Marissa Elman | Fashion & Photography

Marissa Elman is a lifelong lover of fashion and photography.

Three Ways to Declutter Your Life

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There’s nothing wrong with having a bit of extra stuff, but when a home becomes cluttered, moving, relaxing, and even living can end up being much more difficult than necessary. A large number of individuals feel frustrated and annoyed with the clutter around their house. More broadly, clutter in life—not necessarily around the house—is also troublesome.

For those who are looking to leave clutter behind “Team Clutter” (and those who’d like to take preemptive steps to avoid clutter), the good news is that doing so is as easy as making a plan, committing, and enjoying the benefits.

 

Donate

Donating goods to charity is an outstanding way to decrease a home’s clutter. To decide which items are ideal for charity, think about which items are frequently used. If it takes a few minutes to remember the last time that an item saw the light of day, it’s probably worth giving it to those who are in need; these items commonly include clothing, kitchen utensils, old toys, and household appliances.

There’s no need to go overboard when donating goods; dropping off 10 boxes at once is sure to make a massive dent in clutter, but gradual donations are similarly effective, and they don’t require nearly as much effort. An important thing to remember when undertaking the task of decluttering is that it is a process; trying to get rid of everything all at once will result in an unnecessary amount of stress.

 

Organize

As countless other professionals have noted, decluttering isn’t all about getting rid of things; in many instances, it’s simply about putting things where they belong.

Consequently, it’s recommended that every decluttering effort include some time to organize items. Closets, cabinets, and under-bed spaces are great storage options, especially when the items are neatly placed in containers and bags before they’re added to these locations. While getting rid of items can certainly free up space, organizing your things in a logical, functional way can help declutter your home, as well.

 

Tend to Non-Physical Clutter

Last but certainly not least, clutter doesn’t have to be physical; plenty of people suffer from digital clutter, and many of these individuals don’t even know it!

Tech is an important part of modern living, and the more difficult tech is to use, the harder it is to live. That might sound dramatic, but the reality is that encountering trouble where it’s not supposed to be found—like on the web and on tech devices—is a surefire way to become tired and annoyed. Needless to say, tech-produced fatigue and annoyance negatively impact other facets of life.

Uninstall useless apps, delete unimportant contacts, unsubscribe from less-than-stellar email lists, and enjoy a freer, more straightforward life.

These decluttering tips will help individuals who are looking to be as happy and stress-free as possible. Remember that decluttering initiatives begin with a single step; beyond getting started, consistency and time are necessary to produce significant results.

Regarding Fashion As Art

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The fashion world carries with it many of the same pretenses of the art world, but for most people, clothing still remains a necessity rather than a true art form. This is, in part, because fashion is an applied art. Art is often seen as extraneous. Music, paintings, and film are consumed or displayed in homes and galleries, but they don’t have a concrete value in our daily living. Clothing, on the other hand, is a necessity to protect us against the environment. But just as practical crafts like pottery started as a way to serve our practical needs and has since become a form of art, so can fashion.

 

This is a notion that’s finding its footing in museums and galleries throughout the world. The Savage Beauty exhibit was introduced at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2011, and it’s become one of the top ten most-visited exhibits at the Met, putting it in the company of Picasso and the Mona Lisa. Featuring clothing by designer Alexander McQueen, this show took works of art typically viewed on the catwalk and brought them to a more traditional museum habitat. The Met now hosts its own Costume Institute, and they’ve since brought on legendary fashion journalist (and Vogue editor-in-chief) Anna Wintour to further blur the line between high fashion and high art.

 

The Met isn’t the only museum treating fashion more seriously. In fact, many are beginning to push the boundaries of what fashion can be and creating highly specialized exhibits. The Museum of Fine Art in Boston has introduced a #techstyle exhibit exploring fashion that’s inspired by modern technology. Many of the products on display at this exhibit have moved well beyond the notion that clothing is meant to be worn, providing pieces that are highly impractical. And this exhibit is delving deep into cutting edge processes for designing art by displaying pieces made from technologies like 3D printing.

