Designing a Photo Wall

April 8, 2013 by

Begin by deciding to assemble a group of photos on a wall in such a way that it fits into, and enhances, it’s surroundings and is pleasing to look at. Then, proceed:

1. Draw up a plan view of the room where a photo wall might be put together. On it show the placement of all furnishings, windows, doors, lamps, plants, etc so as to determine which walls, or portions of them, could be used to display a group of photos on.

2. Next, make an elevation view drawing of the wall(s) you select. Make the drawing(s) to scale (try 1″=1′. If that’s too large, try 1/2″=1′ or 1/4″=1′). Include on it the carefully-measured wall, door(s), window(s), chairs, sofas, lamps, plants, etc.

3. Choose photo subjects to suit the room: ask yourself what goes on in the room? Is it a restful or high activity room? Think of the room from the viewpoint of someone who spends a lot of time there. Give thought to what sort of photo subjects would fit in with such a room and it’s use. For example: a room meant to be restful and relaxing as a remedy for stress could feature a photo wall with a group of photos having a ‘nature’ theme; perhaps some beautiful landscapes, evocative wildlife scenes or nature close-ups, etc. A son or daughter’s bedroom could have a photo wall that features photos of their school events, personal interests/pursuits or milestones growing up, etc. If the photo wall is in a business office, then photos of staff and business activities, products, achievements, etc could be featured there. There are so many different kinds of subject-matter. Choose what will suit the room and its normal activities.

4. Now, figure out:

- the number of pictures to use, and their placement within the group of photos.

- the appropriate size to use for each picture (8″ x 10″, 11″ x 14″, etc) taking into account picture size and the area of the whole wall, or portion of it, being considered (if using many small photos, mass them together for a larger effect; if using just one picture, choose a size that puts it in balance with the surroundings; if a very large effect is needed, you may need a photo-mural).

- the picture alignment: generally, the top or bottom of pictures should align with others in the arrangement. Pictures over one another should be vertically aligned along a common edge. Alignment gives a sense of order to the whole arrangement, but shouldn’t be overdone. A few pictures can align, then the regularity broken with a larger picture, and alignment picked up again on the other side. Avoid slight jags in an alignment by moving one of the pictures to make a new visual line.

- balance of the arrangement: make use of formal balance (pictures all the same size, in a straight line) and informal balance (pictures of different sizes, different number of them, on either side of an imaginary center line, but both sides roughly cover a similar size area) in your group of photos.

- good spatial relationships: take note of how the wall space and the arrangement of pictures goes together. You can hang pictures in one sweeping line in a hallway, and if they’re all the same size, keep the distance apart constant. Small pictures can be closer together than large ones. Allow for some open space but don’t trap a blank space with pictures all around it. Design your group of photos from the inside out. The overall picture arrangement can take many shapes, but it should always ‘fit’ well into the wall space.

5. To help you do the tasks in #4: cut out small cards representing different size pictures(to the same scale as the elevation drawing of the wall). Jot on them which pictures they represent, and try numerous arrangements of them on the elevation drawing of the wall, to find the ones you like most. Place a sheet of tracing paper over each arrangement that appeals to you and trace it. Then you can compare the various arrangements to find the one you like best of all. Note: if still unsure which sizes to use, cut out full-size pieces of paper, tape them to the wall according to your design, stand back and observe the effects. Determine if they are the right size, (or too big, too small) and if the arrangement suits your liking.

6. The Finishing Touches:

- Give consideration to mounting, matting, liners, and framing. Think about how you want the finished photos to look as part of the room’s decor. Mounting, matting, liners and framing serve to both protect the photographs and set them apart from the surroundings. Further, they support the photos so that they can be properly installed wherever. One or all of these features can be used depending on photo content, where they’re being used, and personal taste. The room’s situation may suggest a certain approach or it’s existing decor may be the determining factor for enhancing your group of photos. Consulting together with a professional interior decoration shop can provide you with helpful guidance in matters of photo enhancement.

- The final step in creating a photo wall involves the actual hanging of the finished photographs. There are many different methods and means for hanging a group of photos and you’ll want to choose those that are the safest and most effective. Here, a professional frame shop can provide you with helpful guidance in such matters.

