Creatures of the Tide: Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of my Creatures of the Tide series! For this post I’m featuring a cluster of barnacles and sea snails I found on a nearby rock. I love the color contrast between the snails’ shells, and the neutral color of the barnacles. The shells range from a dark grey to purple. One of the best things about this photo? It holds a secret surprise! If you look closely, you’ll find there’s a snail inside the shell of a barnacle. Photos like this not only showcase the variety of sea life, but also the surprises that are in plain sight. Join me next time for Part 3 of this series!

Creatures of the Tide: Part 1

While taking a walk at a waterfront city park, I decided to explore a small beach that featured lots of drift wood and rocks along the shore. Looking closer, I found several limpets clinging to the rocks and driftwood. The one pictured below was hiding among some barnacles. Nature is all around us, but sometimes we have to slow down to find it. Small creatures like these are a unique way to bring the outdoors into your home. A collection of similar photos gathered together would make a great collage to update your space for the summer. Stay tuned for more pictures featuring creatures of the tide found along the shoreline!

Birds of a Feather

Geese and ducksEveryone’s heard the saying “birds of a feather flock together.” But nature obviously has different ideas. The photo above is the perfect example of birds of all feathers flocking together. While walking along my local estuary, I noticed a small island in the middle of the water. Zooming in with my camera, I saw a combination of geese and ducks enjoying the sunny weather. It reminded me of another post I did, so I just had to take the picture. As Spring is fast approaching, it signals the time to update your decor. Adding several pictures of birds, or other animals in sunny weather is a great way to get started. You could group several framed photos on a desk or shelf, or create a collage on a wall as a focal point. The setting and type of birds are up to your creativity. Whether using images taken at a state park or even your own backyard, you can easily update your space for the season!

Spring has Sprung: Part 3

Pink flower close-up_bushThis final post in my series features a close-up of the same type of flower in my previous two posts. The combination of light and shadow, along with a close-up of the flower’s internal workings, makes this a great photo for any space. You can take a similar picture by getting your lens as close to the middle of your favorite flower as possible. Once you’ve taken that perfect shot, I’d suggest enlarging the photo and using it as a focal point on a living or dining room wall. The flower, no matter the shade, will bring a bit of color into any room. In addition, a large photo is one of the easiest and most economical way to add new life to a stale room. I hope you’ve enjoyed this three-series post featuring bright, beautiful flowers, and that I’ve inspired you to brighten up your decor.

Spring has Sprung: Part 2

Yellow flowers_bushOn my second post in this series, I’ll be concentrating on a group of yellow flowers. While the flowers themselves are the same variety as the ones in my previous post, their color variation provides a striking difference. While both colors can be considered warm, the yellow variety are slightly different in appearance. There’s less of a ombre effect, and some segments of the petals have a dotted pattern. Besides the contrast of light and shadow in this picture, the leafy green background makes the flowers pop. This is a great example of how you can find multiple shades in the same color family to use in your decor. Not sure what shades to use? Try using a combination of similar photos grouped together on a wall, or use them throughout several rooms. Stay tuned for more posts in this series, coming soon!

A Bend in the Tracks

Around the bend_railroad tracksOn one of my daily walks, I made my way down a hill and saw these railroad tracks curving around a bend. I like how the tracks are flanked on both sides by a fence, in addition to the trees that seem to lean inwards. Though you may not think so, there are so many possibilities with a photo like this! It would look great displayed in a living room or den, or could be the inspiration for a new decorating theme that incorporates earth tones mixed with metal and wood-based accessories. Taking photos of places near your home or work is a great way to find new ways to inspire yourself and decorate your space. Whether displaying your works of photography, or using them as a base for new decor, there’s a whole world out there waiting to inspire you!

The Creepy Pond by the Road

Pond with tunnelHappy Halloween! I thought I’d celebrate by sharing this photograph I took of a creepy-looking pond. The pond is mostly choked with foliage and algae, and one end flows into a narrow, dark tunnel. While this photo is not what you would typically think of for Halloween, I think of it as a piece of decor that could be used in a more formal, grownup way. Decorating this time of year doesn’t always have to be orange, black, or involve pumpkins. Using photos of scenery close to home is a unique way to create a Halloween feel in your own home. No matter what type of picture you choose, you can create a spooky atmosphere that’s sure to please!

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!

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!