Archive for June 2013

How to Take Vintage and Pastel Pictures.

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Hello! I get asked often on how I create vintage and pastel tones on my pictures, so today I would love to provide some personal tips and experiences on that. Also, I did this post as a guest entry at [herecomesthesunblog] this week. Do check it out! 

#1. Get The Right Objects


VINTAGE: It is not difficult to get vintage objects. Film cameras, your grandpa's watches, floral teacups, old books with brown pages, oxford shoes... just to name a few!


PASTEL: Girls will know what sorts of things to go well with the theme. I can think of the creamy cupcakes, the fluffy clouds, the light-colored helium balloons and the white laces on a dress.


#2. Search for Beautiful Backgrounds


VINTAGE: There're just so many places to take vintage pictures. My personal preferences would be wheat fields. Abandoned blocks and old tea rooms can be great venues too!


PASTEL: Pastel pictures are generally more simple and clean. I always love taking objects against trees as the little spaces between the leaves and branches will help create beautiful bokeh as backdrop. Alternatively, you can set your objects on a wooden table indoor, near to the windows.


#3. Good Lighting


VINTAGE & PASTEL: I personally think natural light works best for both effects, especially for pastel pictures that are dreamy, soft and light. Shooting indoor for pastel pictures is more appropriate to avoid harsh sunlight but also remember to find places near the windows to get sufficient and softer natural light. Vintage pictures can be taken outdoors, best during the magic hours (evening).


#4. Editing


VINTAGE & PASTEL: Editing is an integral part in creating both effects. There are many online Photoshop presets available for such editing. If you are interested, you can also download them free from my [site].


#5. Combination


Vintage and pastel can go hand in hand. For example, you can get vintage objects going with pastel editing. Simply mix tips above and have fun!

love, M

Lately.

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Lately, I have been busy settling down after the return to my homeland. I am so glad that the whole jet lag thing is finally gone and I get luxurious quality sleep. In these two weeks, I have been pampered with food! On a side note, it is so great to be back to people I dearly missed. 


#1. Trying out good food at The Red Bean Bag with the boy days after my arrival. Molten chocolate cake must be the soul mate of good coffee.


#2. IT IS OFFICIAL! God knew how badly I had wanted a Cath Kidston in my life. This is, by far, my favorite bag! 


#3. Receiving this antique miniature from the boy months ago and I really really love it. He has the best taste and knows just what I want. 


#4. Trying to refrain myself from taking too much coffee so light teas come as an alternative. 


#5. Getting to play the piano anytime I want. I miss it so so much! 


#6. It is such a happiness to hug this furry pumpkin again. As usual, he eats and sleeps around. 


#7. I took this bunny home the other day and he was then called Billy.


#8. Apparels from London. H&M is my ultimate weakness!

love, M

Gear: Nikon D7000 + Nikkor 50mm portrait lens; Editing: Photoshop Action, Valencia (coming soon) + Photoshop Action, Disposable Film

Curls.

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So... I finally permed my hair! The idea had been in my head since forever, but I just didn't quite have the guts to take the step. My prior hair was really long and I had been having straight hair since I was born. The results are satisfying but I still love myself in straight hair. But hey, being adventurous is great sometimes! 


All my self-shooting posts [here]

love, M

Gear: Nikon D7000 + Nikkor 18-105mm kit lens; Editing: Photoshop Action, Valencia (coming soon)

London at twilight.

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As I mentioned, I can never get bored of London. This time it was extra special because I got to capture it at twilight. The city lights were just stunning. Plus, we went to Hyde Park for a short walk. I truly loved the ambiance. It didn't seem very commercialized and everyone was just having their own sweet time, sunbathing and chattering. With mom and sister along, we also frequented Chinatown for good food. Oh, how I miss everything! 


Part I: Lake District [here].
Part II: Hungary [here]
Part III: Bath [here]

Also, don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin' as Google Reader is closing down in a week! 


love, M

Gear: Nikon D7000 + Nikkor 50mm portrait lens; Editing: Photoshop Curve, Alice in Wonderland + Photoshop Curve, Blood Orange + Photoshop Curve, Twilight (coming soon)

Bath, on a Summer day.

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After all the exhausting journeys with flights, trains and all that, we escaped to the nearby town, Bath for a relaxing day. It wasn't, of course, the best trip, but was definitely one that I really enjoyed. The Sun did us good that day, and my sister and I just got so excited dressing up. I led them around Bath Abbey and the shopping streets. There was music everywhere and we had some cooling bubble teas. I bought myself a classic oxfords, and the two each got themselves something, so we were all very happy.  Also, not to be missed, the Sally Lunn buns! I personally favored the one in cinnamon butter. A fruit tea came along pretty good I must say.  


Part I: Lake District [here].
Part II: Hungary [here]

love, M

Gear: Nikon D7000 + Nikkor 50mm portrait lens; Editing: Photoshop Action, Cuppa 

Free Pastel Photoshop Action!

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Click [here] to download the free Photoshop preset, Cuppa

Cuppa is a pastel action with controlled contrast to prevent pictures becoming overly faded. It goes best with pastel objects (preferably shot indoor) as shown. Additionally, it also works well on pictures that are originally red/yellow/orange as it then evens the tone out by providing a white wash. Directions to install the action can be found [here] {source: Julia Trotti


Collection of my free Photoshop presets can be found [here]

love, M

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