Hi Destination Craft readers, I'm Crystal from A Pumpkin & A Princess. I'm a craft, DIY, and food blogger with a passion for sharing my creativity with others. I'm so excited and honored to be here today!
When Kathryn asked me to guest post I had no clue what I would write about. I felt like I'm still learning, what could I possibly have to share? But given that I've been blogging for two years I think I've learned enough to share some information with others. I also decided to step out of my comfort zone and write about something I'm working on..my photography. I use a DSLR but you don't necessarily need one to have beautiful pictures. I also haven't jumped into the world of Photoshop so today I'm sharing my top photography tips that don't require a fancy camera or editing software. Pictures really are a key element to being noticed in the blog world. If your post is in a link party with 300 other posts, it will definitely stand out more if the picture is well lit and visually appealing. If you're a blogger than you might know how awesome pinterest is as a traffic source. People like pinning and repinning great pictures. Here are a few tips that helped my blog get noticed.
Lighting Lighting is perhaps the most important element of a good picture. Please, please, please do not use your flash! A flash is not your friend 99% of the time! Instead try to take pictures during the day and preferably next to a window. Also use indirect sunlight to avoid shadows. To help with this use a white foam board from the Dollar store to bounce light back onto your object.
Staging Not everyone will agree that pictures need to be staged to be beautiful and it's true in some occasions. Take a look at your pictures, is there clutter in the background? First and foremost try to take your pictures with a simple background that isn't distracting away from the object. If it's too simple add a few things and see if it works. However sometimes less is more in photography.
This mason jar with paper flowers was sitting next to various other items on a console table. All together it worked well as my Spring decor but for blogging purposes I moved the items aside and photographed the flowers alone. This made the flowers stand out without the distraction of other items.
Give your pictures life Take action shots, add something to make them even more interesting. In my Snickers Cheesecakes I cut one of them in half and took pictures just as the caramel started drizzling down. I really think it's what makes the picture.
Try different angles, it adds interest and a different perspective. Also add layers: use napkins, bowls, etc. as props when necessary. I know this contradicts what I said earlier but this is an example when adding props actually helps.
Here's one of my "secrets" that's not so secret anymore..use scrapbook paper for your background. The picture above looks like my Vanilla Bean Doughnuts are sitting on pieces of wood doesn't it? It's actually scrapbook paper from Hobby Lobby. I've been asked numerous times about this and for about 50 cents a sheet it's my favorite tip to give.
