Behind The Scenes

So I did manage to get some shots in with Madison before my camera died (although the battery charger is still missing in action). I wanted to show a sort of behind the scenes with her. I found this backdrop paper and stand on Craigslist for a good price. This was my first time trying it out and ideally it would be wider, but I guess that's what cropping is for! When I looked for the seamless paper, I also looked for lights, but found that they're quite expensive, and just too far out of my budget, even for the older lights. I also don't have a whole lot of space at the shop, we tried to do this while customers shopped around us, haha. So basically I am at the mercy of the sunlight or lack there of, and the rest is made up with Photoshop editing.

Before-

Once upon a time I wanted to be a graphic designer, back when I would make artsy graphics and avatars and graphic design was the new hot thing (wow that kind of ages me, but what's weirder is to imagine a world without so much computer generated design). Since then, I am not as in practice. I learned a few years ago that in Photoshop you can use Levels (under Image>Adjustments) to kind of fix the lighting if it's too dark or add some darkness for contrast (for some reason it works better than just changing the brightness/contrast.. I think). For my pictures lately, I have been using Auto Tone and Auto Contrast quite a bit. You'd be surprised the difference it makes with my photos because I have yellow lighting in my store that doesn't always make things look so pretty. I also sometimes use Auto Color although it doesn't always look as accurate. Besides that, I might Filter>Sharpen to give it more crispness.

After-


The above photo didnt need a ton of work in my opinion, besides I really shouldnt have had that sunlight in the photo, but I am not a pro, okay!? I wanted to lighten it a bit more, but then her face was getting too white. I'm sure I could individually select her skin/head, but that is getting complicated for all the photos I have to edit. I am still learning, so if anyone has some tips for me, please feel free to pass them along!

A lot of people use different filters/actions on images to make them look vintage and I am interested in learning how to do that as well, although I wouldn't use this effect for clothing I am going to sell because it wouldn't truly represent them.

So anyway, I am editing pictures and getting a few items up on Etsy! Will post more about that soon.

I Won't Slip

This video might induce motion sickness, but I dig the song. Pvt - Window.

For Changing the World

I like this. Print your own.

Good Deals

I just got these boots for $88 w/ shipping (originally $170). From Aldo.

I cant decide if the fur is tacky or awesome, I think awesome. I've been wanting tall lace-up boots forever. I pretty much just live in my cheap forever 21 boots and they always get wet/cold so I figured it was time for an upgrade. I hope these will be good for the slush of winter, but I am not expecting miracles. I think I'll still need some waterproof snow boots.

In other news, I was hoping to do a small photo-shoot with Madison today, but I can't find my camera battery charger anywhere. Ahhh so frustrating. Maybe we can get a few shots in before it dies.

Safe from the Cold

The above photos were taken of some items around my shop by the wonderful Glenn Bo.

Well it's here, Christmas! I am very excited to be getting out of town (hoping the traffic doesn't make me regret that). We are headed to Delaware for the weekend to visit my boyfriend's family. His niece and nephews get Christmas gifts galore and I am anticipating many smiling faces. We were pretty low-key with presents this year, but I did decide to give out some holiday cheer and make infused vodka with fresh organic cranberries and organic vanilla bean from the Beacon Natural Market. It has been infusing in my kitchen drawer and is ready for a taste test tomorrow! Then it's off to a pretty bottle and new owners.

Anyway, I hope you all have an amazing holiday season. My hours are a little wonky because Christmas and New Years both fall on weekends, so next week I am anticipating only being open Wednesday the 29th and Thursday the 30th. I will be closed for the weekend and open like normal the following Monday. I will update the facebook and website if anything changes.

The below song isnt the most uplifting Chrismas song, but I like it, haha.