What a shot Wednesday

Sorry I haven't posted since Sunday but to be honest life has gotten in the way. I did want to at least check in and share a shot or two today. 

So here goes... For some reason today, this is the shot that speaks to me.

Florence, Oregon - Bridge at Night

Big Sur at Sunset

 Maybe it is because life seems like a blur with children... they are in kindergarten one day and the next it seems they are growing a bit of a mustache or getting their period. Sheesh. Maybe it is because my life feels all chaotic and blurry and unclear right now. Not sure why exactly, but this is my shot for the day. 

And a shot from a photo blog I have found and will visit often for inspiration, Stuck in Customs by photographer Trey Ratcliff. This is just one of many amazing photos of places around the world. I wouldn't mind being in Big Sur right about now. 

What a Shot Wednesday - Gift Ideas Edition

I can't believe it has been a week since I posted last. Life has gotten very busy with school back in session and holidays around the corner. I am gonna throw out a few shots today that I think could make nice gifts and/or a great way to decorate certain rooms in your home. 

KITCHEN:

Who doesn't love coffee? Not in the shop yet but could be.

FAMILY ROOM: 

Scrabble tiles photographed on a wooden photo sign. 

Surround this plaque with favorite family photos on your wall or a shelf or mantel. 

Perfect compliment to your beloved pictures. 

Take your family photos to a whole new level!

KID BEDROOM: 

Bedroom door sign

BABY's ROOM: 

New parents will love this sign. 

And Gifts: 

For him: 

Shaniko, Oregon Ghost Town Collage Photo Print

For her: 

Glacine Snowflake Photo Pendant

For the newlyweds:

Personalized wedding/engagement sign

For everyone: 

Your favorite photo as a canvas! 

You can check out all the options... and there will be more regularly here at the Mama Picture This shop! 

What a Shot Wednesday - Thursday Edition

Today my "What a Shot Wednesday" shot of my own happens to be six shots recently taken in Florence, Oregon. I am debating which, if any, to put in my shop. I am thinking I might put some "collections" in there such as the Florence, Oregon collection and sell them individually and/or in a set (although six seems too many for a set to me). 

Happy for your feedback on this idea and/or which photo you'd like to see for sale in the shop, if you have an opinion. 

As for other great shots to share today, I stumbled across this gorgeous autumn leaf photo by French photographer Kiki Plumier:

http://www.evasionk.be/

Kiki's photo reminds me a bit of this one I took in my office parking lot a while back but different. Water is a never ending source of great reflection photos. And now since this What a Shot Wednesday posting is actually happening on a Thursday (my girl needed great comfort from Mama for an upset stomach), ENJOY! And if you love my autumnal leaf reflection, it will be available in the shop again shortly in this section: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaPictureThis?section_id=13522786

What a shot Wednesday

Today's post is short and simple. 

Several years ago, I actually got to be eye to eye with a beautiful and amazing pelican on the Oregon Coast. I adore pelicans and this was one of the most special moments ever at the coast. 
                                
This may not be the world's most amazing photo, but it is a gorgeous bird. Thank you for letting me into your life for a few minutes, my Pelican friend. 

Tutorial Tuesday - Photo Canvas Laser Printer on Paper Method

I have seen many different ways to put photos onto a canvas. 

I put my purple power photo onto a canvas before by mounting a photo print directly to the canvas and then using Hodge Podge and paint to give it texture and a bit of a canvas art feel. I was happy to sell this to someone who loved it as much as I did at last month's (and my first) Last Thursday in Portland! 

With a Miniature show coming up at Side Street Gallery, I was moving forward with several small photo canvases with this same method when I realized there was a different way that I wanted to try! Thanks to Ilene over at the "Come on Ilene" blog for sharing your wonderfully simple tutorial:  Make Your Own Canvas Prints. I followed her directions last night and came up with this new version of "Purple Power": 


So if you want to give this a try, I might suggest starting small and working your way to larger sizes of canvas when you get comfortable with the technique. Right now I'm specifically making ones that are small (mostly 2.5" x 3.5"). 

You will need: 

• Blank canvas
• Photo printed with a laser printer on regular paper
• Gel medium
• Water spray bottle
• Foam paint brush
• Option sponge

If you aren't a fan of mess, then you should probably cover your work space with a garbage bag (as Ilene suggests) or newspaper or wax paper. Then take your canvas and give it a thick coating of gel medium (I got mine at a local art store called Blick's). I would say thick but not TOO thick otherwise in my brief experience, I end up with more air bubbles to push out and glue oozing out the sides. 

Make sure you have cut your image down to the size of your canvas (or maybe just a bit smaller on all sides). When you print, maybe SURE you reverse your image if you want it to appear correctly once you've transferred it to canvas. I made this mistake last night and think I've learned my lesson. Gently place your image photo side down onto the gel on the canvas and then carefully push out all air bubbles and make sure your image is flat on your canvas. 

Let your project dry for 5 hours to overnight. Then the fun begins! 

Fill your spray bottle with water. Spray your canvas until the paper is saturated and give it a few minutes to soak in. Then you want to start gently rubbing the paper off with your fingers. Be especially careful around key elements of your image so that they don't get rubbed off -- such as faces. You will probably have to do this step multiple times until your image is completely paper free. 

When you are satisfied with your image (and lack of paper on it), allow your canvas to dry thoroughly. Give it a final coat of gel medium and voila -- you have a gorgeous photo canvas! 

Unfortunately for you (or me maybe) all of my little canvases are down in my studio drying for a few more hours before I can finish and share with you. Maybe tomorrow on "What a Shot" Wednesday! Stay tuned. 

What a Shot Wednesday

So sorry that I haven't blogged since Sunday. My mother arrived for her yearly visit to us and our week at the coast. Between that and working, I haven't been able to find the time. 

Tonight however, I'm sharing a photo I've always enjoyed. This shot of beautiful silk purses was taken on a visit to the wonderful Seattle Pike Place Market. I just love the colors and the close in focus purses with the ones in the back that are softer and out of focus. 

A little surprised I didn't buy one of these beauties. 

If you really liked purses, you can probably never have too many. I'm generally a 1 or 2 bag person -- one in black and one in brown -- but honestly I may change that and get a little more fun in my purse choices. If you love purses, a good place to follow trends is the Purse Blog. Look at this lockable Gucci handbag: 

It sure is pretty and it looks very durable. I love the lockability although I can totally imagine locking my self OUT of my own purse, misplacing my key! 

And luckily for me, I just can't even imagine paying whatever price this purse tends to sell for... so I'm safe. I can love it without needing or being able to purchase it! 

And if you just enjoy color and interestingly wonderful photography, check out the Photo Hab blog where there are literally explosions of color caught on film! 

I need some sleep so I bid you adieu! Let me know what you think of the purses and the explosions of color too! 

Ciao for now, 

Mama Zuzi

What a Shot Wednesday

This is perfect for me today. I took it a couple of months ago and then played with removed the color from the background. It took me 1.5 hours to get home from work tonight so I didn't really have the time, the light or the energy to take a new shot. 

And speaking of photos I love... how can you not love this baby with parents reflected in these sunglasses? I LOVE it! Too bad my kids are too old to do this to/with! http://www.favething.com/christine/photo-ideas/baby-photography-2/

And then there's this guy (PeeTee): 

And now this extremely tired Mama is gonna watch a little stupid television and head to bed!

Sweet dreams,

Mama Zuzi