Category: Art & Creativity

How to Start a Nature Journal

Posted on by Jenna

Do you want to feel more connected to nature? Why not start a nature journal?

If you want to take a break from screens, be creative, and reset your soul, grab a notebook and some art supplies and head to your backyard or neighborhood park. We are headed into fall and the change of season is the perfect time to start a nature journal. You can start simply by noting the changes you’re seeing in nature. 

What supplies do you need?

  • Some kind of notebook – it doesn’t matter if it’s blank or lined.
  • A pen or pencil 
  • Art supplies – colored pencils, markers, crayons, paint, whatever you have lying around.

How do you start?

First, head out to nature and plan to spend at least five minutes doing your journaling. Once you start getting the hang of it, increase your time to 10 minutes and 15 minutes. Eventually you may stay out there as long as you need but for now, start small. 

Open your notebook to a blank page. If you have a brand new notebook and you’re worried of messing it up (you won’t but I get it), don’t start on the first page, skip ahead a couple and start there. Put the date and time at the top then note what the weather is like. 

Next, start writing about what you see, hear, smell, and touch. You could also write about what you taste but I don’t suggest that. You can also note any observations or who you are with. If you see a flower, go ahead and sketch it. Maybe there’s an interesting cloud shape, sketch it out.

Take your time. Sit and observe for a minute or two before you start writing (or sketching). What is calling your attention? Maybe focus on that and start to write about it. 

Struggling to find something that is drawing your attention? Use a prompt! Here is a list to give you some ideas https://craftingagreenworld.com/writing/nature-journal-prompts/ 

Did you come across a new to you tree? Make a note, write down all the details, and dig into the research when you get home!

Don’t be afraid to try different things. No one else will see your journal and you aren’t being graded on it. Have fun with it!

Will you start your own nature journal? Let me know where you went and what you observed

Five Ideas for National Photography Month

Posted on by Jenna

May is National Photography Month!

And the best part? Everyone can celebrate! You don’t have to be a professional. You don’t need a fancy camera. You can use an old point and shoot or your phone. Have an instant camera? Grab that! There are no rules, no gatekeepers. You just have to love taking photos. And who doesn’t love taking photos? So get out there and have fun!

How can you celebrate National Photography Month? 

Here are my top five ideas:

  1. Try something new. Maybe you always take photos of your kids. Shake it up and do a self-portrait! Get a small phone tripod, grab something(s) that represent you (maybe a big mug of coffee or a glass of wine), and do a mini-photo shoot! Always use your cell phone? Get an instant camera (Kohl’s has a bundle for around $120). There are so many different ways to go with this prompt!
  2. Print. I will always encourage you to print. Make a photo book from your last family vacation. You can get everyone involved in picking the photos and layout! I recommend MPix. They are the consumer side of the professional lab I use and make excellent products! Photo books start at $29.99 or you can make prints starting from 24 cents!
  3. Find a new to you photographer. Go to the library and browse photo books to find someone you’ve never heard of. Search Instagram. Check out photo documentaries on Netflix or other streaming services. It’s always fun to “discover” someone.
  4. Take a photo walk. I’ve even put together a little May Photo Hunt to give you some ideas! You can get the PDF here. Get the list then head out to take some photos! You can do this solo or grab some friends or family. Want to share your photos? Check out the pinned post on J Volden Photography Facebook page and join The Desert Adventurer group!
  5. Share the love! Find photos or photographers you love and let them know! Tell your friends and family about your favorite photographers. Share their posts, pages, and groups. Photographers appreciate when you like, comment, share, and follow. It helps us. You don’t have to only buy to support your favorite photographers. Investing a little time to comment and share helps us reach new audiences.

What will you do this month to celebrate National Photography Day? Let me know in the comments! And it doesn’t have to be from this list, share your ideas! 

The Magic of Snow

Posted on by Jenna

In Phoenix, we don’t get a first snow.

Captain obvious, huh? Even though I am not a fan of Wisconsin winters, I have to admit there is something magical about a first snow. It feels like a chance at a fresh start, a clean slate. We get to enjoy this beautiful blanket of pure white snow covering the dead brown earth.

It makes me almost miss snow. Almost.

Snow means winter is really here. And winter means ice skating, sweaters, and hot chocolate. It’s a whole different experience from the oppressive summer heat. The twinkle lights seem brighter in the snow. It suddenly doesn’t feel as cold when it’s snowing.

snow

As a kid, waking up to snow meant no school. A day of sledding instead of studying. Building snowmen instead of being stuck indoors. Snow, to me, means Christmas is coming. It never feels like Christmas if there isn’t snow. And it also means cookies, cheesy movies, and singing along to Christmas songs.

So, although we don’t get snow in Phoenix, Im going to try to bring some snow magic to December. Ill think each day is magical and there for me to create, to do something fun, and not to stick to my usual routine. Sometimes we need to shake off our normal and have a snow day.

How will you bring some snow magic to your December, even if you have no snow?

PS Did you watch Gilmore Girls? One of my favorite running storylines was how much Lorelai loved snow. She could smell it coming, even if it wasn’t in the weather report. She totally got the idea of snow magic.

