After teaching at Monday's Scrap Club in Salem, there were some really great questions that came up. So good, that I thought it would be great to have a thread on our forum that answered some of those questions.

I am going to post some great tips and tricks to help take better photographs for your scrapbook pages. Feel free to use this thread to ask any questions as well!

A great question...

"If I edit my photos at home, will my local printers (eg. Costco) also edit my photos?"

Yes. Where ever you have your photos printed, the photo printer has what is called "Auto Correction." The printer will try and correct your photo automatically.

It is like developing your film in a dark room but now, today with digital photography the printer does all the work. A film photographer would usually develop their own photos in their own dark room to make sure to add contrast (and more) how they would like it. Digitally we do it on the computer or the printers at the lab do it automatically now.

For example, I desaturated my photograph below to make it black and white but then wanted a little bit of color to bleed through. In other words, I edited it in Photoshop and don't want it altered at all.



So, if you have edited your pictures at home, when you turn in your pictures at your photo lab, tell them to "turn the auto correction off." If you are ordering online, you will need to make sure to click the box that says "auto corrections" to make sure it is off. See the screen print below of Costco.com (click on the photo to enlarge it).

Jen, I just have to say that your demonstration was awesome. You have definitely motivated me to move off autopilot and try more with my camera(s). We have a digital SLR and I also have a point and shoot to carry with me when I'm out and about with my daughters. I actually tried adjusting the ISO on my point and shoot the other day, that was great to know, especially since I haven't read the manual. And your tips on cropping were great too. Thanks for all the info!!!

Mrsrfwii wrote:
Jen, I just have to say that your demonstration was awesome. You have definitely motivated me to move off autopilot and try more with my camera(s). We have a digital SLR and I also have a point and shoot to carry with me when I'm out and about with my daughters. I actually tried adjusting the ISO on my point and shoot the other day, that was great to know, especially since I haven't read the manual. And your tips on cropping were great too. Thanks for all the info!!!

Thank you for the sweet comment! Can't wait to see your new photos!

It takes practice to look through the view finder in a new way. The first and easiest way to take better photos is by zooming in closer to your subject. Look at the things around you and make sure you don't see items that would take away from your focal point. For example, the picture below is right next to the ugliest shed you have ever seen. Actually, it is a shed next to a historical building in Sublimity that is in the process of being restored.



There was wood, hoses, tools, and ladders all over the place. We loved the colors so we made sure to keep those things out of the background.

Keep this in mind when shooting indoors as well. If you want to take some pictures of the kids, look through the view finder and see if you spot anything that shouldn't be there. Clothes on the floor or items behind their heads. If so, zoom in closer, get up higher and shoot down at them, or get even lower to shoot. This way you can keep the distracting things out of the photo and capture what you wanted to! Like the photo below, I got up on a stool to shoot down at the subject.

Hey, anyone can take better photos. You don't have to have a professional camera to do it either. The best advice I was given (and will give) is to practice.

Many of us that use cameras only glanced at the manual as we unpacked the camera out of it's original box. Come on, admit it, I know I glanced at mine and it was like reading a foreign language. But, it is important to know how your camera works and what settings it has. If you don't understand it, do a search on your camera and how to use it online. YouTube has been my best friend in learning new crafts and techniques. Try watching a video online about how to use your camera.

The big thing is to get your camera off of Automatic. Automatic is a setting on your camera. You can find it by looking for the green square or rectangle on your dial at the top of your camera. Compare the automatic setting to scrapbooking... it is like a scrapbook page that has already been done for you. There is nothing wrong with buying a page that has already been done for you where all you have to do is add the pictures and journaling. But, you loose the joy of picking out the paper, glue sticking to your hands, and playing with embellishments and ribbon. You are proud of the final result because well, you created it!

It is the same concept when having your camera on Automatic. The camera makes all the decisions for you and you loose out on being in control of light and exposure.



For example, if I had the camera on automatic when taking the picture above, the camera would think that since it was indoors that it would need the flash. It would force the flash straight on the subject and would make the skin look harsh or washed out. We were next to a window and used natural light instead. We also had an external flash, pointed it at the ceiling, so the light would bounce off the ceiling and spray around the subject.

If you have any questions about getting your camera off of automatic, understanding your camera's manual, or just want to talk about photography, leave a comment in this thread. I would love to hear from you!

Great tips Jen...Thanks for sharing.

One question I get a lot when getting ready for photo shoots is "What should I wear?" This is a great one for scrapbookers too! What should we wear or dress our kids in for that special photo? This is what advice I give.

Stay true to yourself! Wear what you like, feel comfortable in, and defines "you." Looking in your closet for your favorite outfits might be better than buying a whole new wardrobe for the photo shoot.



Bold colors make bold statements. Bright makes beautiful photos. Think of three colors that may go together and choose outfits that stay within those colors. For example, white with blue jeans for everyone may look cohesive but yellow, purple, and denim will pop in photo processing. Little girls love their tutus and tights and boys their boots. Mix up the textures, colors, and patterns. Color rocks!



Accessorize! Belts, floral headbands, hats, and scarves bring texture and drama to a photo. If you are into sports, animals, music, you name it you can bring it! (This makes for a great scrapbook page!)



Have fun! Bring an old prom dress that you don't mind getting a little dirty in. How much more fun would it be to get some photos in it? If you love vintage clothing, get dressed up! Have fun with your personal style.