Tag Archives: creativity

Let the sunshine in…

In the midst of short days and long nights during this Minnesota winter, I deemed it necessary to escape to a land filled with warmth and sunshine. Photoshop CC 2015 is the closest I will get to the tropics  today, so here we go:

Wanted to add a dreamy, soft and warm look to this image…

JK_3yr-5664webImage straight out of camera
My attempt at reproducing the effects of adding soft light as demonstrated in this Youtube tutorial:

JK_3yr-5664sunshine4lfwebAfter starting, stopping, starting, stopping, going back, replay, repeat, etc. I finally came to the end of the tutorial. My final result is not perfect, but I did learn some coloring effects that may come in handy in the future. You’re never too old to learn new things!

Abstract exploration…

ab·stract art:  Art that does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colors, and textures.

Result from Photoshop manipulation using the liquify tool. As I played with the strokes, the image seemed to take on a form in tune with the Christmas season.

winter2015-9742rliquify_4bcrlfweb
Image of winter sun through icy branches. Manipulated with liquify tool in Photoshop and seemed to take on the form of a mother and child with a cross.

 

Sights of Christmas reflected in the eyes of a child.

To a child, every lighted tree seems thirty feet tall, jingle bells add magic to the air and even the days leading up to this holiday seem extra-special with the aroma of freshly baked goodies, colorful blinking lights while festive music fills the air.

xmasart-Bailey0401blend3web
Blended image by Joyce Meyer

Christmas is that joyous time of year filled with hope as we praise and thank God for sending us our Savior from sin. How special to share this good news with children as they remind us to never lose these feelings of joy, hope and excitement.

May your Christmas season last throughout the whole year…

Magical…

Hunt-0099web

The eyes have it…

Fickbohm-9244bgcr2txweb

Prairie Sun

“We who live in quiet places have the opportunity to become acquainted with ourselves, to think our own thoughts and live our own lives in a way that is not possible for those keeping up with the crowd.”
― Laura Ingalls WilderYogaSun2kpweb

Blended image by Joyce Meyer ~ Manfred Township, Lac Qui Parle County, Minnesota

Simplify… less is the new more.

Yoga-5586rdmvcbcrweb
Image by Joyce Meyer

 

Thinking of Paris…

West Highland Way ~ Day 8 will have to wait due to the tragic events in Paris, France. Click on the video link for a short viewing from the People of Paris series:

https://animoto.com/play/KAfOuiydhH6UnQKWDhKXeg Images by Joyce Meyer

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies were born in Paris, and continue to operate there.  Another organization whose roots are in France is Médecins Sans Frontières, or Doctors Without Borders. Click on the links if interested in more information and how to donate.

Americans in Paris were urged to call 001 202 501 4444 for information and assistance.

Pray for Paris and the world…

Truly a blessing…

https://animoto.com/play/o8mNlWEmFXkt500WJjKPpw

The majority of these images were obtained using available window light in the home. It just seems easier to not take the baby out. If flash was used, it was bounced for fill only and not direct.

I was the father’s kindergarten teacher and photographed the couple’s wedding, so I feel truly blessed to capture this miracle of life.

Nudging Mother Nature…

“I believe the world is incomprehensibly beautiful — an endless prospect of magic and wonder.”
— Ansel Adams

Give an autumn image a little nudge using Photoshop.

gieseweb_bef_aftA few adjustments in channel mixer, blending, selective colors and filter photoshop effect.

Image by Joyce Meyer
Image by Joyce Meyer

Another option is using Photoshop to add lens flare for an extra kick.

Enjoy these last days of autumn…Giese-7896fall12x12r2snow2web…until that magical first snowfall!

Above is a Photoshop tutorial on creating an autumn effect: