Category Archives: photo

Jan 5

Keeping the Home Fires Burning

Woodstove fireWhen people think of glowing fires they usually picture a big fireplace. In my case, I live in a home that has a wood stove. Despite this, I can still get an awesome shot of the fire burning! There are several ways to achieve a shot like this. It can be taken through the glass or, as I did, open the door for a few seconds and snap a quick shot. Just the image of these flames warms me up! This would be a great conversation piece to hang in a den or family room, especially during the winter. The dark, earthy colors in addition to the bright flames creates a cozy, warm feel in any space! So remember, no matter what your source of warmth, you can get a great picture that will give your decor a warm glow!

I’ll be adding a new video soon to my YouTube channel, so be sure to check the My Videos page for updates!

Dec 23

Christmas at the State Capitol

Capitol Christmas tree 2014I recently decided to visit my state capitol to view its annual Christmas tree. I was told it looked nice, so I brought my camera to snap a few photos. The large evergreen fits perfectly in the rotunda! It’s covered in faux snow and features red bulbs, snowflakes, candy canes, and many Frozen-themed items. Around this time of year you can find Christmas trees in many government buildings, malls, and other public places. If you snap photos of several of these trees, you’ll have a collection of Christmas trees. You can frame the photos and display them during the holiday season. Additionally, you can also use the photos as an inspiration for your own tree. Here’s hoping you find the inspiration to make your Christmas bright and joyful!

Dec 5

The Aurora Borealis on the Ceiling

Aurora borealis ceilingShortly after Thanksgiving, as is tradition, our Christmas tree was up and on display. When I passed the tree one night I looked up at the ceiling and was amazed at what I saw. As the picture on the right demonstrates, my ceiling looked like the aurora borealis! Not only does this give our ceiling a bit of character, but it also makes a nice picture. You can easily take a similar picture by taking a photo of the ceiling above a lighted tree. Once the picture is taken, you can frame and display it on a shelf along with other winter-related items of a similar hue (bulbs, ornaments, snowflakes, etc.). With all the lights and colors of the season, it’s easy to take inspiration from what’s around you to create a decorating scheme that looks beautiful throughout the entire holiday season!

Dec 3

The Bird in the Backyard

Bird in backyard_unknownYesterday as I was working on my Christmas decorations I was alerted to visitors in the backyard. I looked out and was surprised to see a group of birds having a bite to eat. I’ve never seen this type of bird before (do you know what type it is?), so I decided to take a photo and put it on my blog. I love the different types of wildlife you encounter throughout the year! A photo like this would make a great Christmas gift for anyone that has a passion for birds or nature. Additionally, due to its neutral palette, a picture like this would also look great on a wall in any space. Be sure to stay tuned for great design ideas for the holiday season!

ANNOUNCEMENT: Check out the My Videos page to see my video on my new YouTube channel!

Dec 1

The First Snow Flurries of the Season

First snow of the season_2014While some parts of the country have been dealing with snowy weather for awhile, we just got our first dusting of snow! I decided to snap a picture of the bush outside my window to capture the event. I love how the dusting of snow stands out against the green leaves of the bush. Many of us are used to seeing photos of a winter wonderland where everything is covered in snow, but you can also enjoy pictures that feature a smaller amount of snow. No matter how much snow your area receives, you can still photograph your own version of a winter landscape!

Nov 19

The River in Fall

River rapids in fallI’ve posted pictures of this river in previous posts, but nature’s scenery tends to change with the season. The river is now swollen, the rapids are larger, leaves have fallen off trees, and the foliage has changed color. This gives me an idea for a project! Have a place you like to explore year round? If so, take a few pictures in the same area during each season. At the end of the year, you can take one photo from each season and hang all four on your wall. We’ve all seen similar photos in galleries, so why not create your own personalized version? This is definitely a long-term project, but it’s also totally worth it. So what are you waiting for? It’s not too late to start your own season-by-season project, so get out there and capture nature’s seasonal beauty!

Nov 17

Frog Friend in the Backyard

Frog in the backyardSince summer we’ve been hearing croaking coming from somewhere in the backyard. Last weekend I was out back raking the leaves when I came across a curious creature. As raked leaves near the back door, I noticed something green that was sitting in a spot previously covered by leaves-a frog! I thought it was cute, so I snapped a photo. It’s amazing what you can find in your own backyard! This is the type of photo that would be great displayed in a kid’s room, used in a nature-based scrapbook, or framed and displayed and given to someone who loves reptiles. Even though winter is coming, you can still find nature right outside your door. Whether you photograph reptiles or other wildlife, you can always find nature’s creatures all around you!

Nov 14

A Moonlit Night through the Clouds

Moonlit night_cloudsAbout a week or so ago I decided to stay up late. Before I went to bed, I decided to check and see if I could view the moon from my window. Luckily, I was able to get a great shot of the moon surrounded by clouds. I love the glow of the moon and how the surrounding clouds are lit by moonlight. It has a cool, calm color palette and is perfect for any space. You can easily take a similar moon photo to display in your own space. While I was able to take this shot from my window, you might have to go outside to get the best picture. Once you find a location and angle that suits the type of photo you want, start taking pictures! Next, all you need is to pick out a frame and display your photo. You’ll not only have a gorgeous photo, but a conversation piece that all who see it will enjoy.