I find that I'm never not subconsciously looking for my next photo idea or at least something to be used in editing. Even when I don't think that I'm thinking abut photography, the creative side of my noggin is always waiting right at the edge of my brain to strike when it sees something of interest. One of the things that I'm ALWAYS on the lookout for are great textures. They can definitely be overdone but when used correctly can add a lot of interest to an image. Plus, it's just fun to bring bits and pieces from all of my adventures harmoniously together into one image. For example, in "The Unobtainable Kiss" I used pictures of steam leaking out of a clothing steamer here in the studio, a baking sheet from my kitchen, the side of a shelf at an Anthropologie store in Baltimore, a sidewalk in Philadelphia, clouds taken from a plane somewhere over the middle of America, and of course a frog on a face from Silver Lake, New York.
Oftentimes I'll set off on a "texture walk." I put on my headphones, turn up a well-crafted playlist and wander aimlessly in search of anything that could come in handy one day. I have quite the library of interesting texture images built up. It's funny though - once I started doing this, I found myself noticing great textures ALL OVER THE PLACE all the time. It's like I've trained my eyes to see good textures and tell my brain they're important.
My friend Kory is clearly always on the lookout as well, because he was the one who noticed the tiny frog that I used in this image. We were meandering through the woods during the Silver Lake Flickr Gathering, scouting for good locations, and he spotted this little critter and scooped him up. After a few minutes of admiring his delightful froggy-ness, Kory was about to set him free when this idea hit me. What if I did a mini fairytale crossover between Sleeping Beauty and The Frog Prince? It tickled my fancy that both of these characters just needed a kiss but neither could get it from the other; yet there they were, so close but unable to break either of their spells. Interesting, right!? Well I thought so.....
I decided to make the frog look golden because in the fairytale the princess and frog meet because she drops her gold ball into his pond.
After Kory passed Mr. Frog over to my care, I promptly approached Cierra to see if she would allow me to put an amphibian upon her pretty face. Due to the fact that she is one of the most amazingly fun, hilariously awesome, easygoing, fantastical people to ever know (ever), she naturally said, "of course you can!" Well maybe it was a bit more like, "....Um yeah...I guess so?" Haha but either way she allowed it to happen and it was a gloriously grand old time.
Behind the scenes photos graciously provided by Kory Zuccarelli.
My trusty team of frog wranglers trying to re-capture Mr. Frog after he continually hopped off her face.
I particularly enjoy how very pleased Emma looks (on the right) because the frog finally sat on Cierra's nose for a few seconds!
So, keep your eyes out and your camera close. You never know when a little critter will cross your path, or when you might stumble upon a texture that could take your next image to a whole new level of detailed awesomeness. Also, do yourself a favor and when you have some free time (or schedule this into your life because WHO HAS FREE TIME!!?!? Free time...what is that like anyway?...), grab your camera, put on some fun music, and take a mini texture-hunting photo adventure around your town. You'll be amazed by all the wonderful textures you've been walking right past for years! Who knows, you might even run into a prince. ;)
