Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Just 2 Cards - Just Experimenting


Just 2 cards where I've been trying out new techniques. Apologies for washed out photos, (also discovered it doesn't help to photograph them on a black background).  The first one I've been playing around with distress inks and background stamping... actually looks quite nice and so much cleaner and brighter in "real life".The Japnese Girl is a Sparkle n Sprinkle stamp and the background stamps are from Kaisercraft.

I love the House Mouse Amanada Writes stamp, so matched it with a Happy Birthday sentiment stamp and layered partial cuts with the Martha Stewart doily punch.

In the absence of great photography skills, I'm wondering if I  need a light box to take more consistent photos, so as not to be at the mercy of the weather and variable light. I went to the camera shop to ask about it. He said forget photos. Scan instead.

Any thoughts on lightboxes, photo tips or whether it's best to scan? What works best for you?

18 comments:

  1. Beautiful cards, Yvonne! That first card is gorgeous - you have rocked that technique!!!

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  2. I love the Japanese girl. It's really classy.

    My sister built herself a light box with poster board and I think it works pretty well. There's probably a tutorial on line somewhere.

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  3. Both cards are wonderful! The first is beautiful, while the second is adorable and a classic...love the border. I made my own light tent, which I always use to photograph my cards.

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  4. Thanks for the tips ladies... much appreciated.

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  5. These are beautiful, Yvonne! I really love the elegance of the first one and the house mouse is adorable!

    As for photography tips, it looks like you may be lying your cards down on the table and getting photos from above with a flash. It's better to stand the cards up facing a window and not use a flash. Even on a cloudy day, there should be enough light. That way the cards retain their shape and there's no wash out. Photo tents aren't necessary but you can try this easy technique with two $10 lamps. http://www.kwernerdesign.com/blog/?p=2011
    I personally wouldn't recommend scanning. They tend to squash all the 3D details. :)

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  6. They are so beautiful, love the first one.

    Hugs
    Maarit

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  7. Very pretty cards! love the image on the first! here's a link to a home made light box http://www.digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent

    It's also helpful to have a photo editing program like Adobe Photoshop - there are several out there......

    thanks for stopping by my blog today!

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  8. Both creations are wonderful. Good for you for stretching yourself and trying new techniques.

    I love my light box...I can take good pics anytime, day or night. I also use PSE (photoshop elements) to tweak any minor imperfections...it's a great program.

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  9. Just lovely! It's always fun to try new techniques! :) I use a light box similar to the one that Julia suggested. I'm cheap so making my own was the way to go. :)

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  10. Your cards turned out great.. I love HM stamps. They are some of my favorite. I use 2 Ott lights.. I also use Photoshop Elements for all my editing of my pictures. Great job.

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  11. Thanks so much to all for the wonderful tips and ideas... a great help and much appreciated.

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  12. Two adorable cards! I love the Oriental look. My son loves all things Japanese so he would love this card. And your Birthday Mouse is so cute! Thanks for visiting my blog. Have a wonderful day!

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  13. Thanks for the nestie info. Have never been to your site.

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  14. “Becca at AmazingPaperGrace.com is Sharing the Comment Wealth and I picked you”! Very pretty cards. The Japanese card is so pretty. I love the BG and the added flower to her hair. House Mouse stamps are so adorable! This is a cute card using the doily.

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  15. I LOVE that background technique!! Such a pretty card. Lighting .... I too have problems with this ... and spend way too much time trying to get a good shot. I built my own light box from cardboard. Love it, but I still don't have the right lighting and have to make adjustments with my Photoscape program. Someone told me to just use the "daylights" you get at Lowe's. I got the largest 6400, and I still had to lighten my photo's. I think I'm going to try "photo lights" next. Here is a link someone gave me, but I don't like the tri-pod legs. I use an overhead light attached to a stand I bought at a reptile store. and 2 side desk top lamps. Now if I can just get the right bulbs.
    http://www.obnphoto.com/item/24in_black_photo_tent_light_box_product_photography_cube_lamp.html

    If you get it figured out .. I'd love some advice myself. Have a great week. MElisa

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  16. Thanks so much for stopping by Melissa and for your wonderful tips... much appreciated.

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  17. Beautiful, thanks for sharing!

    Hey, I have a giveaway here, please come join in the fun!
    http://pixiedustpaperie.blogspot.com/2011/02/pixie-dust-paperie-february-kit.html

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