Hello friends! I can’t believe that nine months have gone by already as part of Seth Apter’s Creative Team. It’s been such a great journey filled with new friends, new products, new experiences, lots of tips and tools and for me personally, lots of new ways to work photographing art. Oh and I forgot to mention, there have been some field trips and junkin’ adventures in there too! So today I want to say thank you to all of you who have tuned in, read, watched, applied, chimed in, shared or left kind comments. As hard as the pandemic has been, it has taught us all how to pivot and how important it is to reach out to each other and stay connected. As an introvert, it is easy to feel comfortable at my in-home bubble, but truly we all were meant for some type of community, whether it be with lots of others or in an intimate group. It balances, supports and gives value to our thoughts about daily living as well as art. So grateful that Seth began his Facebook page for all of us to come together to support each other and a place to share all our art adventures and discoveries. Anyway, I am hoping that this series helped to guide you through that time and gave you some basic photography skills. I know it was simple. It was intended that way. I know that not every topic was applicable to everyone but I liked providing everyone content that gave options, quick fixes and new ways to navigate how things are best seen through the camera and into a photo. Outside of props, and that was optional, there were no expenses involved. If you are just reading this series, please feel free to go back to the beginning here and then move to the different topics, here. Outside of the first overview post, there is no particular order. I always repeat this information every single post and so I definitely need to wind this one up with the same tip… Lighting and focus are your best tools and ones that are needed the most. Many others are super helpful, some really make your art stand out or tell a story but without the subject being well lit and in focus, it is all mute.
Before I share a few remnants of things about photography, I thought I would let you know that I am giving away one prize package filled with some of my junking finds and some of Seth’s products. To be entered into the giveaway, I only ask that you leave a comment on this blog about one thing you took away from this series, something that was a game changer, something you didn’t know. That’s it. I will announce the winner on June 17th at 7 am via e-mail. I will do my best to post the winner on the various social media platforms as well. And here is what is in the package…
1 Collage Mini Kit, Two IZINK Dye Sprays, Two WOW! Embossing Powders, Three Mini Stamps, (All Seth Apter’s), and a bunch of trinkets and treasures from my junkin’ finds and more that aren’t shown. Because of all the shipping regulations, I am limiting this to those residing in the U.S.
Hope YOU win!
Anyway, winding down this series I thought of what was left to share with you, what are somethings I might have missed that are helpful to you and I came up with a list of 11, you know to make it a weird number. Lol. I know odd numbers are in, but like 11? Anyway, here are a few more suggestions…
1. Shaky hands? Try using the wired earphones that come with your iPhone. Press the inline volume control button on the cable! Wahla!!
2. When props are too bold or too much (and it’s not part of your story), as seen here…
Bring your art to the forefront of the photo, keep your props way in the back, then shoot in portrait mode. It can provide a deeper background without interfering with the project. I highly recommend this if you are really into using props to support your art. Of course, if you were shooting this for a home decor project, the props would be fine to be seen.
3. In a hurry? Tap on the camera icon on your locked screen. There you go! Perfect if you need someone to take a pic and it eliminates anyone having access to what’s stored on your phone.
4. Did you know rear facing cameras (what we all use most) have slightly better clarity than when the camera is flipped (rear facing) to do a selfie, for example? I learned something new NOT that I take many selfies, lol.
5. I mentioned this once before but I think it’s worth repeating. Although zooming in can be convenient, it is much better to move in closer for a shot because the resolution is a tad bit stronger. I’m sure that this is improving with each edition of phone so this may not be necessary in the future. I have also noticed all my shaky movements when I zoom in as well but hey, that could be me. Not a spring chicken anymore. Lol.
6. If you are wanting photos for instagram, shoot in the square frame mode as that is how Instagram works. It will prevent adjustments later and speed up the process for getting your art out there.
7. Consider shooting with no props on a solid background slightly further away. It brings the eye straight to the art. Simplicity does the art good! In other words, use the negative space to bring the eye to the featured item.
