Hello lovelies! How has your week been? Over the past few days, I’ve been thinking a lot about creativity and I therefore stumbled across a Youtuber / Instagrammer who makes me bubble over with excitement at the possibilities. Her name is Kika (she’s from Finland) and she does ‘creative self portraits’ which are absolutely stunning. She is so full of enthusiasm and joie de vivre that I stalked followed her everywhere lol. Watching her talk and see her beautiful creations reminded me of how much I love to ‘manipulate’ images to create ‘art’ on the computer. I’m not terribly good at it, but I enjoy it and that’s what really matters, right?
Anyway, I first started doing photoshop creativity many years ago when I worked in publishing, but more recently I only did it for my book covers and it was something that really gave me fire in my belly. But I never did it for anything else, other than my own book covers. So, I’ve decided to start playing again—to create pretty images that I can share on my blog and instagram. I’ll be tying it in with my usual style and lifestyle posts, but will also try and create one or two more unusual pics as well (hopefully!). It’s all a learning curve so be patient with me! By the way, I mentioned Photoshop (above) but I haven’t actually used that for years. I use Affinity Photo and Affinity Designer, both of which are absolutely amazing, and a hell of a lot cheaper!
So what kicked all this off in the first place? Well, it started because I realised I wasn’t terribly happy with my blog photos. I felt they were lacking. So I’ve been doing (and will continue to do) some research about photography and decided to start shooting my photos in RAW format. I was so happy when I saw an immediate improvement! But, like I said, it’s all a learning curve and it will take me some time to nail it, I’m sure.
The other thing that had me thinking about all this stuff is the realisation that I must stop thinking of myself as a bit old to be doing it all. I know, I know, it’s ridiculous. But lately I have found myself thinking, on occasion, ‘Oh, I can’t pose for photos like that because I’m 45’, or, ‘If only I was twenty years younger, then I could pose differently and create more beautiful photos’. I mean, BLAH BLAH BLAH…GAWD…considering I’m always telling other people they can do whatever they want to do, regardless of their age, perhaps I should listen to my own advice! So yes, I might be 45 but I can still move, I can still laugh, I can still do everything else most twenty-year-olds can do (well, within reason), so why the heck shouldn’t I pose and post photos like I’m their age? Do you know what I mean?!? Just because I’ve got a few more wrinkles certainly shouldn’t stop me!
So from now on, you will find photos (and videos) of me clowning around as if I’m eighteen again! There is absolutely no reason why I shouldn’t. And if it gives me pure enjoyment, I’m going to carry on doing it whether you like it or not. But then, I guess if you don’t like it, you’re probably no longer reading anyway lol. So with any luck (and new-found skill!), my photos will be more artsy (let’s get that creativity spark lit baby!), more punchy and more polished. Well, that’s the plan anyway lol.
So, what are these particular photos all about? (Because they’re not very fashiony or really about creativity are they lol?) Well, this is the kind of thing I wear when I’m working at home and I figured, why not share that too? So, the other day I wore all blue—my light blue jeans, a light blue vest (both from H&M), a blue denim shirt (Primark) and my blue Woden trainers. And because I wanted a shock of colour, I added a red hairband to match my glasses and a slick of red lippy. Not the most exciting of outfits, but perfectly acceptable for working at home or for nipping down to the supermarket.
Because Kika had fuelled my creativity (!), I decided to pose with a bowl of big, beautiful red strawberries too! They were absolutely delicious, by the way. And their fragrance was divine! I also posed with Luna, and tried to pose with Shannon the cat, but while I was holding her, my mannequin fell over and spooked the shit out of her. This, of course, led to her clawing the hell out of my back. Hence no photos of Shannon :/
Anyway, today is the Neverending Style Link-up so I hope you’ll add all your fabulous posts—any subject allowed. I’ve been wondering whether I should move the link-up to Monday or Wednesday seeing as it doesn’t seem too popular on a Friday? Or perhaps that’s just because it’s so new? Let me know your thoughts! See you next week! Oh, please don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow me on Instagram!
Last week’s favourite was Laurie from Vanity and Me who has finally found a pair of leather trousers that she absolutely loves AND they didn’t break the bank! Well worth checking out! I’m a huge fan of Laurie’s, and if you’re not a follower, I highly recommend her blog as well as her Youtube channel.
I hope you’ll link up all your blog posts and Instagram posts too! I look forward to seeing you!
Suzy,
I say go with the flow whenever your creativity is sparked. I’ve noticed the change in your photos and you’re doing a great job experimenting with poses and editing your images. I’d suggest staying with your current day for your link-up. It takes time to build a following. I hope you have a fabulous weekend.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Thank you so much for your comments, Rena! They mean a lot to me.