Nature Refresh

Posted on by Jenna

We recently returned from a trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It was the kind of reset I needed. There’s nothing like being out in nature, especially when human interaction is limited and wildlife is on display.

When we first arrived at our campsite, we were greeted by elk. We noticed them all around as we drove to the site. It was truly amazing. They came back each day and wandered around. The second night we could hear coyotes howling.

Being out in nature, seeing, and hearing wildlife is good for the soul.

Too often we get stuck in our daily routine of life. Wake up, work, watch tv, go to bed. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Maybe you workout a bit, go for a walk to get some vitamin D but you still are surrounded by the sites and sounds of the city.

Humans need nature. We need to get away from the screens.

I love screens. Don’t get me wrong. Clearly, I use the internet and social media. But I think we need a break. We need to put the phones and computers down and head outside. There’s something about fresh air and sunshine that clears the soul.

I also love it when we have time away from the internet too. If you get far enough away from the city, your cell service might not work which is not a bad thing for a few days. I only used my phone to take photos and videos. At the campsite I enjoyed the elk, reading my book, and enjoying the fire. With s’mores of course.

We don’t need to be connected all the time.

We need time away. There’s nothing quite like enjoying only the sounds of nature. Of not feeling tied to anything. To have the freedom to just sit and think or reflect.

Although not the same, I try to get out each weekend for a trail run. Being outside helps me feel more connected to nature and to reset from a tough week of work and responsibility.

Where is your favorite place to get away for a bit and not deal with screens and other people’s problems?

My Favorite Image – Joshua Tree

Posted on by Jenna
Joshua tree

Have you ever been to Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree is a vast place with several diverse areas. You can hike to a palm tree oasis, off-road to see some of the oldest and largest Joshua Tree, or hike to an old mine. On the hike to the mine, there are several old cars.

I always wonder how these old cars get to these random places. They aren’t easy places to get to, by off-road vehicle or on foot. And why leave them behind? Did they breakdown? Run out of gas? This is where my mind goes when I see random things in the desert. I start making up stories!

The old cars are rusted, have holes in the floorboards, and nature has taken some of them back.

I think this green one is my favorite of the cars we came across. It was the most hidden in a grove of trees. The others were all out in the open. I love the exposed wood in the door. I love the way the leaves and sticks are filling up the driver’s side floor.

If you like this photo and want to see more cars from Joshua Tree, head over to my gallery!

What story would you make up about these cars?

Revisiting Breckenridge

Posted on by Jenna

Since 2020 has limited my travel, I’ve decided to revisit old photos. I re-edited a few images from my 2014 trip to Breckenridge, Colorado.

While going through the images I thought about how much fun I had exploring this little town on my own. When I arrived, I parked my rental vehicle and never used it again until it was time to head back to Denver.

I walked everywhere.

I loved being able to walk to get my meals and enjoy the town. It was such a cute place. I found myself sitting and people watching for hours. I would love to be a street photographer but Phoenix doesn’t really offer much for that. I remember I went downtown on a Saturday to take photos and it was like a ghost town.

Phoenix is working to draw more people on the weekends with lots of new restaurants. Maybe once covid is over I will try again. I think street photography can be a great creative adventure!

flowers

I had several flower images. I do like to take pictures of flowers, probably because I cant grow them. I have a black thumb. I even kill succulents which are supposed to be very hard to kill. If I can’t grow ’em I can at least hang them on the wall!

buildings

I always love taking photos of buildings and random objects I find while walking. The blue truck was so fun to tumble across while out and about. It is one of my most popular images to date! I also love architecture, especially older buildings. They don’t build them like that anymore. Buildings and houses now lack the character of older ones. (oops, the bottom right corner wasn’t supposed to be in this group!)

And lastly, here are some of the street photography I did. These are some of my first real street photography images, at least since like college. And college was a very long time ago. I really like the top right corner. The man is running to get in line at the donut shop!

If you could travel to one place you’ve already been, where would you go back to?

Get Outside – My Favorite Image

Posted on by Jenna

Get outside when you can.

We all need to get outside and get some fresh air and sunshine, especially in the current times. As always, we need to practice being responsible while enjoying the outdoors.

What can you do to get outside?

Take a walk, go for a run. Explore your neighborhood. Or grab your coffee and laptop and head to your deck. Plan your next big adventure. You may not be able to go far now, but someday you will. Why not dream?

Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is a great place to dream and scheme about. There are so many different things to see there. The landscape is awe-inspiring, and the petrified wood is just beyond words. I plan to go back.

Picking a favorite image from here was incredibly hard. Are the badlands better than a close up of petrified wood? Do I go with the old rusted out car on route 66? What about images from the hike to the onyx bridge?

See why I recommend this place?

We didn’t even go on all the hikes we had wanted to. It’s closed currently, like most places, but you should still head over to their website (once you’ve finished here, of course) and scheme about what you would do and see there.

