Okay, so I've had a lot of questions lately about the photos on my blog. You will probably think this is funny, but I do not do anything special. Someday, I will invest in one of those fancy photo cube thingies, but for now, this is what I do.
You know the sheets of cardboard that come in the back of the designer packs of paper from Stampin' Up!? I use two of those, on a chair in front of a window! I'm not kidding. It works best when you can get as much natural light as possible.... which sometimes is a real challenge here on the OR coast. I also have a light that I turn on with one of those natural light bulbs in it... you know, one of the twirlie ones? You can get them at Walmart, BiMart... pretty much wherever you shop. They are around $5.00.
I set up my card in the center of the bottom piece of cardboard. I then back up and hit the macro setting on my camera. I zoom in a bit, but not too close, because I crop later. I take about 6-8 photos moving the camera slightly each time. I then upload them to Microsoft Picture It! It's a program that came with my version of XP. I usually hit the auto fix, but sometimes it makes the colors funky so I will go and fiddle with the brightness and contrast a bit. I don't like to fiddle too much though, because then it's me that makes it too funky. I then crop it , and add a feature called soft. It makes the edges kinda soft or fuzzy white. Then, I add my watermark, hit save as web ready photo, and hit save. I always get better photos on nicer, brighter days.... it's all the natural light baby!
So, there ya have it. If you've got any tips or tricks to share, I'd love to hear them! I'm always looking for other options or ways to improve. Hope you had a super weekend.... thanks for stopping by!
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12 comments:
Great tip. My house is so dark so thanks for the tip on the light bulb. I used two large white envelopes once and my card came out great :o)
I do pretty much exactly the same thing, except sometimes I switch it out with cardstock to add some color. Alot of times I'll set it up on my desk, so I can place the camera right on the desk and turn off the flash 7 set timer. If I have to drag out the tripod and set it up its just too much work, lol!
Hi Cami! This is very similar to what I do. I just use two pieces of canvas-textured bazzill in a light beige (helps show off white better IMO); putting one on bottom, one leaning against a centerpiece on my kitchen table (in front of a window).
I then take pictures using the flash off and use my free Picassa by Yahoo. Yours always look great!
Thank you so much for the tip! As a new card maker I had NO idea how to get such wonderful pictures of my work! I will definitely try this out today!
the only difference between our set ups is that I use actual 12X12 pieces of cardstock on my chair in front of the window!!!
I shall have to try this. I have a question about watermarks. Could you tell me more. hfullerton@rogers.com
girl...this is too funny. Here is why...go look at my daughter's blog. She just posted about a contraption she made to take pictures. You will get a kick out of it!! :) http://alisha-tooberemembered.blogspot.com/2008/08/can-you-say-cheap.html
Sounds like a great idea to me. I took my (one card) picture that I posted on my blog outside and dedcided I didn't like the weed infested grass in the background so I cropped it out using whatever program came with our computer...but I'll have to admit yours always have great color. You think the OR coast is bad for sunlight try moving north to good ol' Washington...the sunshine is a coveted, treasured commidity here. I haven't figured out the watermark thing yet but once I do I'll start a stamping blog...my family blog is so my husband can see some pictures of the family while he is deployed without having to download them. I don't do such a great job keeping up with it. Thanks for all your great creations....I haven't figured out when you have time to sleep though ;-0
Thanks for the tips! Hopefully my future photos will turn out better...love your work!
Cami,
Thank you for the tip. About a week ago I started a stamping blog and have not had very good luck with the pictures I have taken. I am going to try this tonight and maybe I will actually be able to post my first project.
Cami, I do the same thing! Those pieces of cardboard come in handy. ;-) I also have 2 pieces of foam core that I use for larger items or when I'm just being lazy.
Cami, that's exactly what I do except I use a white piece of cotton fabric over my chair by the window and I add props....I love the natural light too!!!! TFS your tips!!
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