Friday, October 16, 2009

Picture Proud


I've been blogging for a little more than a year now, mostly on topics that deal with interior design, but as you know if you've been reading for any great length of time - I will dive off into rants and raves about who knows what when my mind starts to run a muck. It wasn't until recently that I decided to purchase a better camera to catalog the things that I was blogging about, whether it be flowers, gardens, Chinese pottery ... you name it, and I've more than likely said something about it here.
The camera is simple, a Sony a200 DSLR that takes a great photo - even with a novice at the wheel. Perusing through old images on the blog and on the hard drive, I've come across a few that were pretty good ...

The new hallway vignette.


An old camera shot of the train cart in the sunroom.


The summer garden picnic.


More books on the train cart. Love the shadows of gray.


Two of my favorite things in the living room - the old door and the new orchid. Harmony, right?


The heavy orange - fall look.


And the semi- out of focus spring look taken with the old camera.


And we can't forget about the screen door project! Oh how I loved this summer!

After pouring over image after image however, I found that I simply don't have enough good shots of Casa de la Vanderdogan. The house is filled with things we cherish and love, all of which I have tried to put together in beautiful and meaningful collections.

I've learned that pictures on a blog are most important, with text following in a close second. How many of you actually read this post? (grin) Taking great pictures however takes time, and skill. Skill I'm honing, time I'm short, but I can try. So, this weekend, with camera in hand, I'm going to work on photographing Casa de la Vanderdogan (hopefully) as you've never seen it before. I'll share a few pictures each day next week, and gather your thoughts. Are you ready?

Have a beautiful weekend!

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40 comments:

  1. Blondie's JournalOctober 16, 2009 at 2:30 AM

    I am excited to see more of your casa, however I did read every word and will read every word. I think you are just more of a visual person, which you should be, given your line of expertise.

    I on the other hand, couldn't take a decent picture if my life depended on it, so I fill in the blanks, so to speak.

    So...keep snapping and writing, they go together like a wink and a nod! And, you are an excellent writer.

    xoxo
    Jane

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  2. Pat@Back Porch MusingsOctober 16, 2009 at 4:28 AM

    Sounds like a wonderful idea. I am going to love the results.

    You inspire me to do something similar here at our casa. I tend to take photos for a current post, that concerns whichever subject I'm thinking about. But a photo shoot of the entire house, for a single or series of posts, had not occurred to me. Perhaps a late fall/winter project, I would enjoy.

    Thanks for the inspiration, Artie.

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  3. Allie and PattieOctober 16, 2009 at 6:04 AM

    Artie, I can't wait! And for the record, I, too, read every word

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  4. From the Old InkWellOctober 16, 2009 at 7:23 AM

    Artie, love that train cart and old door! Enjoyed the tour and looking forward to more! Have a great day!

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  5. The TablescaperOctober 16, 2009 at 8:35 AM

    Hi Artie:

    I think you're right on target. Good photos are first, and text is second.

    It depends upon whose post it is as to whether or not I truly read it or scan it. It also depends upon the topic. Obviously I read yours! LOL

    I'm still working off a Canon Digital Elph, but hoping that Santa will bring me a real camera.

    I look at my old photos and tend not to use them. I've learned so much about taking better photos. Last week while I was taking the photos of my tablescape I wasn't feeling good about them, but couldn't figure out why. Thanks to the world of digital, I was able to download them, analize what I didn't like and reshoot. But we don't always have the time.

    I'd love to have a weekend to play as you're doing this weekend. I'm anxious to see the results!

    - The Tablescaper

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  6. erin's art and gardensOctober 16, 2009 at 8:48 AM

    the shot of the train cart is my fave. tight shot, nice angle, good composition and soothing colors....i am learning all about a new camera too, dontcha just love the delete button?! i have learned tons of great photography tips from pioneer woman. have fun snapping away!

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  7. Blue MuseOctober 16, 2009 at 8:51 AM

    Your photos are amazing, and your house is fabulous and your writing is superb -- and yes, I read every word!
    I love how you change things up so much in your house - I'm so much more a creature of habit, so I get a vicarious thrill from your house getting shaken up into so many different and beautiful looks - especially when you had all four chairs in the living room and the sofa in the sunroom! It looks gorgeous always, because everything you touch turns to gold Artie Midas.
    xo Isa

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  8. SueOctober 16, 2009 at 9:23 AM

    Read every word...and enjoyed the pictures. I've only recently found your blog, so everything is new to me here. I love the way that your love for your home is so obvious. I don't know that I ever completely love my home, I'm always thinking of something I want to change or tweek a bit. I look forward to the new pictures.

