Sunday, August 4, 2013

The Quilt Photography Workshop



Taught by:   YOU!!!!!

As you probably know, I have decided to retire the weekly Let's Get Acquainted Link Up and instead host a themed monthly link up.  And after thinking about it, I decided to focus the themes on photography.  From recent discussions, I know many of us agree that photography is one of the first things we notice on quilt blogs and one of the factors that determine whether we are going to keep reading.  Therefore, I thought maybe you would all like to join me in improving our blog photography -the quality of our photos, the composition, the use of lighting, the variety, limiting the amount of post-editing  - basically whatever you want to work on.



I definitely know a lot more about photography now than I did when I started my blog 1.5 years ago.  I know the relevance of aperture, shutter speed,  ISO, and even white balance.  I have read numerous photography tutorials on both sewing and other types of blogs.  I even upgraded to a "fancy" camera about 6 months ago (it is an entry-level DSLR but fancy to me!)   But I think what has really helped me improve my photos is well, taking lots of pictures!  And really experimenting when I do - taking pictures indoors and outdoors, taking them from various angles, taking both close-ups and um, not close-ups, changing the settings on my camera - you see what I mean.  Learning by doing!  



Are you still with me?  So, the idea is that every month, I will post a photography challenge --- involving fabric/handmade items!  Quilts, bags, pillows, knits, crocheted items, cross-stitch, clothing - whatever you are working on.  You'll take lots of photos of your project and then write a blog post about the photos - about what worked, what didn't, what you learned, what you are going to try next time.  Some months will have a very general theme while others might be a more specific challenge.



And this workshop/link up is not just for sewing bloggers who want to improve their blog photos but also for those of you who take absolutely beautiful pictures (you know who you are!!!) - we would love it if you participated and shared your tips and techniques with the rest of us!



August Challenge:  This is an easy one!  Take photos of fabric.  Yep, that's it - we'll start with a very general challenge.  Your choice - photos of your stash, photos of your favorite fabrics, photos of fabrics you are about to sew together, photos of fabric combinations you love - all of the above?!!?  Just remember take lots of photos (we are all using digital, right?!?!)  And then come back here on August 25th to link up your post.  


41 comments:

  1. Great idea, Beth! I actually struggle with exactly how to layout and light stash photos and I'd love to see other's ideas. Yours look great!

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  2. Great challenge Beth - I will definitely be linking up and reading other people's posts with interest.

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  3. I LOVE this idea, Beth!!!! :)

    Thank you for always hosting fun things like this! It's educational to those of us that want to learn more, and lots of fun!

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  4. I definitely could use this challenge! I'm looking forward to focusing on this! I'll be back!

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  5. Great idea! I am definitely in!!!

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  6. How fun! I must admit I've been slacking blog wise, but may have to bust out the camera for this link up. Sounds fun and can't wait to see everyone's tips!

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  7. Awesome Beth! Photography is definitely something I need to improve, so this is brilliant!

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  8. Wonderful idea. I don't have an expensive camera and really am not good at the whole lighting thing. Should be fun!

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  9. Great idea...one of the things I really struggle with

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  10. great idea Beth! I'm not the greatest photographer. In fact, every single photo I take is done on my iPhone. I would have no idea what to do with a fancy camera if I had one! I'm looking forward to the tips!

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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  11. This is a great idea, Beth. I definitely have a lot to learn about photography, but mostly need to be pushed not to be so lazy about it!

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  12. Thanks for setting this up. I need photography tips in the worst of ways! I'm gathering credit card points now for an entry level DSLR, so I'm going to enjoy learning what to do with it once I get it.

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  13. This is a great idea. I really have to work hard to get just a couple of usuable photos - I just have a point and shoot.

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  14. Very nice. Can't wait to see all the ideas.

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  15. I like this idea ... I'll work on something to post!

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  16. Cool. Exactly what I need to work on!

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  17. Brilliant idea!

    I've become rather lazy about taking pictures, to the extent I use my iPad and then end up apologising for poor quality/ colour. It'll also give me an opportunity to give a newish camera a good work out

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  18. Great idea! I bought a nice camera too, but I'm still scared of it ;)

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  19. Great challenge! This is an area I definitely want to improve. I am definitely in! I would love to see everyone's tips and tricks.

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  20. Count me in! There is more to my camera than what I know. And would love to join in. Thanks for starting this.

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  21. I am new to the blogging world and I know I need some serious help in this area! This is a fantastic idea! Thanks for letting us all learn with you!

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  22. Sounds fun Beth! Looking forward to the new incarnation of your series!

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  23. Great idea Beth! I know this is an area I struggle with - especially with fall and winter coming and indoor lighting!

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  24. This looks fun, and I totally agree about good photos on blogs...bad ones are such a turn off!

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  25. Great idea - my photos suck!

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  26. Fun!! Great idea and I'm excited to learn some tips and tricks!

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  27. I'm in! Do you have a button for this one yet?

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  28. Hey Beth, posted about the workshop....I have chosen my project for the month - neon colors :-)

    http://factotum-of-arts.com/2013/08/12/weekend-finishes-12-08-2013/

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  29. I am a bit late to the party but this is exactly what I need so thanks very much. Off to try challenge no 1 in catch up

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  30. Just wanted to chime in to say what a great idea this is! I'm already learning from the August 25th posts, and I look forward to having another reason to practice my photography skills in future months!

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  31. Woo what a great idea! i love to join it. My blog is in Hebrew Can i still participate?
    Thanks Tahel from Israel

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