Saturday, June 1, 2013

Turquoise and Orange

I am taking a new class at Big Picture Classes called Finding Your Photo Style. Each week for six weeks a different instructor shares their photography style, as well as, tip and tricks.



Now I have a fairly decent idea of what my photography style is, it does continue to evolve, but basically I know what I like and what I don't like, as well as, my comfort zone. And that is why I took this class, to step out of my comfort zone and try some new things. I may not like all of them, but I also like the challenge of taking what I am learning and fitting it into my style, so I can continue to improve and evolve my style. I have been feeling very compelled to work on my photography lately. I think the nicer weather and being able to be outside has helped that.

Our instructor the first week of class was Maggie Holmes. Her style is bright and colorful. Definitely not something I am use to doing. I generally shoot nature and things with muted or earth tone colors. Now most of these instructors are portrait photographers who have willing kids to pose for them. I could not find any willing participants in my house so I turned to bright and colorful props. It helped that the color prompt in my Facebook Creative Group this week was turquoise.

I found this turquoise "child's" shovel at my favorite antique mall this week.


Maggie challenged us to shoot bright colors in open shade outside. So these were taken on my north facing front porch in the morning.

This was my entry for our Facebook Creative Group.


I found this Robin's egg shell when I was out by the clothesline one morning, and I found the hunk of bark when the dogs and I were on a walk earlier this week.

In the afternoon I moved to my back corner garden. Good open shade but a bit on the windy side. I was having quite the challenge with the orange flowers.




Three important lessons I took away from this first week of class. 1) I like shooting things with color.
2) I LOVE turquoise and orange together. 3) I need to hunt for MORE colorful props.

Joining Kim Klassen's new FRIDAY FINDS link up party. Such a wonderful idea to stop and really look at the things around you whether purchased or found in the yard.



19 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful! I so need to do something like this myself. Stepping out of my comfort zone--not something I like to do.

Helen said...

You've captured lovely colour here Sarah and done so very well. I think it blends perfectly with your existing style.

Cathy H. said...

Oh my, these are stunning! I love your composition and your POV! There's no way I could pick a favorite, although I'm leaning toward the pretty robin's egg. That one tugs at my heart! I love the turquoise and orange together, too! Would you believe it if I told you I'm taking the class, too!! I think we're both "class junkies!" I went with colorful props, since I have no willing models at my house either!! I'll be looking forward to seeing more of your photos from the class!

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

So lovely Sarah I'm behind sooo much not feeling the buzz at the moment never mind .. You are inspiring me....

Anonymous said...

The photos are lovely, I must saw that just the shovel and the burlap speaks to me the most. But the delicate flowers coupled with the shovel are a nice contrast as well.

overthefencephotos said...

Very, very pretty. I love shooting flowers. Your work is inspiring!

Anonymous said...

The turquoise and orange -- fabulous combination and really make your photos pop. Finding props for your photo shoots should be a great deal of fun! That child's shovel has started something grand!

Anonymous said...

I love the "portraits" you've taken of your props. Turquoise and orange are wonderful together - each intensifies the other.

Karen Lakis said...

I love bright colors in photos - and your turquoise and orange are fantastic. These classes that you take seem so interesting! Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

I LOVE these colors together! You are so smart to gather some props,like the bark, as you are out and about! And that Robin's egg and nest? Bet that added some fun to doing the laundry!

Unknown said...

Funny how assignments/prompts/challenges - with their inherent, seemingly random limitations - can cause us to unleash our own vision and 'make it our own'. I can definitely see/sense your vision forming.

xoxo

Ahayes1225 said...

Wonderful, the color combination is great. Purple and green are great together also. I am taking the same class and the first week threw me off a bit with the portraits. But this week looks good. By the way teal is my favorite color. I will have to try that combination.

Denise Fabian said...

This looks SO fun! I have always liked your style. And the color...ooh lah lah! xo

Angela said...

love to see and hear about your experiments with your style!

~Lydia Marie said...

I am new to your blog--the name drew me in. Your photos are inspiring! I too like turquoise and orange which is weird because before about 5 years ago, I did not like the color orange. Something happened along the way and I like it a lot. Thanks for sharing your blog in the e-course FB group. I am happy to have discovered you. Blessings, Lydia

Unknown said...

So inspirational! I love the colour!

Margaret said...

The robin's egg shot I love for its texture and composition but the pop of orange in the last photo with the blurry background is stunning!

Sylvia said...

Really beautiful turquoise and orange together, lovely photos !
That new class sounds interesting !
Nice weekend,
Sylvia

Karla @Art Whisper said...

I've seen a few peeps that are doing the same class as it sounds like fun. Your images are delightful!