Thursday, September 16, 2010

Just Sit There And Look Pretty

Remember when I mentioned that I would join any online creative challenge if it truly spoke to my heart?  Well, I did join this one and I completed the challenge early, so I'm posting my results!  The point of this challenge was to interpret (in any medium you wish) the phrase "Just sit there and look pretty."  The phrase immediately made me think of this scripture:

"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." (Matt. 6:28-29)

Yes, flowers get to just sit there and look pretty. And I appreciate them for the wonderful job they do. They make excellent photography subjects because they don't run and hide or cover their blooms with their leaves right when you snap. They are patient and will put up with any length session. Gotta love that! So much easier than photographing teenagers!

For the challenge, I chose one of my photographs from the 3rd Annual Scott Kelby World Wide Photo Walk that I did in July in Greenville, SC. And then played to my heart's content in PSE8!  To give credit, I added the "All My Loving" texture from Kim Klassen, "define, sharp," "warmer," and "edge burn" actions from Pioneer Woman and several Photoshop Elements blending modes.  The font is tsp i of the morning which can be downloaded free from the font name link!

Click here to read the Emma Tree challenge information.  There is still time to join!  The challenge deadline is actually the 23rd, but there are some early entries! Click here to scroll through the Emma Tree blog and see other challenge entries as they come in.   :)

13 comments:

Gina said...

this is a great photo! I love the texture to it, and the quote is great. I wanted to do the challenge, but I know that I just don't have the time right now.

Anonymous said...

This came out beautifully. I'm still trying to figure out which actions work with which textures---so many possibilities. One could sit at the computer for hours!

humel said...

Oh, it's lovely :-) Great response to the challenge xx

(I had to giggle at the 'covering their blooms with their leaves...' comment - I so cover my face whenever I see a camera!!)

d smith kaich jones said...

Cheri - This is really a gorgeous image; we should thank the flowers more than we do. You did a great job with the textures - I am not good at that. I admit it.

I am linking to this post on my sidebar tonight (Tuesday, late) and will re-mention all the participants in my post on Thursday. Thanks so much for being a part of this!

:) Debi

kathstewart said...

I love it. The way you have combined so many sources to enhance the photo really speaks to me, it makes it so "pretty".

mrs mediocrity said...

this is gorgeous. I, too, tend to take a lot of flower shots, although I tried something different for this challenge. I also love working with textures, and you did a wonderful job with them on this image, very pretty indeed.

AphotoAday said...

Really great Photoshopping, and what a treat that must have been to do a photo-walk with Scott Kelby -- I have a couple of his books.

Sally G. said...

Cheri - we meet again!!

I love your photo and am beyond impressed with what you've done with it. I don't even know what many of the terms you used mean - but the picture is striking and I'm grateful for this chance to appreciate the final outcome.

And teens. Yes. I know.

Good to see you again!

Jaime said...

Beautiful image. I've always thought that flowers had the best job in the world.
I was going to do that world wide photo walk too! But I found out about it on too short notice and couldn't change my plans....but I saved the webpage and hope to do it next year. It sounds like fun!

kate i said...

Cheri, this is beautiful! I have never heard of the world wide photo walk before but will be on the lookout for it next year.

Kelly Miller said...

Pretty indeed. I love how you edited, as well.

Pseudo said...

Checking out all the just pretty entries. I love your photo, the flower, the bee, and your artful editing.

Deborah Carr said...

Your photo is lovely, Cheri. Coneflowers are among my favourites...and don't we women spend far too much time hiding that which gives us truly beauty?