Let’s face it, taking photographs for inclusion in a scrapbook generally come from the regular snapshots we take a parties, gatherings and candid snaps as they occur.  There are times, however, when you want to have a really good picture of an individual that we might consider portrait quality.  Here are some tips to help you shoot some winning photographs you might consider a step above the regular shots you take at a birthday party.  These tips on lighting, backgrounds, and other important elements will help you take those special pictures.  Your photographs will help tell the story you want them to tell.

Have A Plan Of What You Want To Capture Before You Start

Know what you want to accomplish before you drag you camera out to begin taking your photos.  Ask yourself, what is the story I want to tell with these photographs–or this single snapshot.  This may give you ideas of how to have your subject dress, determine what props, if any, you think will help you tell your story.  You may have to try a couple different props, including familiar toys or objects which help identify who the subject is, and clothing outfits,  to see what works best to bring the beauty and identity of your subject.  Change them to find the one you feel works best for you project.  This extra effort can enhance your images and make them truly reflective of your subject person.

Use A Draped Background

A simple background set 3′ to 4′ behind your subject can help enhance your pictures.  You’re looking to create a photograph of your subject with the backdrop or background to make your subject the focus of your photo.  Use some plain cloth you may have around the house: sheets in various colors, blankets, tablecloths and large sheets of colored paper.  Use props available to you to help create some visual interest: a large easy chair, a sofa (you can drape your background between two chairs and shoot between them–or tack the backdrop material to a wall or in a doorway).  Outdoors you could use a child’s swing set to drape you cloth over, or a low hanging tree limb.

Use Natural Light As Much As Possible

Where possible, use natural light from windows, porches, garage entries, doorways or other areas where there is a sufficient splash of light.  North facing areas are a great natural light source that isn’t overly harsh.  Natural light creates wonderful highlights and special effects on faces.   The changing season also cast light that can provide exceptional differences in shadows and in skin tones on your subjects.   Eliminating the use of your flash can also craft some interesting and useful affects.

Have Your Subject Pose For Pictures

Some of your photo subjects will be “hams” and pose naturally, while others may need to be coached into the position or pose you’d like to photograph.  Simple and casual poses work well in general.  You should be willing to try some other poses–even silly ones to draw-out your subject’s personality.  This is a time and place in your shoot where you can have some fun.

Don’t Be Afraid Of Close-ups

Close-up are the cream in your shoots.  They may show feature flaws, but that is who they are.  Try to fill the frame with as much of the focus you wish to capture: face, eyes, hands, etc.  Close-ups give you the opportunity to capture the strongest features of your subjects.  This is another time when taking snaps of various features would be helpful, and then select the ones that tell your story.

Take Plenty of Pictures

Whether you use a digital or film camera be sure to take plenty of shots while you have your subject, background and light.  Try shooting different angels, poses, light sources (time of day for natural light), distances, and color (black and white or color).  Don’t be in a hurry.  Mother Nature didn’t create her masterpieces in a day, so don’t you try.  As you take your pictures you’ll grow in confidence and ability. . . mistakes afford you the opportunity to learn and grow in your skill.

One of the real challenges we face as scrapbookers is to find books and albums to place our creative handy work into.  Some albums don’t allow the addition or reduction of pages . . . those that do means you have to purchase extra pages to add to your book.

Themed scrapbooks are the most difficult to deal with when it comes to finding a suitable album or scrapbook to use.  The PhotoBook is a great answer to this dilemma.   Now you can construct hardcover scrapbooks or photo albums you want with just the right number of pages.  This tool is very versatile in terms of the size of your scrapbook or photo book.

We recommend you take a look at their videos – click here.

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A SIMPLE START

When looking at others scrapbook pages you can feel over whelmed. The first thing you need to do is be yourself. Your pages should reflect you, and what you want your page to say specifically about your picture’s, thought or theme.

Remember, this is your scrapbook. You can make a page or book as simple, cute or complex as you feel is warranted. Your page or book should convey what you feel about the subject or picture(s) being displayed.

Like most everything else in life there are processes and procedures that, when we follow them, we should come to a successful conclusion. Don’t forget that when we are attempting to learn something new we can learn from the experiences of others . . . just as they learn from us.

Get started by doing simple things first. Make it easy on yourself. As you learn more you should open yourself to experiment a little and grow. Have fun as you learn. You are the “captain” of your scraping.

Getting started isn’t all that difficult. Here is a list of items you will need to get your first project started. The overall design of your page should be centered on your favorite activities or focus–subjects that suit your personal taste. Remember, your scrapbook should reflect you . . . it should please you first and foremost.

Supplies you will need to get started:

• An album – something to store your scrapbook pages in
• Scissors
• Straightedge cutter
• Acid free and lignin free adhesive
• Double sided tape
• Paper – card stock which may include activity themed paper
• Buttons, stickers and ribbon
• Markers and journaling pen(s)

You may have to visit a craft store that has a scrapbook department, or a scrapbook specialty store to get all of these items. They are also available via the internet . . . Scrapbooking with Jo-Ann.com has a supper scrapbook supply selection. Check them out!

Putting Your Page Together

As you sort through your photographs, you may want to pick out those that center on a common theme or focus. There most likely will be several themes you want to use as you go through this part of the process. Place the various photographs into separate piles based on your themes.

