Sea Lions on the Dock

Sea lions in the bayAs I walked down the pier my ears detected a loud barking sound somewhere off in the distance. I instantly recognized it as sea lions! I followed the crowds and walked out onto a pier that was situated over the bay. When I looked down, I saw a large group of sea lions lounging on several docks that were floating on the water’s surface. This area is a major tourist spot, and even at the busiest times one can usually find a spot to watch and take a few photos. This brings up a great tip: check out tourist spots! Often times people tend to avoid touristy areas, but you can actually find great photo ops in those locations. Additionally, the nearby shops sold sea lion stuffed animals which would pair perfectly next to a similar framed photo! With a picture and a small purchase, you can turn a shelf or nightstand into an animal oasis that showcases both your photography and sense of whimsy!

Whale Rock at the Beach

Whale rock at beach_oceanIn some of my previous posts, I’ve discussed capturing unique images that can be interpreted in multiple ways. I spotted a rock (right) among the waves and instantly thought it looked like a small whale! I love the look of the sandy beach, the rock surrounded by water, and the waves in the background. This is not only a unique photo, but the earth tones in the shot will compliment any space. Do you have beach photos featuring unique rock or sand formations? If so, now’s the time to display them! Not only are they a reminder of warmer weather, but also a great way to show off the uniqueness of nature!

The Beach at Dusk

Beach at dusk_oceanAbove is a picture I took on the first day of my vacation. I saw this beautiful, sandy beach and just had to take a picture! I think it’s important to take photos on the first day of your vacation. Why? Because it’s great to start creating memories from day one of your adventure! There are so many things these first photos can be used for. They can be used as the cover for a scrapbook, used in a photo collage, or framed to create a grouping of photos that can be displayed on a shelf or wall. Whether you’re planning to take a vacation or already have a large collection of photos, you can use those early shots as an inspiration for a myriad of decorating ideas!

The Tree Roots

Evergreen tree rootsWhen I saw this I couldn’t believe what I was seeing! But the closer I got I was able to see the wonders of nature. As you can see, the roots of this large evergreen are completely visible. Despite this, the tree seemed to be hanging on to the cliff. Upon closer inspection I was able to see various layers of sand and dirt intertwined with the roots. It was awesome to be able to walk closer and see the cavern left by the roots. This simple yet powerful image would be the perfect addition to an office or den. A photo like this not only makes a big impact, but it’s colors will go with anything. Want a similar picture? Go to an area that has cliffs (park, ocean, cove, etc.) and you should find something similar. Once you find that perfect tree, all you need is a camera and a good angle to have your own awesome photo!

The Shimmering Lake

Shimmering lakeTo the right is a picture I took of my local lake on a sunny day. I love how the rays of the sun shine on the water, while above is blue sky and sunshine. You have to be in the right place at the right time to get a shot like this, but when you do it’s so worth it! This is the type of photo that would be great to frame and display in any area of your home. You can also use the colors in the photo as an inspiration when chosing a theme for your accessories. As I’ve said in a previous post, you can get great inspiration from the colors found in nature. Have a local body of water? Whether a lake, ocean, marina, or creek, you can get a great photo of nature to inspire your decor!

The Glass Sea Shell

Glass sea shellThis picture is from the same exhibit mentioned in one of my previous posts. When I saw this piece, it reminded me of sea shells I’d find along the beach. Though I doubt it’s suppose to be a shell, I couldn’t help but make the comparison. Over the years I’ve purchased small glass shells in various colors that I picked up on vacation. They’re great for displaying on a table or grouping together in a bowl. They can usually be found in gift shops along the coast, online, or at a craft store. Glass shells are a great way to add a touch of the ocean to any space. No matter your space, you can have a reminder of the ocean anytime you choose.

The Seagull

Resting seagullTravel much? Notice that no matter where you go in the world that seagulls basically look the same? I think that’s kind of amazing. On the right, you’ll see a seagull that’s made its home near my part of the world. Seagulls always make me think of the ocean (a favorite spot for vacations). I love to watch them glide on the wind or diving into the water trying to catch a meal. I’ve seen many pictures of seagulls, so why not take my own? It’s a great touch to any decorating scheme. Your space doesn’t have to have a nautical theme for a seagull picture to work. As long as there’s something to tie it all together like similar colors, textures, or mood, almost anything can be tied together to make your space unique.

Tunnel Under the Pier

Pier tunnelHave you ever flipped through a magazine, seen a picture, and thought “I’d like to take a picture like that?” I think everyone has at some point. But how often does it actually happen? I saw a picture of the underside of a pier in a magazine I bought. I thought it was a really cool picture: the underside of a pier that created a tunnel into the ocean. About a week later I was walking along the waterfront and what do I see? I shot that looks almost exactly like the one in my magazine! Jackpot! So I moved closer to the water until I was able to get the shot in this post. Magazines and other publications can be great inspirations for your photos and decorating. Whether the magazine deals with travel, architecture, photography, anime, or gardening, it’s the inspiration you get from it that matters.