Pictures/Scrapbooking Question

[goofygal1975]

Hey guys! I"ve posted a few times on this board, and have been an on again off again lurker when I'm working on my scrapbooks. I have a question for you...

HOW do you get good pictures of your scrapbook pages to post? My 8 1/2 X 11 pages are no problems, I have a scanner. But I dont do those pages anymore...I do all 12x12. When i try to take a picture of the pages...it never comes out that good...there is a glare, or the page is crooked...and then when i go to resize/crop it...it just never looks right

i've posted one 12x12 album here

Thanks for your help. I've seen a lot of your posts on websites and they look great!!

 

[TrixyA]

you can scan your 12x12 in two segments and then use a graphics editor (I use paint shop pro) to "stitch" them together. It's usually pretty easy to match up the two scans, although it can take a couple minutes to get it "just right". This leaves off an inch of the length. You could take four scans of the layout, but that would be a lot of effort, unless you're submitting layouts for a contest or something (I think). I'm lucky. I have a very old scanner that takes legal size-- so I don't lose that inch of length.

I've used my camera a few times to take quick shots of layouts and I'm never pleased with the results. Unless you have a stand to mount them and a tripod, it's almost impossible to not end up with a trapezoidal layout or glare or both.

Good luck!

sample of 24" layout stitched together from 4 scans:
http://www.naibara.com/WDW2000/Images/Tapestry.jpg

 

[nicki dahling]

I have never gotten the stitching thing down , so my layouts are always done with my digital camera. I have learned that you should take the page protectors off when taking pics which will cut out the glare. Because I use the digital I just check the pics until I have one lined up straight. I keep my background plain ( usually my wood dining table ) and stand directly over the page when shooting. I try to keep every thing within the little arches on my viewfinder and as close to the top without cutting off the top of the page. Sometimes I get it on the first try , other times it takes a few tries.

Cyndi

 

[goofygal1975]

Thanks guys...I'll have to try the stitching thing. I have a digital camera too that i use, but never seem to get it at the right angle...guess i just need to practice more! LOL

THanks!!

Heather

 

[scrapsoflife]

When my scanner went wonky I got pretty good at photographing my layouts and this is how I do it.

1) No page protector.
2) Prop the page up on my desk (I have a little raised shelf along the back and if nothing else works can stick a repositionable glue dot or something to keep it straight.
3) Light source: an overhead light and a directional light. Dh found this ancient little lamp that clips onto the metal shelves above my desk and I can angle it to anywhere. For the layouts it is to the left side with the light washing over the layout from the side. Adjust as necessary to avoid glare.
4)Turn the camera flash off.
5)Sit in the computer chair, approx. 3 feet between the camera and the layout, position the layout in the preview window, brace your arms against your body, hold your breath and take the picture (lol...sounds funny but it works).

Reshoot if you breathed lol

Usually all I need to do after that is take it into Photoshop, crop it (the free-rotate is great for the slightly off-kilter photos) and slide the brightness/contrast to make it more real-life and then everything is golden!

 

[goofygal1975]

Thanks scrapsoflife!! I will have to try that! I know what you mean...dont breathe!! I have to remind myself of that when i'm taking pictures at disney at night!! haha
I've never thought to turn the flash off, and i do have a small clamp on lamp too!


Thank you!!!!

 

[scrapsoflife]

You're quite welcome. I discovered the 2 lights/noi flash bit when I had to shoot some glass jewelry and couldn't get a good image of the etching on it.

Speaking of Disney at night photos: any tips? I would really like to get some of Illuminations on "film" when I got in 2 weeks.