one of the secrets to great photography

The clock ticked past 9:00 tonight and I still had no idea what I was going to post about.  It was one of those days when I work on things that are very uninteresting.  I primed the baseboard heaters in my family room and the under side of my kitchen cabinets.  Bo-ring.  I was about ready to get my camera out and snap a "before" picture of my heaters, but that seemed a little silly...even in the blog world.  I have finished three pieces of furniture, but I have to lug them into the house for their "beauty shots" and that just wasn't going to happen today.  So, here I am...late into the evening and dry on material. 

I started looking through my old photographs for some inspiration.  As I scrolled through some I took over a year ago, it hit me.  I knew what I wanted to post about. 

When I take pictures now, like the one above, I use a tripod.  What I learned is that even the slightest bit of a shake can make a picture blurry.  The picture below was taken over a year ago.  Even though I had a tripod, I was too lazy to use it.  I would just lean against the door frame or hold my breath or some other nonsense.   

Now, look at a picture below that I took recently using a tripod.  Not only is the exposure better, but the picture is sharper.  I reached a point when I realized that I just needed to get off my duff, get the tripod out of the closet and have a proper photo shoot. 

What a tripod allows for is a slower shutter speed.  A slower shutter speed means the "window" of the camera is open longer and lets in more light.  That means you can take a picture on a dark, cloudy day and it'll look sunny and bright.  It means a lot for interior photography. 

If you don't have a tripod, get one.  You can get one starting at around $15 and it's worth every penny you will spend on it.  I now haul mine with me everywhere.  It's a little silly, but I've learned what a valuable tool it is and I don't want to be caught without it. 

In other news, my friend Donna is writing a series on turning your blog into a business and asked for my thoughts on writing for magazines and websites.  If you're interested in what we had to say on the subject, you should read her post on Submitting work for websites and magazines. 

watermarks & actions

Last week I posted about my camera and lenses and this is the follow-up post about watermarks and actions that I promised.  Let me preface this by saying I am not a PSE (Photoshop Elements) expert and there are a lot of other great programs out there, this is just what I use.  If you use a free program or prefer another software, that's totally OK.  Just use what works for you. 

There are a couple of ways to watermark a photo.  Before my designer made a graphic for me, I just used a text box and added text over the picture.  This is a great homemade solution if you don't know how to make a graphic (which I didn't) or don't have the money to hire someone to make one for you. 

 

Laura made four graphics for me to use for watermarking.  The one above in white is what I use most often.  She created each graphic on a transparent background, so only the graphic shows, not a white box with a graphic inside. 

I start by opening the photo I want to edit and the graphic I'm going to use as the watermark. 

I then use the "move tool" to grab the graphic and drop it onto the picture.  This creates a second layer to the photo.  When the watermark layer is selected, you can adjust the size and position of the mark.  Select the background photo layer when editing the photo.  I like to straighten and/or crop the photo before I add the watermark, but I like to add actions or change the color/lighting after. 

 

Once the picture is straightened, cropped and marked, I move on to the editing.  I made a mistake when I painted this pillow and got some paint outside of the stencil.  The "clone stamp" allows you to cover blemishes in photos, whether it's a scratch on the floor or a scar on someones face.  With the clone stamp, you can "borrow" a blemish-free spot from next to the blemish and then paint over the blemish.  You have to be careful when using this technique, because it can look very fake very fast. 

After I've done all of the tweaking I want on the photo, I'll go to my action player.  For PSE 8.0, you would select EDIT Guided on the side bar menu and then select the action player.  I purchased the Florabella Luxe action set ($59), so I choose that option in the player. 

From there, I just select which action I want to apply to the photo.  I always "Sharpen/Defog" a photo for my blog first and then apply an action that amplifies the picture.  "Allure" and "London" are my favorite actions in that series. 