 

And while the notion of showing fashion in museums isn’t new (such exhibits go back as far as the mid-1940s), they are seeing a greater role in the spotlight. As with anything, art is a mutable thing, and it won’t be received the same way by everyone. We have yet to reach the point where anyone can objectively say which clothing is “art” and which isn’t, but that’s just the way of things in the art world. Regardless, a move towards the legitimization of fashion as an art form is a promising sign looking forward.

What Is The Best Time of Day to Take Pictures?

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The ideal time to take pictures varies for each individual because aesthetic taste differs from person to person. Apart from artistic taste, it also depends on the photographer’s artistic preference and any significance they wish to convey through lighting effects. While cloudy skies may have a melancholic effect on some, cloudy weather may bring back long cherished jocund childhood memories for others. This subjective view can influence both the photographer’s preference and the viewer’s interpretation.

 

An objective view, however, considers the photogenic significance of a particular hour of the day to determine what could be the best time of the day to take pictures. For instance, some believe that “Golden Hour,” which occurs at sunrise or sunset, is better suited to take pictures while others favor “Blue Hour,” which occurs a little after dawn before the sun is fully visible on the horizon.

 

Advocates of Golden Hour consider it best to take pictures in the golden glow of early morning and sunset when the landscapes are suffused with warm radiant colors. Obviously, the radiant sunlight makes it an ideal time to take pictures, but some of its drawbacks make people consider other options. For example, during Golden Hour, light changes swiftly and constantly which often leaves a speculative artistic mind disconcerted. Because of its short duration, the better your time management in Golden Hour, the better the shot.

 

Alternatively, Blue Hour is a favorite with many people when the colors are permeated with extra blue hue. Contrary to the bright colors of the Golden Hour, the light at this hour is relatively softer. As the light from the sun falls indirectly on the subject, this time is best suited to make some natural objects in a landscape striking and others shadowed. If you choose this hour, be assured that this is the best time to capture natural beauty but be warned that its duration is even shorter than the Golden Hour.

 

Shooting pictures during the daytime mostly needs tricky manipulation of daylight and shadows to produce the best photographic effects. Shooting on a cloudy day or in the shadow of a building will let you have even light to capture a perfect shot of your subject’s features. On the contrary, taking pictures in the broad daylight may disappoint you by creating unwanted shadows of prominent features like nose, ears, or even eyes. There are many factors that play into the best time of day for your purposes, so considering all options and making an appropriate choice can help improve your photography!

Photography Editing Tips for the Digital Age

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With smartphones, everyone has a high-quality camera in their pockets these days. Some professional photographers even use cellphones to do their work. However, even with a great camera, not all pictures look great. When it comes to professional photography, the editing process can make a world of difference.

 

Editing Apps

Rather than wait to download photos from your phone, you can edit them on the same device! From the built-in editing app (which has some great capabilities) to the multitude of third-party apps available, photo editing apps can enhance the quality of your pictures. There are limitations to the app programmed on your device, so using multiple apps can benefit you. Whether you want to touch up blemishes, adjust the contrast, or add a filter, apps are a great advanced way to edit your pictures.

 

Layers

Tools like Photoshop and Lightroom are great for editing pictures, but knowing how to use them is part of the challenge. For the best results, it’s important that you recognize the function and benefits of layers. Layers can help you make temporary changes to color, tint, contrast, and more; if you decide you don’t like the effect, it’s easy to simply delete the layer and start over. Using layer masks also enables you to make edits like color swaps to only selected areas of the image. When making multiple small edits and trying new effects, knowing how to use layers can be a lifesaver.

 

Dodge & Burn

When editing your pictures on a device, this is a great technique for adjusting the lighting to your own specifications. Based on darkroom methods, dodging and burning aids in making the subject of your picture stand out. Using this method can help even out skin tones, create a sense of depth, and balance out contrast.

 

Consistency

By using the same program(s) to edit all your pictures, you can create a standard for yourself and your customers. However, if you want to really establish yourself, consistency is key. What this means depends on the photographer. Maybe you want all your images to have a similar palette or the same temperate. It’s also important that you ensure consistency across your subjects. If you are photographing the same individual or setting multiple times, you should strive to edit them in a similar fashion; if the shade of your subject’s skin or the hue of your focal scenery varies too greatly without artistic purpose across pictures, this could reflect poorly on your editing skills.

