the same, but different

I am so happy to be here with you all, writing my first post since joining this incredible group of women as the new 9th muse!

The diptych/triptych theme was so much fun, and really got me thinking about these multi-image creations. What is it about them that draws us in?  They can tell a story.  They can be used to showcase similar subjects or a single theme.  And they can illustrate polar opposites that make a striking image when viewed as a whole.

I chose jamie {74}'s beautiful submission to pair with mine because I like how when standing alone, each of our diptychs has two tree images within their borders that relate to each other, but side by side our two diptychs convey such different moods...one cold and dark, the other white and bright.

We both used the diptic app to create our images. I shot and processed my diptych with my iPhone and jamie {74} used her DSLR and edited with the iPad.  It's interesting to see how two people can go out and capture the fleeting moments of autumn with such different outcomes.  This capacity for individual creative expression is what I love most about the art of photography and why I truly enjoy browsing the amazing submissions to the flickr pool each day.  I can't wait to see more of your holiday submissions!

~christy of urban muser

three by jamie{74}

expressions

Three pictures of my crazy three year old.  He is fun, expressive and crazy.  Though I will admit that the terrible two's are nothing compared to three, haha.  Some days the tears and tantrums never end but it does come with some rewards.  He likes to tell jokes and stories, his imagination is growing everyday and when he is in the right mood he can be the best little helper.  Oh and he gives the best snuggles ever!  He melts my heart :)

Can you tell I am obsessed with my kids?  I am pretty sure my last 5 posts have featured one of them, haha!

I love this triptych by MomShots.  What a beautiful little girl, I love her expressions and toes, so sweet!

Thanks again for sharing your beautiful photographs.  I am honored to be a muse!

April from april's 365

111910trip by MomShots

a bit of slapstick

We all know how a series of pictures can tell a story, and of course that story can be a funny one! I've used several of the outtakes from my Christmas picture of the children in my triptych to show how hilarious and chaotic the session was. I introduced them to Charlie Chaplin a few years ago when we spent an afternoon watching some of his classics at the British Film Institute, so it seemed appropriate to convert my pictures into black and white and then stick them through the diptic application on my iPhone.

I've chosen Top Hat by [AM Photography] to accompany my picture because it told a funny story. Again, involving hats...simple but effective humour. All we need now are some custard pies to really get the slapstick mood going.

I'm so looking forward to joining you on our Festive Muses Musing. Have fun!

kirstin

x

top hat by [AM Photography]

part of the whole

This is really the first time I've put thought into creating a diptych. I've admired diptychs done by other photographers, but never thought much about putting one together myself. Looking through the Mortal Muses Flickr pool I was amazed by the different ideas for creating one. {If you haven't taken the time to look through the pool, you really should. It is overflowing with inspiration.}

A diptych or triptych is a great way to tell a story, or give a better idea of the whole, or to illuminate a detail. They offer endless opportunities for creativity. I like the idea of using it to highlight part of the whole, the way marty did in her diptych, with a photo of coffee beans and a photo of the final product.

See you next time for the holiday blog hop!
maureen of cottage 960

untitled by what_marty_sees

the beauty in work

There's magic and beauty in the hard work of bees -- toiling away in their weathered hives to create their sweet honey.  Even in the frozen days of early winter they labor away, slowed by the cold but steadfast.

And there's beauty and magic in the hard work of forging iron -- the roaring furnace, the red-hot metal, and the generous act of passing on this age-old art to the next generation.

Please visit Muchadesign's photostream to see more wonderful diptych's and triptychs like the photo below -- it was so hard to choose just one!

Until next time.

--lucy (who's almost finished her 365 project!)

homeschooling by muchadesign

cast aside

My parents, in town visiting, got a taste this past weekend of what a roadtrip is like when either I or my hubby are at the wheel.  We were driving up to Sonoma for a leisurely lunch and a wander around town when in our peripheral vision what should appear but a photographic opportunity too good to pass up.  Hubby was driving but when I turned to him slightly wild-eyed, he nodded, and 30 seconds and an only slightly whiplash-inducing turn off the road later brought us to this field, complete with rusty ol' truck just waiting for our cameras.  Off to the side was an equally aged, peeling and camera-worthy boat named Edith.  She received our photographic attention as well.

