Reaching Out Towards the Sun

Tree reaching towards sunAs 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!

The Landscape at Low Tide

Landscape at low tideI checked out my local wildlife refuge one afternoon and was surprised at what I saw. We arrived at low tide and could see part of the landscape that was usually underwater. It was amazing to see the stark, yet serene, land that was exposed to the sun. You can image all the aquatic wildlife and water fowl that would enjoy this area at high tide. A picture similar to this one would be a great focal point in a den or bedroom. The serene landscape and pop of blue from the sky go with any decor and add a touch of serenity to your space. Want a similar picture for your own space? Check the tide tables for your local waterway, beach, or wildlife refuge. With a camera and a little planning, you can have a picture of a hidden underwater universe.

Cascading Light Through Colored Glass

Illuminated vaseDespite 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!

The Ornate Skylight

Ornate skylightSkylights are a great way to let in some extra sun and brighten up a space. While most are plain glass, some are ornate and full of character. An example of this is the picture above! I saw this skylight at my local state capitol. It was placed away from the main rotunda, so most visitors wouldn’t think to look up. Those who did, however, were rewarded with a gorgeous skylight. Despite the skylights most of us have in our own homes, it is possible to get a similar look. Many home improvement stores sell ornamental window film. They come in various sizes, colors, and patterns that suit all tastes. While marketed for regular windows, you could also apply them to your skylight. You can transform your plain glass into stained glass, a field of flowers, or fine art. No matter how ordinary your skylights, you can create a unique view that is sure to amaze your guests.

Rain and Sun through the Window

Rain and sun through windowLast week the weather here was kind of sporadic. We dealt with a combination rain, wind, and sun throughout the week. One afternoon I looked up and noticed droplets of rain on my window, along with the bright sun peeking out from behind the clouds. I thought it was a pretty cool shot, so I took a photo! We’ve all seen similar pictures in galleries, so why buy those when you can create your own? You can easily create and display a similar picture in your space. All you really need is a window and the weather of your choice. Whether you chose a scene reminiscent of spring, summer, winter, or fall, you’ll create a gallery-worthy look that’s all your own!

The Beached Tree

Beached treeI always enjoy walking along the beach and seeing what’s washed up on shore. On this outing, I encountered part of a tree that had washed up on the beach. From the state of the wood it was obvious that the tree had been out to sea for some time. Even so, I thought the tree was in a unique state and decided to take a picture of it. I love the gnarled roots and branches, the stripped bark, and the wood bleached by the sun. It’s amazing how artistic nature can be! You, too, can get a similar shot to adorn your space. You can find beached drift wood not only at the ocean, but at waterways, rivers, and lakes. While the proportions of the wood might vary, what’s important is that you’re able to take a shot that not only adds interest to your space, but also showcases nature’s beauty!

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 River Under the Bridge

River under the bridgeThis photo is similar to one I took for a previous post, but is a wider shot that shows two bridges with the river flowing underneath. I love how the bridges and trees frame the river, and the brightness of the sun on the water. A picture like this can inspire so many projects! A similar photo could be framed and displayed on a shelf or wall. You could take the colors in the picture-green, grey, brown, blue-and use them as your decorating theme. Add these colors to your space by using throw pillows, vases, faux foliage, or other accessories to bring the outdoors in. It’s amazing how one photo can inspire a myriad of projects to update and decorate your space. You can use your favorite photo to not only to display a great shot, but also to inspire a decorating theme that’s uniquely you!

The River Wild

River at parkWhile I was at the park mentioned in my previous posts, I was able to get this beautiful shot of the river. This picture was taken downstream from the waterfalls in my previous post. Rivers often look serene on the surface, but can be quite treacherous underneath. In this picture, I like the natural elements of the white-water rapids, the brightness of the sun, and how the trees frame the river on either side. Such a gorgeous shot! There’s nothing like taking a picture of nature’s beauty. No matter what your local parks have to offer, you can be sure to find a spot that showcases nature’s beauty, and will allow you to display that beauty in your very own space!

The Sun Drifting through the Pine

Split pine with sunHello, and welcome to my 100th post! I decided to post a picture of this unique looking pine tree I noticed along a walking path. I was even able to take the picture with the sun shining down through the upper branches. I love finding unique pieces in nature! Not only are they fun to look at, but they’re also free. A photo like this would look great in a den or office. The earth tones go with any decor, and the sun shining down gives an element of warmth to any space. Next time you go to your local park or beach, look for the uniqueness in nature. Once you take a photo of what you find, you can bring the outside in and create a feeling of warmth all year long.

Here’s to another 100 posts-look for more tips and great things to come!