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I finally completed a challenge! I knew today was sketch day so I set that as my crafting goal this week. Every day I do "something" as far as crafts are concerned because I don't want all the money I've spent on "stuff" to be money down the drain. Plus...I love creating.
I want to eventually post something in the gallery but I'm not sure how y'all photograph your cards. The cards look so big. Plus it looks like most of you have white backgrounds. Do you use light boxes? Do you use a standard point and shoot camera or a DSLR? I'm new to the SLR photography. That's something else I'm trying to master beofore summer. I want to do a lot of macro photography when my garden is in full bloom. I have so many awesome pictures from last year. Hopefully, this year will be even better.
Anyhow, thanks to everyone that's helped me and thanks for posting challenges. It took me all day but I got it done! It was very "challenging" but a fun sketch to work with. There's a few things that didn't turn out perfect but I'm pleased with the results.
I've looked at half of the sketch gallery. Beautiful cards! I've got a lot to learn.
My card is 5X7 but it looks so much smaller than what you all have posted. It's got to be a camera thing. Any help would be much appreciated.
I only have a point and shoot digital camera. I like to take pictures outside with the macro on. Lots of people have light boxes but your pictures will come out without one. I think you really need one when you are submitting.
Sometimes I have taken pictures inside at night and they are right under my lamp. It's hit or miss if I get to post that night or wait for daylight to take another picture.
I am sure there will be lots of suggestions, but if you are just starting out, keep it simple.
I think most card are 4.25 x 5.5. There are some square cards as well.
do you have a photo editing program like photoshop elements? there are others out there as well that are free. If you do, you can easily resize your picture.
I have no photography tips, as my photos are terrible.
I can't actually see your photo, so I can't say what it looks like. I use either a point and shoot or a DSLR - and sometimes just the scanner! I wouldn't worry about a lightbox to start with, but good daylight is a plus. If it's dry and not totally overcast I often take mine outside on a wall, even though I do have a mini studio. Macro setting on your camera, and normally no flash. As I can't see your card, I can't tell if you cropped the picture to frame the card? Most of mine are A2, so smaller than yours...
When you upload, the gallery software automatically resizes to 800 pixels wide by, I think, 600 high. So, while it speeds the upload process to presize it yourself, it's not necessary.
Hope I get to see yours soon. The challenges are a great source of inspiration and fun.
My (redneck ) white background comes from a piece of white foam core board and some white tissue paper (the kind you stuff in gift bags). It actually works well in most cases. I had the foam core board leftover from a project and the tissue was leftover from last Christmas. I also have a regular digital camera. By regular I mean inexpensive ($200 range). You don't really need a white background just decent light. My pictures are getting better. It just takes practice. Over time you'll get a feel for it. Good luck and I'm looking forward to seeing your gallery!
Thanks for all of the information! I've got some reading to do which is fine. The more I read, the more I learn. Kurtis, I've got four sons ranging from ages 17 to 37 and NOTHING would please me more than one of them taking up one of my hobbies. I just left your blog and you give me hope. Maybe if I stay with this long enough one of my boys will see how fulfilling it is. I will read every single one of those threads. I've spent many hours reading and studying. I think I've come a long way but know I've still got a way to go before I can call myself a stamper.
I got a Sony SLR camera for Christmas along with a tripod and a good macro lens. Spring will be here soon so I'll have plenty of good natural lighting. I just have to learn how to capture it. I've always used Paint Shop Pro for editing. The newest version has more photo editing options than previous versions so I should be able to teach myself how to achieve the results I'm looking for.
Thanks again for your help. Maybe next week I'll be able to post something. The lesson I learned this week is not to use liquid glue. My card is pretty but it's hard and crispy...not good. I'm off to buy some tape for my atg gun.
Thanks again for your help. Maybe next week I'll be able to post something. The lesson I learned this week is not to use liquid glue. My card is pretty but it's hard and crispy...not good. I'm off to buy some tape for my atg gun.
Gail
i'm the poster girl for Zip Dry glue.. It's liquid, and it's amazing. no crispy, no warping etc.. i'd buy stocks in it if i had any extra $$. lol
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{Gallery}{Blog}
I design for: Stampendous!, There She Goes, Technique Tuesday,
SRM Stickers and Deconstructed Sketches.
I just posted very simple and cheap instructions on my blog Tuesday. I use a white piece of cotton fabric. You can see detailed instructions here. I hope that helps!
__________________ Patter
Mom to Adult Identical Triplets--a police officer, 3rd year medical student, and special education teacher
I can my pictures as I do not have a digital anything. However, I find that once I upload into the gallery, when you click on my picture it's HUGE!!!!! Even though I shrink it BEFORE saving. Any advice on how to make it smaller? I hate to think you can see ALL my flaws!!!! LOL
I just take pictures of my cards for myself. I use a tri-fold foamboard project thing as a background. (You know, the kind kids use to display their science project, etc.) I put a piece of white matboard under it or use light colored fabric or a light colored towel. Sometimes, I use a little display/picture stand so the card doesn't tilt. I use a Sony point and shoot camera.
Posting my work
