Take a risk. Be an artist.

Be an artist and smile.

I love color. I love all color. How could I ever pick a favorite? There was a golden book my mom used to read me when I was little. It was The Color Kittens: kittens playing in paint and spilling colors until new colors were created. It fascinated me.

I don’t think of myself as an artist. However, when I indulge in photography, I marvel over color combinations that catch my eye. The brighter, richer colors light a spark that warms me all over.

Once I have a photo with color, I enjoy playing around with it. Often I adjust the levels and then accept the photo for what it is. At other times, I diffuse it or apply a vignette blur as I did in the photo above.

The blur in this picture used one of the Nik Color filters. I like that the filter helps me make the picture soft and easy while highlighting the flowers at the center.

As you’re playing around with your camera, think about color combinations: purple and yellow, red and blue…all the colors of the rainbow. I guarantee the resulting photographs will brighten your day. In the process you will feel like the artist you didn't think you were, and you'll smile. I guarantee it.

Comments always welcome.