Inspired @ ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com » Wildlife Photography http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog Fusing art and photojournalism to create images that are simply unforgettable. Wed, 16 May 2012 14:50:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 June 2011 Calendar Wallpaper is Here! Glow of Sunset III, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/fine-art-photography/2011/05/20/june-2011-calendar-wallpaper-is-here-glow-of-sunset-iii-chincoteague-national-wildlife-refuge/ http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/fine-art-photography/2011/05/20/june-2011-calendar-wallpaper-is-here-glow-of-sunset-iii-chincoteague-national-wildlife-refuge/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 15:47:25 +0000 Irene Abdou http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/?p=4578 The June 2011 calendar wallpaper is here!  Breathe in the fresh air, bask in the glory of the setting sun, and admire the grace of a flock of snow geese with this month’s calendar wallpaper of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, Virginia.

Download the calendar wallpaper of Chincoteague National Wildlife [...]]]>

The June 2011 calendar wallpaper is here!  Breathe in the fresh air, bask in the glory of the setting sun, and admire the grace of a flock of snow geese with this month’s calendar wallpaper of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, Virginia.

Download the calendar wallpaper of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge here, in a resolution appropriate to your computer monitor.  And view more fine art photography of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge here.

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Anyone up for an engagement photography or portrait session on the Eastern Shore?

Between now and the time I post July’s calendar wallpaper, get a complimentary, artist-select and choreographed DVD slideshow ($120 value) of photographs from your engagement or portrait photography session on the Eastern Shore!

(This offer may not be combined with any other discounts or offers.  Session must be booked by June 10, 2011 and session held by October 31, 2011.

Book today with offer code EASTERNSHORE by calling or completing our online inquiry form for a complimentary consultation.

View client raves/testimonials here.  View benefits and my guarantee here.

June 2011 Calendar Desktop Wallpaper: Silhouetted ducks and snow geese bask in the glow of sunset in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, Virginia.

Silhouetted ducks and snow geese bask in the glow of sunset in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, Virginia.

]]> http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/fine-art-photography/2011/05/20/june-2011-calendar-wallpaper-is-here-glow-of-sunset-iii-chincoteague-national-wildlife-refuge/feed/ 0 Of Bucket Baths and Shimmer and Shine http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/fine-art-photography/2010/12/05/of-bucket-baths-and-shimmer-and-shine/ http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/fine-art-photography/2010/12/05/of-bucket-baths-and-shimmer-and-shine/#comments Sun, 05 Dec 2010 14:18:36 +0000 Irene Abdou http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/?p=2858 Well, after five weeks of wandering the dusty roads of Burkina Faso, West Africa, we are finally back in the good ol’ U.S. of A!  You know, I did miss home.  We had a great time, but five weeks is pretty darn long.  My #1 cause of homesickness?  Those of you who know me [...]]]>

Well, after five weeks of wandering the dusty roads of Burkina Faso, West Africa, we are finally back in the good ol’ U.S. of A!  You know, I did miss home.  We had a great time, but five weeks is pretty darn long.  My #1 cause of homesickness?  Those of you who know me might guess really bad internet.  But nope, this time, more than anything, I missed our clean, white bathroom.  I mean, for 3 1/2 of our 5 weeks, we were taking bucket baths.  I became a good friend of bucket baths in my Peace Corps Niger days, but I haven’t had to see a bucket bath in…let me count…four years, since living in Southern Sudan!  In fact, yesterday (the day after we got back), I was really appreciating our bathroom.  I promise, it was already clean, but the first thing I did yesterday was to make it sparkle more!

Definition, “bucket bath”: Fill a bucket with water from the pump.  The water will most likely be cold, unless you leave it to sit under the sun.  If at night, there is no sun.  Also look for a plastic cup.  Carry the bucket (and cup if you found one) into the shower area, which hopefully will have cement on the ground.  Make sure you drape a piece of cloth or clothing on the outside wall of the shower area to alert people that you are inside.  Use the cup to pour water from the bucket onto yourself.  If you didn’t find a cup, then use your two hands to splash water from the bucket onto yourself.  Splash the water as quickly as possible, so that your soapy hands don’t put too much soap into the clean water.

Over the next month or two, I’ll be working on sorting, editing, and processing the 2,487 images that I brought back with me, so stay tuned!  Some of them will be ready in time for Christmas shopping!  And now, onto today’s post…

In this economy, many of us are seeking ways to freshen the look and beautify our homes and offices while keeping expenses down.  Painting a wall with an accent color, or simply adding artwork in accent colors, is a great way to “economically remodel.”  The Paint Quality Institute forecasts that three color directions will share the fame in 2011: Back to Basics, Well Worn Hues, and Shimmer and Shine.  Which one are you?  (Me, I’m definitely Shimmer and Shine…)

1.  Back to Basics

The ultimate in practical home remodeling, neutral colors are versatile, allowing the look of a room to be dramatically changed simply by adding a few new accessories.  With neutrals, expensive remodeling or repainting is unnecessary, and this is the perfect time for neutrals’ claim to fame.  Some of the colors that we’ll be discovering in kitchens, bedrooms, and baths across the country in 2011 include warm whites, tawny tans, “barely-there” coral, and green.