Because the actions were really made with portraits in mind, I usually go back to EDIT Full and tweak the levels on each layer to get the look I want.  I almost always take the transparency on the vignette (which makes the picture darker around the edges) to 0%.  It just looks funny on home decor photos.  I'll also adjust the lightness, contrast and a few other things until I like the look.  You just have to play with it. 

Here is a photo straight out of my camera.... 

 

...and watermarked with "Sharpen/Defog" and "Allure." 

Here's another one straight out of the camera...

 

This photo has now been straightened, cropped, and I played the "Sharpen/Defog" and "Allure" actions.  Notice I also removed my painting mistake and a stain on the pillow just to the left of the monogram.  I didn't adjust anything after applying the actions, though.  See how the picture is darker around the edges?  And it's not quite as light as I want it. 

Here is the same photo with the vignette layer at 0% and the lighten level and contrast bumped up a little. 

 

 

This works beautifully for portraits as well.  Here's a shot I took of my niece last Thanksgiving...

...and here's the photos with an action applied (I forget which one)...

...and another version of the picture cropped with the "B/W Mink" action applied. 

As you can see, good photo editing and the use of actions can greatly enhance your photography.  It takes a good shot and makes it great.  It's easy to get carried away with this, though, so practice a lot! 

Actions aren't going to do much for a lousy picture, though, so I'm going to do one last follow-up post on staging and some practical tips on taking good pictures for your blog and/or business. 

Before I let you go, the winner of the Allora Handmade Giveaway is...

Congrats, Catie!

 

getting a craft/office space organized

I recently went through the process of cleaning out my craft room/office.  I still have a few finishing touches to complete, but the hard part is done.  I've organized and reorganized my office many times, but I finally came to the realization that I didn't have an organization issue, I had a "stuff" issue.  Too much stuff, to be exact.  I was trying to "fit ten pounds of flour into a five pound sack." 

The result was an office that was always messy and cluttered and impractical and impossible to work in.  I had no incentive to keep it cute or clean, so it was chronically a disaster.   

The first step was sorting.  This took hours.  It was the kind of work that was hard to get motivated to do.  I would just sit and stare at the stuff piled on those wire shelves and just wanted to walk out of the room and close the door, but we got through it.  Here are some tips if you need to clean out your "cloffice" as someone on Twitter called it.  (Who was that?)

Focus on one small section at a time.

If you look at the entire crafty/creativity bomb as a whole, it will be overwhelming.  I worked on just one shelf at a time, so my progress could be easily measured and I had a logical place to stop when I needed a break. 

Work with a friend.

I had Mini Mustard Seed to help me and she was tough.  She saw the clutter for what it was and helped me think through decisions as well as how to reorganize things. Overwhelming work is easier with an extra set of hands and it's also more fun. 

Watch an episode of a hoarding show.

I say this seriously.  If you're like me, you are a prime candidate to become a hoarder.  I see potential in almost everything and I don't like to get rid of things I might need down the road.  I also don't like the thought of having to buy something in the future that I got rid of.  When you watch a hoarding show, pay attention to the excuses people make about why they can't get rid of something.  While cleaning out my office, I found myself saying things that could've been on one of those episodes.  "I keep these broken dishes, because I want to make a mosaic out of them."  It sounds harmless enough, but I've had them for about seven years.  That mosaic project isn't going to happen and those broken dishes are just taking up space.  The truth is, I was holding onto those dishes because I was really sad they broke.  I needed to admit that and let go of that emotional baggage, small as it was.   I donated or trashed about 60% of what was in that room, because I really didn't need it. 

Keep what you REALLY use.

I love having a great stash of paper, ribbon, paints, fabric, feathers, glue, glitter...anything that I might need for a project.  The truth is, my office was so cluttered that I would just go out and buy what I needed for a project, because I didn't know I already had something that would work.  I was so busy keeping things I thought I *might* use, that I couldn't get to the things I really *needed* to use.  Getting rid of the superfluous craft stuff has made my space functional and I thnk it will save me money in the long run. 

Set limits.

