Stop and Smell the Roses...and then Take a Picture!
By Meghan Stroebel, BounceBack Posh & Penniless Expert
In our homes, we surround ourselves with images from our childhood, of our family, friends, and significant others. We place this images in little frames and hang them up for all to see. However, sometimes these pictures meant to bring us happiness can turn into painful, constant reminders of a lost love.
Instead of throwing away every frame in your house every time you go through a break-up, start surrounding yourself with images that make you feel great, no matter what your relationship status is. With today's technology, almost anyone can become an amateur photographer (and framed photography is an inexpensive way to fill up that empty wall). There are so many great photo-editing programs that you can buy or download. An easy one to start with is Picasa, a photo editing program created by Google. Not only is this program super user-friendly - it is also free!
So, you've found your digital camera buried in your sock drawer, downloaded Picasa to your laptop - now what? Here are five ideas to help figure out what to photograph:
1. Write it in chalk.
Do you have a favorite song lyric or quote? Find a brick wall or sidewalk and write the quote out in chalk. You can buy sidewalk chalk almost anywhere (grocery store, pharmacy, toy store...). You can zoom in and take images of separate lines or one image of the entire phrase. You can enlarge the photograph and hang it almost anywhere; above your bed or maybe even your living room. There are even websites that can turn your photograph into a large canvas (try Canvas On Demand). Please make sure to bring some water to wash the chalk away if taking the picture in a public place!
2. Spell it out.
Ever play the alphabet game on long drives as a child? This is similar to that. Pick a word, in any language, maybe EAT for a kitchen or SALUT! to put in an entry way. Then go around town and find each letter to take a picture of. Individually frame the photographed letters in matching frames and hang them vertically or horizontally to spell the word.
3. Something you love.
Are you a coffee fanatic? Obsessed with anything with Manolo? A true dog lover? Go out and take pictures of your passion. If you love coffee, try capturing images of people drinking coffee at your favorite cafe or snap some shots of antique coffee cans at thrift store. Select and edit four of your favorite images and hang them to form a rectangle.
4. Unique to your neighborhood.
Is there a local hardware store that has been around since the nineteen-hundreds? Maybe there is a fountain that you pass every morning on your way to work. By taking images of things specific to where you live, it helps you feel connected and rooted. It can also help you see your neighborhood in a whole new light. When editing these images, turn them into black and white or sepia and apply a "Film Grain" effect to give it a vintage feel.
5. Mimic a professional.
Instead of trying to come up with a brilliant photograph on your own, mimic one. Go to local galleries and shows of photographers in your area (hey - maybe get the digits of a fellow onlooker as well)! By getting out there and seeing what other photographers are doing, you can get a ton of ideas on ways to edit a picture or capture an image. Maybe even sign up for a photography class to further your learning.
Printing and framing the photographs can get expensive, so it's best to have the pictures printed in common sizes (5x7; 8x10, etc...). Also, shop around for frames and mattes. Craft stores like Michaels and ACMoore have huge selections of frames and mattes at reasonable prices. Other discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods also have large selections of unique frames. Once completed, the finished product will bring a smile to your face every time you see it.
Meghan Stroebel is founder and author of Posh and Penniless. She graduated Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Communications and Business. Her passion is to get by (and oh-so-chic-ly) on a budget. She resides in the District of Columbia with her son and husband. www.poshandpenniless.com
BounceBack is changing the way people cope with heartbreak as a result of a breakup or divorce. BounceBack is a place to tell your story, get advice from experts, and share what you've learned with others in similar situations. We're here to remove the negative stigma around being heartbroken - this happens to everyone. And we believe everyone has the potential to bounce back to life and move forward. www.bouncebacktolife.com
Follow BounceBack on Twitter! @bounceback2life
Become a BounceBack Fan on Facebook!
BounceBack is conducting the 2010 Breakup Census. Stand up and be counted! Click here.
More from BounceBack:
On a Post-It? Really? The 10 Worst Ways to Break Up With Someone
Is Your Friend Dating Your Ex? 3 Ways to Handle Yourself with Grace and Style
5 Common Dating Mistakes You Don't Know You're Making
How to Technologically Shake Your Ex, For Good
Starting Fresh: 6 Tips to Get Over The Past and Find Love Again
