New Face - New Year

I am excited to reveal the new face of Life-n-Reflection...

Catered to fan favorite topics (and mine too of course) - Natural Bath and Body, Handmade Home, and Naturalist Photography

Finding Beauty In Simplicity

Welcome to Life-n-Reflection a journey to look at our lives in reflection. Rooted in the natural beauty and simplicity of seasons. Savoring the aromas, colors, fresh herbs and flowers, and rural lifestyle. May you be inspired to take a deeper look into life's ever changing seasons. 

Come see what it's all about at www.lifenreflection.com 

Texture Twist: Jingle Bell

As the prairie fades into a monochromatic winter I am left reminisce in the last captures of autumn's warm colors. These little berries bring to mind a classic Christmas carol, Jingle Bells. It is such a cheerful carol and filled with excitement. I hope your Christmas this year is just that, "cheerful and filled with excitement"! 

 

Photoshop Tutorial

Clay Texture / Soft Light / 35%

 

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The Texture Twist Photo Challenge

Scroll down to link up your photos with a Texture Twist

- natural or enhanced

An InLinkz Link-up

Texture Twist: Winter Berry

I savor my photography walks at our local botanical gardens. Especially this time of year, as we await winter snow. A few berries and seed pods will hang on through the long winter. The rest is blank landscape slumbering until spring.

 

Photoshop Tutorial

Cremebrulee Overlay #1 / Darker Color / 15%

Duplicate the overlay / Overlay / 25%

 

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The Texture Twist Photo Challenge

Scroll down to link up your photos with a Texture Twist

- natural or enhanced

An InLinkz Link-up

Barn Red: Texture Twist

Who doesn't love a classic red barn in any season? This handsome gem "Had me at Hello" with the lush vine growing along the side. Tucked between a grove of trees and a field of harvested corn the striking bold red contrasts against the empty blue sky. 

 

Bring back a blown out or empty sky by adding depth with a classic vignette and texture.

Photoshop Tutorial:

Optional: Apply a vignette or edge burn
Sparks Cool Texture / Multiply Blending Mode / 65%

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The Texture Twist Photo Challenge

Scroll down to link up your photos with a Texture Twist

- natural or enhanced

An InLinkz Link-up

Texture Twist: November Woodlands

Each season brings beauty to the woodlands surrounding our home. In Autumn the treetops dazzle in the sunlight with golden and crimson leaves. Each leaf falls to the woodland floor as if has a story to tell of success at last, similar to that of graduation. The Autumn sunsets are more bright and beautiful as the days inches closer to winter, encouraging thoughts of gratitude. What has caught your eye this season? 

 

Photoshop Tutorial

Cremebrulee Overlay #1 / Darker Color / 15%

Duplicate the overlay / Overlay / 25%

 

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

The Texture Twist Photo Challenge

Scroll down to link up your photos with a Texture Twist

- natural or enhanced

An InLinkz Link-up

Walnut Grove Farm

Every Autumn Walnut Grove Farm open it's gates to hundreds of visitors. During Autumn the farm hosts a farmers market, horseback and horse drawn carriage rides, and a petting zoo.  Than barn pictured below is over 150 years old and in it you will find a cafe and a variety of artisans, craftsmen, and musicians on featured weekends. Where have your weekends taken you to this Autumn? Share in the link up or comments below. 

All Natural Textures this week

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The Texture Twist Photo Challenge

Scroll down to link up your photos with a Texture Twist

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An InLinkz Link-up

The Country: On the Outskirts

I discovered this weathered American beauty on road trip. It was just on the outskirts of rural town near border of Illinois and Missouri. Half way hidden by corn stalks yet a contrast to the bright blue skies. Try the Photoshop tutorial below to boost contrast and depth in your next landscape photograph.

Photoshop Tutorial:

Aging Estates Texture / Soft Light Blending Mode / 50%
Buttercup Overlay #4 / Color Burn Blending Mode / 40%

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The Texture Twist Photo Challenge

Scroll down to link up your photos with a Texture Twist

- natural or enhanced

An InLinkz Link-up

The Seasons: Honeysuckle

The bright orange berries of honeysuckle blooming just a stones throw away from our front porch remind me of miniature pumpkins often seen in Autumn potpourri. Though the days are shortening the crisp Autumn air has yet to arrive. Are you awaiting on Autumn's arrival too? 

Photoshop Tutorial:

Sometimes Cool Texture /  Soft Light Blending Mode / 50%
Creme Brulee Overlay #1 / Overlay Blending Mode / 40%

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

The Texture Twist Photo Challenge

Scroll down to link up your photos with a Texture Twist

- natural or enhanced

An InLinkz Link-up

The Country: Tattered Bones

This relic is tucked away and most often unseen. I spotted a glimpse of after visiting a local farmer's market. I had to drive back with my camera gear the weekend after. The exposed bones of the barn make it quite intriguing. There is corn planted in front barn, making it a bit difficult to get to. I didn't venture inside since it isn't likely very stable. Although, I certainly wanted too. 

Photoshop Tutorial:

Creme Brulee Overlay #4 / Overlay Blending Mode / 45%
Sunrise Clouds #1 /  Darker Color Blending Mode / 75%

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

The Texture Twist Photo Challenge

Scroll down to link up your photos with a Texture Twist

- natural or enhanced

An InLinkz Link-up

The Country: Under the Canopy

This barn sits tucked under the canopy at the end of a field in front of a hillside on our winding road home. It looks much smaller than it is in this photo, because the trees and hill are so tall. If you look closely the below you will see a white door on the front to help put it in perspective. The top didn't come out sharp, so I just played with texture in the blown out sky.

Photoshop Tutorial:

Clouds Sunrise #3 Texture / Multiply Blending Mode / 65%

Apply a layer mask to the cloud texture. Using a soft round brush, brush away texture from all areas except the sky.

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The Texture Twist Photo Challenge

Scroll down to link up your photos with a Texture Twist

- natural or enhanced

An InLinkz Link-up