A Contrast of Light and Shadow

Hello, and welcome to my first post of 2019 (and thank you for waiting for it)! Today’s post will center on the contrast of light and shadow. An example of this is the classic black and white color scheme. However, there are plenty of other combinations one can use to modernize the look. A perfect example is the picture above. Taken at sunset, it perfectly encapsulates the theme of light and shadow. The shadow of the tree pops perfectly against the glowing sky. A similarly bold picture would be the perfect focal point in a dining room or living room. The dark color draws the eye to the image, while the lighter colors bring a pop of color to the space. No matter if it’s sunrise, sunset, or somewhere in the middle, you can take a photo that will bring a classic color concept into your home.

The Secret Cove

A few minutes up the river from where I took the picture in my previous post, I came upon a small cove tucked away behind what looked like a solid row of hedges. However, on closer inspection, I found this beach-like area located off the main river. Even though this is part of the river, a photo like this creates a coastal vibe. The sun glistening off the water, small beach, and a peak of blue sky between the branches, reminds me of an estuary near the ocean. However, a river photo is a great way to get a beach vibe when going to the ocean isn’t an option. So, if you want to update your space with a coastal vibe this summer, rivers are the perfect solution!

The Rising Sun Behind the Trees

Sun rising_behind treesDuring a time of year when we’re dealing with cold weather and gray skies, it’s great to be able to capture the warm glow of a morning’s sunrise! A perfect example of this is the photo on the right. I took this photo around the time I’d leave for work, which means you could easily capture a similar photo on your way out the door. As I’ve said in similar posts, this is the type of picture that would be perfect to display this time of year since it would remind you of the warm weather to come. Enlarging a similar photo and hanging it in a living room or bedroom is the perfect way to brighten up your winter decor. No matter what time of year, you can always count on nature to help you create a light feel in any room.

Water Beyond the Branches

Bay through the treesDuring this time of year we often ignore the trees that have lost their leaves. However, if you take the time to examine them, you’ll be surprised at what you can find. You can often see nests or, as seen above, a water view. The majority of the year, all I can see are leaves as I look out my office window. However, while I lost a bit of greenery, I’ve gained a (temporary) water view! Nature, like decorating, can bring unexpected surprises throughout the seasons. By looking at your space in a new perspective, you can easily find treasures that are right in front of you.

The Bird in the Bush

Bird in the bushI was sitting at my desk one day and kept hearing a bunch of birds outside my window. After awhile I decided to peek out of my window and saw several birds hopping around the garden and front yard. I looked down from my window and saw something moving in one of the bushes. Upon closer inspection I saw that it was a little bird-how cute! It kept jumping from branch to branch, but I was finally able to snap a photo of it. I love how the bird blends in so well with the branches (that’s nature!). This type of photo would be great to display as a centerpiece on a wall or shelf. It features both earth tones and pops of color, and could be a conversation piece due to the presence of wildlife. You can get a similar picture if you keep your ears and eyes open to the wildlife around you. Nature can be found right outside your door, so be sure to have your camera ready to get some awesome nature shots!

The Beached Tree

Beached treeI always enjoy walking along the beach and seeing what’s washed up on shore. On this outing, I encountered part of a tree that had washed up on the beach. From the state of the wood it was obvious that the tree had been out to sea for some time. Even so, I thought the tree was in a unique state and decided to take a picture of it. I love the gnarled roots and branches, the stripped bark, and the wood bleached by the sun. It’s amazing how artistic nature can be! You, too, can get a similar shot to adorn your space. You can find beached drift wood not only at the ocean, but at waterways, rivers, and lakes. While the proportions of the wood might vary, what’s important is that you’re able to take a shot that not only adds interest to your space, but also showcases nature’s beauty!