 

Editing your pictures is much easier with the aid of digital tools, and you should learn how to best utilize them to get the best pictures for your portfolio and clientele.

History of the Birkin Bag

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Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, Alessandra Ambrosio, Kim Kardashian West and Sofia Vergara are just a few of the many celebrities who have been photographed carrying beautiful Birkin bags.

The iconic handbag is defined by its glamorous but humble beginnings when model Jane Birkin and Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas met by chance on an airplane ready for departure. The year was 1981, and Ms. Birkin’s overstuffed straw bag tumbled out of the overhead compartment spilling its contents on top of her.

Mr. Dumas saw it all and became inspired to “build” a better bag for women everywhere. In 1984, the stylish, practical, rectangular Hermès Birkin bag debuted at $2,000, and it was ideal for traveling, chic and came with plenty of room for storage. Word has it that the model drew her idea of the perfect handbag on a disposable airplane sickness bag for the designer.

Today, the Birkin bag is a wise and elegant investment for fashionable women. The handbag is a classic that gains in value each passing year. For example, Christie’s Auction in Hong Kong sold the most pricey handbag ever. The winning bid brought in a colossal $379,261 for the brand’s Himalayan bag.

Over the years, Hermès bags have been associated with the popular girls of society like actress Grace Kelly. That sophisticated handbag from the Hermès collection was nicknamed the Kelly because the former Monaco princess carried it everywhere. It achieved instant status due to Grace Kelly’s celebrity.

The Birkin bag, however, is constructed with a unique anatomy that gives it a spectacular following. The Birkin resembles a tote and comes with classy features like a lock and key to ensure all contents remain inside the bag. The design also enables the handbag to stand up on its own with four feet or clou at the bottom of the bag.

The Birkin bag provides a clouchette or leather cover for keys, and on the inside of the bag is one open pocket and a zipped pocket.

These days, Birkin bags aren’t cheap; they range in retail price from $11,900-$150,000 and come in a choice of gorgeous colors and six types of leather. Resale prices can reach up to $230,000 for one.

The Birkin bag has undeniable sex appeal and never gets old.

10 of the Latest Photography Gadgets

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The latest innovations in photography showcase gadgets that span a wide range of useful applications, which includes both complex and simple functionality.

1. Datacolor SpyderCube

This handy addition to any photographer’s kit works by being the single point of reference for light balance within the frame of any shot, which saves post-processing steps later.

2. Tinxi Hot Shoe Two Axis Bubble Spirit Level

Rather than eye-balling whether or not a picture’s frame aligns with the chosen horizon, photographers can instantly see when their camera’s position is level for the perfect shot the first time.

3. Joby GorillaPod Hybrid Tripod for Compact System Cameras with Integrated Ballhead

Shoots that require creative angles in hard-to-reach places, the bendable and jointed legs on this tripod can give a photographer a lot of flexibility in pursuit of the perfect shot.

4. Rogue FlashBender 2 Portable Lighting Kit

With so many modification options for flashgun attachments in this kit, photographers can experiment and play with lighting effects in countless new and interesting ways.

5. Hahnel UniPal Extra

Camera accessories that serve dual-purposes like this are a photographer’s best friend, especially when it charges a battery and operates as a power bank, too.

6. Lastolite by Manfrotto Joe Mcnally Ezybox Speed-lite 2 Plus

The portable versatility of this miniature softbox, which can be used as an attachment or as a standalone, opens up the possibilities for portrait photographers who work outside of a studio.

7. Lensbaby Spark

The build on this lens lets the photographer quickly and easily choose the angle of their soft-focus shot without having to adjust minute details each time they shift the perspective.

8. Rode VideoMic Pro R

While a built-in microphone comes standard with many DSLR cameras, serious professionals know that a mounted and shockproof mic like this is the only way to get the best quality audio possible.

