Every year I choose a different theme for my Christmas tree. This year’s theme was two-toned: each bulb had to have two (or more) colors on it. The picture on the right, a silver bulb with glittery purple stripes, perfectly embodies this year’s theme. Instead of just taking a picture of the ornament, I decided to wait until it was dark. This allowed me to get a shot of it illuminated by the lights on the Christmas tree. Do you have a theme for your tree? No matter what style you choose, you can create a beautiful and unique tree that will shine brightly into the new year!
Tag Archives: illuminated
The Blazing Cloud
It’s amazing the things you see at sunset. The clouds and sky become an array of colors. The photo on the right is an example of a cloud that’s illuminated by the setting sun. This is one of a group of clouds that was blazing across the evening sky. I love how the bottom of the cloud looks like it’s filled with fire, while the top is dark, preparing for nightfall. This contrast highlights how different colors can go so well together. If you want to create a similar contrast in your own space, there are several different combinations you can try: gold and grey, navy and bright green, grey and pink, or the classic black and white. Using contrasting colors allows you to have the best of both worlds: a pop of color and a neutral to balance it out. No matter what color combination you choose, you’ll have a perfectly paired space that’s all you!
A Lighted Path to City Lights
The upside of having to work late? Being able to get great shots of city lights! It’s amazing how an area can be transformed once illuminated by bright lights. I love the glow of the antique lights along the street and the twinkling lights of the city in the distance. A similar photo would look great enlarged and hung on a dining room wall. Next time you might be out late, be sure to take your camera along. You could end up getting a shot that transforms your view of everyday surroundings!
Reaching Out Towards the Sun
As I walked along a path I noticed a tree that seemed to be reaching out from the ground towards the sun. As pictured on the right, the tree was fairly large, covered in moss, and part of it illuminated by the sun. Not only do the earth tones go with anything, but it’s just a cool picture! As I’ve said before, nature can be both a focal point in any space and a great inspiration. No matter what you can capture with your camera, you’re sure to find a way to bring the outdoors into any space!
Cascading Light Through Colored Glass
Despite what many people think, vases can be used for a multitude of purposes. It can be used to hold flowers, be filled with sand and shells to create a beach scene, or filled with live plants to create a mini-garden. There is however an additional use: catching light. Glass and crystal can catch and reflect light in amazing ways! The gold-colored vase pictured at the right was illuminated from above with an LED flashlight in a dark room. The bright light beautifully reflects the patterns in the glass onto the surface. I’d hang a similar photo in a living or dining room. The hues and patterns of the light create a warm, comfy atmosphere. You can easily create a similar photo for use in your own space. Try photographing a vase in similar conditions to what I described above, or snap a photo of a vase illuminated by the sun or a candle. There are so many uses for everyday objects, and with a little imagination you can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary!
Through the Looking Glass
It’s amazing how different glass can look when illuminated! This is a photo of the base of a hurricane lamp that is lit from behind by a single candle. I love the play of light and shadow, and how the illumination from the candle accentuates the curves, design, and colors of the lamp. A photo like this would be a great conversation piece if displayed in a den or living room. Your guests will marvel at your unique art piece while trying to guess what’s actually pictured. A similar photo can easily be taken using a piece of glass of your choice illuminated by a candle. So what are you waiting for? With a few items and a camera, you can create a great photo to decorate your space!
A Well Lit Table
When people talk about illuminating their tables, they typically only think of candles. However, there are many different items you can use besides candles to create a well lit scene. On my table, I decided to use a ceramic Christmas café that lights up. The illuminated building is shown below.
To give the piece more interest during the day, I also added a bridge and three pine trees (all ceramic). I created a pond using blue scrapbook paper and arranged the trees around its outer banks. As seen below, the illuminated building provides the perfect amount of light for the other pieces.
Interested in a similar look? You can find plain ceramic pieces at most craft stores. You can either leave them unpainted like I did, or paint them how you’d like. Whether you use candles, illuminated ceramics, or a combination of both, you can create a table that’s both festive and unique.
Inspiration In A Photo 