Tub Fun with Grace

I'm really enjoying experimenting with new digital photo software, textures and digital painting techniques. I shot some experimental photos of "my" Grace while she was home over the holidays. I used to subject her to "Barbie Sessions" when she was younger and living at home. It had been a long time since we had a play session! I tortured the poor girl with this one. 

I have seen some cool photos by other photographers using milk in water. I wanted to give it a try and used Grace as my victim. We used almond milk then added some dark chocolate soy milk for some contrast. The poor girl smelled chocolate for days after submerging her head in the milky mess.

Unfortunately, the light in our bathroom was pretty dim. I had to crank my ISO high, resulting in a lot of grain and noise. I really didn't mind the grain once I started applying textures and layers in Photoshop. I will try this again on a brighter day.

I bet Grace CAN'T WAIT!!

Before and After

Summer Grace

The weather is finally starting to get tolerable here in Michigan! At least I can feel my face now when I walk outside. This balmy 39 degree temp made me nostalgic for summer.

Last summer I experimented with underwater photography using Gracie as my model. I didn't use any fancy equipment- only a low res underwater point-and-shoot I borrowed from a friend. I also put my point-and-shoot in a waterproof bag to try that option. The bag photos were pretty much worthless, but the borrowed camera produced a few grainy images that were kind of fun! We sunk a doll, some flowers, gloves, dresses and a backdrop that late summer afternoon. I was bummed that more images weren't viable, but it was fun to play in the pool with Gracie! There's also some extreme magnification that happens underwater (notice the extreme cropping). I definitely need more practice.

I recently started experimenting with Alien Skin Exposure 5 software. I love messing with all of the filter options. I thought these grainy pool photos would be perfect to mess around with. I'm liking this vintagey look!