9. NG Mediterranean Camera Tote Bag

A tote that doesn’t advertise it carries a bunch of expensive camera equipment is the photographer’s best friend while they’re on location for shoots in busy areas or traveling with a compact kit.

10. Transcend 2TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive

Modern storage options need to maximize their internal space and minimize their external vulnerability, which makes this a great choice for photographers who need a durable and expansive hard drive.

Social Media Sites You Should Use If You’re a Photographer

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With social media increasing online presence and engagement, photographers are able to use social media platforms to build out portfolios, interact with clients and other photographers, and engage with the industry in ways they have previously been unable to. If you’re a photographer, using social media can be a valuable way to extend your brand and find new opportunities for you. Here are some social media sites you should use if you’re a photographer.

 

Instagram

While it may seem an obvious platform, Instagram boasts an influential reputation as a hub for all things photography. As a social media platform, it is formatted to focus on photographs, and users have the ability to like and comment on posts. As a result, Instagram proves useful for branding, as well as networking. Photographers can also link to personal websites on their profiles.

 

Facebook

Perhaps one of the largest social networking sites, Facebook has the potential to reach a global audience. In addition to posting pictures on personal accounts, photographers can also make photography-specific pages to highlight their craft and offer their services. Facebook offers a wide-reaching platform for photographers looking to establish their reputation.

 

Behance

Providing a streamlined and easily navigated site, Behance is an ideal platform to develop a portfolio and begin branding. With a creative community, as well as additional resources—such as job listings, apps, and featured works—Behance offers both exposure and opportunities.

 

Pinterest

Providing organization and simple searching options, Pinterest proves a prominent platform for visual media. With options for business back-linking and the potential to reach wide audiences, Pinterest can provide photographers with a prime platform for branding and gaining exposure.

 

Tumblr

Providing creative freedom, Tumblr provides photographers the opportunity to post their work on an aesthetically streamlined platform. As users have the ability to repost and comment, Tumblr encompasses branding, exposure, networking, and more.

 

500px

500px is the ideal platform for photographers who want to immerse themselves in the photography community. The platform displays works from photographers worldwide, allowing ultimate community exposure and engagement. As a result of this, users are able to connect with photographers and build valuable networks within the industry.

 

Freelancer

For beginning photographers looking to establish a portfolio, Freelancer provides a platform for beginners to access projects. Photographers can use the platform to find jobs to gain experience, build out their portfolio, and establish a presence for themselves. It is also a way for photographers to begin making money off of their services.

 

As social media continues to aid online engagement, photographers can utilize platforms to build out their brand and network. Though there are many options to sift through, beginning with these in mind will help increase your online presence and opportunities as a photographer.

Why you Need to Reorganize Your Closet

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The closet is one of the most common places in homes that can quickly become unorganized and cluttered. Plenty of clothes, accessories, and miscellaneous items can accumulate throughout the year, which can make it challenging to find certain products. Although you may need to set aside time to reorganize the space, there are a few reasons it’ll make for a great project that has lasting benefits.

 

Avoid Stress

Waking up and trying to put together an outfit in a messy closet can make it easy to feel stressed, which can be a negative way of starting your day each morning. Getting organized can allow you to have a mental calm and avoid feeling overwhelmed when going through your wardrobe.

 

Save Time

By removing junk and reorganizing your closet, it’ll be easier to find items that you need. You won’t have to spend as much time searching for a certain pair of heels or a shirt when putting outfits together, which can allow you to get out of the house on time and avoid being late.

 

Save Money

Many people don’t realize that organizing their closet can allow them to save more money throughout the year. By going through each clothing item that you own, you’ll become more aware of the number of clothes that you have and will be less inclined to buy duplicates. You’ll also become more aware of any items that are needed, which can allow you to invest in products that you need.

 

The Seasons Change

The seasons are continually changing, making it necessary to adjust the clothes that are on display in your closet to ensure you can have easy access to what you need. You won’t have to spend time digging through winter coats in the summer or tank tops in the winter by staying updated on the organization of the space throughout the year.

 

Better Aesthetics

An organized closet looks better and is more attractive compared to a cluttered space. You won’t have to feel embarrassed if your family members or friends happen to get a look at your closet if everything is neatly organized. A tidy closet can also motivate you to keep other areas of your home clean, which can make the property more functional and habitable.

