Photo Tips

Let me first say that, I am far from an expert at this photography stuff. In fact, I've yet to stray from the automatic settings on my new camera. I'd love to learn but I just haven't found the resources or the time yet. But, I have come to learn a few things when it comes to getting good pictures for my blog. Of course, everyone has their own style and you can take my advice with a grain of salt (: 

Pictures, in my opinion, are the most important aspect of your blog. We're all guilty of visiting a site and just scrolling through the pictures, neglecting to read any of the actual post. Your pictures are your visitor's first impression of your site. So often I'll come across a blog with great ideas and tutorials and yet, they sell themselves short with a lack of photos or photo quality.

So let's go though some of the basics!

1. Camera

No, I don't think you need a DSLR to get great pictures. My first few tutorials/posts were all shot with my regular old digital camera. Read more about that here. But, yes it does help. For me, upgrading cameras helped give me the crisp shot that I tried so hard to get with my older camera. It would take 5 or more shots before I got what I was looking for. With my Canon I can get it the first try. 

In case you're wondering, I use a Canon EOS Rebel T2i and I love it!

2. Lighting

I learned pretty quickly day pictures far exceed night pictures. Your pictures won't be as clear and will have a yellow un-natural look to them. Sometimes the only time you have to create is at night, and that's totally understandable, especially if your a mom. For me though, I try my best to stick to taking photos during the day. 

Here's an example of  a night shot:

and a day shot: 

3. Background

I like to change my background up from time to time but, most often I like to use a clean, white background. It keeps you focused on the subject and gives a great contrast. 

Two white, foam poster boards propped together by a window and you've got yourself a little photo studio. 

Face your subject towards the light 

and snap away. 

Another background you may have spotted in my photos  (and in my header)  is this wooden board. Funny, actually this board was used in my older sister's science project years ago. It's been on our back porch baking in the heat for who knows how long, until I spotted it and gave it a new life!

Look at all that lovely texture. 

Here it is in use:

This one I don't use quite as often but it's definitely another great option. This chalkboard oil cloth is leftover from a failed place mats project.

It's a neat effect if you want words/numbers in the shot

or just some pretty designs. 

One other that I've been growing to like more and more is my bed spread. Some of you have asked about it. I wish I could take credit for making it but it's actually from the creative people at Anthropologie. 

 4. Editing

Editing is another hugely important aspect of taking good photos. You don't have to have fancy software. I  do all the editing for my pictures in Iphoto and when I want to add text in Picasa. Picnik is another great, free option for adding text to your pictures. 

Generally I like to increase exposure, contrast, and definition. 

Here's the unedited version of this photo:

And after tweaking with it a bit: 

5. Modeling

I am not a model. I'm super awkward and I always feel silly posing for the camera by myself. Unfortunatley, it's a necessity if I want to show my creations off the hanger. I find if I take alot of pictures and I do mean alot, that I'll get a few decent shots that I can work with. 

Just in case you think I'm kidding. Here are some of the gems we've captured:

Care to share any of your favorite photo tips?

 I'd love to hear them!

...