    Sue

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  9. Bargain Decorating with LaurieOctober 16, 2009 at 9:41 AM

    What a great idea! I can't wait to see the photos. However, the ones in this post look great to me, so you're already doing a fabulous job in my humble opinion. laurie

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  10. Miss Mustard SeedOctober 16, 2009 at 10:04 AM

    I love the screen door and the arrangement in the foyer. Both look very personal and rich. Great inspiration!

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  11. bjOctober 16, 2009 at 10:11 AM

    O, I always read blogs...and I do love lots of photos. You are really getting good with the camera and I am sure enjoying it all.

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  12. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeOctober 16, 2009 at 10:20 AM

    I love the pictures of your home. You have some beautiful decorations. I look forward to more. Hugs, Marty

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  13. Lou Cinda @ Tattered HydrangeasOctober 16, 2009 at 10:37 AM

    I read every word too! I do love the photos! Mine are not so great!

    I can't wait to see more!!

    Lou Cinda :)

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  14. JustineOctober 16, 2009 at 10:43 AM

    I ALWAYS read the post, not just look at the pictures. goodness sakes, this isn't Playboy! LOL!

    You've got some truly beautiful pictures there, so I can't wait to see what you come up with when you really set your mind to it!!!

    Justine :o )

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  15. MarigeneOctober 16, 2009 at 2:49 PM

    Waiting impatiently......!

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  16. MarigeneOctober 16, 2009 at 2:49 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  17. LynetteOctober 16, 2009 at 4:10 PM

    Well Artie - aren't you surprised at the number of us that read the words as well as drool (I mean look) at the pictures! I think your pics are outstanding - esp. the one of the soup tureen and the Indian corn in this post.

    I would love to see a full on shot of your waxed leaf wreath though - it is so very hard for me to copy ;-) it with just those little side shots - they are artistic shots - but I would love to see a straight on shot - pretty please or you can email me a couple if you'd rather not do another post about it - my email is on my blog?

    I'm with Justine (I read most of the comments too) I know it's a sickness) I can't wait to see what you come up when you put your mind to it!! I think there should be a class for bloggers only on how to take good photos - mine never come out like I envision them.

    Anyway - Happy Friday to you!

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  18. Stephanie @ A Fine HouseOctober 16, 2009 at 5:14 PM

    Yay! I'm looking forward to your pics. From what I've seen thus far, your casa is beautiful!

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  19. Chuck DilmoreOctober 16, 2009 at 8:49 PM

    pure talent, m'man.
    Chuck~

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  20. SarahOctober 16, 2009 at 10:31 PM

    Loved seeing more of your home. It is all beautiful! I enjoy both your amazing photos and your text. Keep up the great posts!

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  21. nannykimOctober 16, 2009 at 11:38 PM

    Yes , of course I am ready!! I love the screen door. And I love the old door you have propped on the wall---love the texture of the wood in both!

    nannykim from spindle cottage

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  22. Sara's Sweet SurpriseOctober 16, 2009 at 11:45 PM

    Artie~ I'm always learning from you! So, it's not true...you can teach an old dog new tricks. It's amazing how fast I'm falling in love with photography. I'm always looking forward to what you'll be up to next.

    I'm hoping to try your leaf application to Sue's leaf ball tutorial.http://sullivanandmurphy.blogspot.com/ I'll let you know how it turns out.

    Sweet wishes,
    Sara

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  23. GingerOctober 17, 2009 at 12:38 AM

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving me a comment. I had to check out your blog and go back and read some old posts.
    Your home and yard is gorgeous. I love the pumpkin with the house numbers carved in it. Great idea.
    The soup and bread party looked like so much fun. Love how it was all set up.
    You take great pictures. My little Sony is horrible. (well, I'm blaming it on the camera...could be the operator, lol).