I finally decided on this photo of the rusted out car because it reminds me of my dad. We shared a love of cars, and I know he would have loved this. He had a photo of a random truck I found in Breckenridge framed and hanging in his office. Finding old cars is like a little connection to him, even though he’s gone.

get outside

Whenever I take a photo of an old car, I think of him and how much fun it would have been to show him the pictures. It also reminds me that our time here is relatively short, and most of the time, we won’t know when our number is up. That’s why it’s essential to get outside and explore this vast world while we can.

If you like this image, head over to Instagram, I’ll be posting different photos from Petrified Forest this week!

Like the image above and want to own your own (or maybe another Petrified Forest print)? Head over here and shop to your heart’s content.

My Favorite Image – Horseshoe Bend

Posted on by Jenna

Trying to pick a favorite image from a place is hard. If it’s made it to my website it means I love it. The process to narrow down images is hard, especially when I can see all the little differences in each photo. Others may think they are very similar but after staring at them and going back ad forth for hours I’m like nope, they are so different!

I know. It’s an issue and something I need to work on!

Horseshoe Bend is located in Page, AZ and is considered part of the Glen Canyon recreational area. It’s pretty famous on Instagram now and gets quite busy. It’s also a dangerous spot and several people have fallen to their death there. It’s definitely an area you need to watch your step and stay away from the edge.

Black & White is always my favorite.
But here is the color version too.

Since our visit, Horseshoe bend has changed. There is now a better path to the viewing area and fencing. The new path allows for easier access under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which is great! I believe everyone should be able to see this amazing place. I haven’t been but I’ve read about the changes. They also charge for parking now and if busy, you may be required to use the shuttle system.

Want a piece of Arizona on your wall? Check out my shop!

My Favorite Landscape Image – Antelope Canyon

Posted on by Jenna

In 2018 we traveled a lot. I want to share some of my favorite images from the places we went to. Up first? Antelope Canyon. Two magical slot canyons in northern Arizona.

Upper Antelope Canyon is known for “the” light beam. The canyon is narrower at the top, which creates the light beams. I did capture “the” beam but my favorite was a different light beam. Everyone wants the get the shot. Sometimes though it pays to look around and take some different shots and angles.

Like what you see? You can buy this image as a print or another one in my shop! Check it out now.

What makes me click the shutter?

Posted on by Jenna

The world is full of some fantastic sites, from natural to the human-made. So how do I pick what to take a picture of when I’m out and about?

Well, it depends (I know… everyone’s favorite answer!).

I can find beauty or intrigue in almost anything. While digital allows me to shoot as much as I want, I try to be slightly more discerning in my experimenting. It sucks to have over 500 photos to weed through and edit after a weeks vacation. I take the apparent picture but then I try to take only a few artsy ones to satisfy my curiosity of would this work? Plus, I learned on film and have picked it up again, so I’m trying to slow myself down and find the right shot.

Whatever that means.

Let’s pretend I’m out in nature, maybe exploring a new to me hiking trail. Of course, I know of “the shot” everyone, and their mom takes on this trail. I will probably take at least one photo of the shot (because that’s what you do) and then I’ll start to look around. Can I get a different perspective, higher or lower maybe? What if I turn to the right or left? What’s behind me?

When I arrive at a scene, I usually take a moment to scan the area. What pops for me? Then I will get out my camera to see if the scene still works when I look through the viewfinder. Do I need to move because that tree branch now looks funny? Do I need a different angle to make a better composition? A step to the left (but not too far as I don’t want to fall off the edge!).

Sometimes, a lot of times, it doesn’t work.

Looking through the lens makes things look different. Maybe when I look through the lens, there are less distinguishing characteristics in the foreground, and everything runs together. If so, I don’t take the photo but keep looking around.

If I’m not 100% sure if the scene works, I take a test shot with my cell phone. If I like it, I shoot with my “real” camera. If not, I look again with my eye to see if I missed something. I try to work quickly and efficiently with my phone because I’m usually making someone wait.

Eventually, I’ll find something I like better to snap.

I’m usually drawn to scenes with lots of greens and blues. Blue skies, trees, the ocean tend to grab my eye first. I also love colorful rock formations like Sedona’s red rocks or the texture of hoodoos in Bryce Canyon.

If I’m in the city, skylines are an easy answer. Who doesn’t like a skyline image? You can see several different and unique architecture in one picture. There’s usually different shapes, either of the building themselves or one some detail in the building like the windows. I also love the shadows the sun and other buildings can cast. And of course, the reflections in all-glass buildings make me happy.

I’m always looking for a scene that will work well on film or in black and white. I may overshoot on my digital camera (creating more work for myself) but I will always ask will this work compositionally and light wise on film? Will it translate well to black and white?

I will always be a sucker for film and black and white images.

There’s something about those two that keep pulling me back in. They also make me slow down, be in the moment, and analyze what’s in front of me. I like that moment of really seeing the landscape in front of me to decide if this is the best I can do before I press the shutter button.

So, in short, what makes me press that little button?

  1. An interesting formation, either rocks or buildings.
  2. Something I can visualize in black and white easily.
  3. Something different or unexpected about a tourist spot.
  4. Something I want to remember for myself. (This is a big one!)

What makes you decide to take a photo?