8. Flat lays can be super fun! They are an art in itself. Kind of brings me back to my scrapbooking days.
9. Did you know that HDR (High Definition Resolution) takes your one shot photo three different ways? It takes one photo with the darkest parts, one photo with the lightest parts and one, right in-between both and then merges them altogether. You will definitely get more of a balance of light and dark so that nothing is lost.
10. Holding your phone in an upright position will render much better photos. This seems incredibly simple but I can tell you there are many times I have caught my camera tilted downward. The results can be a photo that is not centered properly. This is probably my number one weakness. I generally catch it when I go into check my picture on my computer and then I spend additional time and energy trying to fix this. Take my advice. Look well through the camera lens, think twice, shoot once, if at all possible.
BONUS but my advice…
11. Check your photos right after you shoot them so that you can check the important concepts I have posted about as well as the ones just recently provided. It saves so much time, you learn what went wrong right away, if anything, and if propping was involved, props will not have to be reworked. If lighting needs to be adjusted or something is out of focus, it’s a quick fix.
And by all means, do YOU. Consider adding a watermark to protect your art! Had to sneak these earrings in because all of Seth’s products can be worked into so many different genres of art. I so ran out of time. As the saying goes, “So many ideas, so little time”!
So there you have it friends. This may be the end of my series here but it is not the end of creating art by any means and never the end to photography possibilities either. Technology is always changing and evolving for the better. My desire is that you will spend a little bit of time accessing your photography skills to make improvements on how you show your work by adjusting the light correctly and focusing in on the end product. I’m encouraged by the posts I have read on fb and here. Feel free to send me notes, pictures and photos of your endeavors. I know I will learn something from you as I already have.
XO,
I am going to be using this series as a reference so I totally understand it. So far though the lighting has been the best hint I took away thank you for doing this series
There are so many I will use. The moving closer instead of zooming in was an eye opener.
Hey Debi, Really great blog and some points I definitely needed a bit of reminder on. It was your first giveaway that really got us involved in Seth’s group and we thank you for that. We now have quite the collection of sprays and even used the embossing powders on a little ATC we sent Seith’s way. The die-cut circle ended up on three different trading coins and I use the tin to store a few of the die cuts we own. It has been great reading your photo tips and have enjoyed them very much! Thank you and looking forward to seeing what you do next. Our offer of a crafty chat is always on the video table.
Debi, thank you for the series! I, too, will use it as a reference in the future. But! I have to say these tips today are awesome! I didn’t know about the remote trigger on the ear buds! Great tip!
Hi Debi, I’ve been reading your posts about photography (and other post!) for quite a while; Leandra from PaperArtsy always shares them with us as a DT as well, so I sometimes looked at them twice. I’ve learned a lot.. especially about the lighting (being blueish in the morning, yellowish at the end of the day) and also taking pictures at an angle. Sometimes it’s as if the photographing is more of an effort than making the art itself… that might be because I will need some more experience in taking good pictures, also while creating. I am planning to read and work through all your posts about this topic again, and see if I can still improve it.
Thanks for sharing all your helpful tips.
Good day from the Netherlands..
Hi Debi your posts and lovely art, photo graphs are beautiful inspiration for me and I will continue to enjoy all that you share!
Hi Deb! I think the lesson on photographing your art had a lot of great ideas and examples. My own photos of artwork are pretty boring! Getting closer for more detail was particularly helpful. Also, now I wish I had an IPhone…your photos have better resolution than mine! 😊
The out of focus props–brilliant! The flower ‘frog’ worked really well as an easeil.
So much helpful information. I will have to try the headphones for a smooth click.
Oh, Debi, reading this last post makes a little sad…. Some of the things you said about being an introvert (just a weird thought, what would a party be like if we invited all introverts) and odd numbers really resonated with me. I fall into both categories introverted and odd, but truly your articles are real “keepers,” thank you. Because of your tips, I take more time with photos and props, at least some of the time! I will be following along on your future posts, again, thank you ♥️
Thank you for sharing your time, energy, creativity, and thoughts with us!!!
