Friday, March 4
by Karen Robert
I just came across these photos done by photographer Irina Werning. She takes old photos, has the subject repose in a similar way, then she tweaks it in Photoshop. It has an uncanny way of showing how you’ve grown and changed, though weirdly, how you haven’t changed. Check it out:
Here is what Irina says in her words:
“I love old photos. I admit being a nosey photographer. As soon as I step into someone else’s house, I start sniffing for them. Most of us are fascinated by their retro look but to me, it’s imagining how people would feel and look like if they were to reenact them today… A few months ago, I decided to actually do this. So, with my camera, I started inviting people to go back to their future.”
To see more of her work go to: http://irinawerning.com/back-to-the-fut/back-to-the-future/
All Photographs © Irina Werning
Saturday, December 11
by Karen Robert
A lot of people are using the “American Gothic” painting as inspiration for all sorts of things; holiday cards, wedding portraits, ads, and just for fun. There were so many images to choose from ,this is just a smattering of what’s out there. but I chose these to show you because they seemed a good cross section of different styes and ideas of how to mimic this historic painting.
This is the original American Gothic Painting By Grant Woods
Classic black and white image by Gordon Parks of Ella Watson is a parodying the American Gothic Painting.
The Beverley Hillbilly’s pose like the American Gothic Painting. This was perhaps a precursor to the whole fad?
American Gothic Christmas Card done by Brian Bowker, in the book “Merry Christmas From…150 cards you wish you’d received”.
See it at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bowkerhouse/2088605125/
This photo is taken by photographer, Tristan Spinski of his parents in an American Gothic pose for their Christmas card
This is a very well done photoshop job. Found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mjameshall/371493809
A fun couple photoshopped themselves as the American Gothic Painting
Found here: http://oddguyart.wordpress.com/
Fun photoshopped portrait of kids posing American Gothic style
Created by Theresa Thompson at http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresasthompson/2210407036
Dog’s even get into the action in this American Gothic parody.
Found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/katydaly/311448055/
Great picture of a couple posing American Gothic style.
Shot by Jackie Good at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jakig/2651077624
Posted by jessica toney photography at
http://www.hallmarkhipsters.net/hallmark/hipsters/archive/2008_01_01_archive.html
This card is strangely similar to the Brain Bowker one above.
Found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/15318056@N07/4457002279/
Beautiful bLack and white photo of a couple posing in American Gothic Style
http://www.flickr.com/photos/godkinphoto/4097491878/
Or you can use the American Gothic theme for a wedding portrait as shown at Utah Bride.
Also at Utah Bride : http://www.utahbrideblog.com/?p=2323
This bride also used the American Gothic pose for her wedding Portrait.
Shot by Dave Robbins http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/etsy-finds-my-american-gothic-wedding-4288/
If you don’t have the photoshopping skills to make a photo like htis yourslef, you can cheat and get a costume with a frame, get it at :
http://www.costumecraze.com/HUMR153.html
Or you can have an image made for you with yor faces like this at findgift.com. What a fun present that would make to give your loved one for Christmas.
Go to: http://www.findgift.com/gift-ideas/pid-64670/
Sunday, November 28
by Karen Robert
I have shown you images before of people writing on themselves in a photo. I think it’s a great way of getting a message across. This time I am posting about writing on the knuckles as if they are tattoos. It’s a concept I am thinking of using for our Christmas card this year. The knuckle tattooing trend was, I think, started by gangs where they tattooed hateful things on their knuckles. I have been seeing photos of all sorts of non-hateful things being written on knuckles and a few fun cards like that as well, so I am thinking that MAYBE my teens wouldn’t mind doing something like that this year. At least they don’t have to stand there and look attractive. I did some research and found the following photos inspiring.
By Jeff Holmes on his Flickr site
Found here on Flickr
Fun idea in a blog by Archie Mcphee
Unknown
Unknown
Flickr
unknown
Rocker tattoo
knuckles
Unknown
I’m trying out my idea tomorrow for my card. I’ll show you if I am successful.
Friday, November 26
by Karen Robert
After my posting a few days ago on the Sigler family Christmas card using long exposure in their photos, I decided to do a little more research into this new art form. People are calling it light graffiti. It is similar to graffiti tagging, but the good news is that the effect created by the light is no longer visible after the artist moves on. What a great concept to use for your card. An image like this would make for great invitiations, Christmas cards, or even as a way of sending a message like, “I love you” or “will you marry me?” How original would that be?
In order to make light graffiti all you need is a light source, such as a flashlight, light saber, glowstick, blinking LED light or sparklers. For the best results you should use a tripod when taking pictures. The exposure on your camera should be set to between 10 and 30 seconds, but can be as long as you need to get the effect you want. Set the camera to iso100 and close the aperture as much as you can. By standing in front of the camera and moving around you will become nothing more than a blur. Or, if you choose to stay still and interact with the light image, you can still be seen in the photo. Wherever the light is moved a streak of light is created that will show up in the photo later. 
Light graffiti message saying “I am here”
Light Grafitti New Year’s Message
Light Graffiti saying “Happy Holidays”
Light graffiti showing hearts
Light graffiti of a guy losing his cool
Light graffiti of an angel….
…and a devil
Using light to show the statues enjoying a little music,
A Light Ghost resting
A lost city of lights
Light graffiti of pac man
Light Graffiti Spider
Light graffiti of a soccer goal 
Light graffiti of a car chasing a man
Light graffiti of a people crossing a crosswalk 
Light graffiti of a girl showing her aura?
Light graffiti of figure making crop circles
Light graffiti of a rocker and his guitar 
Light graffiti of the word “sky” up in the sky
Light graffiti of a couple using long exposure and light
Light graffiti of a VW van looking ghostly
Of course, with this time of year upon us, I am thinking everyone should go out and make a Holiday card like this, I’m thinking about it…but I have other ideas as well. More to come.
