The Sunny Daffodil

Sunny daffodilWhen you think of flowers, one often thinks of daffodils. They’re a bright, sunny color and add a cheerful disposition to any space. While it’s great to have fresh flowers, sometimes it’s not an option. The solution? Use a picture! Taking photos of flowers you receive is a great way to be able to use them long beyond their expiration date. Putting a similar photo on your desk or in your space not only creates a golden pop of color, but also creates a sunny mood even in the heart of winter.

The Mountain Above the Trees

Mt. RainierAfter walking some distance from the entrance of my local wildlife refuge I turned around and was greeted by a wonderful sight: Mount Rainier! I wasn’t expecting to see such a great view, so of course I had to take a photo. This photo-op brings up something very few people think about as they’re out photographing various locales: turn around! So often we’re concentrating on what’s in front of us that we don’t realize there might be something even greater behind us. So remember, when you’re out snapping great pictures be sure to pay attention to all your surroundings, not just what’s in front of you. If you do this, you’ll not only get great shots, but may even get a beautiful photo you weren’t even expecting.

Bronze Reliefs from Above

I was walking around where I work and decided to stop at the top of a staircase. I look over at one of the massive chandeliers that dot the ceiling and noticed what looked like intricate designs. I turned on my camera, zoomed in, and took a few photos. The first photo shows a shot of the entire chandelier. Beautiful and grand, it complements the marble walls and high ceilings.

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The second picture (below) offers a close-up view of the ornate reliefs on the bottom section of the chandelier. It’s similar to what you would find on ancient Roman bronze works of art. To think I could find something just as beautiful without having to fly half-way around the world!

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If you were able to find a similar piece of art, I’d suggest taking a close-up shot and framing the picture. It would be a great centerpiece for a dining room or other area that gets a lot of traffic. Not only will the photo look elegant, but the metallic hues will add a warmth and glow to your space in a way that’s timeless.

Through the Looking Glass

Lit Hurricane LampIt’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 Candle in the Darkness

Candle in DarknessThere’s nothing like the beautiful glow of a candle! It provides a soft, warm glow in the darkness and casts elegant shadows around it. A simple, elegant photo like this would be great in a bathroom, girl cave, or chill out space. Not only does the soft light in the photo go with any decor, but it’s also a reminder that there’s always a light in the darkness.

The Concrete Cannon at the Beach

Concrete cannon at the beachOn my second trip to one of my local beaches I was pleasantly surprised to see that the tide was out. This allowed me to explore more of the beach than I had on a previous trip. After walking a few minutes and enjoying the sunshine something caught my eye. As I approached this oddly shaped piece of concrete I walked around it to see what it was. While I still don’t know what it was, I realized that from a certain angle it looks like a cannon-so I snapped a picture! I think it’s cool when an object looks completely different from what it actually is. If you like this type of look, you can easily get the same sort of photo. First, pick an object that you think looks interesting. Next, try taking pictures of it from various angles and distances until you get a photo you like. You may have to take several shots and use multiple types of items, but you’ll eventually get a similarly unique shot. Once this is accomplished you’ll not only have an interesting photo to display, but also a great conversation piece for all your guests to enjoy!

The Water Through the Trees

Peek of water through treesOnce you’ve gone through the forest and come towards the end of the path, you see a peek of water beautifully framed between two trees. What a sight! It makes the creepy trees and mud worth the trek. I love how the brightness of the sun on the water contrasts with the shaded section of forest I took the photo in. This is the type of photo I’d frame and put on a table or desk, or hang on a wall within a grouping of similar nature photos. Want a similar look for your space? Try taking a photo at your favorite locale from a shaded area on a bright day. Not only will you get to enjoy the great outdoors, but you’ll also have a unique photo to showcase your talents!

The White Flower

The white flowerWhile walking around the lake I noticed this white flower that was attached to a vine growing on a fence. I’m not sure what species of flower it is, but I thought it would make a good photo. Sometimes it’s the simplest of images that are the best. I love how the white flower stands out against the green leaves. It’s a simple image that packs a punch! This photo would look great blown up to poster size and used as a focal point on a wall. Remember, a focal point can be a simple, elegant image that grabs your attention and soothes your mind.

The Iris

IrisA few years ago we planted some Iris bulbs in our front garden. Every year they’re one of the first plants to sprout. As you can see from the picture, ours are a lovely yellow and purple color. These colors go together beautifully and are a great example of coordinating spring colors. Want to integrate this into your decor? There are several simple (and economical) ways to accomplish this. You can take a photo of flowers with similar colors in your garden and frame it, add throw pillows or colorful shams, place your plates on colorful chargers, or buy flowers (real or faux) and display them in a glass vase. How will you use spring colors?

Reptile in the City

House lizard 1

House lizard 2No matter where you live there’s always wildlife thriving around you. Case in point, the lizard pictured above! This lizard has been living on/under my front porch for years. The first time I saw it it was very small; now it just keeps growing! I happened to be working in the yard one day and was able to snap a picture while it was sunning itself. If I knew someone who loved reptiles, it would be a great idea to take the picture, frame it, and give it as a gift. Nothing says friendship like sharing a great photo. Remember it’s not only cool to decorate your own space, but to help others decorate theirs, too!