I’m taking this wonderful online class with Kim Klassen, called Beyond Beyond. Well, it isn’t so much a class as a creativity kickstarter. She mixes instruction and tips in Lightroom and Photoshop with huge dollops of inspiration, ideas and encouragement.
It has been so heartening to meet throngs of people (mainly but not exclusively women) across Canada and the United States (and even further afield) who share my passionate interest in image-making. We have formed a lovely supportive online community and share our work freely on Facebook and Flickr and other social media sites. Daily, I am amazed at their artistry and creations.
Today, our challenge is to take one of Kim’s images and make it our own with the addition of her textures and other Lightroom and Photoshop techniques.
In my version, I cropped the image square because I love curvy lines within squares. I used a layer of Kim’s “zuzu” texture and a desaturated layer of “-43”. Then I added some lighting and blur effects and masked them off the bowl and pine cones.
I added the Annie Dillard quote (Jenna Sue font) and curved it to suggest a smile. The quote reminds me to spend our days mindfully. Time is as much of a treasure as money. And neither will be there forever. It is up to each of us to figure out how best to spend them.
Sherrygaley.com 
Thanks, Becs. Just a little different can be fun…
Many thanks, Carol.
Love how you’ve done this. The square works beautifully and I love that quote. Love how you’ve applied to text. Great job!
I love how composed this with the bowl front and center – great job!
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I know what you mean. One of the best parts of these courses is the ongoing connection with others who are also doing them. You could still join Beyond Beyond…price changes Sunday.
And thanks for your very affirming comments, Diane. They mean a lot.
Thanks, Susan!
Thanks, Suzette. I like when others show the before and after too. 😉
Thanks so much, Beverly!
Hey Ginny, we should get together and do a bit of Photoshop when I get back. I’d be happy to show you textures!
Thanks, Viv, you featured artist you!
Thanks, Barb. This should be fun, right?
Thanks for your kind comments, Anne Camille. Look forward to connecting through 2B.
That is an intriguing notion, Pat, about an image taking on your personality! I do believe there is something to it, but it may be hard to see in your own images. I do hope you post your thoughts about this. I would be most interested!
what a mindful quote and I really love what you did with the photo. It’s so nice that you also shared why you chose to crop it that way. And I love the smile too 🙂
I envy you taking the class. I wish I would have taken Beyond Beyond instead of the re-run of BLayers. I’m working alone and in a vacuum because I have no one to ‘talk to’ or share or see/hear what they might have been doing. I think a big part of the inspiration would be having others participating alongside and being able to see/connect about the ‘classes’. I’m loving what you’re producing Sherry. This is truly a beauty — bravo!
How absolutely wonderful.
I love what you’ve done here. I really like that you showed the before and after image and your text is just wonderfully curvy. I also like your title…priceless!
What a lovely transformation! The quote in a smiley curve is sweet!
This is great Sherry. Something I would love to learn how to do.
You are a splendid example of appreciating your days, Mum…Thanks for the compliment!
Truly lovely the quote and your treatment of the shot…
I really like what you did, Sherry. I hope you will continue to show us what you are doing through this class. The image has taken on your personality, as I have come to know it. 🙂 I never thought about it but our images would reflect who we are. They are not some abstract, sterile photo. I feel a post coming on. 😉
Hi Sherry. Here from the Beyond class. I love your edit of the original image. Nice crop for a completely different look; the textures add a good fuzzy, soft feel to the photograph and the quote, especially with that font, is appropriate (and a good reminder!). I like the green hue that is in your image, too.
A fun take on Kim’s image and how you made it your own style. Fun Fun Fun
This one is so inspiring.I try to enjoy each day as time is so fleeting. Thanks,Sherry. Your images are well thought out.Mum