12 Ways to jazz up everyday photos.

Here is a list of ways you can jazz up everyday photos. In the future I plan to make some tutorials based on these techniques but this is just a list of inspiration. Some techniques can be used when shooting and others can be applied to past photos. 

1. Birds eye view for the everyday objects. (unknown source)

2. Play with reflections. (Photo by Flickr user: rainywomen)

3. Get creative with water! (Photo by Me!) 

4. Try a double exposure, super cute for weddings. (Unknown photographer)

5. Capture motion with a slow shutter speed. (photo by Peter Lindbergh in Numéro) 

6. Edit it to make it look like a Lomo shot.(photo by Ayako Furness)

7. Experiment with adding art. (Sophie Hirschy for Harpers Bazaar) 

8. Add some text (another one by me)

9. Play with grain and textures. (unknown photographer)

10. Try a new perspective. (Bamboo towers, by Shothotspot.com)

11. Wait for natural laughter. (“Syracuse University , 1949″ – photograph by Lisa Larsen)

12. Try your photo in Black and white (unknown photographer)

Alot of these techniques may take some practice before you start seeing results that you like, but never stop experimenting! If there is a particular technique on here that you would like a tutorial on, please let me know in the comments and I'll do it! 

Happy Thursday! 

Becky x

Making of the candyland shoot. Part 1...

I've always been in love with all things sweet, so when I saw Katy Perry's California Gurls music video, I was totally inspired! I've had the idea for a while to create scene's that I can photoshop people into and the candyland would be perfect for children's shoots!

Scene shot from the video.

The music video was directed by one of my favorite artists, Will Cotton, who paints most portraits with confectionary themes. Below are some pieces from him that I adore!

After I collected inspiration, I made a moodboard on photoshop:

So with this in mind, I went sweet shopping, armed with a long list of classics. Its fair to say that with a successful and run trip, although it was tempting to nibble on them!

I varnished the lollipops, then I drew on the red stripes with a sharpie. To make the lollies stand up, I stuck them in gummy drops.

In the background I knew I wanted mountains of ice cream, so I practiced my painting skills to create a backdrop, which was inspired by these photos I found on pinterest:

Theres still a long way for me to go before the final image, but I'm so excited about it, and hope to take some more scenes in the future, but here is what I've done so far:

Keep your eyes peeled for part 2. 

Photography bucket list!

I can't believe that 2014 is almost at an end! Its been a whirl wind of a year, with so much going on professionally and personally in my life. A new year is an opportunity to review the things that happened in the past 12 months, and plan to be more successful in the future.

This got me thinking, what about all the things I want to photograph, not only the next year but over the course of my life. With this in mind I decided to make a photography bucket list. If I'm ever stuck for ideas I can turn to the list for inspiration. I haven't yet tired some of the things on the list as they are technically challenging or I don't yet have the right equipment.

Below is some of the inspiration for these goals. 

#2 Glitter. (Unknown artist)

#4 Underwater shot (photo by Jvdas Berra)

#21. 50's inspired shoot (Unknown photographer)

#13. A mermaid (Tim walker)

#11 A nude. (Man Ray)

Hope this post has given you some ideas for your own photography bucket list, check out pinterest for loads of inspiration!

Happy New Year everyone! x

DIY birthday gifts ideas

I just love setting myself a project of making a birthday present for a friend or family member. Below are some ideas that I've tried and tested and a few I have yet to try but think are really great ideas! 

Personalised photo necklace 

I made a few of these, using my photography, to sell in my pop up shop I did. They were one of the most popular things I sold and make great presents as you can really personalise them! 

Check out future blog posts for a step to step guide on how to make one. 

A box of pink! (Or whatever their favourite colour is) 

Collect things of the persons favourite and put it in a box! Anything from nail varnishes to socks. My box included these pink things:

gloves 

a pair of shoes

nail varnish 

the birthday girls favourite pink sweets

Home sweet Home sign. 

I found a blank sign in a local craft store and thought it would be great if I could use one of my photos on it. You can find these blank collage signs online if you cant find them in a arts or craft store. Customise them with your photos and decorative papers! 

Personal canvas bag.

A tutorial of this will be added to this blog soon but here is an example of a canvas bag that customised with my photos. You could use the same idea but add the person's favorite quote, film character or a photo of you both!

DIY Floral Letter.

Found this on pinterest, which was taken from here: http://themrsandmommabird.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/diy-floral-letter.html

I have tried and tested it, and loved how simple it was, and the results were beautiful. I added magnetic stripes on the back of mine so my friend could stick it on her fridge. 

DIY Journal Kit.

This is such a good idea for a present if you have a crafty friend! Collect a load of craft materials, place them in a box with a small description and maybe some journal inspiration and there you have a great present! Things you could include:

Pens and pencils

Stamps and stickers

Ribbon

Scrapbooking pictures 

String 

Glue

Sequins 

Check out this website for a tutorial and free downloads: http://www.lilblueboo.com/2012/12/the-gift-of-journaling-diy-journal-kit-and-artwork-download.html

Move Night package

Buy your friend a DVD and collect all things you think they'll need for the perfect movie night. Mine would include, lots of chocolate, tea and crisp! 

Other ideas include:

Making a collage of your photos with the person and framing it

Pamper day box (Like the movie package)

Make a little book of your personal jokes.