Jacqueline Roberts’ haunting photographs

As a photographer, I can appreciate when someone creates a whole other visual world through photography. In this case, a revival of the wet plate process from the 19th century. When you think of photographs from that time period, perhaps powerful images from the civil war or stiff family portraits come to mind. What stands out in these images, however, are her subjects.

Spanish artist Jacqueline Roberts‘ photography for her book, Nebula, captures a time of transition from childhood to adolescence through a collection of portraits that represent the psychological and emotional change of youth. The feeling that comes through in these images produced in a long abandoned process is haunting. Instead of trying to portray the innocent or adorable children prevalent today, Roberts uses the process, and it’s result, to show another side of child portraiture.

Miscellaneous Shots and a Challenge

So I’m posting today to share some miscellaneous shots I’ve taken in the last few months. I was waiting for a good time to share them and, wham!, another Minted art challenge. This time Minted is partnering with Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen. They’re looking for wall art to sell in their stores and online. Just the motivation I needed to get back on the submitting band wagon.

I’ve been shooting here and there and have accumulated a few images I really like but wasn’t sure what to do with. There are plenty more, but I thought these were a good fit with kids and teens. At least images I could see in their rooms and be happy living with. What do you think? If you have a few moments before February 29th, I’d love to have you vote on these and tell me if you think teens and kids would like these. Each photo is linked to it’s voting page. Just click and rate. Or, even easier, you can vote on all of my photographs here, along with some other great pieces from other artists.

At the Fair

Umbrellas

Old Cameras

Reel Old Tech

Stars and Stripes

 

These Boots Art Print

I love the history of old things. Where have they been? What were they used for? Were they lovingly taken care of or roughly used? These boots that I found at a flea market here in Texas look to be the former. They look gently used (which is a surprise considering how Texans love their boots!) and are so colorful. I just had to take a picture of them and capture them in all their glory.

I love the way this art print turned out. The vintage vibe and subject matter would make it right at home in a Texas ranch house, a shabby chic decorated room, or southern girl’s home.

You can see more of my photography and purchase These Boots here.

Taking Photos Around the Big Bend Area

I’m so glad we got to spend some time in Big Bend National Park before all the rain hit. As many of you may know, Texas (along with several other states) was hit with a record amount of rainfall last month which resulted in the flooding of many state and local parks.

This was my first time to Big Bend and we had some unusual weather, but good enough to do some hiking and take pictures. I’m particularly fond of the one below. If you get a chance to go, a must-have (besides plenty of water and sunscreen) is a camera. I made sure I had mine, a backup battery, several memory cards and various other camera accessories. All were well worth packing. I used a 3.5-5.6/28-70 mm lens with my Sony a7II because I wanted a few focal length options but not the bother of carrying a lot of lenses and extra weight. With scenery so beautiful (yes the desert can be beautiful) you don’t really need much gear to capture some good shots.

“It’s a big country!” as the quote goes and I only had time to see a small part of it. I highly encourage taking to the many trails to get some of the best shots. Walking the “back country” gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal to some unique plants and see views a lot of visitors don’t get to see. Big Bend encompasses the Chihuahuan Desert with the Rio Grande forming its southern boundary. And it’s the only park in the United States that contains a complete mountain range – the Chisos. When the weather gets hot, take a mountain trail or two, or go down to the river’s edge and cool off in the Rio Grande. Or hike some of the trails in the desert areas or valleys when the temperatures are cooler. There is also a scenic drive with plenty of pull offs where you can take some great photos. My point is that there are plenty of opportunities to take some amazing pictures that you’re really missing out if you don’t bring a camera.

 

Photography Inspiration is Everywhere

I’ve been traveling a bit lately, taking lots of pictures to add to my photography portfolio. What I’ve found is that inspiration is everywhere. You just have to look for it. Textures. Colors. Possibilities. On a recent trip for a long weekend in Warrenton, TX, there was visual overload at their spring antique fair. The whole town is transformed into one gigantic antique show. I snapped a few pictures of interesting objects and beautiful displays.

Inspiration: Botanical Photography

I love the mix of floral photography with the simple black and white illustrations shown in Kari Herer‘s work. Her photographs are a combination of hard and soft that create almost whimsical and romantic compositions. Visit her Etsy shop to view more of her beautiful botanical photographs.

Inspiration: Forêt Photography

German photographer Jürgen Heckel has captured some hauntingly beautiful images of forests in his collection called Forêt. The play of light and minimal color palettes create a dreamy quality that my imagination could get lost in.

via Behance Network

Inspiration: Pound Portraits

I love this idea…take “fashion” portraits of dogs who have been in the local shelter the longest so that potential owners can see their personality. LaNola Stone, the photographer behind these images, said “I specifically asked for the dogs that were the “least likely to be adopted” and took their portraits to represent them with personality, youth and “edge” in order to aid their adoption. All the dogs pictured here were adopted.”

Inspiration: Vincent’s Daydreams

Adele Enersen of Mila’s Daydreams is back at it! This time, she snapped pictures of her baby Vincent with her iPhone and sketched out his imaginary activities. Why not dress him up like she did with his big sister Mila? Vincent isn’t as sound of a sleeper.

via Neatorama