A Haven for Vee

Friday, December 13, 2013

A Personal Photo Challenge for December

Time once again for Donna's Personal Photo Challenge! The topic this month is light and the title is 
Let There Be Light. 

The reason I am including the photo below again is because of the hidden backlight. It has made me enjoy and appreciate this vignette ever so much more than if I could see all the twinkly lights, which I feel would distract. (There are other times when I feel that lights add to a vignette so don't call me!)

~Christmas Vignette~

I did set up the tripod for the shot above. The two below were taken without the use of a tripod.

~a study in contrasts~

The shot above is just the sort of atmospheric photo I enjoy. When I see these sorts of photos, it feels like home. (It's okay. I've known that I am weird for a long, long time. ☺) I like the contrast of light and dark. I like the way the jar is lit on one side and dark on the other.

~Fioré~

This is my favorite and I don't think it's just because of the subject. I was practicing for this challenge on 11-23-13 when the very first photo I took specifically for the challenge turned out to be my favorite. I love how Fioré's fur looks so well defined in the light and I adore her softer reflection in the glass.

If you have never tried the Personal Photo Challenge, I can assure you that it does stretch the thinking a bit lot and Donna is a very helpful guide. I will link as soon as I am able. Until then, you may read more  right *here.*
~Sam's Snowflake~
Thanks so much for all your sweet comments on yesterday's post. I want you to know that pick-up went off without a hitch last afternoon. Phew! 

Sam has been enjoying the Pavilion at Chudleigh Manor (see earlier post) and created this lovely snowflake. I thought it so fine that I had to share! 

49 comments:

  1. I agree, the top photo is awesome because of the glow behind the window. They are all beautiful shots. I'm not familiar with the challenge but I will be checking it out!

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  2. I very much enjoy the effects of each of these photos. I really should take the challenge and stretch my photography skills more.

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  3. Kitty's photo and reflection is a winner to me. I just love the softness in the window....I can almost imagine a low purrrr right now. You showed a variety of ways light effects picture taking. Great job! Enjoy your day my friend!

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  4. Your photography is wonderful. I think the last time I tried anything creative was when we tried taking pictures through a sifter. Remember? It's been so dark here what will all the cloudiness that I've had a hard time getting any good pics inside. More cloudiness today!

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  5. I can well imagine how the wheels turn in your head and how much thinking (a LOT) you put into this challenge! You hit a home run, sweetie. The backlighting on the first photo is a classic example of how backlighting enhances the subject matter. And I readily agree with you that it is better than if you saw the individual lights. The second one was a toughie to execute because of the heavy contrasts. Great composition and execution! (You won't have any trouble with the next challenge either: shadows.) And the third one is so charming. Reflected and direct light in one shot, giving us a double dose of the subject - the sweet kitty! The focus is sharp as a tack and exposure is spot on. Yep, it's my favorite too.

    Take bow (or curtsy) on this challenge, you earned it! And I am so glad to hear that you are "stretching" with your photography. It's music to my ears! You are picking up some great skills that will assist you any time you pick up a camera!

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  6. I don't use pic monkey much, but my daughter Alice uses it all the time. I only know about it because of your blog. My other daughter Emily sent me the same Jacquie Lawson Edwardian Advent calendar and I've made snowflakes, too....What a blessing to be so young at heart!

    I always admire the way you try all these new technological things and master them. I've got to stop being such a wimp.

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    1. Hi Kristi~

      I do like PicMonkey a lot, but did not use it for these photos. I used Photoscape to sharpen to a value of 5 (whatever that means).

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  7. I love every one of your photos. The one of Fioré is perfect. ("Purr-fect"? I know. Stop with the puns already.) You have nailed the challenge this month!

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  8. I really enjoyed seeing these photos Vee and listening to you explain what qualities you like in them. I think my favorite is also the one of Fiore.

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  9. The mantel shot is going to be an all time favourite Vee, it speaks to me as well with the simplicity of subject matter and soft back lighting. Although, Sam's snowflake is pretty darn good, it may challenge grandma to do something as cool.
    The photo of Fiore is nice, love that pensive reflection.
    Judith

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  10. I asked my Santa for a new camera this Christmas ~ actually sent him an e-mail letter! I have long admired your photography and how you experiment with your camera and the photo programs. Thank you for sharing what you've learned. It motivates me to make the time to try the features on my camera ~ the ones that I never use. Shame on me!

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  11. Your vignette is awesome, love the contrast of the dark/light of the jar and I am in awe that your cat looks so much like my Romeo. Funny, he is looking out the window nearly exactly the same as I type this out to you, haha. They could be twins.

    I ADORE JL online cards and give many friends and family her Advent Calenders for the season. THIS year she did the Edwardian one, did you see that? Glad your grand is having fun with it - JL has been a tried and true for me for years. Originally was given as a gift from my long-since passed away Auntie. I think of her every single time I go to get a card sent. ♥ Hugs to you - have a great weekend.

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  12. Your photos are lovely! I just read your Wednesday post. Oh, goodness, what an experience! So assuring to know He is watching over all events of life whether big or small. So glad you didn't need an ambulance!

    Smiles & Hugs,
    Carol

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  13. What a sweet photo of Fiore...that is a keeper and depicts the subject of light so perfectly, XOXO

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  14. All are great Vee but I too love the one of your sweet kitty - have a soft spot for tabbies. How old is she?

    Lights are hard to get good pics of - unless one is really dedicated to spending a lot of time working on a shot - or sometimes is just lucky with a little point and shoot!