Fashion Trends Making a Comeback in Summer 2018

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This summer many cutting-edge fashion trends are emerging, many of which are making a comeback from their original eras.

 

Pastels

 

Pastel hues in the sundae style are making a comeback this summer. This carries over to dresses, accessories, purses, pantsuits, belts, and any garment you can think of. In addition to this, you can find exciting ways to pair different pastels with each other to make an entire pastel outfit.

 

Pastels—whether it be green, blue, or a more exciting pink—will really make your features pop and compliment any complexion and hair color.

 

Feathers

 

Miuccia Prada spurred the revival of feathers last season, followed by Kaia Gerber and Gigi Hadid, who wore dresses adorned by swan-like feathers. This followed Zara’s debut of feathered swan sandals, proving that there are feathers are not only a high-class embellishment, but simultaneously a versatile one.

 

Additionally, feathers do a great job of framing and contouring the original garment. They are often used to help outline the body in a way that emphasizes and shapes features attractively.

 

Floral Prints

 

Botanical prints are undoubtedly making a comeback this upcoming summer. There are so many print combinations and patterns under this genre, and due to the numerous options, it won’t be difficult to find one that is particularly flattering to you and your body type.

 

Slogan Prints

 

Shirts that make a statement have been booming in popularity over the course of the last couple years. This market is continuing to expand to include not just shirts, but also hats, jackets, and a plethora of other accessories fit with snappy slogans.

 

There are so many types of slogans being printed on garments, from spunky to sassy, inspirational to hysterical. With a little searching, you’ll undoubtedly be able to find one that fits your style and expresses your personality.

 

Fringing

 

Fringing is part of the maximalist movement, a statement which is coming back in high fashion. It involves fringing and swishing along the edges of features, adorning where the fabric meets fabric or fabric ends. Fringing can be done with a variety of patterns and material, making it extremely personable and easy to pair with clothing.
It also allows you to modify simple outfits, and fringing is relatively easy and cheap to do yourself. If you have an old shirt or skirt that you would like to turn into a brand new garment and be in stride for summer style, it is extremely simple to accent it where you see fit.

5 Tips for Photographing Nature

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Capture Movement

 

A great way to create a stunning photograph of nature is to capture it at its most dynamic. Whether this is thinking about the way trees sway in the wind, or a river flows around a conglomeration of rocks, capturing motion will help you take an interesting and compelling photograph.

 

To do this you will likely need to look at a longer shutter speed to make sure the photograph comes out as high quality as possible.

 

Maximize the Depth of the Shot

 

It is important for a good photograph to ensure that you are capturing depth so that the photograph doesn’t appear to be flattened or one-dimensional.  By positioning the camera in a way that captures the depth of a scene you will be able to manipulate the composition of the picture and encompass many different planes and elements.

 

This will also allow you to incorporate many more colors, textures, and intensities of lighting into your photograph. It will make it a far more interesting composition, carrying the eye of the viewer along varying levels and plains.

 

Set Up a Tripod

 

You’ll need to use a longer shutter speed in order to capture the depth and motion of a landscape, and to maximize this you will also need to set up a tripod. This will ensure that the camera remains completely still, yet you can still adjust it and capture the shot that you would like.

 

Capture Different Types of Lighting

 

The lighting of a scene can make or break a shot. However, it is also entirely unreliable in that it flexes constantly in response to the time of day, geography, and weather. Do not be afraid to take photographs even when the lighting does not look optimal, as they might turn out even more striking.

 

It is hard to predict the effect that the lighting will have on a picture, so do not be afraid to experiment and capture a location at a range of times in a range of forecasts.

 

Change your Point of View

 

Don’t let yourself get bound by one point of view or focal point. Of course, when you are thinking about photographing a place, you will have that one perfect picture in mind. However, by experimenting with different positions, angles, and points of view you may come out with an unexpectedly stunning photograph. The key to a fantastic picture, even more so than the technique and equipment, is being willing to experiment and surprise yourself.