Have a fantastic weekend too!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Suzy, I love everything about this post from your perspective and positive attitude to this adorable denim outfit! The hints of red are perfection! I just checked out Kika’s website and IG. How fun is she! I can totally understand how she sparked your creative fire in the belly. I love that you are going forward and trying new things…even at your very ancient age of 45! Haha. 45 is the new 25, didn’t you know that?! LOL There are definitely days when I feel in my 40’s but mostly I just keep acting like a child. I like it better that way! As for Friday link parties, my Friday one gets way more attention than my Tuesday one so I am thinking that you just need a little more time for yours to grow. I would give it a few months at least before switching the day!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Shelbee, thank you so much for your wonderful and warm comments. I guess I had forgotten that 45 was the new 25 LOL11! Thanks for the reminder 😉
I will keep the linkup on a Friday then, I’m probably just being a bit impatient!!
Have a fabulous weekend, my friend!
Hugs
Suzy xx
We creatives just have to create don’t we? And I love your red. Visiting from the link up on the edge.
Thank you so much, Lauren! I’ve always been creative with my writing and I’ve wanted to delve into other avenues so I’m thrilled to have found something to be passionate about! Thanks for stopping by, I really appreciate it.
Hugs
Suzy xx
Suzy, I have also been thinking recently that I want to take my image creativity up a notch (not for outfit photos but for other photo projects), but I was feeling a bit of Photoshop cost and learning curve trepidation. So thanks for the recommendation of an alternative tool! The programs are currently 50% off, so $24.99 each, if anyone else has been sparked by this post. I am looking forward to watching your blog photos evolve as you head down this road. I am a couple years older than you, and I’m not too old to learn anything. I figure that a commitment to lifelong learning plus all the knowledge, experience, and (hopefully at least a little bit of) wisdom I have earned in the almost 50 years I’ve been alive means I’m just going to get more awesome over time! And that’s true of every one of us.
Sally, you have just made my day! I LOVE it when I recommend a good product and it resonates with a reader. I’ve been using Affinity Photo for a few years now and I love it! The fact that it’s so affordable is brilliant too, of course lol. If you need any tips and tricks for it, I highly recommend Olivio Sarikas on YouTube. His videos are exactly what I need whenever I have doubts, and he’s a lot of fun!
Thank you for the lovely comment, Sally! You’ve inspired me 🙂
Hugs
Suzy xx
I like Friday for your link up as I have been doing less linking up per day: trying to do only 2 to 3 as it takes time to link up and then comment on other posts. I wouldn’t do Wednesday as there are quite a lot then! The link up is still fairly new so that could be it. Anyhow loving all of your creativity with your pictures and how you are willing to learn. I need to make the time to learn myself as I have a great camera that I should use! So far I am using new locations to help me be more creative!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thank you so much, Mireille! Others have said I do the same too, so I will stick to Friday and see what happens. I’ll be interested to see what happens with your photos when you start using your camera more. And I have noticed you’ve been to some fabulous locations lately. I’m quite envious!
Hugs, and thanks again for stopping by – I really do appreciate you!
Suzy xx
I love your creative and playful shots – go for it! I sometimes think about getting more interesting backgrounds- going into London – but it’s me and a tripod so I never feel brave enough (unless I went in at 6am!). xx
Thanks Gail! I doubt I would be brave enough either. I mean, London?! I would be scared to death lol! I hadn’t realised that’s where you live? If I was anywhere near London, I would head to some of the amazing old cemeteries like Abney Park to take photos! Mind you, I’ve always had a bit of a thing for graveyards and I appreciate it’s not everyone’s cup of tea!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Isn’t it fun to be creative with anything that has to do with our blogs. I love that you try new things and be open to it! That’s how we learn! Have a great weekend!
Awww thank you so much, Nancy! I couldn’t agree more about the learning process. I spent much of yesterday fooling around with my camera and some Star Wars toys LOL! All will be revealed soon 😉
Hugs
Suzy xx
Getting creative and not be afraid of trying new things is what keeps us doing what we like to do and share it with other similar creative minds. Love your images, they reflect your personality in a more intimate and fun way.
Anna, you are so kind to say that. Thank you! I’m having fun with all this creative stuff, even though many of the images are a bit ‘unsuccessful’ but it’s a learning curve, right?!
Hugs
Suzy xx
I love all these beautiful, fun photos! Thanks for the party!
You’re really kind, Amy! Thank you so much for your kind comments and for stopping by.
Hugs
Suzy xx
Good for you. I am reliant on hubby for taking pics and apart from brightening or making them sharper, I do not know how to do anything else. These pics are fab. You go for it girl. You are YOUNG…
And I will join in on Fridays. I need to be more organised…
Kika kept me amused during the early days of lockdown. She’s so very creative.
I can’t wait to see what you come up with. I’m thinking it’s time for me to get a bit more creative for work – ya know?
I bet she did, Daenel! I wish I’d have found her sooner! Yesterday I stumbled across another photographer who I’ve started watching on YouTube (because I love his personality and accent) — That Icelandic Guy. He’s so much fun!
I love seeing your photos, so I’m excited to hear you’re considering upping your creativity!!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Hmmm… props… I can do props. That is not too difficult. Animals? I worked in advertising and children and animals were the worst thing to photograph as they never sit still. Oh and food is another difficult category.
I admire your zest.
Greetje