8 posts tagged “photography”

I'm staying at the house for a few days because Shawn said he'd be busy working on some projects for work over the weekend. I thought it might be nice to spend some time with Mom. Whenever I wake up in the morning, there's this awesome nostalgic feeling of summer. It brings back good memories and makes everything seem simple and happy.

Even when I'm at my apartment, alone during the day, I've been experiencing sudden bursts of happiness. It's so weird! I've been trying to limit my time on the computer and watching TV, because I really want to start doing something more for myself lately. I've been feeling the need to enhance everything that I love doing, meaning that I'm focusing more on painting, photography, and spending time with my furries (kitties + hammy). Doing so has led me to some relaxing, more peaceful, days. I'm not really feeling that stress of needing to find work, which is such a relief now. I figured that I need to work on getting in the right mindset before I jump into the next phase of my life; after all, for the past 20+ years I've been in school working hard. It's time to let loose.

In photography aspects, I've been trying to work more on getting to know my camera better. I found that, after a while, I fell into such a routine with my camera that I didn't really explore all of the fun settings. I think my little experimentations have led to better, clearer photos, like the one above. (Yays!)

Also, on the photography home front, I've been trying to expand my photo subjects. I fell into a rut with that when I only took photos of Plum and a few other toys/dolls. I'm trying to appreciate everything else that I'm surrounded by, including other Blythes (like Utopia and Nami above!) and other little finds that I've been taking in.

This Alice necklace is one of my favorite recent finds to photograph. ^__^ Last weekend, I went on a little trip to Chicago with Shawn, Jeremy, and Kathleen. We went to one of my favorite urban toy stores, Rotofugi, and I picked up a lot of cute vinyls and a special art book signed by a favorite artist of mine. Then the three of us met up with another favorite artist of mine, Jeremiah Ketner, after Rotofugi-- we visited his studio (where I saw all of the amazing pieces he's currently working on) and went out to lunch with him.

Afterwards, Jeremiah suggested a bunch of cute stores that he knew I'd love to explore. In one of the little boutiques, I discovered the Alice pendant. I'm obsessed with everything and anything Alice in Wonderland, so I snatched it up. Later on, I went across the street where I had a chain made and fitted for me. I think the heart clasp (bottom right picture) is one of my favorite parts. Putting the necklace together was so much fun!

On an earlier trip to Chicago (April 10th), I was able to attend my very first Blythe meet. After six or so years of collecting them, I thought it was about time that I finally met more people who share the same hobby. ^^

We met up at a cute sushi bar (with really good fruit smoothies) and talked about Blythes the whole time. Because of other plans Shawn and I had in Chicago that day, I was only able to bring Plum (bottom row, fourth from the left). She was able to meet another Kozy Blythe, finally! Overall, the turnout was great and I was even able to meet Gina Garan, a very well known Blythe collector. In fact, it's because of Gina that Blythes exist today! It was such an honor to talk about Blythes, and tons of other stuff, with her.

So really, my "work" right now consists of working on myself and my life. I'm expanding every type of personal horizon possible, including my physical self. ^___^ I've been working hard at exercising daily so that I stay in shape. I'm feeling fit in every aspect possible!

After I wrap up this post, I'll continue to sit back in my parents' kitchen where the back door leading to the deck is open. The summer breeze is blowing in while I sip on my cinnamon white chocolate latte. Life is good.

It's cold outside. I've walked in the snow every day this week.
Everything is coming to a close. I'm ready for the finale at the end of December.
(Yay for being vague.)

Featuring Shawn and Lauren (me),
courtesy of Beth's beautiful photography skills.

And, as always, there's more to come.

I wanted to try something new with Vox so I decided to propose a little game, or in this case, challenge. There won't be any strict rules or guidelines for this challenge. I will ask, however, that all ideas suggested should be within reason. In other words, no risqué suggestions! ^__^ This is open to all Voxers, so feel free to leave a comment with your suggestion even if you aren't in my neighborhood.

This challenge will be held from today (March 3rd) to Thursday (March 8th).
I have extended the challenge deadline because of my midterm period with classes, so I'll still be accepting ideas until Wednesday, March 14th.

