There is Always Photography . . .

I meant to put up a post on Friday as I always do for the Paint Party Friday link up however I haven't painted in a couple of weeks.  Haven't been painting much since I have been sick.  

The other day I was scrolling through some photos and found a cool one I shot a few years ago in NYC.  I put it in snap seed and spent some time altering it.  That sometimes can feel like painting to me.   I get lost in the moment of creating.  

I went for vintage and grunge on this one.  And it just works.

Hope you are all enjoying the long weekend.  I am soooo looking forward to fall and the crisp weather that hopefully is on its way soon!

xo

Stumbling Through Fear . . .

I first discovered Etsy back in November of 2005 not long after it was launched. Back then I was making handmade beaded jewelry. I was having fun giving them away to family and friends. I had a thought about opening up an Etsy store and selling some. No pressure, just for fun. But as with most things in my life I felt that my work wasn't good enough. Then I thought "Who am I" to even consider something like that! Needless to say I never opened a shop.

Finally this past December, 4 years later I jumped in and opened a one to sell my photography. I had used my own photo to make Christmas cards and loved it. Even with all the same voices telling me I wasn't good enough I somehow pushed through and put my work out there. And although it was scary it did feel good. These are two of the very first cards I made but for whatever reason I never listed them. I think its time they took their place in my shop!

On this first card is a photo I took of the clock down at Grand Central Station in NYC. I used metallic bronze card stock embellished with a gold heart sticker.

The photo on this next card I took last year around Valentine's Day. The box of chocolates is from my husband. I loved how it looked along side the lamp. I shot this photo without looking. I just held it up, pointed it downward and clicked the button. I surprised myself with the results.

Have any of you fought those same thoughts telling you your work was not good enough? And if so did it make you stumble for a bit preventing you from putting it out there?

NYC in Black and White . . .

Last summer my husband took me to dinner in the city for my 40th birthday. We have been to the city many times as we live not too far away up in the burbs. I always bring my camera when we are there because I love to take pictures of the city sites. These photos were taken that evening in color and I digitally altered them in black and white. I think black and white makes pictures look timeless. I love the look of it. So as you can see, here is the Empire State Building peeking through the trees and tall buildings.

This one was taken just outside of Grand Central Station (GCS) . . .

And another near GCS . . .

This shot of the Chrysler Building was taken a couple of weeks ago when we went to the city to see a show for my 41st birthday!

Have you ever been to NYC? Do you take pictures in black and white or color? Which is your fave?