The Other Side of the Mountains

Other side of the mountains_landscapeIt’s amazing how much a landscape can change when you cross geologic features. Whether it’s an ocean, river, or mountain range, you will inevitably see a change in geography. This became quite noticeable on one of my recent travels (business related) where I took this great landscape photo (right). I love the sparseness of the landscape and the various shades of orange and green that are the epitome of Fall foliage. These types of photos are great for showcasing the wide variety of landscapes in your area. Whether you travel near or far, you’ll be sure to find a great landscape that is worthy of display in your space.

The Artistic Water Garden

Water Garden_dryThe concrete structure pictured above is not simply an art installation, it’s actually a Water Garden! This structure is made up of multi-tiered fountains that were designed to create a unique urban oasis that included trees, a brick walkway, and lush lawns. How nice to walk out of your office building and be greeted by a lush lawn and the sound of flowing water! Sadly, the fountain was shut off due to leaks and a cracked foundation, and the repairs have been on indefinite hold. Despite this, it’s still a place that can be enjoyed daily by the surrounding office buildings. Remember, even places that have lost their luster are still a great inspiration. Whether it’s an old building or unused fountain, these places offer both a respite from the daily grind and a great photo op!

The Sunning Sea Lion

Sea lion at the aquariumAs I made my way through the aquarium, I noticed a sea lion exhibit off to my right. When I went to get a better view, I saw a large sea lion (right) sunning itself. Unlike the sea lions in my previous post, this one was able to have a spot all to himself. This gives me the inspiration to create a cluster of similar sea lion pictures! You could take several pictures and create a collage, put them in a scrapbook, or frame the photos and use them to create a focal point on a wall. So what are you waiting for? With a few photos of your favorite animal, you can create a cluster of themed decor that will liven up your space!

The Puffin Pair

Puffin pair_aquariumWhile having fun at the aquarium, I ran across this cute pair of puffins! Since my friend’s birthday is coming up, this pair gave me the perfect inspiration for possible presents. You can use a photo of animal friends to create a card, use it as the cover for a scrapbook, or simply frame the picture and give it as a gift. There are many types of animals for you to photograph, along with a variety of settings-from zoos and aquariums, to your very own backyard. With a bit of patience, you’ll be able to capture the perfect pairing of animal friends!

Decorating with Underwater Photography: Part 4

Sea Nettle jellyfish_aquariumWelcome to my final post on underwater photography! As seen above, this post focuses on a Sea Nettle jellyfish. Jellyfish are beautiful and elegant, but also deadly, creatures. Most jellyfish exhibits have a simple background without other sea life in the tank. As a result, it’s easier to get a clear shot since they’re the primary focus of the frame. The vibrant blue background of this shot pairs perfectly with the jellyfish. It allows the brownish-green of its umbrella and the white of the tentacles to create the perfect underwater shot! Jellyfish come in many colors and sizes, guaranteeing you’ll find one that’s the perfect fit for your decor. I hope you’ve enjoyed my posts on underwater photography, and that they’ve inspired you to find new ways to decorate your space!

Decorating with Underwater Photography: Part 2

Japanese King Crab_aquariumAs seen on the right, this post features a Japanese Spider Crab. When I walked up to the glass I couldn’t believe how big they were-and these were just juveniles! This picture is special because it gives the illusion of underwater night photography. There are usually a handful of exhibits in every aquarium that are in night mode, so you can easily take a similar photo. Photos like this are a great alternative to traditional Halloween decor! Hang your photo on the wall for a party to bring an elegant, but spooky vibe, to your space. With a bit of imagination, you can find creative and unique ways to display your underwater photos!

Decorating with Underwater Photography: Part 1

Underwater shipwreck_wheelCapturing sea life in its natural environment is an amazing feat that most photographers don’t get the chance to accomplish. Going diving, procuring a waterproof camera, and finding the perfect location can be both expensive and time-consuming. But if you’ve ever dreamed of underwater photography, there’s a simple solution-go to an aquarium! The shipwreck I captured above was actually part of a special exhibit. This exhibit allowed me to create the look of underwater photography without leaving the comfort of dry land. A similar photo would look great as a focal point on a wall! The soothing blue of the water and pops of color from the sea life and ship’s wheel make this a unique photo that will grab any guests’ attention. Stay tuned for more underwater photos that will serve to inspire and bring out the best your space has to offer!

Jellyfish on the Beach

Jellyfish on beachOn the second day of my vacation I decided to visit one of the many state parks along the coast. As I walked along the shore, I noticed a number of things that looked out of place among the usual shells, rocks, and other debris. Moving closer to take a look I found out they were all jellyfish. Not just any jellyfish, they were purple jellyfish! These type aren’t native to the state I was in (I was told they’re usually found in California), so to see these was a real treat. Seeing unusual things is one great aspects of a vacation, and can help you develop all types of decoration ideas. Besides framing and displaying a similar photo, you could buy fabric that features jellyfish and use it to create pillow cases, make a blanket, or reupholster a piece of furniture. As I’ve said before, nature can be a great inspiration for decorating. Whether on land or at sea, you’re sure to find something to inspire you!

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!

Capping off a Column

Corinthian column capitalWhile many think of columns as purely functional, they can also be quite decorative and unique. An example is the picture above that shows the ornate capital (top portion) of a column. This style capital is a well-known feature of Corinthian columns, which are ornately carved and feature various types of designs.

Corinthian column capital_close-up

While most of us don’t live in homes or buildings with such architectural grandeur, there are ways to bring this look into your space. If you have small decorative columns in your home, there are DIY kits available at home improvement stores that will allow you to add a capital to an already existing column. These kits are made from various types of materials, and can be purchased finished (painted) or unfinished. If you’re like me and don’t have columns in your home, you can take a similar photo, enlarge it, and hang it prominently on a wall. Either way you choose, you can bring classic architecture into any space!