Thursday, November 29, 2012

Driving Me to Drink


So creating 350 images with borders and ready to print for the printer is no easy or quick task!  I've had my rear end stuck to this office chair for the past few days/weeks and I'm starting to think that at any moment it might become a permanent fixture the next time I get up!

I have ventured out, I had to or I would have completely lost my sanity.  But it's been to places like the chiropractor's office, to take the dogs out, or to get something to eat when I actually remember to eat.

After so many days of constant interaction with my newest friend Photoshop, I forced myself to pick up the camera and head outside for a much needed mental break.  And as I wandered around our backyard in my too short sweatpants and big bulky coat, I took a moment to decompress and look around for something, anything to shoot. 

My neighbor loves it when I am in the middle of a working frenzy...she can always tell because my hair looks like I haven't brushed it...because I haven't, and you never know what I will be wearing.  If I had to describe my look on these sorts of days, I would say that it's somewhere between crazy cat lady and eccentric millionaire, sadly without the millions.

She never questions it though, but often phones me when I go back inside...maybe to see if she needs to call the loony bin?!  Either way I appreciate the phone calls as they give me another chance to avoid working for a bit.




While out on my adventure this afternoon, I was treated to a visit by a lovely woodpecker.  The original photo is at the top of the post, but I preferred the image with a little texture added.  One of my goals for our upcoming trip is to visit a few flea markets and find some great old French ephemera to use as textures.  I have quite a bit already, but you can never have too much.

For both of these images, I actually used other people's textures, but I prefer to use ones I've sourced myself.  Plus I just love the look of beautiful old documents, postcards, and letters from by gone eras, and hope to frame some of the pieces I have one of these days.




Woodpeckers are often as elusive as good ephemera, and they like sitting high up in the trees, making them difficult to capture without lots of cropping.  Still, I love to hear their distinctive calls and the tap, tap, tapping on the trees as they hunt for insects.  This little guy was happily flitting from treetop to treetop looking for the juiciest worms, ants, or whatever he could find.

It's amazing how stepping outside for just 20 short minutes can give you the oomph you need to come back inside and keep working.  And now that the sun has set and it's too dark for picture taking, I am using a different secret weapon...I'm enjoying a nice cold cider... Strongbow to be exact.

I still have 24 more images to create and although I'm a complete lightweight when it comes to drinking, I decided to grab a hard cider left over from Thanksgiving and sip it slowly while I work.  The crisp apple taste pares well with photo editing I think.  ;-)

Don't forget that there is still time to use the 10% discount I am offering on any gallery wrapped canvas available in my new shop.  And should you prefer something from my photography website that isn't offered yet on Low Tide High Style, you can simply shoot me an email and I will have that created for you instead. 

The code for 10% off is LTHS10

Enjoy your evening!

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22 comments:

  1. These are gorgeous shots of a red bellied woodpecker - - - I'm very enamored with the postcard effect on the second one.

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  2. You are too funny! I know the feeling...and the hair!! Take a deep breath and carry on my friend!

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  3. YOU have been a busy, busy girl! I love your woodpecker pictures. They are gorgeous. xo Diana

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  4. You're so funny. I walk around my backyard with the fugliest old faded and too short sweatpants on too. I need to remember to start tightening the tie at the waist so I don't have to keep hoisting the things up! Neighbors most likely think I'm a bit eccentric but that's okay with me. :-)

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  5. Most of my neighbors think I'm crazy, too. Or a recluse since I'm so rarely outside. And when I am, I'm wearing flip flops and a big heavy coat and my permanent ponytail. And my nerdy glasses. When you said that your chair might become a permanent fixture on you, it reminded me of that Christmas movie with Loretta Young, David Niven and Rock Hudson...I can't remember the name but David Niven gets stuck in his chair and has to walk around with it attached to his bum!

    The picture of the woodpecker is great! We have one that lives in the tree next to the living room window and I can hear him pecking away sometimes, but he's high up and I never see him. I hope you get a break from all the work soon. Getting out is good for the soul!

    XO,
    Jane

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  6. I'll be in the next bin at the looney farm..Started new job just for the holidays plus decorating friends homes and trying to make giftsand the house has so many issues right now and ...and.... and..lol
    at least we'll have each other!
    it's all looking grand Kat - you go girl!

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  7. That's hilarious!!! I am glad people can't see me when I slip out to the barn to feed the horses in my pjs. You painted a good picture. Fun post.

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  8. I can totally relate, Kat. Sounds like when we get a new shipment at the shop. I can be your drinking buddy :) I hope you'll take a few more breaks this weekend.
    Hugs,
    Loi

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  9. You have been hard at work Kat. It's good that the 'crazy millionaire cat lady' was able to get out into the fresh air for awhile because it sure is good to see your beautiful images!!!
    You are so funny!
    sending hugs...

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  10. Kat,
    Sounds like you need to get out more:) The pics are outstanding...as always. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  11. All so beautiful, Kat...and I just love your vintage ornament header...

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  12. Love that image with the writing. Such great texture! Enjoy the holidays!

    xo,
    E + J

    P.S. A boozy lunch sounds fantastic!

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  13. Oh, you posted pics of one of my favorite birds ... the red-bellied woodpecker. Really like the textures you used.

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  14. Hi Kat! We have the same wardrobe!....how cool! I need to catch up on your posts to see what you have been up to...you are doing great creative wonderful things again!

    xx kelley

    ps i love woodpeckers too

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  15. 350 - phew! No wonder you need a break Kat. Love your wood pecker pictures. I noticed a woodpecker pecking away at a telegraph pole in the field outside my kitchen window. They are beautiful little creatures.

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  16. Kat you should see me taking the trash out in the morning!
    Great image I love it!

    xoxo
    Karena
    2012 Artists Series and Giveaway from The House of Edward!

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  17. It's such a pleasure to come and get caught up with you Kat. I love how you described your photography attire and your little nip of cider while you edit...you are so much fun! Those photos are all so awesome! xo

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  18. Great photos! I really like the third one!!!!
    So glad to hear I'm not the only one that goes outside looking like a person that should be living under a bridge. I race out to get the mail, and someone ALWAYS ends up driving by!! argh...I hate that!!!!
    xxoo
    Debbie

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  19. I always thought creative work was suppose to be relaxing LOL! The site looks fantastic-concrats!

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  20. That woodpecker photo is gorgeous, Kat! You have some wonderful wildlife there! And I totally get those kind of work days...sweats and crazy hair...

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  21. Love the woodpecker with the writing! Really creative.

    Judy

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