As I was walking along the beach I saw the water coming in and flowing over the rocks. I thought it would be an awesome shot if I could capture the tide. It took a few times, but I got it! I love how you can see the clear water with the sun glittering off it, and all the different rocks underneath the surf. Despite their different colors, the rocks go together seamlessly. This is the beauty of earth tones. Plus, you’ll also notice rocks that provide pops of color (red, orange, etc.) that are mixed in. This photo would be a great basis for decorating your space. Try using earth tones as a base for larger pieces then add pops of color using accessories. Additionally, you could buy a clear bowl or vase, fill part of it with rocks (easily found at your local craft or big box store), add shells, water, floating candles, and viola! You’ll instantly have a look that’s both beachy and elegant. Remember, inspiration can be found right outside your door, so be sure to keep an eye open to the world around you!
Tag Archives: water
Birds of a Feather
When I walk around my local lake there’s usually a large group of geese that tend to congregate towards the far end of the lake. As I kept walking and got closer to the dock, I was surprised to see a visitor in their group: a duck! I thought it was a cute sight and decided to snap a picture. I love how the duck joined the geese as if it was one of their own. The geese didn’t bother the duck, so I guess it was welcome to hang out on the dock. It’s always interesting to see different types of animals enjoying each other’s company. I think this is nature’s way of showing that we often have more in common with each other than we want to admit. Want to capture a similar sight? You, too, can snap a similar picture to decorate your space! Find a spot that has a variety of animals (usually near a body of water) and then just keep your eyes open. It may take awhile to get the perfect shot, but eventually you’ll capture a photo of animal friends having fun in the great outdoors!
The Water Through the Trees
Once 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 Perfect Shell
Anyone that enjoys beach combing knows that one of the challenges is finding a perfect shell for your collection. Often you’ll find half a shell, or one that’s been damaged from its voyage. But, as I was walking on the beach, it appeared: a beautiful shell! It was just sitting there waiting to be picked up. After making sure the shell was vacant (shells with creatures in or on them should be put back into the water), it was picked up and taken with us on the rest of our walk. This shell presents so many opportunities to decorate! You could frame the picture and use it to accentuate a nautical theme, add the shell to your collection, display it as a stand-alone piece, or nestle it among a group of candles for an elegant look. What was the last thing you collected while out enjoying nature? No matter what it was, there are a myriad of ways for you to stylishly add it to your space!
By the way, did anyone notice the rock behind the shell that has “eyes” on it? An even more unique picture!
Jellyfish at the Beach
As I strolled the beach in my previous post I decided to walk closer to the water. I found a few shells and thought I’d wash them out in the water. You can imagine my surprise when I looked into the water and saw that it was full of jellyfish! I decided not to stick my hand into the water, and instead opted to take a photo of the jellyfish. It’s amazing how well these creatures blend in to their environment. Photos like these are always a good conversation piece. It’s always fun to see who can find the creature or other hidden element. This is a great photo to use at a party or some other get-together. Whether it’s a photo you take yourself or buy at a store, you, too, can have a great conversation piece!
The Watery Jail
As I made my way around the river’s edge, I looked across the water and saw this strange structure. As soon as I saw it I thought, “that looks just like a jail!” I thought it would be an interesting photo to put on my blog, so I took a picture. I kept wondering what this structure was or used to be. After some digging I found out what the structure used to be: it’s the remnant of my county’s first hydroelectric power plant. The original structure was built in the late 1800’s. I thought it made a very interesting picture, and captures a piece of history. Ever pass by a dilapidated structure and wonder what it might have been? Try looking for nearby plaques or historical markers, or searching for information online. No matter where you live, you’ll be surprised how much history is around you!
Two Friends Getting Lunch
On one of my walks I noticed several large groups of geese at the far end of the lake. As I got closer, I noticed that two of the geese had broken off from their group and were bobbing for lunch. I was glad I was able to capture the geese as they were both sticking their heads into the water. Aside from being a great shot, I like how you can see the individual ripples of water around each goose. The geese, foliage, and algae against the blue of the water makes this photo even better. Interested in taking a similar photo? It might take a bit of work, but you, too, can photograph a pair of animal friends! If you’re out in nature, start by looking for groups of animals-they will likely be near a body of water. There are always a few that will drift off from the group, and when this happens it’s your chance to snap a photo. You could also try taking photographs at your local zoo. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and find your own pair of animal friends!
The River Under the Bridge
This 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 Fish Ladders
As I was walking along the trail I noticed a concrete structure along the river bank. Upon closer inspection, I realized they were fish ladders! While I couldn’t spot any fish in the ladders, I thought it was cool that the park had them built into sections of the river. I appreciate how the ladders almost blend into the landscape, not to mention the positive impact of helping the fish (likely Salmon) make their way up stream to spawn. I like the contrast of the concrete against the trees, boulders, and white-water rapids. Such an awesome shot! Next time you’re at your local park, look around and see if you can find man-made wonders. These wonders not only provide a positive impact to nature, but should also inspire you to bring the outdoors into your space.
Watching the Boats on a Sunny Day
As I was enjoying my day at the park I couldn’t help but watch all the boats going up and down the waterway. It was fun seeing all the different type of boats that people were enjoying. Some were simple row boats while others had yachts. But I’m particularly drawn to sail boats. I love the simple design and how it represents a classic nautical theme. Boats like this are the perfect inspiration to add a bit of nautical whimsy into your space! It can be as simple as a picture, pillows with a boat design, or even nautical rope decorating a shelf. Those these may seem like minor changes, even the smallest element can make a big impact in your space. Have a nautical element that inspires you? If so, it’s time to bring it into your space and let your style shine!
Inspiration In A Photo 