In an effort to improve my ability to utilize my camera’s functions and to find more creative outlets for photography, I’ve taken part in a photography styling challenge. Somehow, despite shooting these photos a week ago, and planning this vignette all month, I’ve neglected to create this post on the first of the month (like, guys, it’s written into every calendar I own: “Photography Styling Challenge Post TODAY!”). And yet. Sigh.
The challenge includes some simple rules: no editing, follow the theme, be as creative as you wish. This month’s challenge was themed wall vignettes. This was really challenging for me because I live in a house whose walls are constantly covered in collections of things. So it didn’t feel very fresh to me, even though I completely dismantled two rooms to get this result.
If there is any cohesive element tying this wall together, I would have to name it thrifted nature. Thrifted and nature? Yes. I can’t express how much I was..challenged….by this challenge. It didn’t feel right to take a picture of the wall as a whole. So I focused on areas that held my interest and really pulled my eye. So the above is the only photo I have of most of the wall that I really liked.
I really love shadow boxes. I filled this one with nuts, seashells, thread spools, an owl. It is topped by fennel, poppy seeds, and soil in jars. I spent so much time questioning if I was working more towards styling the wall or being challenged by photographing it. the photo is of my grandfather.
I was also conflicted about the “wall” vignette spewing down onto the dresser top. Does this count as an extension? Can I focus my lens there? The cross stitch was a wedding gift from Michael’s Mimi, and the vintage children’s book a gift from a friend’s classroom. This shot was more “under” the wall vignette, and at level with dresser items. I actually utilized my tripod. I am learning. That is what this challenge is about. Looking at these photos posted, I would have changed the scope of my vignette. I think I would have focused a smaller area. I would not have changed the palette I worked with. I may have experimented more with lighting at different times of day.
I am really looking forward to the next challenge and am planning planning planning.
Others participating in this challenge include:
At the Corner of Happy and Harried
Closing this with a tiny prayer for forgiveness for being a day late. Gracious me.
Yours truly,
Nicole
a woven life 