FOR THE BIRDS

On Saturday, a local nursery was hosting a bird show.  It was a great opportunity to get some close-up shots of some beautiful birds.

According to the resident bird experts, these two are not the same species.

There were also birds from a local raptor program that rehabilitates injured birds of prey.

A few the more colorful species.

I'm sharing this last one at Sweet Shot Tuesday.

SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY

Here are this week's finds for Scavenger Hunt Sunday.

{Smile}

You may have seen this one before.  But how could I resist?

{Stand Alone}

{Rusty/Old}

{Artificial}

{Repeating Pattern}

You can go join the fun over at Ramblings and Photos.

PROJECT 52: SELF PORTRAIT

I know it's early in the year, but I'm willing to state right now that this will be the most challenging week of Project 52 for me.  Do you know how hard it is to catch myself on a day when I'm wearing something cute and having a good hair day at the same time!!?! 

That being said, I'm pretty happy with the end (after several previous attempts) result.

BERRIES AND A NEWFOUND PHOTOGRAPHY PASSION

If you've been visiting for awhile, you know I take a lot of food photos for my recipe blog, Let's Dish.  I've been seeing some amazing food photography on Pinterest lately, and I've been inspired to delve a little deeper into the world of food photography and styling.

The first thing I determined was that I needed more props for my food photography.  Which meant I had to go shopping!  We have a great vintage market here in town, where I found the cute creamer in the photo above, and this fabulous tin teapot.  Only $6!

I also found this simple bowl.  One thing I've learned is that simple, white dishes are your best bet for photographing food. 

Napkins and hand towels, even fabrics, can add color and texture.

Shooting food from overhead has always been a challenge for me, but I think I'm starting to get the hang of it.

Sometimes you have to carefully place the food, but make it look completely random at the same time.

Don't be surprised if you see this next one in the May issue of Cottages and Bungalows.  I know! I'm pretty excited myself!

After I posted this tutorial on my personal blog about removing scratches from dishes, the editor contacted me asking if she could share the information in her magazine.  In addition to my before and after shot, she needed a stylized photo of my scratch-free dishes. I was happy to oblige. And I couldn't resist using some of my new props!

I've been browsing Amazon for food styling and photography books.  I think I'm hooked, and I can't wait to learn more.  Just shopping for the props is a lot of fun!

I'm sharing this last one at Shoot. Edit. Submit. 

I just love that teapot!

 

PEARS