Monday, January 5, 2015

Crafty Secret's Design Team Challenge and Tutorial on How to Take Pictures of Your Cards!

Good morning! 
It is the start of a new month and that means it is time for the Crafty Secret's Design Team Challenge and Linky Party!
I am showcasing a new set today called, Bedtime Kids AND showing you how I photograph my cards!  But first lets talk about the card. :)  I printed the image and colored it with my Copic markers. The dark blue paper behind the image is a digital paper from Crafty Secrets. I used various Spellbinder's dies to create the circular background.  (Scalloped Circles,Pierced Rectangles, and Crisscross).  I also added Spellbinder's feathers, ribbon, and a Prima flower.  
I added a bit of lace and a scattering of sequins to finish off the card. 
I've had several people ask how I take my pictures of my cards. So here is my attempt at a mini tutorial! 

When taking pictures you want to find a good light source.  My living room can be quite dark due to the dark furniture I have.  But fortunately for me I have a large picture window and a side window.  (One faces west and the other south)
I have determined that taking pictures behind the couch you see here, is the best place in my house. 
My family thinks I am a bit goofy when I am sprawled out on the floor with my camera.... ;) 
I also use this particular lens, a 50mm.  I love it because I can set the apperature as low as 1.8 if I want to get a nice blurred (bokeh) background.  
For the card above, my settings were a 2.8 aperture, an ISO of 100 (the lower your ISO the less grainy your photo will be), and a shutter speed of 200. 
And one more VERY important item....I ALWAYS shoot in RAW format.  
You have WAY more control when you edit the photo when it is shot in RAW format!
So here is my little set up behind my couch in front of the picture window.  To be sure the flowers were blurred, I put some space between the card and the flowers.  The further back I place the flowers, the more blurred they will be.  As you can see it is nothing fancy.  The white foam core you see on the right helps to reflect the light from the window and fill in some of the shadows.
If you have any other questions or anything I can show you that would be more helpful, please leave a comment and I will address it in my next post. :) 
For more crafty inspiration, please be sure to visit these other talented ladies!


***Don't forget to enter one of my giveaways below!***
One ends tonight and the other ends tomorrow night!
:)

16 comments:

Kathy/NorthCarolina said...

Michele, this is such a gorgeous card! I love all the luscious layers and embellies you added. The sequins are the perfect touch. Such helpful photography hints, too! I'm working on that!! Thanks for all the artistry you built into this wonderful project!

Darlene said...

AWESOME Michele! Love all the details on your card creation and the photography tips are FABULOUS! I'm always inspired by what you accomplish! Thanks for all your amazing, loving inspiration my friend! Hugs!

Melissa said...

Beautiful card! Always admire your photography.. thanks for the photography tips. :)

KT Fit Kitty said...

Love your card and thanks for the tutorial on photographing your cards! I don't have great lighting at my house at all. Your cards always look beautiful!

Karen Letchworth said...

Oh my heart, Michele! You sure know how to ROCK those Crafty Secrets images. You never cease to amaze me. Thanks for the inspiration.
Blessings,
Karen

P.S. Please tell Cortney that I think she already IS a model. Those pictures are amazing! Bless her heart, I never get tired of seeing that smile!

Vicki Chrisman said...

Beautiful colors in this card Michele and always lovely coloring and all the perfect touches. Love it!

Elizabeth said...

What a great choice of topics for a tutorial as your photos are always inspired. I had a perfect spot on my mantel in the last house and haven't yet found the same conditions in this one. I love the embellishments on your circle card, again something I always admire about your work. Thanks for some great photography tips.

Rachel Parys said...

Such a cute card!! Love your photography tips!! I definitely need a little work on my photo-taking skills!! lol! Thanks for sharing!

Diane said...

LOVE your adorable card and your tutorial was so helpful and creative!!! I learned bits and pieces, one is I think I need a better camera...an dI know who to ask for help when I get it!!

SmokieBlueRose said...

I came for the 2015 Blog Hop but had to read about how you take pictures. Thank you very much for that information. And, the card is gorgeous. Happy New Year.

Glennis F said...

I have come back to check your photography instructions - thanks for sharing.

BTW, I have been trying to locate an old Justrite stamp, I think it is called French Background. Do you now if it is still available?

nattyboots said...

So beautiful and colorful ..... Love It .

Monika/Buzsy said...

Beautiful card. Love the pretty blue/green shades and the lovely embellishments. Cute picture. Thanks for the photo tips. I've been struggling and trying to find another place... I have a similar lay-out in my living room (windows) so I am going to give it a try...

Shantaie said...

I love your card, and really love that you showed your set up, its very different from the way I shoot my projects. I will have to try some of your tips! thanks for sharing!!! :)

Crafty Secrets Heartwarming Vintage Co. said...

Very pretty card Michele and thanks for your photo tutorial!
Greetings from Mexico
Sandy

Sheila Rumney said...

Lovely card! Thanks for the wonderful photography tips! You always inspire me by your gorgeous artwork!