Working with textures

Adding textures to photos is such an allurement for me, assuming it fits. It's the closest I'll get to creating a painting effect until, and if, I ever take up real painting. It has worked so well with self-portraits, so I imagine, this would carry over into any portrait, really.

I edited the Writer's Block photo previously posted, adding textures and luminosity. I used the same texture twice; keeping one with color, and desaturating the other. I masked some of the textures from my body to bring out the glow from the luminosity. And then I softened and blended. All this while working in layers, and then flattening the layers upon completion. Textures are so fun!

Writer's Block

Earlier in the year, I started a Sci-Fi novel and was all gung-ho. I even joined a writer’s group. But I put it off to delve into photography, and when I decided to go back to writing, I experienced writer’s block.

Actually, to my chagrin, I've undergone several blockages. I’m blocked from making repairs or beautifying my place the way I’d like since it’s transitory. My time for Flickr has been blocked from juggling life and work, so I haven’t been able to post or comment -- Hence, I just deleted the account. I’m blocked from feeling a sense of permanence or security at my job due to the crazy turnovers. I’m blocked from being able to send letters to my son since I don’t yet know his permanent address. The list really does go on.

I need a form of release and expression, so for now I’m deciding to blog, with accompanying or corresponding photos. This will enable me to upload my pictures and to get into the habit of writing. I'm hoping once I write, the effects will carry over and bolster my ultimate writing goals.

Here's an out take from the same photo shoot as above, depicting me with writer's block. This shoot was aided by my BFF, K.