Inspiration Photo Friday: Childhood Freedom

09 Friday Nov 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art & Design, Inspiration Photo Friday

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carnival, children, memories, photography, rides, swings, treats

I have loved carnivals since I was a child. The energy they hold is so unique. From the rides and games to all the yummy treats, you can’t deny yourself a good time. I took this photo a few months ago when it was still nice out. There was a carnival here in Brookhaven township and I had to go take some photos while I had the chance. Okay, okay, I will admit, it was purely for the zeppoles. They are my favorite!

While I watched the kids laugh and scream with glee on the swings, it brought me back to the good old days when we had no worries. We can simply enjoy ourselves without any stress or real life problems on our mind. I have been on this ride a few times in my day and it truly feels free. Legs swinging in the air, the wind kissing your cheeks and that floating feeling that just overcomes you is amazing. Such fun memories.

I decided to add an effect to the photograph to give it more of a vintage whimsy feel. I think it allows the image to breathe while feeling ever so light and airy. Just like how you feel when you ride the swings. What does this photo make you think of?

{You can purchase this photo as a set in my Etsy shop for $10}

Inspiration Photo Friday: Reflection

26 Friday Oct 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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art, building, city, creativity, dark, design, explore, inspiration photo friday, light, manhatten, mind, modern art, MOMA, museum, new york, new york city, perspective, photography, Reflection

This will always be one of my favorite photos I’ve taken. It was captured about 5 years ago while I was visiting the MOMA in the city. I turned around to look out the window and was fascinated by my reflection and how the light perfectly lit up a scene outside where people were gathered. The street seemed bare and quiet except for that one entrance area. And I just happened to be standing right above it.

The dichotomy of this photo will always amaze me. On one side, the dark city. On the other, a moment captured through my lens showing the lighter side. Here my reflection acts as a shadow allowing the darkness to come through while the light that surrounds me, brings attention to the subjects outside. Two worlds coming together. What do you think the main subject is here? Outside the window or in?

Sometimes if you step outside yourself for a moment, you can see a much different perspective than before. Reflections don’t always show you what everyone else sees. They can offer a glimpse into a new realm where the mind can wander and explore.

Inspiration Photo Friday: The Blue

12 Friday Oct 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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blue, color, earth, gray, interior design, moss, natural, nature, new jersey, palette, photography, raritan, rocks, stream, water

I always liked this photo because it was serene. The delicate water resting against the earthbound rocks set a nice canvas for nature to shine. The fantastic blue of the sky showing its reflection oh so beautifully in the water makes me smile. The moss slightly peeks out among the stream. Earth is truly a main character here.

I shot this in Raritan, New Jersey about 6 years ago. I remember that quiet March day being nice and cool and the setting where I was taking photographs was calm. No one was around which left me and my subjects at ease. No distractions. No unnecessary noise. Just me and the blue.

The color scheme from this photo is a great inspiration for interior spaces as well as events. I have this palette throughout my own home because it is soothing, earthy and adrogynous. It allows for many accent colors to come into play as well. Think of it as a natural background for endless possibilities.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Hideaway

05 Friday Oct 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places, Inspiration Photo Friday

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abandoned, basement, black and white, buildings, horror, new jersey, park, photography, Skillman, skillman village, somerset county, stairs, stairwell, State Village for Epileptics

I took this photo back in 2006 when I lived in Jersey. It’s a place in Skillman called Skillman Village, a little town filled with a school, living quarters, playgrounds and even a small hospital and fire department. Founded in 1898, it was once the State Village for Epileptics but has been abandoned since 1998. Last year, the town started its $15 million dollar demolition to turn it into the new Somerset County Park. I am happy I got to visit twice before this because it is an interesting place to explore.

There are many photos I took this day which I will eventually share in a post but I chose this one for inspiration photo friday for a reason. It is the last building I went in before I was caught and escorted out of the village. This was the first photo I took going into the basement and only two more followed.

I found the stairwell intriguing even though it looked like a scene in a horror film. It was dark, dreary and dirty and the basement was the same. From looking at this image I imagine a whole world of possibilities of where it could lead to. It really does get you thinking and that is what inspiration is all about. Although it may not be the happiest of photographs, it surely lures you in and forces your imagination to run wild. This is exactly why I captured it.