Florals & Flash

  Still trying to learn how to use my flash off camera, we have been going over it photo forum and I wanted to try some of the things they have covered.  I am able to get the look I want sometimes but nothing consistently and I never know exactly what I am doing for sure.  It has been more enjoyable this go around and I haven't felt like I was going to hyperventilate yet so that is progress.



Boring Bird on a Fence

  This started as a boring image of a cute little bird on a fence but I decided to try a composite with texture to see what I could do with it.  I started in On1 and layered the bird image on top of the background and masked the background through at 100% opacity, then I painted in and out at about 20% the edges until I was happy with it.  Moved into effects and applied a texture, back into layers where I applied my background on top this time, using the lighten blending mode.  Now into LR where I did some basic adjustment, radial filter and vignette.  Not perfect but for my first composite type image I am happy with the outcome.  Now for more YouTube videos to learn some more techniques.

Bird on fence image

 

Background

Finished composite
 



The Baker Hotel

  We happened upon this grand old hotel on our way home and wish so badly that we could of gotten inside.  The hotel was put on the historical registry and there are plans for restoring it.  We will definitely book a room when and of they get it done! http://www.thebakerhotel.com/

 

 

 

Filming an Episode of Fixer Upper

  The last day we were there they were filming for an upcoming episode of Fixer Upper.  This is were their bakery, The Flour Shop, will be.  Chip was just as friendly and personable as you see on tv. 

 

Magnolia - The Store

First day there the crowd was so large we said forget it!

 

Joanna's signature Magnolia wreath

We closed the place down!
 

Magnolia - The Grounds at "The Silos"



 

 

JoJo's garden area

Just one of several food trucks that were available,
it really was made to be an all day affair!

This green area was for family fun, they had yard games
available to use or just a great place to picnic

 



Bridges Over Brazos River





 The Waco Suspension Bridge crosses the Brazos River in Waco, Texas. It is a single-span suspension bridge with a main span of 475 feet. Opened in 1869, it contains nearly 3 million bricks.

 

Waco Suspension Bridge walkway
 

Full moon over the bridge

 

Washington Street bridge with
McLane Stadium home of the Baylor Bears