Will a fine art photograph in neutral colors spice up your home?  Check out this photograph of “Wheat Fields Waving” in Cades Cove, at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee.

Or, check out all fine art photographs with neutral colors here.

2.  “Well Worn” Hues

Are your favorite pair of jeans blue?  In 2011, blue’s popularity will grow, not just on jeans, not just on walls, but also on ceilings.  Blues across the spectrum are well worn hues, from denim dark to grey-blue, and are great in any room of the house.

Seeking to accent your home with blue?  Check out “Mist Over Canyonlands IV” from Canyonlands National Park in Moab, Utah.

Or, check out all fine art photography with blue here.  And if you have blue walls, think about accenting them with fine art photography in yellow or orange.

3.  Shimmer and Shine

Thrifty consumers are taking a look at higher paint sheens and metallic finishes to add a bit of sparkle to their homes.  Very glossy hues will make their way in 2011 into hallways and living areas, top to bottom.  More gloss = more reflectivity = more light, subtly facilitating a brighter, upbeat mood, while speaking to style and pizzazz.  Perfect areas for the sophisticated shimmer and shine selection?  Dining rooms, master bedrooms, and master baths.  Perfect metallic choice and paint hue?  Gold is returning coupled with the high-shine trend!

For shimmer and shine, check out “Tinged with Gold,” a photograph of snow geese at sunset in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia.

Or, check out all fine art photographs with gold here.

4. Bucking the Trend

Are you the black sheep of the family?  Do you not fit into any of the categories above?  Well, we have something for everyone, so check out the other colors below!

And don’t forget, fine art photography or a fine art photography gift certificate also makes for a very special Christmas gift for friends and family!

]]> http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/fine-art-photography/2010/12/05/of-bucket-baths-and-shimmer-and-shine/feed/ 0 Introducing…Metal Prints! http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/fine-art-photography/2010/02/27/introducing-metal-prints/ http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/fine-art-photography/2010/02/27/introducing-metal-prints/#comments Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:07:26 +0000 Irene Abdou http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/?p=410 Double Float Metal Print: A smaller metal print floats before a second, larger metal print base.

New offering!  Prints on metal!  Range of sizes up to 40×60.  Single print, double float, or framed double float.  Sharp square, rounded, or scallopped corners.  Float mount blocks, corner drilled holes, easel stand, or contemporary wood frame with [...]]]>

Double Float Metal Print: A smaller metal print floats before a second, larger metal print base.

Double Float Metal Print: A smaller metal print floats before a second, larger metal print base.

New offering!  Prints on metal!  Range of sizes up to 40×60.  Single print, double float, or framed double float.  Sharp square, rounded, or scallopped corners.  Float mount blocks, corner drilled holes, easel stand, or contemporary wood frame with pewter finish.

Created by infusing dies directly onto aluminum sheets, metal prints are my newest art medium offering.  The print has a magical, brilliant luminescence while retaining detail and resolution because the dyes are infused into the metal surface rather than onto the surface. 

These durable archival prints have an ultra-hard scratch-resistant surface, are waterproof and weatherproof, and can be easily cleaned with any commercial glass cleaner.  I’m offering metal prints to my portraits-weddings-event photography and fine art photography customers, with a choice of three different surfaces:

  • White High Gloss – Brilliant high gloss surface that shows every detail. Excellent surface for any subject matter especially nature, water, cars and so on. Maximum wow factor.
  • White Satin - Smooth, very even and soft appearance. Great for portraits, weddings and if surface reflection is a concern.
  • Sheer - Allows the surface of the metal to show through giving the image a translucent luminescence. This unique glossy material works well with high key images and images with subtle color transitions.

    • Wondering how to hang and display your unique, georgeous metal print?  Choose from the following:

  • Easel stands for print sizes up to 11×14
  • Corner-drilled holes (print sits flush against wall)
  • Float mount block (print appears to float in space 1/2 inch off the wall)
  • Contemporary wood frame with pewter finish (print is recessed in the frame about 1 1/2 inches for an attractive depth

    • For an extra special presentation, try the double float metal print, where a smaller metal print is floated off a second, larger metal print base, or even better, the framed double float metal print!

    Feel free to contact me to make an appointment to view metal prints and other printing options and fine art photography!

