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Scrapbooking

How To: Photograph Your Scrapbook Pages by Crystal Jeffrey Rieger If you want to share your scrapbook pages online, enter a contest, or post your scrapbooking pages on a blog, follow these tips to make sure your images look just as good as your pages. Article rating: 9.09

There are many times when you might have a need to photograph your scrapbook pages. Maybe you want to post your work in an online gallery, enter a contest or you simply want a chance to share your stories with family and friends via an email or a blog. No matter the reason, follow these simple tips to help improve your photos and show your work in the best possible way.

The first item to help improve the photographs of your scrapbook page is to make sure you do not angle your camera when taking the picture. This means that when you photograph your page your lens needs to be completely parallel to the page. When your camera is angled, even slightly, you will get some distortion which becomes very obvious when photographing an object with straight edges.

Notice how the top corner of the above scrapbook page looks distorted? This is because the lens was slightly further away from the page on the left side. When looking through your viewfinder or at your digital screen take a moment to line up the edges of the page with the edges of the screen or viewfinder. If you take the time to really look at all four sides of your page and how they relate to the edges of your framed shot then you will see an immediate improvement in your photos.

If you get images such as the ones below then you know that camera lens is not completely parallel to your page. The distortion can either be quite obvious like the image on the left or it can be a more subtle distortion as seen in the image on the right, depending how angled your lens is.

If you are having trouble keeping your camera lens parallel to the page then try using a tripod. With a tripod you can make minor adjustments until you are happy with the results.

The next thing to consider when photographing your page is how you position your page when photographing it. Some may find it easier to photograph a page that is eye level and placed on a vertical surface such as a wall and others may find it easier to be directly above the page with the page on a horizontal surface such as a chair or the floor. Make sure to try both ways to see what is easier for you.

If you plan to attach your page to a wall or other vertical surface try using a repositionable adhesive on the back of the page so you do not damage it or the vertical surface.

The last point to consider when wanting to take a great picture of your scrapbook page is your lighting.  You will want to make sure you are in a well lit location with lots of indirect, natural light if possible. You do not want direct sunlight because you will see shadows on your page if anything is three dimensional. This location could either be indoors or outdoors depending on what is available to you.

A large window with an overhang will work perfectly as will an outdoor covered porch. If weather permits, the shade of large tree will work as well. Experiment with different spots at different times of day until you find a scenario that works for you and your camera.
When you have found a location with enough light it is best to turn off the flash of your camera. The flash can cause glare to show on your page, especially if your photos or embellishments have a shiny surface.

If you find that your photos are slightly blurry because you do not have quite enough light then try placing your camera on a flat surface and use your timer to take the photo or use a tripod. Either of these methods will help reduce any vibrations that can cause a blurry image in low light.

If you practice applying these simple tips to improve the photos of your scrapbook pages you will see an immediate improvement and be much happier with the results. As when learning anything new it is best take it one step at a time and to practice the ideas. In a short time you should end up with a true representation of your page that you will be happy to share with whoever you choose.

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	I have struggled with pic taking for awhile; this was very helpful to understand how the pages can be photographed so easily! I'd love to hear more tips like this! Posted by: Carol G Apr 23, 2008 @ 11:57 AM EST
	Thanks for the tips! These ideas will surely help me in the future, and I won't look like such a goof when I post to a website. Posted by: Katy B Apr 23, 2008 @ 2:58 PM EST
	The tips about the lighting are great. Taking shots in the evening will now be moved to the weekend during the day with the flash off and that glare can finally be avoided - thanks! Posted by: Rachel S Apr 24, 2008 @ 8:53 AM EST
	i will definitely give this a try. it seems so much easier than scanning/stitching a 12 x 12 layout. thanks Posted by: cheryl Apr 25, 2008 @ 11:25 AM EST
	I have always tried to angle to get the page in I can't wait to try these tips as I have always wondered how people's pages look so much better than mine when photographed. Posted by: heather Apr 29, 2008 @ 4:58 PM EST
	Thank you so much, Crystal!!! I have always been reluctant to share my photos of my LOs online, because the photos I take are always poor! With your tips, I just may be able to share them now! You're the best! Posted by: Shannon S. May 27, 2008 @ 3:57 PM EST
	Thanks for the tips I have such beautiful premade scrap pages I want to put on Ebay but my photography skills (or lack thereof) are doing an injustice to my work. Boohoo !!! Posted by: Kristian Johnson Jan 23, 2009 @ 7:1 AM EST
	This was exactly the information I was looking for! I just completed a scrapbook that I am giving away and will not be able to see it again. Now I can take pictures of the pages that will look very close to the original layouts. Thanks. Posted by: Debora Viola Apr 6, 2009 @ 10:18 PM EST
	I tried using a tri pot to take photos of my Scrapbook pages on the floor. But it doesn't work for me because the legs of the tri pot get in the view and I am afraid the camera will focus on them instead of my page. Any one that can help me with this ? Posted by: Gezina Sep 24, 2009 @ 5:7 AM EST

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