I was so excited to open up a big box from Magnolia Market on Christmas morning! I have been a Fixer Upper fan for years and this was just as good as finding my Rainbow Care Bear under the Christmas tree when I was a little girl. The great big box was filled these beautiful cotton stems, a subscription to their new magazine The Magnolia Journal, and few other surprises I'll be creating with too! 

As any Midwestern knows winter light is quite sparing and quite blue. Hmm... I wonder if that's why is called "The Winter Blues"? Anyhow, I loved these cotton stems in my cream and white ceramic pitchers, so I simply had to save these still life shots. Check out my Before and After below to see what a difference a light texture on a brightening blending mode can do! Then share your texture natural or enhanced in this week's Texture Twist.

Before and After Photoshop Tutorial

Dust Cloud Texture / Soft Light Blending Mode / 35% Opacity

Add a Layer Mask and brush texture away from subject with a soft brush at 70% opacity

THE SEASONS

An InLinkz Link-up

 
Join me on Instagram and Share your Photo Stories:  Image-in-ing / Pictorial Tues / Our World Tues  Communal Global / Life Thru the Lens /  Through My Lens /  Photo Journal / Photo Friday / Today’s Flowers

The Studio: Living with Intent

"Live Less out of Habit and More out of Intent"

I am sure many of you have experienced the same.  Be you a wife, husband, mother, father, and/or career woman/man it can be difficult to carve out time for things one loves. Be that as it may, I encourage to do just that. Make time for things that matter most to you.

Photoshop Tutorial:

Creme Brulee #1 Overlay / Color Burn / 20% Opacity 

Hurricane Warm Texture / Overlay / 60% Opacity

 

Join me on Instagram and Share your Photo Stories: I Heart Macro / Image-in-ing / Communal Global / Our World Tues / Garden Tues / Life Thru the Lens /  Through My Lens / Maple Hill Hop / Little Things /  Photo Journal / Photo Friday /

The Texture Twist Photo Challenge

Scroll down to link up your photos with a Texture Twist

- natural or enhanced

An InLinkz Link-up

Seasons: Windswept Magnolia

My first visit to our local botanical gardens this year was on a slightly cool, windy March afternoon. There wasn't much in bloom. The ground was spotted with yellow daffodils and purple crocuses. But, I came to photograph the blooming trees. Especially the magnolias, which are a favorite of mine. Their wild twisting branches reach up the sky and the little warmth the sun provides. The blooms are quite delicate and swept back and forth by the wind. All of which is enchanted in the Spring garden. 

Enhanced with the Master Textures Vol 3 - Sparks
 Cool and the Pearl Cove Overlay - Free Texture Overlay Sample

Join me in photo challenge: I Heart Macro / Our World Tues / Life Thru the Lens / Image-in-ing / Little Things / Wed Around the World / Through My Lens /

The Texture Twist Photo Challenge

Scroll down to link up your photos with a Texture Twist

- natural or enhanced

An InLinkz Link-up

Still Photography Tips

Ever wonder how other bloggers get the most amazing shots of their decorations, crafts, and baked goods?

• Choose a spot in your home that receives an abundance of natural light
• Create a blank canvas for your subjects- I used a white linen table cloth and large white canvas
• Turn off your flash to avoid harsh shadows and dull subjects
• Start with your main subject and add to until you get something you really like

Share your passions at: 

Feathered Nest Friday

Show and Tell Friday
Fabulous Friday 

Show {off}

Give me Your Best Shot
Be Joyful
Air your Laundry 
Photo Feature Friday

Studio Spaces: Urban Flat

My idea of space in the hub of the city

1.  Mirrors from Antropologie  2. Desk Tools inspired by SeeSaw Designs

Before n After: Hidden Beauty

If there's one thing I'll miss about winter, it's finding the hidden beauty across the plains.

Add a shade of mystery to your image:

1. Slip on a texture layer of Antique Warm on the multiply blending mode between 30 and 40 percent opacity

Got a before and after to share?

Shoot and Edit- Green

Click it Up a Notch

Before and After

Texture Thursday
You Capture- Vibrance

Studio Spaces: The Brides Stage

This would make an elegant studio space for wedding photography.  

Who wouldn't feel like a princess?

1. Swedish Day Bed by Layla Grayce   2. Wedding Programs by Design Aglow   3. Vintage Tart Tin Magnets by Cloth and Patina

Hello Weekend: Understated Beauty

Withered blooms from nature have an understated beauty.

Share your weekend captures:
Texture Twist
Weekend Wander
Show {off}
The simple things
Sunday Snapshot
Shadow Shot Sunday

Before n After: Cinema

I covered an old suitcase with music sheet torn from a 1940s elementary music book.  I love to find ways to re-purpose things other might see as junk!

Add an old cinema touch to your image!

1. Layer the Free Sugar n Spice Texture on the overlay blending mode
2. Lower the opacity to between 40% and 50% 

Do you have a before and after to share?

Click it up a Notch
Before n After
Shoot and Edit
Texture Thursday

Still Photography Must Haves

Antique lace and dollies add a soft touch to photo stills.  I love the intricate designs and shades of cream!

1. Dollies and Notions       2. Treasure of Lace Dollies

Share your passions with Be Joyful, Air your laundry Friday,  A few my favorite things and Vintage Inspiration Friday!