I like to experiment with photographing frozen flowers in ice blocks. It’s been an ongoing project for a while now, but this is actually the first time I’ve come close to a result I like.
It was a handful of beautiful Ranunculus flowers that I played with. I already have my next experiment in the freezer. In my next attempt I will try to freeze dried flowers. It’s a little crazy and it might be a failure. But I love having fun with experiments like these.
During times of lockdown and uncertainty it’s incredible important to take mindful + purposeful action. There’s so much going on that’s out of our control, so let’s focus on bringing as much good into our lives as possible.
While I was working behind the scenes yesterday making everything ready for my upcoming Online Photography Course, I was reminded how CREATING is such a great way to find comfort, calmness and hope.
If you’re staying at home because your country is in lockdown, this is a unique opportunity to boost your creative mind and practice your creative skills. More than ever, it’s time to think outside the box.
So if you’re thinking “how can I create, style and shoot photos if I cannot go out and buy flowers or food?” or “What should I photograph if I’m in lockdown and can’t go out?” Then I hope you will be inspired by this post.
A few weeks ago, I had some friends over for a fun evening. We danced, sang, talked, laughed and cried. Good times. Amazing memories.
One of my friends gave this beautiful bouquet of pink Lilies. Because of everything that has happened since, I never got around to throw out the bouquet. It’s still standing in my studio, dried out, almost colourless and looking a bit sad to be honest.
I looked at the dead flowers and the fallen petals and decided to see what I could do with it. “Let’s create with what you have available” I whispered to myself. This is a fantastic way to experiment and just use what you got. This is like the ultimate creativity test. So I gave it a try and here’s the results.
It was not easy to begin with because in my opinion the flowers had turned ugly. So I was skeptical and I was quick to judge the assignment before I even started it. But as I got more and more into the challenge (with some great music playing in the background to encourage me) I forgot about limitations, lockdown – I forgot about time and place. Such a freeing and uplifting feeling.
I experimented with both the dark and moody style as well as the bright and airy style. My favourite image is the one below. I’m so happy that I now have a photo I love – a photo infused with wonderful memories of friendships and creativity.
I took some photos of the bouquet just standing in the vessel and then I took some more of the petals that had fallen down on the table. I used a 100mm macro lens to get up close. I wanted the texture of the flower petals to be the main focus of the story.
So if you, like me, are at home because of the lockdown, see this as an opportunity to challenge your creativity and up-level your photography skills.
Look around you. What do you have in your home that you can use? What about broken eggshells, used paint brushes, left over food, yarn, a cup of tea, a handwritten note, or some greenery from the garden. Once you start looking, ideas will come.
Challenge yourself to think outside the box and experiment with a new type of photos. Play with compositions, simplicity, light, styling and editing.
Create to calm yourself and take purposeful action.
Create to find happiness in simplistic + mindful activities.
Create to get closer to your photography goals.
If you love FOOD, LIFESTYLE & STILL LIFE photography and want to take better photos. I’m here to help.
Join my upcoming Lifestyle Photography Academy. Now, more than ever, is a perfect time to join an online program. You can study without leaving your home.
In the program I’ll take you behind the scenes to uncover the how-to’s of capturing BEAUTIFUL images using simple + easy-to-follow steps. If you’re ready to transform your photography together with other big-hearted creatives, now is the time to enroll.
In the meantime, take really good care of yourself and stay safe my friend.
Imagine sharing your vision and talent with the world by creating a successful photography career where you are creatively fulfilled, confidently skilled, booked solid and well-paid.
That’s what I had in mind when I first got started with photography…
I started out not knowing anything about photography, styling or editing, with no clients or studio, a cheap camera and crappy kit-lens.
I even shot in AUTO mode for the first two years in my business!
Self-taught all the way, I made so many mistakes along the way – including over-editing my images, saying yes to the wrong type of clients, not having a photography niche and undercharging.
And yet I managed to create a business with increasing revenue every year since + I’ve been published in numerous magazines around the world like Elle, Harpers Bazar, Conde Nast Traveller, Marie Claire just to name a few.
How did I get here?
I got here by overcoming my struggles and leaving my comfort zone. I got here by practicing a lot and working my tail off. There’s no other way.
Most of all, I got here by not giving up on my dream. I kept trying when I experienced a setback. I kept walking (sometimes crawling) after I failed. I kept trusting that somehow I would find a way.
When I started out, I was living in a small house, drove an OLD car, had three small children, and a husband who was always travelling for work + a full-time job as a therapist. And my studio was the garage!
I later “upgraded” my studio to our tiny garden shed and this was my studio for many, many years, but before I left this “studio” I had been published many times in magazines all over the world.
Today, I live in my dream house, and I have a beautiful studio, my kids are all grown up and I get to do what I love and travel when I want.
I tell you this because I believe that you too can make your dream come true. Whatever it might be.
You gotta work on your dreams every day – even just a little. You can’t stand still. You can’t allow your daily life to melt your dreams away. Move forward step by step. Keeping momentum is incredible important.
You gotta take some chances. Take some risks. Jump into the unknown because your dream life is outside your comfort zone.
And most importantly; don’t find excuses for not following your passion. You gotta create. Use the equipment you have. You don’t need a fancy studio, all you need is to practice your skills in as many ways as possible.
You don’t need a fancy title. You don’t need a fancy education. You just need to practice until you become so good they cannot ignore you.
And I’m here to help you get started with the first and most important steps in your new journey; the photography basics and beyond!
In The Lifestyle Photography AcademyI share EVERYTHING with you so you don’t have to repeat my mistakes + I’ve made my course fun, inspiring and easy-to-follow.
If you’re ready to up-level your photography skills and make a living doing what you love? Then you’re a perfect fit for my online photography intensive program focusing on creativity, storytelling, styling, food, still life, interior, flowers, travel and much, much more!
Dig deep into your passion, develop your personal signature style. Explore new trends and experiment with the latest photography + editing techniques.
No more guessing, no more frustrations… I’m here to support you on your photography journey.
I sincerely hope you will join me.
You get:
√ LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP √ Participation in our exclusive FACEBOOK GROUP √ 32 brand NEW Lightroom Video Tutorials √ Access to support and Q&A √ Blogging + Business Training √ Exclusive Behind the Scenes Masterclasses √ Plus, much, much more!