In conclusion: As you work with the above process, you’ll become more adept with it. You’ll find yourself working at the different facets of good design all at the same time and you’ll be creating a composition with your group of photos. Remember, photography is a communications medium as well as a decorative art. You can emphasize one aspect or the other without sacrificing either. In a commercial area photographic decor can say a great deal with style and taste. In a home a group of photos featuring the family may provide just the right accent to a room and evoke treasured memories. I hope the above tips and guidelines prove helpful in putting together your own photo wall, making effective use of an exciting decorative medium.

Here is the procedure to follow when designing your own photo wall.

To see examples of photography subjects that you might make use of when designing a photo wall in a room meant for relaxation and reducing stress, go to my fine art photography website at: http://ambienceimages.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Maxymuik

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Take a Ride – Friday Freebie

March 15, 2013 by

Take a Ride Friday Freebie

Take a Ride Vector Freebie by DryIcon ::: Surf on over and download

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Take Time Out For Ten Things

March 12, 2013 by

Turn Back Time

Take Time Out For Ten Things

Take time out to work ~
It is the price of success.

Take time out to think ~
It is the source of power.

Take time out to play ~
It is the secret of youth.

Take time out to read ~
It is the foundation of knowledge.

Take time out to worship ~
It is the highway of reverence.

Take time out to help and enjoy friends ~
This is the source of happiness.

Take time out to love ~
It is the one sacrament of life.

Take time out to dream ~
It hitches the soul to the stars.

Take time out to laugh ~
It is the singing that eases life’s load.

Take time out to pray ~
It helps bring Christ near and washes the
dust of earth from our eyes.

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Jazz Shoes – Friday Freebie

March 8, 2013 by

Friday Freebie - Jazz Shoes

Jazz Shoes Vector by DryIcon ::: Surf on over to download

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Online Color Challenge

March 3, 2013 by

Find out how well you can distinguish shades of colors.

According to X-Rite, 1 out of 255 women and 1 out of 12 men have some form of color vision deficiency.

Take the online color challenge, based on the official FM100 Hue Test by X-Rite.

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Child’s Play: You Are An Artist {Inspiring Video}

March 1, 2013 by

I spent much of my twenties living in some of the most beautiful places where dreams are easy to visualize; Malibu, Paris, London, Manila, Vancouver, Perth {Australia} and a few other spots across the pond. So it’s not really #1 on my bucket list to set off and see the world at the moment. Instead, the number one item on my bucket list is to create with a paint brush and my hands.

If you know me even a little… or a lot, you know I’m a photographic design artist. I turn photographs into thought-provoking, inspirational art. Most recently, I took up painting. I must admit, my four year old paints much better than I do and her creations end up being used as textures in my art! {We made these popsicle stick flowers with cut out tissue, glued them on page and I enhanced them into a piece of art which became wonderful greeting cards!

How fun and liberating it is to paint our emotions. Just the very sound of that makes me happy!

I wanted to a video with you all: “Child’s Play Workshop” with Alma Stoller on Vimeo.  It’s fun and whimsical. It provokes so much fun and creativity… so give yourself permission to play!

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Creating is an Art – What Does it Take to Rock Your World?

February 28, 2013 by

Photo illustration by Kokabella

If you’ve read any of my other articles, you’ll have heard this before:

“You are an infinite creative being, connected to all things through all time and space.”

You are not a victim of global warming, crime rates, peak oil, rising interest rates, your family, your boss, your neighbour, your sickness, your mind or anything else.

As an amazing creative being, you are here in this existence to create a life that fulfills and satisfies you. This sounds simple and actually is, but you need to understand yourself and your creative process if you want to effortlessly create the life you would love.

Lately, I’ve been working with a number of my clients on specific projects: one is writing a book, another is designing a huge architectural project, another created and went on an overseas trip. This got me pondering the process of creating, what we run into as humans and what it takes to see your creations to their fruition.

Here are my hot tips for satisfying creating.

1. Know that everything you go for in life is a creation, driven by you. From the bigger things like creating a relationship to the smallest things, like going grocery shopping.

This is simple enough. Every time you have an idea and you go for it, you are creating. Knowing this is very empowering. As an infinite creative being you are doing this all the time, often unconsciously. When you want to create something specific, know that your success depends entirely on you.

2. Know that you always have a choice. What you create is up to you. You can choose your next five minutes, your day, your week, your life.

Take time out in your life to tune into what you would love to create. You always have a choice. You can invest your energy into what you would love to create or you can slosh around in struggle and chaos. You always have a choice even if everything around you seems to indicate otherwise.