The Challenge

Think up an idea for a photo. It can be crazy, weird, silly, serious, pretty, funny, exotic, dangerous, and any other adjective that comes to mind. I'm making my photography skills available to you so it's up to you to decide what you would like to see in my next entry. (So basically, I'm challenging you to challenge me.) Please keep in mind that my outside sources are limited because of the colder weather conditions where I live at the moment. I will still be able to go outside, but I won't be able to frolick in green fields for a photoshoot. (Haha, sorry.) You can keep the following suggestions in mind when trying to think up a photo:

• Dolls (Blythes; Hue, my Pullip; Swiss, my BJD, etc.)
• Vinyl toys (Dunnys, Mad*Ls, Tokidoki figures, Pinky Street figures, etc.)
• Plushies
• Yukimo, my hamster
• Snow
• Food
• Me (Again, within reason please.)
• Light
• Nature/scenery

There are so many more ideas, too. Try to be as descriptive as possible in your comment while still leaving room for my own interpretation of what you're suggesting. The possibilities for this challenge are literally endless. Just tell me what your idea is!

What You Do

All you have to do is think up the idea and leave me a comment with your suggestion. There will be a limit of two ideas per person, but you can, of course, leave just one if you wish.

Any Prize?

I will be choosing three of the ideas from the bunch and will then make them a reality. I will pick the three according to what I think I'm capable of doing and the final results will also be based off of my interpretation of what your suggestions are. The three winners will be able to see the photos I take in a special entry dedicated to the results of this challenge.

There will be one ultimate winner of the three photos that are chosen. I will choose this winner from not only the creativity they put into his/her idea, but also the end result of that photo. Basically, whichever photo I feel has developed into the most creative piece of artwork will win the grand prize. The grand prize winner will then be mailed a hardcopy of that photo as a small print. (No shipping charges will be required.)

Keep in mind that I will edit the photo and may alter images as I see fit. I want to make sure each photo is perfect.

Privacy Policy

I will only ask for the address of the grand prize winner after he/she is chosen. If you win, you have the choice of accepting or rejecting the prize. If you do not feel comfortable giving your address away, don't worry about it. You're then welcome to print off the photo for yourself during your own time. ^___^

I often become obsessed with certain random things that I experience or see in my daily life. About a year ago, I became enthralled by the presence and absence of colors. I loved seeing bright, crazy colors meshed together, whether it was in an art piece or something as simple as a bracelet that I bought. Then, the color white became something of interest, which is a huge reason why I all of a sudden started adding such pale girls to my dolly family. Pigeon, my albino Blythe, was a huge deal for me. (She still is.) There's something so beautiful about her that I can't quite find in any other doll. Swiss, my ball-jointed doll, also only wears white (except on a few rare occasions), and she will remain another pale darling in my family. I've been even thinking about more additions to my family, just so I can play around with the idea of colors. I don't even know if I can call this obsession of mine a hobby.

Then, there are dollies, vinyl toys, books, films, creating graphics. I even recently mentioned my attraction to water. I think that could have been the first inanimate "object" that really took hold of me in a trance kind of way. Sometimes I don't know where I get all the time to enjoy everything at once and keep up with the responsible part of my life. Yeesh.

Lately, I've become enamored with collarbones and their delicate placement on the human body. Like the color fetish, I don't quite know what to do with my collarbone interest other than take photos of them. On that note... I realized how difficult it is to come across models for my photography. Unlike big cities on the east and west coasts of the states, Wisconsin isn't very diverse, even in the Milwaukee area. People are more close-minded in the central states, and that factor harbors any chance of me expanding my photography. I know that if I look around more, I'll be able to find new subjects for photos, but I still want a chance to get out there and photograph something a little more stimulating.

The easiest subject to focus on is, of course, myself. I'm always here, and I know exactly how I want a photograph to turn out. My dollies are a close second. I think now is the time to expand myself and my creative abilities to another level. I'm thinking about new mediums I can use in order to achieve some sense of... enlightenment, if that makes sense. In the past, I've painted, drawn, written (stories, poems, etc.), and have made random pieces of art, so I think I'll try to combine everything that I love doing somehow. A collaboration sounds like fun, but I don't know how motivated I'm going to be with classes around. I know I'll think of something-- it's just a matter of time before the big creative boom hits me in the face, haha.

Plum & Her New Outfit

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I fell head-over-heels for Plum's new outfit. On December 23rd, Shawn and I exchanged Christmas presents. Little did he know that he would be receiving a small gift from Plum. He was taken so off guard with the cute Kozy Kape pin that Plum ordered from a member of TIB that he immediately jumped at the opportunity to buy her a present. I, of course, had no problem helping Plum pick one out. That night, I hopped on the computer and discovered this sweet number-- a bunny hoodie outfit.

Sure, I may have somewhat urged Shawn to buy her an outfit (out of guilt), but really, that's beside the point. What really matters is how happy I am with how Plum looks in it.

