I came across these amazing striped shirt portraits by illustrator Mary Matson (who really deserves another post, so, so talented), each piece was inspired by a striped shirt belonging to one of Mary’s fabulous friends. The artwork is being sold in limited editions for Japan at the delightful Chance. You do know about Chance don’t you? If not you are going to want to kiss me through the screen for introducing you to this emporium of simplicity and chicness.  Word on the street is there is a brick and mortar store in NYC, if this is true I am adding it to my ‘must visit’ list when I am there next week.  Yes, I may be leaving for New York, in the middle of summer where the humidity will be so thick even my naturally straight hair will develop a wave. I am going for a client but plan on extending my time there a couple days so I can do important things like visit M+J Trimming (a crafter’s mecca).  I am also hoping to meet up with some fellow photo enthusiasts and shoot in Central Park.  I was lucky enough to be able to do this once with one of my Souvenir Foto School students and it was such a thrill to be able to meet a cyber friend in person. So if you are in New York next week and feel like taking a stroll around the park at twilight with me (and you are not an axe murderer) send me an email. If you guessed that I will need to hold off on my soft launch for Besotted Brand you would be correct. With all this anticipation I certainly hope I won’t be letting anyone down, I do know that no matter what I will be over the moon to finally unveil my shop and be able to finally share it with you.

This has become one of my favorite photographs, I couldn’t wait to share it with you, I wanted the timing to be just right. The photo is by photographer David Vincent Wolf.  Look very closely at the little girl in the striped sweater, her face filled with awe. The little girl is Mr. Wolf’s daughter and he captured this shot of her at the perfect moment, the first time she ever saw fireworks.  I love that expression, I love how creative this shot is and what an amazing story this photo tells.  Here is to your day being filled with amazement too. Happy 4th of July!

It feels like a holiday weekend, doesn’t it?  I am in a celebratory mood and it’s as good a day as any  for confetti.  It seems the blogosphere has fallen deep as well with this obsession.  They say Disneyland is the happiest place on earth but I beg to differ, it seem Blogland is.  What other place could create such a worldwide fervor over things such as cupcakes, bunting, confetti and balloons?  I created some simple confetti photoshop brushes to play with in your posts, on your photo’s or whatever creative endeavor you choose. 

I know you wouldn’t but please note my freebies are not to be re-sold as is, that wouldn’t be very nice now would it? Happy weekend everyone!

No 1. Confetti System Meteorite Pinata  No. 2. Ban.do sequin heart shoe clips   No. 3.Kristina Marie Confetti Garland No.4. Darbie Angel Confetti tumbler No.5 Free Confetti Photoshop Brushes!

P.S. Not sure how to load or use Photoshop brushes?  Please visit Rhonna Farrer (a.k.a. the expert) and you’ll be good to go in no time.

My friend Andree always emails me the bestest photo resources and photography inspiration links.  I don’t know how she is able to sleuth such goodness from the sea of goodness out there, but she is always able to edit, refine and send something that I will love.  Andree turned me on to The Photo Argus, which I quickly signed up for, the other day they sent me an email with Warren Krupsaw’s Gem + Mineral photographs, I loved how they look like modern art.  I think the concept is so original and creative. In Mr. Krupsaw’s article he generously shares with the reader how they can go about shooting their own Gem + Mineral photo’s.  I have my own little collection of gems at my studio and am eager to give this a try.  If you are looking for some photo inspiration I highly recommend signing up for the Photo Arugus newsletter, there’s always a small photo treasure to be mined on their site.