A Simple Life
posted on 24th of april, 2007
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A growing awareness of environmental issues has created a parallel change in personal values for many people. Instead of the conspicuous consumption of years past and the over indulgent styles of the 90's, more and more seek a quieter lifestyle.
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| Instead of leaving a big footprint on the earth and its resources, young and old are seeking simplicity, privacy and inner peace. These trends are reflected in images used in today's advertising and media of all kinds. |
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| The sound of water in nature has a wonderful calming effect. Whenever you have a chance to include the sea, a lake, river or waterfall in your images, you should. Natural settings that include water are also often in demand as concept images denoting "fresh" and "clean". |
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| Somehow the "back to the land" movement of the 1960's morphed thirty years later into a new age of consumption, workaholicism and the mad pursuit of things: things of all kinds from huge houses to collections of electronics worthy of the multiplex. Those days are fading as environmental concerns dominate the news and with terrorism loose in the world. A new emphasis is placed on family and other aspects of a simpler life. |
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| The pounding, eardrum busting music and breakneck speed of the gym have been replaced by yoga in many people's schedules. More and more of us would rather ride a bike through the park or walk in a meadow than to endure the skinnier than thou/ buffer than thou atmosphere of some fitness centers. Other centers have been leaders in offering classes in meditation and relaxation. |
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| Work: we still do it for the money but often these days, employees are walking away from the boss from hell and seeking happiness in their work, even for less money. As we look toward the future, we see that the Internet is freeing many from the tyranny of the office and introducing a new spirit of entrepreneurship. I work for a company based in Tennessee and Bucharest from my home in Florida. I will soon relocate to Seattle without losing a day's work thanks to my laptop and Blackberry. |
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| Interior design and decorating trends as reflected in shelter magazines now emphasize the use of sustainable/green products, simplicity of design and harmony within the walls of the home as reflected in its furnishings. Instead of "McMansions", housing developments based on the small house movement are appearing in many urban environments. These communities provide walking distance to services and a village atmosphere all to support a simple way of life. |
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| Tips: |
| When you take interior photos set in a private home, remind yourself to remove all the art and replace with prints of your own work. (This will avoid copyright issues on the art and not leave bare nails in the walls). Take away clutter in knickknacks and doodads. Simplify. |
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| Take a break and meditate about illustrating these concepts: |
| Simplicity |
| Peace of mind |
| Inner peace |
| Calmness |
| Happiness at work |
| Fulfillment |
| Privacy |
| Reflective solitude |
| Spirituality |
| An interesting article about the photographer Lynn Davis whose work reflects these themes is in the April 8th Sunday NY Times. "Travels Abroad Lead to Journeys Within". She says, "What I'm looking for are sites that evoke a feeling of inner peacefulness, some quality of contemplation". |
| http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20711F934540C7B8CDDAD0894DF404482 |
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Tags: daily images instances life topic
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Comments (7)
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ellen i really appreciate this subject as well. we all lead stressful lives and this will help us remember the beauty in simple things - posted by
Denisebeverly
on April 25, 2007 |
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you should be a cousellor just listening to your calm words have made me feel all calm and tranquil - posted by
Lensara
on April 25, 2007 |
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Thank you Ellen for opening our eyes and minds. Now it's time to open our cameras ;) - posted by
Paulgeor
on April 25, 2007 |
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Ellen, you spoke to my heart. I love these blogs, and this is the best one yet. Linda - posted by
Travelling-light
on April 24, 2007 |
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Hi Ellen!
I currently reside in Renton. When you do move out to Seattle, I would love to have coffee with you one day and share ideas. =)
Brandi Havill
aShadow : web and graphic design
www.aShadow.com
P.S. If you have MSN Messenger, I am always open to chatting. Screen Name: brandi@ashadow.com . (This goes for fellow designers and photographers, as well.) - posted by
Asw4303
on April 24, 2007 |
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Hi Ellen!
I currently reside in Renton. When you do move out to Seattle, I would love to have coffee with you one day and share ideas. =)
Brandi Havill
aShadow : web and graphic design
www.aShadow.com
P.S. If you have MSN Messenger, I am always open to chatting. Screen Name: brandi@ashadow.com . (This goes for fellow designers and photographers, as well.) - posted by
Asw4303
on April 24, 2007 |
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Oh another one into which I can really sink my teeth! I love this blog, Ellen! Keep 'em comin'! - posted by
Debljames
on April 24, 2007 |
Comments (7) |
This article has been read 2486 times.
Photo credits: Rui Vale De Sousa, Graça Victoria, Vladimir Maravic, Marilin Orav, Showface, Sun Jeng Tan, Tina Baumgartner, Qwasyx, Marilin Orav, Galyna Andrushko, Craig Wactor, Nyul, Vividpixels, Anikasalsera. |
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Ellen Boughn, a veteran of the stock photography industry with over 30 years
of experience gives expertise tips on successful stock.
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Ellen Boughn
(Boughn)
Bainbridge Island, US
I am Dreamstime's Director of Content and Business Development. A long time stock industry professional, I have held executive positions at Corbis and Getty (Stone) as well as at several other large US agencies. Although I was given my first camera when I was six years old by my father, I gave up taking pictures when I became a photo editor. A lifetime of looking at the best work from some of the world's best photographers, made me realize my skills were in editing images, not taking them. My areas of expertise are content and business development.
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