And Look at the Two of Us

And Look at the Two of Us, a photo by s.kosoris on Flickr.

I was listening to the Pet Shop Boys song "Rent," which gave me inspiration for this shot. I don't know if I really pulled off what I was trying to, but I gave it my best shot. I also should add, I've never seen the video before tonight (when I found it to post here), so it didn't influence this shot at all. Only the song itself did.

A while ago, my brother and I were discussing the Pet Shop Boys and "Rent" came up. I told him I thought it was a really pretty song. He agreed, but added that it's also really sad. Since then I've been listening to it on and off, paying special attention to the lyrics and I have to agree with him; it is sad.

The main inspiration for this is the first chorus and verse:
"And look at the two of us in sympathy
With everything we see
I never want anything, it's easy
You buy whatever I need
But look at my hopes, look at my dreams
The currency we've spent
(Ooooh) I love you, oh, you pay my rent
(Ooooh) I love you, oh, you pay my rent."

I built the Paradisa set Poolside Paradise for this. I thought it would get across the idea that this couple has whatever they want/need (especially with the butler present). Unfortunately I wasn't able to stage this so you can see the pool in the front yard which would've given that idea a bit better, but this worked. Then I wanted the girl to look unsatisfied, despite all the wealth around her. Meanwhile the guy is totally happy - that's why he's closer to the table and looking at her, not at the camera. I posted this version because you can see the background (and the palm tree, which is kind of behind the butler). I had another version that had the minifigs lit but the background was way too dark. So I went with this one because it better captured what I was trying to do (even though I like the other one more!)

When I was finished, I felt sorry for the rapper guy, so I took a portrait of him on my black background.

I hope I was able to convey everything I wanted to in "And Look at the Two of Us." Let me know what you think so I can improve the next time I try something like this again!

Thank You!

A big thank you is extended to whomever purchased a print of "Captain Jack Sparrow!" Your support is greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!!!! :)

Home From a Weekend at Camp

This weekend I went out to camp. As usual, I had my camera with me. And while I didn't take as many pictures as I normally do, I managed to snap a few really pretty ones. All of the pictures were taken during my random adventures on Saturday. From a trip down to the lake for a swim (which resulted in my first Yoda picture) to the evening fishing trip, I had a fantastic day! Want to see for yourself? Check out my Flickr photostream, or the Camping 2011 set which has all of my camping adventures from this year.

I even updated Red Bubble with select images from this weekend. Feel free to have a look there as well!

Saying Goodbye to this Blog

I've been blogging on Shauna's World for three years now, but it is time for a change. I now have my own website. So rather than updating this separate blog, I've decided to create a blog there. All of my photography updates will now be happening there, along with other important updates.

But if you have been following my reading updates on The List, don't worry! The List isn't going anywhere!

I hope to see you on the new blog! :)

-Shauna

Red Bubble is Once Again Up to Date!

Updating Red Bubble took me a couple of hours. But you can now find select pictures from my Seattle trip, my newer Lego pictures, and some of my newer flower macros! If you have a chance, please check out the new pictures!

Unforgiven

Unforgiven
Originally uploaded by s.kosoris

Last night my brother and I watched the Clint Eastwood movie Unforgiven. I was so inspired that I came home and took a couple of pictures based off of the movie with my Lego minifigs. First is the picture based off of the movie poster, which I have titled "Unforgiven." I was originally planning on making the minifig a coat, but I couldn't find the perfect material. So I eventually scrapped that idea and used him as is. I think it turned out pretty good!

The second shot was based off of a random picture I found on TvTropes. For this one I used one of my other pictures, Outline

d in Sunshine, as the background. I then posed the minifig and snapped several shots. Hilariously, for both this shot ("Will Munny," named after Clint Eastwood's character) and "Unforgiven," I ended up using the first take I shot!

I was extremely pleased with how both shots turned out. They are currently on Flickr and will be making their way to Red Bubble in the near future!

Will Munny
Originally uploaded by s.kosoris