Get clear on what you would love. Invest your energy in what you would love. Take action towards what you would love.

3. Understand the movement of energy in the creative process.

You can imagine the creative process as an arc. There’s a beginning point, a lot of middle and an end point. Each creation follows this arc. Some creations are completed in minutes, others take weeks, some take a lifetime to finish.

In the beginning, a large amount of energy is expended to thrust the creation into being. This energy is your ideas, your imaginings and the actions that you take to get your creation going. This is an exciting and stimulating phase of the creation where lots of new and novel sensations occur.

In the middle of the arc, there’s a long section where your input is required in a sustained way. The novelty of the creation may have worn off and you will run into your limited self. At some point almost at the top of the arch, you will probably hit the wall, to use a running analogy. This is the “I can’t possibly go on” point. You may observe this in yourself as the following thoughts and feelings:

  • I can’t do this
  • I’m not allowed to carry on
  • This is rubbish (whatever you happen to be creating)
  • I’m exhausted
  • This isn’t really what I want to be doing
  • I don’t care about this anymore
  • This hurts
  • Perhaps the universe is telling me I should be doing something else

At this point you may want to withdraw your energy from your creation and many people do. And that will be the end of that. No creation, no learning, no satisfaction. It is important to sustain your energy in the middle of the arc no matter what comes up for you. Persistence is key in this phase.

Interestingly, the end of the creative process needs as much energy input as the beginning to push it through to completion. Be prepared to invest your time and energy as you see the completion of your creation approaching. Give it that extra input as though you were in the final 100m of a marathon and are giving it your all to cross the line.

At completion, make sure you acknowledge what you have created and ask yourself what you have learned from the process.

4. Understand your own creative process. Observe yourself creating, notice patterns in what comes up for you when you are going for something.

All of us have a process that we go through when we create. Most of us sabotage our creations at some point in our lives, some more than others. As an infinite creative being, there is a wounded part of you that I call the limited self. This is the victim in you, that part of you that doesn’t believe that what you would love is possible, the part that seeks validation from others and from the world, the part that would limit your possibilities in life because it’s wounded. We all have a limited self and it doesn’t have to stop you from creating what you would love.

When you create, notice what comes up for you, especially in the middle phase of the creation, which is some ways is the hardest as this is when you run into the voice of your limited self in the loudest way. Learning to allow that voice to be there and continue creating anyway is a skill that will increase the success of your creations one hundredfold.

Let the voice of your limited self babble away whilst you continue to invest energy and take action towards creating what you would love.

Know that receiving your creations is the key to living a satisfying, fulfilling life. You can put all your energy and vision into creating something and then manage not to receive it at the last minute by listening to the voice of your limited self (which is there to protect you from imagined harm, not to help you live a wonderful life).

That’s it! As you follow these tips, you will learn more and more about yourself and the creative process. Be open to receiving and remember that you always have a choice about what you create.

Special thanks to Pollyanna McAleer for contributing this article to my blog.

Would you love to develop your creative and intuitive abilities and bring the power of magic into your life?

I am an intuitive coach, writer, musician and mother of four boys. I’m passionate about creating and using my intuitive gift to generate magic in my life and the lives of others.

I would love to work with you to create the life you would love to live. International clients are welcome as I generally use phone and Skype for sessions.

http://www.heartofmagic.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pollyanna_McAleer

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Being Remembered as a Woman of Worth

February 27, 2013 by

Can you think of anything more respectful and valuable than being remembered as a woman of worth?

A while back, I was commissioned to photograph and design a piece of photographic art. I was on location when I came upon a concrete bench that overlooked a small lake with a water fountain. On it, was this engraving; In Memory of Carol Ann Manen. Beloved Sister, Aunt and Friend. “A woman of worth.”

It added so much to my day and made me feel this great sense of purpose as I walked away with the props that I was there to photograph. When I got back to my studio, I took the photograph I had taken of the engraving and added some feminine, rosey posey texture and this sparrow; the pretty little creature that has always reminded me of my grandmother.

“A woman of worth…” that’s a lifelong achievement to work towards. It gives me something to strive for as perhaps it does for you as well! If you’re still reading along, I ask you, what would you like to be remembered as? I would like to be remembered for adding hope and inspiration to others’ lives.

 

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