Illusion of Beauty

As a photographer I was in my twenties I started out in black and white film with a gentle used Pentax 'K' that my husband's boss had sold me.  I took classes amassing huge amount of college credits in photography.  Over the years I had different cameras.  Going from film to digital.

I now have a Sony A7 which I dearly love, a Samsung 8+ phone that takes super pics, and a Apple X phone which I am slowly learning to like after years of being a NON APPLE person.  In fact I had switch from PC to IMac so my learning curve is in full swing at moment.  But that's another story for another day; today we talking about programs I use to assist me as a photographer.

I call my process "Illusion of Beauty with Photoshop and Filter Forge."

Photoshop Elements 2018 is the tiny version of Adobe's Creative Cloud for working on photos or develop ones own artistic creation.  It allows the artist using the program to expand their creations; this statement is a simplified explanation believe me.

Filter Forge 7.5 is program to work with or stand alone with Photoshop any of the versions.  Filters are what create different effects or layers upon a photo.  I use both Potoshop Elements and Filter Forge.

I don't know many photographers who do not use some form of assistance to enhance their photographs.  Even when I use to develop from film my own photos in a darkroom that there tricks of the trade to enhance a photo.

I like a certain style to my photos.  It is one reason I use the programs I use. My personal taste for a photo is:

 A soften look, more of a painters style using a watercolor effect, 

 a singular item as the focus of interest. 

It's amazing what one can do to a photograph!  When I look at magazines or art book I look to see the "Illusion" as I call it.  Many times it very obvious, other times its so subtle that it's often not found.  Unless a person is told you may miss the "Illusion".

These are my Illusions:  Hope You enjoy!

Lost In Her Own World - Final Edited Photo

Lost in Her Own World - Original Photo I took

Rainy Day in France - Final Edited Photo

Rainy Day in France - Original Photo I took

Raw Beauty

I am always blown away by the raw beauty of the State I live in.   Since I can remember water, snow, mountains where a place that brought joy to my soul.  I will jump in my car on a whim for a day's driving trip to see Alaska outside my window.   Either down Turnagain Arm to places south or up north to Talkeetna the jump off spot for mountain climbers that plan to scale Denali.

Winters are long. Summer are all too short.  The one constant of Alaska is its beauty is everlasting!

My phone or camera are never far from my hands to snap a picture of the variety of glorious things to photograph.

Flowers are always a favorite of mine:

The Beauty of Being Old

I love to travel as you all know.  Ireland, England, France, Netherlands, Austria, Finland, Greece, Israel, Italy, Spain, Monaco

My age does not slow me down, nor does it hinder to me.  I am a young 68 year old (come November lol).  I am lucky that I have good health and solitude doesn't bother me in the least.

Although this past trip in late February/early March to Europe was a cruise and a co-worker joined me on a 8 day adventure. It was fun to share seeing many wonders and ancient buildings, and looking through another set of eyes to find different things to explore.

Both of us are not into the main stream of site seeing.  We wanted to see botanical gardens, the odd parts of towns where graffiti covered doorways, where the locals drank their wine and broke bread together, the grime covered buildings that stood throughout centuries of mankind doing its worst.

As I traveled to various countries in Europe the reoccurring theme old churches where in each city we visited.  My travel companion was as I; non religious.  One can be spiritual with all of Mother Nature and the human race without having a set program of theology to follow.

Entering a church as a non believer we felt was temping fate the first one we entered but being pure of heart, we ventured into  a journey seeking a church for its beauty and feel the coolness of ceilings two to three stories tall.  Each church took my breath away in wonder.

Such stately works of architect that beholds history through centuries.  Life, death, marriages,  celebrations and even battles have been under these roofs.

Most of the churches where grand fortresses.  We also came across several chapels; tiny and petite that were just a beautiful as the grand fortresses that covered a city block.

Whenever I visited one these ancient beauties I think of Joan of Arc and her firm belief system.  She died for her beliefs in a world where Men ruled in a way I find hideous in today standards.  Women where nothing more than chattels.  Most could not read or write, most had no rights to land, women had to no rights to anything not even to life.  Here it is the 21st century and still in many countries women still have no basic rights.  I am the age where I set a standard with those in my life.  As a woman I am any mans equal.  All women are my sisters and I will give them the strength to believe in them selfs.

Humanity when you think of it hasn't really come very far in the aspects of theology.  In my small world that I hold tightly pressed to my heart: humans treat each other with love and kindness.  We all are one.  I see no difference in color, or who you love, I see no difference in what church guides you, WE are ALL One.

I can only hope the future for todays children continues in the betterment of All of Humans, all species, and the world.

Day After Christmas Sales

As many who celebrate holidays without family in the same city or like me even same state...the more holidays celebrated alone the less the holiday means.

This year I meet a great bunch of individuals through my job.  Many have become super friends and some have become part of my family. 

Friends at the Discovery Center's Christmas Party December 16, 2011

So this Christmas was fun!  I and my guy visited several different homes dropping off little gifts to those who have touched my heart.  The joy that those little presents brought to them was just what this ole fishlips needed!  Next Christmas I am already making plans for it & I haven't thought like this in a very long time!

I am taking the young woman I work with now out for a bit fun -  'day after Christmas Sales' madness.

Honestly not the best idea since she has behavior challenges but we are gotta try; even knowing that she can become angry at the slightest thing.  If it happens we leave and her day's outing is over.  Since she has a couple of new gift cards I am thinking she will be able to behave until all the money is spent!  Then it's Starbucks time!

Happy Holidays to all ...

And don't forget to return those gifts that just made you laugh and think "oh lord why me".  And yes I received one of those gifts from the young lady I work with...'a knee length robe' and I can never use it since she even stated to me several times during the course of working with her: "only old ladies wear robes". Since I am not an old lady, I refuse to be an old lady, I will always be a  young lady in my heart and soul while I'm working with this young woman; so this gift gets returned!

PS.  my mother sent me a beautiful full length robe that I adore.  So when I'm not around the young lady I work with I'll be wearing the one Mom sent!!!!