Twisted Sister

        "Digital art software has empowered both the painterly side of photographers , and the photographer side of painters."

                                                                              Buffy Sainte-Marie

And so we enter the debate about reality vs. art!  I have heard my share of comments about digital cameras corrupting the art of film photography, and the use of Photoshop as a means to "correct your mistake." But I don't see it that way. I understand that you should shoot purposefully and thoughtfully, aiming for perfect exposure, focus and composition. But I also feel that we are artists telling a story; prompting an emotion. I view Photoshop as a separate art form - one in which artistic vision can run wild and free! Have you played with the crazy filters available in most software? Have you tried all the fun textures, actions, fonts and plug-ins?It's a whole other world!

Karen introduced us to some of her favorite on-line photographers a few weeks ago, and I loved following her links to new experiences. I'd like to add one more. Ashleigh Coyner of BleuOiseau Photography, is one of my favorites. I was first drawn to her after seeing the photograph above. I had just been playing with some twisting filters when I came across her wonderful, whimsical photograph "The Dancing Tower," which is part of her series of twisted images of France.

Ashleigh is a wonderful, talented photographer. Her online presence includes her beautiful website, and her blog (linked for you below), as well as her shop, and her Etsy, Twitter and Facebook pages. (You can find them from her blog).
     
                          www.bleuoiseauphotography.com
                       
                          http://ashinbleu.wordpress.com/
               
She does not need Photoshop to "fix" anything. Her original photographs are really special.Witness this by checking out her fire series - "Le Feu," her Columbia River landscapes, and her images of Louisiana. But I especially love to watch her play!

Years ago, (you young-uns listen up now), I spent long rainy afternoons picking out individual songs from record albums to combine into mix tapes. Now I can fill an afternoon playing with my images in Photoshop. Below is one of my more successful outcomes - "Blue Apples."

 Play with one of your images today and post it on our Flickr link. Ignore those who say this is not "pure" photography! Bring out your inner artist and

HAVE SOME FUN!

P.S. What did you think of Claudia's announcement yesterday? Are you ready to come out and play with us?

                        Jump in our rain barrel

                        Slide down our cellar door

                        And we'll be jolly friends

                   (with harmony now- let's hear it)

                        Forrr-everrrr Mmmorrrre!

                                                                     .......Come out and play..........