I will only have fabric that will fit in my mirrored armoire, unless I buy it on a bolt for a specific project.  I will only have paper that will fit in my paper drawer.  You get the idea.  I've set limits for myself, so it doesn't get out of hand again.  This means I have to change the way I shop and try to only buy exactly what I need and not extra stuff to have "on hand."

Allow for overflow

There were things I needed to keep, but I didn't need them in my office.  Things that were seasonal or only used a few times a year were moved to the basement.  I know not everyone has that luxury, but put excess in an attic, under a bed, in a closet or dresser.  Just get it out of your way, so you can work unhindered by things you rarely use.   

Make it pretty. 

You (we) are more likely to keep a space beautiful if it's...well...beautiful.  I put the pretty things on display in furniture and containers that are my style.  It's functional, but looks nice, too.  It's a great incentive for me to keep it clean and tidy. 

Contain.

Group like things together and use containers like crazy.  Plastic bins, wire locker baskets, zipper bags, and pitchers keep everything contained.  It also reinforces the "setting limits" rule.  And it just looks and functions better.  You don't have to spend a fortune on this stuff, either. I used empty baby wipe containers, shoe boxes and glass jars until I could afford storage solutions I liked better. 

Lastly, remember stuff is just stuff.

As I had much angst over getting rid of a huge pad of beautiful scrapbook paper that I used once, I had to remind myself that having a great office to work in was much more important than that pad of paper.  The stuff has been gone for a few weeks and I haven't missed any of it.  In fact, I'm now ready to wage war on my basement to get that space clutter free and organized. 

I realize I'm not offering any advice that's revolutionary, but I hope it's helpful and inspiring to you to get your work space cleaned out, too.

my camera & lenses

I get a lot of questions about what camera and lenses I use as well as how I process my pictures.  I received a bunch last week, so I thought it was time to share it all in a post.  Well, a few posts.  This post is about what gear I use. 


My camera body is a Nikon D7000 digital SLR.  This picture is from Gear Patrol, because it's hard to take a picture of your own camera when that is the only camera in the house.  I could've done the "mirror shot", but I'm not exactly photo ready today.  So, anyway, there she is...

You can whistle at her.  It's okay. 

I really love this camera.  The body is around $1200 (without a lens), so it's definitely expensive if you're just starting out.  If you are looking for a solid mid-level SLR, the D7000 is a great option.  If that's out of your budget, don't dismay.  Until a few months ago, I was shooting with a four year old Nikon D50 that I bought refurbished for around $300. 

It took me a few weeks with the D7000 to feel comfortable with it.  I was really discouraged that I didn't pull it out of the box and instantly take better pictures.  It took me a while to get the kind of photos I wanted.  I still have a lot to learn about it, but I love using it now.  It has a crystal clear view finder, a large viewing screen, it takes two memory cards and has all of the functions I need.  On B and H Photography, it has five stars after 340 reviews, so I'm not alone in my love for this camera. 

So, for the lenses...  I have shelled out a lot on lenses over the past year, but they are all totally worth it for what I do. 

The lens I use most is the Nikon 18-200mm.  If you've never shopped for lenses before, get ready to gasp at some price tags (and these aren't even crazy expensive lenses!) This one is $800.

I can get some nice, tight shots with it...

...as well as full room shots...

...and everything in between.  It's the lens I keep on my camera, because I know it will do almost anything I need.  If you can only buy one lens, this is a good one to consider.

 

My next favorite lens is my Nikon 60mm Macro lens.  This one is $550.  It is known as a "prime" lens, so it doesn't zoom in and out like the 18-200mm does. 

I was having a really tough time getting the super tight shots I needed for tutorials, so it was time to get a lens that would allow me to get mere inches from what I was shooting. 

This lens is awesome and is my primary "tutorial" lens.

 

If you can't get close enough with your current lenses, you may want to look into a macro/micro lens. 

 

This lens is the Nikon 35mm.   It is $365. 