Thank you for all the great tips throughout these 9 months. Seth has introduced me to so many fascinating people!
Another brilliant and helpful post. Thank you for the info and tips. Talking pics of our art ranks second only in importance to making it. Thanks too for being a part of my first ever team. You have been amazing!
I haven’t been paying attention but just so impressed by the suggestions you posted today. So I’ve subscribed. Your artwork with Seth’s products are wonderful.
Now, please use a bigger and darker font! ❤️
I love the idea about shooting art in Portrait mode. Thus bringing out the art as opposed to the background. Your tips throughout have been so helpful. Count on my for following along in the future! Looking forward to learning from your wisdom.
Loved your photography tips. I’m a long time photography who of course started out in film. I didn’t know any of the stuff you mentioned. I’ll keep your tips on hand. Thank-you
Thanks. These tips are very helpful. I always forget that I can use my earbuds wire as a remote shutter trigger. 🤗
It is truly difficult to choose one portion of what you have taught us, as it feels like I have taken a master class in photography! Your generosity and general good nature have been an inspiration. Thank you! If I MUST choose one, I will go with all of the free apps and ways I can use the technological wonder I hold in my hand,. Technology has advanced so quickly that it is difficult to keep up, much less explore all that there is available. Your clear, concise “you can do this” way of teaching has opened my eyes to a miraculous number of ways to improve not only photographing my art, but creating it.
Please keep teaching, sharing and taking us along on field trips! Be well and keep creating magic,
Thanks so much for all of the great photo tips. I will definitely go back to read again & make notes! So happy to have gotten to know you as a member of Seth’s creative team. Really enjoyed all of your posts, virtual junkin & trips to the floral store and your amazing work! Btw….would never have thought that you were an introvert but can so relate! Thanks for all of your inspiration!💕
I learned a lot about my camera, most importantly, that the camera on my phone has a lot more features than I realized. I haven’t truly been using it like a real camera. It is a powerful tool and I need to learn more about it.The lighting tips were great. .
Thank you for everything!
Great ideas in each of your posts. You mentioned changing the angle on the phone and that was a great tip
My take aways from your well written posts are ‘less is more’ and be brave to take tighter shots.
Hi Deb,
My most favorite tip was about holding the phone upright. I never thought about the position I was holding the phone. Thanks for sharing all this information with us.
Your posts about art and photography are so helpful and inspiring! Thank you for sharing your time and talent!
I have loved and thank you for every contribution you have made as a team member for Seth Apter. The comments you have made as well as the gorgeous photos, videos and creations. I have really learnt to look and look again to improve photography and how important it is to wisely select the time of day photos are taken due to the hue of natural light. To see beauty in everything around us and how simple things can make fabulous backgrounds or art itself
Great takeaways for me with lighting tips! Will be referring to your articles for future help
I really learned a lot about lighting and how to use the space and light you have to maximize your photos and how to use my phone to do that. I also learned so much about using props and how to set up space to get great photos! Thank you so very much!
I have really enjoyed your art of photography series Debi, it was very helpful in a simple and direct approach. There were so many things that I now take into consideration before, during and after I take my pictures and they have really upped my game (I think so anyway) My biggest takeaway from the series has got to be the black point, with the iPhone editing. I actually use this most often, even if sometimes it’s simply to see if it makes a difference. Thank you for your easy to understand tips and information.
You offered so much great information. I learned bot only can I take my own photos but ai can take professional looking photos. Thanks for the earbud wire tip!
I really liked what you presented about light and how to locate the very best like – time of day and how to capture it in the pictures. You talked about the black dot and I located it on my iphone, but I just don’t know how – or why – or when to use it.
Thank you for sharing all your knowledge!! I loved the info on lighting and stylizing with props. ❤❤