    Double Metal Float - Basking in the Glory of Sunset I, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Viginia

    Double Metal Float - Basking in the Glory of Sunset I, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Viginia. A smaller metal print (12x18) floats before a second, larger metal print (14x20). For this print, I chose the back print to be an opaque version of the front print, with an opacity gradient running diagonally from the upper right corner.

    ]]> http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/fine-art-photography/2010/02/27/introducing-metal-prints/feed/ 0     I’ve signed with the VisionLight Gallery http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/fine-art-photography/2009/12/18/ive-signed-with-the-visionlight-gallery/ http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/fine-art-photography/2009/12/18/ive-signed-with-the-visionlight-gallery/#comments Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:18:08 +0000 Irene Abdou http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/?p=206 Just wanted to let you all know that I’ve recently signed a representation agreement with the VisionLight Photographic Art Gallery. VisionLight represents a total of only 114 artists throughout the United States.  I now have 240 photographs available for sale through the website, with print sizes ranging from 8×10 to 24×36 available.  Check ‘em [...]]]>

    Just wanted to let you all know that I’ve recently signed a representation agreement with the VisionLight Photographic Art Gallery. VisionLight represents a total of only 114 artists throughout the United States.  I now have 240 photographs available for sale through the website, with print sizes ranging from 8×10 to 24×36 available.  Check ‘em out – images listed range in subject and include landscapes, nature, architecture, wildlife, light & movement, and people/travel.  Stay tuned, too, because I’m about to leave on a trip through the parks of Southern Utah and will be adding to-be-gorgeous-images from the American Southwest! 

    You can purchase online through VisionLight Gallery - and of course, if you’re interested in purchasing, you can also contact me directly at irene@ireneabdouphotography.com.  My work is also available through: Gallery Serengeti (Africa photography) (note listed prices are print only), VisArts Too in Rockville, MD, Art Galaxy in Germantown, MD, Soho Myriad, Parish Gallery Georgetown (Africa photography),  and ArtMatters, LLC in Rockville, MD.

    And if anyone would like to come by my studio to view artwork personally, give me a ring at 202-596-8147!

    ]]>     http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/fine-art-photography/2009/12/18/ive-signed-with-the-visionlight-gallery/feed/ 1     I am in love with the Chincoteaue National Wildlife Refuge. http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/fine-art-photography/2009/11/09/i-am-in-love-with-the-chincoteaue-national-wildlife-refuge/ http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/fine-art-photography/2009/11/09/i-am-in-love-with-the-chincoteaue-national-wildlife-refuge/#comments Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:55:37 +0000 Irene Abdou http://ireneabdouportraitsweddings.com/blog/?p=127 My husband and I just spent a 3-day weekend at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, Virginia, with other members of the Gaithersburg Camera Club.  It was absolutely GORGEOUS!!!  There were thousands of beautiful snow geese – I’ve never seen anything like it!  Shortly after we first arrived on Friday afternoon, they [...]]]>

    My husband and I just spent a 3-day weekend at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, Virginia, with other members of the Gaithersburg Camera Club.  It was absolutely GORGEOUS!!!  There were thousands of beautiful snow geese – I’ve never seen anything like it!  Shortly after we first arrived on Friday afternoon, they all took off into the air at the same time!  And Saturday morning, we saw them land at the same time in these spirals.  It looked like a tornado!  It was absolutely incredible!  Here are my photos of the Friday afternoon takeoff.

    And here are my photos of the Saturday morning landing.  Is it not amazing or what???

    Saturday afternoon, we took a ride over to the Pocomoke River State Park in Maryland (about 45 minutes from Chincoteague) to see their Scales and Tails program, where we saw a red-tailed hawk, barred owl, eastern screech owls, and a broad-winged hawk.  The eastern screech owls were my favorites – they were so cute!  Really small, and they looked like cats!  I love cats…  I think that’s why I liked them so much.

    Then, Saturday afternoon, we enjoyed a BEAUTIFUL sunset with all the geese in the water.

    Sunday morning, we were on the beach watching this little bird.  As the waves drew back, the bird would run in to eat what the waves had brought, and when the waves came roaring back, it would run away, water nipping at its little feet.

    Here’s a few final photos.

     

    This was our first trip to Chincoteague.  We recommend it!!!  Many, many thanks to Bill Hamm for organizing a spectacular trip and to all the Gaithersburg Camera Club members for their wonderful company!

    p.s. We just bought our plane tickets for our upcoming trip to Utah!  We’ll be visiting Arches, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Escalante, Bryce Canyon, and Zion at a minimum.  We are so excited!!!  It’s going to be GORGEOUS!!!  We spent one night in Chincoteague checking out the photos of Alan and Paula’s trip to Utah (they just got back).  Thanks to them for sharing and to Alan for so very kindly picking up a tour guide and map for me!

    Also, to download a pdf on buying fine art photography, click here.

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