Thursday, December 18, 2008

The need to photograph

Some days I just "have to" photograph something. It is like a physical urge that I must address, and it's funny how it happens on days that aren't very good for photography.
Yesterday it really rained. The recorded rainfall for Palm Springs was 1.57 inches, a new record for December 17th beating the 1.52 inches in 1940. I was so anxious to use my camera, I took an umbrella (not for me, but to protect my precious camera) and went outside to see what I could find. The water had filled our pool to the rim and the spillover from the spa was flowing nicely:



I played with some closeups of the raindrops peppering the pool, and altered one a bit in Photoshop:

















And finally, I had some fun with the way the tile inlay in the spa looked below the water disturbed from the rain and captured this:

So, in the spirit of trying to explain myself and my photographic process on this blog, I just thought I'd share - not because these are necessarily my best work, or because they are commercially viable, but because this is what photography is about for me. My ultimate goal is to create an image that captures the essence of what I am feeling at the moment so that I will remember that feeling in years to come. I imagine myself as an old woman reliving the moment by looking at the photograph and remembering the wind on my cheek, the smell of the place, perhaps the coolness or dampness as I am breathing in. If the photograph doesn't do that for me it ends up on the cutting room floor.

Today, the sky is blue again and there is snow on the mountains ☺ I am heading out the door to find something to photograph - because I NEED to!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

New YouTube Fine Art Photography Slideshow

I'm excited to announce that a new YouTube video has just been posted (click play above) featuring a new collection of my fine art photographs. I want to give a very special thank you to Christopher Steer of Eagan, Minnesota for composing and performing original, beautiful piano music to accompany my photographs! He is very talented and I am honored to be able to share the spotlight with him. So, please take a break for a few minutes and enjoy a peaceful journey,

☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆ Happy Holidays ☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆

Alison and Christopher

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Design Style Guide

http://www.designstyleguide.net/

Today I was pleasantly surprised to learn that two of my Fine Art Photographs are included in two short "One Minute to Inspire" YouTube videos promoting the best handmade home decor available online.
Color in Your Home
Red and Gold is beautifully bold

For more treasures, please be sure to visit DesignStyleGuide.net where you will find high quality home decor items such as:
Furniture, Holiday Decor, Home Accessories, Pillows & Quilts, Pottery & Glass, Wall Art, and many items Under $20!


Here is an example of a beautiful treasury that you will currently find on the site curated by Avec Dieu Couture (who makes gorgeous pillows, wine bags, and custom drapes!):

http://www.designstyleguide.net/treasuryDetails.php?ti=

Monday, December 1, 2008

My First Follower!


I am so happy to report that Terri is the first to Follow My Blog! Her blog Originals by Terri is beautiful and there are so many interesting things to find both in her shop and her promotion of others! She makes gorgeous jewelry using semi-precious stones and sterling silver, so please check out her Etsy shop obtp and find something you can't live without ~ she is offering free shipping through December 31st!

Terri chose "Cabin Window" as the free 4"x6" photograph that she would like to receive, so it will be on its way to her in tomorrow's mail. If you would like to FOLLOW MY BLOG - please click on the link to your right ☺ ---------->

Happy Holidays!