Bunny Hoodies Are Fun

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At the moment, I am counting down the days 'til Plum's birthday, which happens to be on the 28th, which is a little more than three weeks away from today. I plan on getting a cake to decorate for her and I'm looking at also buying her a rather expensive present. Right now, it looks like the present (shh, Plum is unaware at this point) will cost around $100-- most likely a little more with shipping included. I have to make some quick decisions, because I know that the fabric won't be available forever. I'm trying to figure out my whole fund situation, for I used up most of my holiday and birthday money for Enzo, my camera. I'm also planning a trip to Chicago soon for my pilgrimage to Rotofugi. Squee! I'll probably finish off the rest of that holiday money just in that one store. Plum's first birthday with me is important though, so... I'm guessing the rest of it might go towards her.

Thank You, Scarlett!

I was surprised to find that I received not one, but two, packages in the mail the other day. Not only did Plum's sweet hoodie arrive, but a belated holiday/birthday present from Scarlett did, too. I had no idea what to expect. When I opened it and found the first book of the manga series, Rozen Maiden, in the box, I squealed. I've always wanted to try Rozen Maiden out, whether it be the anime or the manga, so this gives me the perfect opportunity to do just that over the rest of my break. (Thankies so much, Scarlett. <3) I've been mostly sticking to my Chobits manga, so this will be a nice change of direction. Plum actually stole the book right out of my hands... Oh, Plum.

I sent a "thank you" letter out earlier today in a package to Scarlett's sister, Jen. Jen liked the bracelets Shawn's made for me over the years so much that I asked Shawn to "weave" her one, too. The type of hemp (er, twine) he bought was a tad bit thicker than mine, but since she'll only be wearing one, instead of the five I have on, I figured that it would work out just fine. I'm glad I got that sent out. I knew that with school coming up again on the 22nd, I'd get lost in the shuffle of getting ready for my classes.

Adorkable Plum

This next semester will be interesting. Once again, I have three English classes and one Science (Oceanography). I've always loved the water and studying it, so I think this will be more interesting than those I've taken in the past. I'm actually really looking forward to the writing classes. One is dedicated entirely to poetry. I've taken many Creative Writing courses throughout the past few years, but none of them have focused on purely poetry. I'm interested to see what will be assigned... I still have over another week of vacation to go though, so I'm not thinking about classes a lot. My thoughts are basically photos, Plum, photos, Plum... photos, photos, photos. (o___O) Oi!

On a side note... I've been keeping tabs on the rising price of Kozy Kape (the type of Blythe Plum is) and people are now paying over $620 for her. I've always been protective of her, but now I'm keeping extra good care of her. Even with saying that, however, I find myself taking Plum out with me more for daily chores. I'm not sure why. I think I'm getting ready to take more photos of her out in public.

I was thinking back a few days ago about the range of photos I've taken over the past year or so, and I realized that I've both progressed and stayed constant as a photographer. I know that I have a lot of learning to do, but in celebration of paying for my new camera, I decided to choose my five favorite photos that I've taken. I may have used some once, more than once, or not at all throughout Kawaii, but either way, they're my favorites! Wee. Here we go.

(1) Swiss: Time Will Tell

(2) Hue & Her Bear

(3) Beth in the Waves

(4) Beads: Series I

(5) Bethy: In Animation

It's about vision. Photography is not a straight-on type of art. It's deep and requires the photographer to not only see through the lens, but the subject(s) as well. That's what makes photography so beautiful. I think that's the reason I'm drawn to it.

One thing I've learned from taking photos is that what kind of camera the photographer uses isn't as important as how he expresses his creativity. I've seen low megapixel cameras produce the most amazing photographs as end results, and the success of the photo is always due to the photographer's wonderful and wide-ranged imagination. Some great artists even use polaroid cameras for their artwork, so anything is possible, come to think of it. Honestly, photography is endless.

People have asked me online and in my real life what camera(s) I use and how to edit photos, but really, none of those details matter. I've learned to discipline myself and I've taught myself to focus on creating goals for each photoshoot, whether it be with people, inanimate objects, or something that cannot be put into words-- the inexplainable. A person could have the lowest, cheapest, seemingly ridiculous camera, yet... that doesn't matter. The photorapher has the control. The majority of my pictures are produced with a 3.0 megapixel camera, but the confidence behind those megapixels is what makes my pictures fun-- to take and to look at.

I didn't think it would be so hard to choose five favorite photos, but it actually was. I'm excited to see what inspirations will come my way with my new camera. Yay!