 20% off. As always, prints will be printed on premium archival metallic or lustre paper, depending on which print you choose.
Concerned about buying art online? See what others have said about my work, here.
Check out my online gallery here for more details about the sale!
Hope everyone is staying warm!
*tracey*
pssst– Guess what? I have exciting news coming… be sure to check back in for an upcoming post in the next few days!
Today’s photo of the day, “Palazzo” is an abstract shot taken in Florence, Italy.
I find that many European cities have very distinct architecture, specific to that city, which make it easily identifiable without even knowing which city you’re looking at. Florence, and most Italian cities, are no exception. Most of the architecture in Florence seems to be encased mostly in stucco which, if I’m not mistaken, harkens back to the early twentieth century Italian Renaissance where Venetian plaster and stucco were prevalent.
This shot was taken outside of the Accademia, where the statue of David is housed. I love the old, weathered shutters in this shot and how the abstract lines of the buildings draw your eyes down from top left to bottom right. The abstract feel of the shot reminds me a bit of “Line of Sight” previously featured here.
This, and many other shots from Italy and my other travels, can be found in my online gallery found here.
Enjoy!
*tracey*
"Palazzo"
Anyone who knows my collection knows that a great majority of my prints are from my travels, Italy especially. Most popular in my gallery are my photos from Venice which, oddly enough, as I was “deathly ill” (my mother, who was with me, would probably beg to differ but that’s how I felt) Venice wasn’t my favorite leg of the multi-city trip.
That said though, even through the haze of a high-grade fever, malaise, and the throngs of tourists along the Grand Canal, I could see there were hidden gems just waiting to be captured. Anyone who asks me about visiting Venice will hear the same response… “Walk down along the Grand Canal for about five minutes and then, go left” (well, come to think of it, it depends on which way you’re coming from… ok, go the opposite direction from the water and explore the back canals)
Walk along the back canals of Venice and you will come across some of the most amazing finds from cafes to beautiful, old homes.
“Nubi Pastelli“, named as such for the pastel clouds, is one of those finds for me. Tucked back, with not a soul to be found, the distinct architecture of Venice caught my eye immediately. Aged with vintage actions, I love how the pastel, muted colors play off of one another.
“Nubi Pastelli” can be found in multiple sizes in my online gallery found here.
Ciao!
*Tracey*
"Nubi Pastelli"
Heading off to a good home (all framed up and matted) is one of my newest pieces, introduced to my gallery this week. “The Cove” is a shot taken at Cade’s Cove in Tennessee on a beautiful fall day! Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) I didn’t get to see any bears but the deer were out in full force. If you have a chance to stop by Cade’s Cove during the autumn months, I highly recommend it!
“The Cove,” a square format print, printed on premium archival paper, is available in several sizes, along with a number of other new pieces, in my online galery found here.
Wishing everyone a happy Sunday!
*T*
"The Cove"
