Sue Thomas

I don't know about anyone else, but I will often use techniques, layouts, even get inspiration from previous workshops, when showcasing photos. As a diamond member you can access these workshops at any time for a refresher of any of the techniques etc used. Lovely photo of the brown rabbit, it resembles the little brown rabbits we get, and not a hare. The ears are the main giveaway.

We are like to 2 peas in a pod, I won the Periodical script the other week, and you won the zig zag script. We have both showcased photos using our winnings within a day of each other. Not only that Carole has featured examples of our frames in this weeks blog. Coincidence or what!! 🙂

You chose the perfect main background element, as it would pass for the Spring Magnolia flower in the photo.

I made the Simnel cake a month back, for Mother's Day on the 10th March. The date differs every year, as do Easter. Traditionally they are not as rich as Xmas fruit cakes. It has a layer of home made almond paste through the centre of the cake and on top. Not being relgious my mother and I carried the tradition on by having the cake for Mothering Sunday. As it does have significance for that day. The eleven balls is suposed to represent the 11 apostles. I decorated it purely for an Easter photo, them removed the eggs. Finally downloaded the psp template, to correctly participate in this challenge. The colours I took from the photo. Pinned element, scallops, ring is my own, the tag is one I made back in 2021. Carole's corner and page punches.

Much appreciated! I always start with a photo, from there I have a focal point, whether it's a square, rectangle or circle shape. All to often I then work my way out with layers, text, elements.

They are such delightful arctic finches, with a distinctive beautiful song. I'm surprised as according to my book, they can be sighted from the west coat to east coast, even Newfoundland.

I don't think naming a font is any different from any other artist naming their work. Creating power in the name and an innate ability to draw meaning for it. The font I chose besides having a dramatic name, also has a dramatic style to it, which I considered to be appropriate for the event which was taking place, meaning the eclipse. I also think that many font names are chosen to advertize the font, which have many extras. Displaying them for marketing purposes. Being artists I think the former is more the case, when it comes to naming fonts.

Most definately!

The font is Troemys. I had a little play with the script, it certainly does have potential, along with several options to choose from.

I must admit I was disappointed, as I was hoping for a more defined eclipse. I stayed up until 1.15am As the eclipse started at 10.53pm, maximum was 1.12am, ending at 3.32am this morning. The duration of the eclipse was 4hrs 39 mins. It was an ideal opportuntiy to use the Periodical script which I won. The next ecplise will be a total eclipse on the 8th April, beginning at 11.53am.

Nell is enjoying the heat of the morning sun. She is the younger of my 2 girls.

I honestly do appreciate your words. This community oozes encouragement, help, support and inspiration. Not forgetting constructive criticism, which I find is important, when received in the manner in which it is given.

I didn't have anything specific in mind this evening to create. I randomly chose a photo from my trip home, created a layout/template, wordart, background paper, and used one of Carole's punches. Using vector shapes particularly for the circles not only gives nice clean lines, I'm able to do text on a path. Retaining the vectors, once I have duplicated and converted to rasters to colourize, texture etc.

Outrageously bold! I love it.

Stunning page! I was taking photos of Primroses in Cornwall in January. I like that you added a shadow to the frame, something I don't normally do for this particular effect, but I do like it. It gives it a nice little bit of depth.

Beautiful image! Spring is still a long way off here. I'm in a bit of a quandary, unless something else comes along for me to photograph. Ground squirrel or Redpoll photo?

Adding elements can be tricky, as I feel they have to be in keeping with the page, at the same time complimenting the page. As you say some elements are non descript. I totally agree the page has to be balanced. The photos direct me, helping me to create an even flow to the page. The photo will envoke the memory of taking the shot, such as what the weather was like at the time. I get the impression that you tend to overthink, I wonder if it's because you are still evolving your own unique style.

You most certaily do! It goes to show how observant you are. Taking the time to actually look at the page, as subtle as that detail is. It is a snow scene from out in the horses field. I achieved what I set out to do, it made you really look. As I stated in my previous comment ( ground squirrels).

Today a flock of around 30 Redpolls stopped off en route north for a feed. The snow is slowly going. It would appear I sparked some interest in the technique I used the other day and again in this layout. I've given some tips, but should anyone need more instruction, let me know. I created a word frame with a twist, outlined text on the letters R and F, lifted the one comrer. I forgot to mention that I created the letterboard, in the previous layout, matching the colour of the wood frame with the ground squirrels.

Yesterday was a beautiful day, sun shining as it almost always does. Generating more and more heat every day, brought out the first of the ground squirrels. Temperature raised to +13c. Of course I had to take photos of them, also fed them with carrots and nuts. Which they filled their cheeks with to take back to their burrows. The three that emerged were half grown, undoubtedly born later in the season last year. There was a bitter cold wind today, which meant they weren't going to venture out. At least yesterday they had a chance to replenish their larders. Continuing with the topic of photography, when I take photos there are several thoughts on my mind, such as visualizing how the shot will look. Lighting, distracting objects, angle and so on. Hoping to take a shot that will appeal to a wide audience, evoke emotion and compel myself and any viewer to keeping looking. In my opinion, that is the essence of a good photo. The same applies to my layouts. When you create layouts, what thoughts run through your mind?

Should be plain sailing, once you download and use the corrent file!

As I commented to Cristina's words, I deeply appreciate your, and many others within the campus family for their exceedingly inspiring, complimentary comments. It’s an absolute pleasure for me to share my photography, through showcasing them with you all. As I have said many times before I am very much an amateur photographer, learning and improving as I go along. I have learnt to think more about the elements of an image which will make them more appealing to myself and the viewer. Showcasing them isn’t any different, in my layouts, first and foremost the layout must not take presidence over the image, whilst still making it appealing to myself and the viewer.

As always, you are profoundly complimentary. I reciprocate, by saying I profoundly appreciate your words, my dear friend! For nice clean circles I use a vector shape (circle), then use selections, from vector object.

I admire your tenacity in persevering with the jpeg. I opted to create my own slip it in effect. As for rotating the photo area, I can not stress strongly enough, never ever rotate anything which has shadows which can not be removed, in a jpeg or png. Oh well, we are constantly learning, through trial and error.

The folder I downloaded didn't include the psp file either. I couldn't work out how to use the jpeg either. What a relief, as I thought I was having a mental block. Especially after seeing what Ann and Corrie had posted.