The Pioneer Woman made me buy this lens.  I was looking through her photography blog as I was lens shopping and I was convinced after about five minutes that I needed this lens.  It's another prime lens, so the picture is crisp. 

I use it for a lot of my "beauty shots."

The last lens in my bag is the Sigma 20-10mm Wide Angle Lens.  It is $480.  (The Nikon is $650 and I was buying the 35mm at the same time, so I went with Sigma to save some money.  I also don't use my wide angle lens a lot, so it wasn't worth the extra money at this point.) 

 

The wide angle lens allows me to get full-room shots.  I have small rooms, especially in the front of my 1940's house, so I was finding myself setting up my tripod in the hallway or next room to get a full room shot.  I was having a terrible time getting my full dining room table in a picture for the tablescapes I was shooting for HGTV.com, so it was time to invest in a wide angle lens. 

(I still need to work on that chair, desk and shelf...)

The pictures look a little stretched when the lens is all the way out, but it looks normal when it's zoomed in a little.  A wide angle lens is a great option if you're shooting in a tight space and you always find yourself plastered against the back wall or squished in a corner. 

I'll finish by saying a few things.  First, I am not an expert in photography or equipment.  I'm just sharing the gear I use and how I use it and I encourage you to do your own research on what will work best for you. 

Second, there are a lot of sketchy online camera stores out there, so I only buy my equipment from B and H.  They don't sponsor me.  I'm not paid to say that.  That is just where I have bought all of my gear for years and they are known as being the professional source for anything photo and video.  Don't be lured by crazy low prices from sketchy stores.  This is a big purchase and it's worth the money.  If you are curious as to what kind of sketchy stuff can go on, read Beth's recent camera buying story.  Just trust me on this one. 

 

Lastly, don't think you need to drop a ton of cash to get great pictures.  Also, don't think that shelling out a bunch of cash will make your pictures great.  YOU are the main factor in a great photo.  YOU are smarter than your equipment.  YOU are the one who controls the dials and the lighting and the staging and the angles.  AND, the best part, with some basic knowledge about those things, you can take magazine quality photos.  Really.  Yes.  YOU. 

I'll share the "anatomy of my photo shoots" and how I process my pictures soon. 

a new way to measure color

Imagine with me, if you will.  You're a designer, walking through an antique store and you see this gorgeous chippy table.  The size isn't right, but the color is exactly what you are looking for.  Oh, if only you carried all eight of your paint color fan decks around with you, you could spend an hour conferring with strangers in the store trying to find which color was the closest match.  Well, now there is a better way. 

Capsure is a gadget ideal for designers, paint fanatics and color buffs.

Here's how it works.  You install the software and connect it to your computer.  Then you decide which paint decks you want to match colors to.  I selected Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams and True Value.  Once it's synced and charged, you can start to play.  I immediately pressed it against my kitchen wall, it read the color and said "BM - Glass Slipper."  Bingo.  Benjamin Moore's Glass Slipper.  Wow.  Cool.  I then proceeded to go around my entire house metering any color in sight. 

One thing that's really cool is that it can be used on patterns and you can zoom in and select the color you want it to read. 

So, if you want to know a color that will be a good substitution for the ASCP Louis Blue used on my corner cabinets, it's...

...wait for it...

...Cloudy Sky by Benjamin Moore.

Pretty fun, huh?  It does so much more...I know I haven't even scratched the surface, but it's definitely a great tool for designers and painting professionals.  It's a bit pricey ($650) for the average DIYer, but worth it if color is a big part of your business.  If you're interested in more information about Capsure, visit xrite.com and pantone.com.

On another note, I hope everyone who's getting pounded by Irene is staying safe and dry.  We're expecting a lot of rain and a little wind, but nothing too bad.  We're just going to be hunkered in for the evening and I'll be making some fresh pasta for a birthday lunch (for one of our former youth kids) tomorrow.  The ice cream cake is already in the freezer.

X-rite sent me a complimentary Capsure device to test out for this review, but the opinions given are entirely my own.