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  24. SueOctober 17, 2009 at 4:23 AM

    Hi Artie, Jealous of me? oooh, I am humbled! I always like coming to visit here to read and see what you have done. I'm contemplating a newer camera of my own- and hinting for one as a b-day or Christmas present. Hope I can learn how to use the fancy schmancy one that I want. Too many buttons and dials tend to befuddle me. LOL
    This particular shot of your screen door is so cool. I like how I can actually see the texture of the screen.

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  25. Room Service ~ Decorating 101October 17, 2009 at 8:49 AM

    I did read the post artie, but I am one who wants the photos and if the text isn't too long, I might read it.. thanks for sharing about the sony, I need to get one.

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  26. nina@themissadventuresofninaOctober 17, 2009 at 9:10 AM

    Can't wait to see the rest of your casa. I love the pictures I've seen so far. And truly I love that your home looks pristine and inviting, elegant yet one can feel cozy as soon as one enters (thru blog land of course!). I love that you can see that someone has taken the time to decorate with beautiful pieces. I hate houses that looked proped and you are afraid to touch anything or even relax. Your pictures give me such a warm feeling. Great camera BTW.
    oh- and I also do read the posts :)

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  27. The Elegant ThrifterOctober 17, 2009 at 10:20 AM

    I love the pops of orange, and the orange (it's orange right? Sometimes colors don't appear what they are on blogs....) wall. I love your decor.

    Stan

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  28. HelenOctober 17, 2009 at 3:10 PM

    Oh, that screen door always sets my heart a pitter-patter!

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  29. RickOctober 17, 2009 at 10:26 PM

    I appreciate all the wonderful photos--I love the grouping of four club chairs. Oh and that screen door. I need want/need one.
    Thanks for sharing and entertaining.

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  30. Mary JaneOctober 17, 2009 at 10:55 PM

    I'm tuned in and ready to view
    Casa de la Vanderdogan!

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  31. Michelle, All Home and LoveOctober 17, 2009 at 11:23 PM

    I'm looking forward to your pictures! And yes, I read the entire post. ;)
    The soup party sounds like it was wonderful. It's been a great time for comfort food like soup. Where did Autumn go?
    ~Michelle

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  32. Shanty 2 ChicOctober 18, 2009 at 12:59 AM

    Your house is beautiful! My favs are the door and the train cart! They have a train cart like yours at Anthropology for WAY more than I will spend but I have to go in and drool over it every time I'm close by! ~Ashley

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  33. AmyOctober 18, 2009 at 1:31 AM

    Love your piks. You have done an amazing job. Love the Fall Look. And the screen door...Wish I had one. Don't miss Texas to much....Not much around here ever changes!!!

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  34. Tammy@InStitchesOctober 18, 2009 at 8:48 AM

    Oh how I would love to have a great camera (and to know how to use it). Your pics are really good. And I read the words as well as look at the pics ! ;)

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  35. Karen The Graphics FairyOctober 18, 2009 at 8:59 AM

    Fabulous!!! I'm loving all the doors in your house, the french doors, the screen door and the architectural one leaning against the wall, just beautiful! The train cart and the pub sign are marvelous too. You did a fantastic job, it all works so wel together, and it looks like the new camera is a keeper!

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  36. TerryOctober 18, 2009 at 9:12 AM

    Thanks for the visit. Super pictures. I like your rugs and screen door. I know your camera is proud of you.

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  37. DesignTiesOctober 18, 2009 at 10:29 AM

    Wow, your home is beautiful!! I'm looking forward to seeing more of it in your upcoming series of posts :-)

    I recently got a Nikon D60 DSLR camera, and I love it!! The picture quality is just fantastic. I'm actually planning to do a little photo shoot of my home office today or tomorrow :-)

    Kelly @ DesignTies

    P.S. I read every word of this post :-)

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  38. PinkyOctober 18, 2009 at 4:39 PM

    Hi Artie! YES, I do read the post and alot of the comments too! That is one reason I am on this darn computer WAAAY too much:):) I LOVE the first picture of the entry. I collect blue and white porcelains and anything oriental so it spoke to my HEART!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see more of what you shoot with the new camera! XO, Pinky

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  39. xinexOctober 19, 2009 at 12:24 PM

    Loely, just lovely!..Christine

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  40. AnonymousNovember 22, 2009 at 11:33 AM

    catching up here, Artie. Don't you just LOVE "The Way We Live?"

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