    My offerings for the challenge will go up later - meanwhile I'm posting on my granddaughter's HS choir winning big time!!!

    Hugs - Mary

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  15. Loved all you photos - so great! Just read about yesterday's ordeal - I was feeling anxious myself as I read it. Yes, God always has a plan:)

    Merry Merry!
    Leann

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  16. I just read your post of the grands Vee... I have been there, in that line, waiting, late, heart pounding... the whole thing. I think we are good grandma's and mimi's... bet they think so too! :)

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  17. Where was I yesterday when I didn't even see your post about your child drop off dilemma! I can assure you that every mother/caregiver has had moments like this over the years and am glad it all worked out and an ambulance was not needed! On Jennifer's 2nd day of grade one she got off the bus here and couldn't open the front door. It was locked, Mark was napping and I had dozed off on the couch and didn't hear the bus or her at the door. I woke up and realized it was past bus time and Jennifer hadn't come home. I looked out the window in a panic only to see her sitting on the doorstep crying. Poor little thing. I felt so bad and it never happened again. Now to your photos today. Beautifully done! I love your vignette and noticed the backlight when you shared it the other day. The next photo of the glass bowl in front of the window is excellent lighting. And, Fiore is just sweet looking out the window with the light showing her fine ear hairs. A very nice selection for the challenge Vee.

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  18. That snowflake is very fine, indeed! Love it. I also enjoyed all your "let there be light" photos. I love the Light!
    Blessings on your weekend.

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  19. Your photos are all beautiful although I agree, the last photo is precious!

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  20. Wow! I just read the post I missed yesterday, what a story! All's well that ends well. Your photos today are very pretty. I'm especially fond of the third one. Makes me think of my brats...er, cats. Tell Sam that I think his snowflake is beautiful! Enjoy your afternoon and have a nice weekend!

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  21. Yes, I agree about the lighting in the picture of Fiore. Very well done.

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  22. Sam's snowflake is lovely. It's a fun activity, isn't it?

    Your photo challenge photos are great. I love the indirect effect (something I tried, too) and the very artsy shot of the jug against the window. Suitable for Advent - more dark than light, but the light is coming!

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  23. I love your cat photo.
    Merle..........

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  24. Your photos are amazing--not sure which is my favorite but maybe the middle one--well they all are for different perspectives. Sam's snowflake is great -- I bet they are enjoying fiddling around Chudleigh. Have a splendid weekend.

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  25. Beautiful photos, Vee! I love Sam's snowflake and I'm happy to know everything went well in the pick up. xo

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  26. I love your all your photos. Blessings

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  27. Love your photos...the kitty face reflection is my favorite...
    Love, Mona

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  28. I love every one of these, but especially the one of your cat. The reflection in the window is just amazing! Enjoy your week-end!

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  29. Whew...I was happy to hear that the 'pick-up' of the grands went smoothly last time around! Good job on the photo challenge. Fiore is my pick!

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  30. Great photos for the Challenge..love them..
    especially the second one!
    Terrific.

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  31. Wow! I also think my favorite is Kitty! What a lovely shot! Your photos are wonderful.
    Have a super weekend!
    hughugs

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  32. My favorite one too is definitely the kitty. I'm going to have to check out the link and possibly try the challenge. Glad too that the next pick up went well.

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  33. All of these photos are great. The challenge must be fun. I will join you when (and IF) I ever get a decent camera. :)
    Have a cozy weekend....

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  34. Great snowflake and Amazing photos! Sam must have gotten Grans artistic talent! I love all three of these photos.

    I must find the time to play with my camera.

    Deanna

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  35. Oh Vee, I just love all your photo choices. The soft lighting in the first one is so lovely- it just glows! I love the sidelit apothecary jar- the lighting you have captured is just perfect! You are right- the contrast is what "makes" it! And your sweet kitty shot is wonderful too- love the soft reflection in the window. Kitties are such wonderful subjects aren't they? Merry Christmas!!

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  36. These are all excellent! Of course anything cat gets my attention but the second shot is very artistic and beautiful.

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  37. Really like the silhouette shot in front of the window. Makes me think of Colonial Williamsburg for some reason. It's quite stunning. Did you get snow? We have have 4 inches of new snow here in the mountains of Virginia.

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  38. They're all beautiful, but that second one just blew me away. Love it!

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  39. Sure glad I don't have to do a spotlight out of these shots. Love the pot and the one of the cat. You are moving with your photography skills.

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  40. Just wanted to say I really like the reflections at the bottom of the bowl in the first picture and the pot edge in the next. Reflections seem to be catching my attention lately. Wonder why and what that means....

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  41. Hi Vee, Thought I'd drop by to visit your photo challenge. That second shot of the glass jar in the window is my favorite by far. Such striking contrasts between light and dark, mat and luster.

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  42. Nice take on this month's challenge. My favorite is the 2nd photo.

    Ruthi

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  43. I would love to visit your home at Christmas time dear Vee!
    The first photo is quite magical with the back lighting - such clever decorating using the old window frame and twig for the baubles!
    The glass jar by the window has wonderful light.
    ...but my favorite is Fioré - she is adorable - it's a wonderful example of light especially on her ear and the reflection in the glass.
    These three would make marvellous note cards!!

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  44. Oh, I love the shot of Fiore too! I think all the photos are gorgeous and perfect for the "light" theme...enjoy your day!

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  45. I love your old window. What a cute little vignette you created! I have a window sort of like that, but there's glass in every pane so I'm not able to hang things from it. I lightly hung garland and pine cones up and over mine for winter. I need to keep searching out different ways to change it up!

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