I decided to create an image depicting the beautiful autumn colors of Halloween. I also decided to add some spookiness to this gorgeous scene by using some skulls. Nothing says Halloween like scary skulls. Of course I had to include a lovely little orange pumpkin. Orange lilies, and a thick orange lit candle all captured against a black backdrop depict the magic of Halloween.
Peeled Mandarin Orange
I decided to photograph a macro shot of a Mandarin orange against a black background. I arranged the sections of this peeled orange to display their vibrant and juicy interiors. The contrast between the orange segments and the dark background highlights the fruit’s natural texture and color and gives this image a dramatic flair.
Boston Terrier Puppy
My friend just got an adorable Boston Terrier puppy. She is so bouncy and full of energy the way puppies are. I decided to take some pictures of this adorable subject, which was not easy because she is continuously on the move. For just one moment, she stopped after I made a kissing sound and looked at me. Bam- that’s when I shot the photo. I added a beautiful blue texture as a background to bring out her colors. Her “parents” were thrilled that I managed to capture this special photo. One second later, she was running and jumping again.
Halloween
I thought it only fitting that I do a Halloween themed image. I decided to photograph this scene agains a black backdrop to give it a spooky and eerie quality. I always seem to get some flowers into many of my creations. These pink lilies add a pretty pop of color, as does the bright orange candle. The brown pewter candle holder enhances the color of the beautiful textured candle. I placed a small skull atop a green glass vase. A scorpion and mini pumpkins complete my the eerie atmosphere and my vision.
Hubcap and Orange Lilies
I was out doing my walking last week when I came upon a hubcap, in good condition. I decided it might make an interesting picture. I tried to use travel as a loose theme, so I added an old New Jersey license plate, yellow sunglasses, and a wrench. In keeping with the colors of the flowers, I included a green apple. I added a candle and metallic candle holder to complete the image. I felt that a black backdrop would enhance the scene.
Time Marches On
A blue and white porcelain rabbit sits among a still life arrangement of a burning red candle on a candlestick, a pile of hardcover books, a sand hourglass, a blue alarm clock, and smooth black hot stones on a black surface. The composition of objects suggests a theme of time and antiquity, with the juxtaposition of the timeless sculpture and timekeeping devices invoking a sense of history and the fleeting nature of moments.
Shoe Shine
I had a pair of leather boots in my closet just sitting there. I had not worn them in quite a while and the thought occurred to me that they would look a lot better if they had a shoe shine. I had not shined any shoes in many years, so I thought I’d have to purchase everything. But, then I vaguely remembered that I had a box containing shoe polish, saddle soap, buffing brushes, and rags somewhere in my closet. I found the box right away, just waiting for me to finally polish my shoes. The thought came to me that these shoe care items would make a great image. So, I set out arranging the boots, polish, and brushes on a sheet of newspaper, which is what I would use to protect the floor. I photographed this interesting scene in the studio. I was pleased that I was able to turn such mundane materials into a lovely vision.
Vintage Cameras
I always wished I had not sold my old Nikon FM 2 film camera. At the time it was considered one of the fastest SLRs. When I upgraded to digital, I decided I didn’t need it anymore. But when I started doing still life photography, I thought that my antique camera would make a good subject. But, recently a friend had some old camera equipment used by his father packed away in a closet. He was doing housecleaning and came upon a box of two cameras–a Canon and a Minolta, plus numerous lenses. He asked if I wanted it and I said yes because I simply wanted to photograph these treasures.
Trumpet, Music, and Ice
I just love the look of a trumpet–so shiny and sleek. In planning this composition I envisioned a lonely musician, having just taken his instrument out of the case, and fixing himself a hard drink to get him through the evening. I tried to elicit the jazz world with the contrasts of the gold of the trumpet, the black case, the ice in the drink, and black background. I feel by incorporating these elements, I have captured the mood of this scene.
Green Grapes and Pears and Table
I decided to do a still life with the color theme green and brown. I like those earthy colors because they blend so well together. I already had a small, green ceramic vase, and rather than my usual red grapes, I felt that green grapes would be in keeping with my theme. I bought some yellow chrysanthemums to offset the green and brown tones. Once I had the specific composition mapped out, I assembled my vision on a shiny brown reflective desk. The brown pears, green grapes and all the elements came together. For a dramatic flair, I photographed the scene against a black background.
My second image is similar except it is assembled on a wooden board, taken against a white background. I then used a texture in Photoshop to add the blue background. It is similar to the first, yet different.