There is a story behind this truck.  We don't know what that story is specifically, but I picture a gnarly old fisherman or perhaps a farmer driving his produce to town in his trusty old friend.  Maybe he stopped in at the diner for a coffee and some pie with a few of his equally gnarly cohorts.  The story ends, after many years of loyal service to perhaps multiple owners, with the engine being stripped for parts and being abandoned to memories of grander days on the roads.  At least the boat is there to keep it company.

Aviary's leaves diptych has the same melancholy feel for me - their job is done for the year, except to look pretty on a mantle or window sill until it's time to be swept away for the winter.

cheers,
mosey of mosey along

lonely leaves remain by aviary [images]

be free

Winter has it's own special meaning to me. It is like the nature screams, to spread my wings and fly. I always plan what is next in winter for the coming year. And by that, I mean things I need to accomplish. Gratefully, I got everything done what I needed for this year already. And still at the moment I am embracing the last days on 2010 being busy than never before this year.
Winter also means to me the comfort of home. Food, laughter, the burning fireplace at my mum's house, relatives and tight hugs. During winter time we all move closer together, treat each other with more kindness and grace. I want to remember these words this winter. To be kind. To give. And most importantly to embrace who you are.

The picture of Cosi! reminded me of so many fresh baked apple pies I ate at my grandma's house. Or the vanilla topping my mum makes. Memories forever intertwined with pictures who are not even mine.  This is why I love this project here so very much. Thank you for contributing this picture Cosi!

Thank you all so much for always submitting such wonderful pictures every week. This place wouldn't be the same without you.
See you in 9 days!

Love,
Suki of sukiphotographyblog

apple pie dip by Cosi!

telling the story

I love how a triptych can combine photos together to tell a story. Can you tell the story in mine? I can't resist telling you... I have a favorite glass shop for ornaments in Murano, the "island of glass" in the Venetian lagoon. I love these colorful ornaments, each one is so unique. I love that il maestro is right there on site, proud to tell you that these are his handiwork and show you where he was featured in a book. These ornaments go beyond a pretty memento to me, to represent Italian pride in craftsmanship and design, from one of my most favorite regions in this beautiful country.

Along the same lines, I loved the story told in lizzard_nyc's triptych too! I can feel the excitement of dressing up and going out for a special evening with her sweetheart. I can imagine it was a wonderful time!

Kat of The Kat Eye View of the World

P.S. Do you like the Murano glass ornament I pictured? Be sure to participate in our upcoming Nine Muses Musing, where it's one of the giveaways! 

Getting Ready - The Finishing Touches by lizzard_nyc

life in black and white

"Life is like a good black and white photograph,
there's black, there's white, and lots of shades in between."
- Karl Heiner

While diptychs and triptychs use two or three images that complement each other to tell a story, I love how adding black and white processing adds a documentary feel.  It helps create a mood and enhance raw emotions that may not show up with the distraction of color. 

It is in the special moments of my life, such as the birth of our new Border Collie puppies, that black and white photography really shines.  There is a timeless feel that invites your imagination to fill in the details and makes the viewer want to know more.  I find myself staring at my selected photo by Serendipity Sazzle and wondering... Was this the first snowfall of the season? Did you go out and play in it? Do you wish you were at the beach here in Florida with me?  *grin*

Do black and white images touch your heart and compel you to reflect upon their meaning as it does for me?  If so, we invite you to join the Mortal Muses Life in B&W flickr group and visit the new Life in B&W featured photo page.  Make sure to leave some comment love for our very first featured photographer.

I am excited about 9 Muses Musing - 18 days of Holiday Prompts and Giveaways.  What a wonderful way to spend the holidays... musing with my friends. 

stay sweet. ♥ tammy lee

My back yard ;o) by Serendipity Sazzle ♥

and the new theme is... diptych and triptych

The sum is greater than its parts...

There is something special about diptychs and triptychs. They are created using two or three images that compliment each other to tell a story. For this week’s theme, we’d like to see what kinds of diptychs and triptychs that you can create.

To further build the Mortal Muses community, you may want to submit a few as team-up collaborations.  Grab a flickr friend (or two) and play along.

Make sure to visit with us tomorrow.  I will be handing off my muse day to our very first Muse's Muse. One of our faithful followers has been selected to muse on "DOWN LOW."

We look forward to seeing your photo stories in the flickr pool. 

Until then. Stay sweet. ♥ tammy lee