Black & White

Black & White | Sophster-Toaster

As a way to push myself creatively, and really learn the ins and outs of light and shadow, I’m challenging myself to only take photos in black and white this month.

I learned the basics of photography on high saturation 90’s colour film and then graduated to bright and clear digital, completely missing any opportunity to practice without the easy allure of colour. I’ve spent most of my time focusing on the interplay of colours in my images, using them to draw attention or conceal. For the most part, I’ve striven for scenes that are well and evenly illuminated. I’ve played with light here and there, but why use light to create drama and intrigue when I’m surrounded by all these dazzling colours?

When switching into black and white, the first thing I noted was that I needed to change the way I look at anything I want to photograph. No longer am I looking for complementary colours and brightly lit spaces, now I need to see the world in light and dark, geometric shapes, and shadows.

Black & White | Sophster-Toaster

I decided to take my first honest stab at black and white in the comfort and control of my little home studio. I set up and found right away that taking pictures the way I do in colour, results in flat, boring and dull images. (What do you mean this black sweater and these dark blue jeans are reading as the same colour!?) Instead of trying to mimic the natural light coming in through the window and basically bumping up the total light in the room, I found I had to light my backdrop indirectly. I had to bounce light off the walls and ceiling while lighting myself with one light higher than usual and off to the side, thus making the window light the only true, direct illumination. I had fun stepping in and out of the shadows and seeing how things changed in my photos. I’m quite looking forward to how much I have to learn this month.

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Top ModCloth
Jeans Angry Rabbit
Socks ModCloth
Shoes ModCloth
Glasses Warby Parker
Brooch found item

Black & White | Sophster-Toaster Black & White | Sophster-Toaster

All photos by me.

Black & White | Sophster-Toaster

Beginner Hygge

Beginner Hygge | Sophster-Toaster

I’ve always lamented the fact the Canada, a cold and snowy country with a long, dark winter, doesn’t have any winter culture to speak of, at least in the part of Southern Ontario I live in. We’re raised to despise winter and long for summer. We’re brought up to believe winter is something that must be endured but it’s worth it for our the summers in our beautiful country. Well, I disagree. I think winter, all 5 months of it here, can be just as charming, enjoyable and looked forward too as the other brief seasons. I don’t think there’s any point to a life spent hating half of the year.

That’s why, this year, I’m determined to embrace the concept of hygge. If you don’t know what hygge is, Alex from Hygge House puts it beautifully:

“Hygge (pronounced hue-guh not hoo-gah) is a Danish word used when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cosy, charming or special.”

I want to dress cute and cozy, cook healthy, seasonal comfort food, watch movies under soft blankets, play in the snow, drink hot chocolate, spend time with friends, drinking wine by fireplaces, and, most importantly, leave home with a smile instead of a shiver. I want to wake up on gloomy days, to the sound of the heat coming on, under layers of fluffy blankets, with thoughts of tea and a warm breakfast and be happy for another winter day.To get started on these goals, I’ve been sneaking some early hygge in ever since the weather turned cool this fall.

Beginner Hygge | Sophster-ToasterBeginner Hygge | Sophster-Toaster

I spent Thanksgiving up at the family cottage with a small and intimate party of just Pepper and my husband. It was cold and cloudy weather that most people would find unlucky for a vacation weekend, but we loved it. We walked around in the woods, made a tofurky with all the trimmings, chopped firewood, mulled cider on the wood stove, and watched movies by the fire. I wore wool socks, turtlenecks, flannel, denim, warm sweaters and thick nylons throughout the trip. We got cozy and really enjoyed each other’s company. I can’t wait for more of this.

Beginner Hygge | Sophster-Toaster

Turtleneck ModCloth
Skirt ModCloth
Nylons Joe Fresh
Accessories old
Slippers White Noise Maker

Beginner Hygge | Sophster-Toaster Beginner Hygge | Sophster-Toaster

All photos by me.

Fall is for Night Skies and Lullabies

Fall is for Night Skies and Lullabies | Sophster-Toaster

I loved this skirt when I made it in velvet for last winter. The fabric was soft, lush and lovely but very thick and heavy. It’s really only wearable for people who live in parts of the world that see long, cold winters. I wanted to bring the design to more seasons, and more people, so I made a lighter version in organic cotton sateen! The fabric is still heavier and more tightly woven than a basic, breezy cotton and has a subtle sheen to it too, giving it just the right amount of warmth and texture for fall layering.

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Sweater ModCloth
Skirt Sophster-Toaster
Shoes ModCloth
Earrings Designs by Amber
Button Craft Arts Market

All photos by me.

False Start

False Start | Sophster-Toaster Blog

I was sick with a bad cold and stuck inside almost all of last week, so I didn’t get to enjoy the unseasonably mild weather we’ve been having. It’s been a strange feeling, being sick and bundled up inside at the end of January but looking outside at a garden that looks like early spring. The birds are chirping and the sun is streaming softly through the windows between gently rolling rainstorms but I can’t let myself get excited because it doesn’t feel real; it’s too early to be spring.

False Start | Sophster-Toaster Blog

It’s hard to know how to dress for this type of weather. We’re still in the middle of winter but the temperature’s above zero in the afternoons and all the snow is gone. The colourful clothes of spring don’t match the browns, greys and muted greens of the world outside but my winter clothes feel a bit too heavy. I’m keeping the spring clothes tucked safely away so I’m not so crestfallen when the chill returns but I couldn’t help but sneak out the kitschy rabbit earrings while the weather is calm and promising.

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Sweater ModCloth
Skirt ModCloth
Socks McGregor Socks
Earrings old
Ring old

All photos by Matt.