Once this sorting process has been completed, select one theme you want your page or book to be centered around. Now with your theme focused photographs in hand, lay them out in a design that represents your theme. Usually one to three photographs are used per page, but more can be used if space will allow and it helps add strength to your focused theme. (See “Plan Your Page” for more specifics.)

You can now gather or pick out the embellishment supplies–like buttons, stickers, ribbon, etc., you feel will help enhance or add focus to your page’s theme.

Next, trim your photographs. Your objective here is to keep the photo’s focal point, but cropping out the unnecessary background images that could draw attention away from your theme. This is what was done to the cherubic baby’s face in the photo above.

You will need card stock frames you can purchase at a store or online, or you can have one die-cut that better expresses your theme–especially if store stock items don’t work for you.

Now layer or place your different items onto your page. If you are using an activity themed paper let it work to help enhance your theme. Once everything is placed where you want it–glue it all down!

At this point you can add what ever embellishments you feel will help focus and enhance your photographs and theme. Use items like stickers, buttons, string, yarn, ribbons, etc.

Oh! Don’t forget to leave space to “journal” on your page. This is where you want to write comments about your photographs or page: titles, quotes, explanations, personal thoughts, etc. Journal notes help convey your inner thoughts. They help clarify your focus or theme. Don’t worry about your penmanship for now. Remember, this is about you and what your page means to you. If you feel the need you can always use rub on, stencils, or pasted words and letters from other things–magazines, books, etc. (but you need to be sure they are acid free).

For more detail about the scrapbook process, go to the “Basics of Layout and Design” section.

There you have it. A simple but effect scrapbook page. Do several pages and you have yourself a “scrapbook.” If all is true to form you will want to do more. To grow and expand your horizons, check with scrapbook supply stores, magazines and don’t forget to ask for help from friends.

Now, go have fun scrapbooking!!!

LETTERING FOR SCRAPBOOKERS

As important as lettering is some of us just don’t feel comfortable using our own penmanship on our scrapbook pages and handmade cards, With practice and patience you can do it. Besides, some errors and mistakes show we are human and not infallible! They quite often illustrate who we are . . . the person they know–or over time, they are learning about through your craft work.

Here are a couple of helpful hints:

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JOURNALING FOR SCRAPBOOKERS

Jeff Buchinno “Wizzard of Draw”

No one but you may know what a photograph is about or whom may be in the picture unless you share that informationation with them–journaling is the way you share this important information.

Have your ever opened an “old” photo album–you know, one filled with page after page of black and white photographs (maybe some color ones). Too often there is no notation to tell you anything about a photo: when it was taken; where it was taken; who are the people in the picture (how do they relate to me), etc. We all have. We know some where in those many pages are stories to be told and relatives, long past gone, we could be introduced to.

While journaling may be the last thing we physically do to a scrapbook page, it should be one of the first things we do in the planning or designing of our pages.

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Every serious scrapbooker’s dream is to have a “scrapbook room.” What it would consist of varies with each scrapper. Not all of us are so lucky. At best we can hope for a dedicated workspace–be it a folding table in your den, dining room or bedroom. If you are one of the fortunate few to have a “scrapbook room,” great! Either way, organization is a must!

Organization will be the key to your success as a scrapper. As much as possible everything should have its proper place . . . labeled or easily identifiable. You’d like to have it so organized that you can find things blind folded.

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Let’s Get Organized

One of the biggest head aches scrapbookers encounter is getting and keeping supplies orderly and accessible. Clutter soon becomes our middle name. Keeping track of things is a monumental task in and of itself. There are three main areas of concern:

1. workspace
2. paper storage
3. tools and embellishment storage

Working on a kitchen table or counter may provide an adequate work space, but it also means setting out and putting away your supplies each time you want to scrap. This “getting ready and clean-up time” would be better spent scrapping. If, however, you had a dedicated workspace and/or organized storage for your supplies, you could spend more time doing what you like best–creating scrapbook pages and albums.

Consider some of these helpful hints and ideas as you build your scrapbook “kingdom”:

GETTING STARTED

If you are just beginning to scrap, your needs will be limited. You may even find it easier to buy only the supplies you need for each specific project. The practical side says you will begin to build your supply collection a little at a time . . . with extras and leftovers from each project you work on. At some point you will find the need to put these extra items away to be used on another project. We won’t even discuss finding those super “buys” that always come up, and we can’t seem to pass-up!  Pretty soon you have more things find a home for . . . and so the story goes.

It doesn’t take long before you need to be very organized with plenty of storage for your wares.

THE WORKSPACE

The kitchen table or counter top is just fine for a scrapper’s workspace. The major drawback, as previously noted, is setting up and putting away. If, however, you are blessed with a little “extra” room somewhere, you can opt to have your own dedicated scrap work site.

Your workspace could be as simple as a folding table, or as complete as  The Original Scrapbox or The Minibox.   Or, you may consider The Creation Station from For Keeps Sake.

You can always create or construct your own work space that may have to fit in a unique space.

Using an entertainment or computer armoire may work after you modify them, but there are draw backs. These pieces of furniture were not constructed for your purpose. The actual workspace is limited, and storage can be wasted because of the unique odd sizes used in scrapbooking.

PAPER STORAGE

Paper . . . you just can’t have enough paper! Then comes the need to properly store it so it won’t get “folded, spindled or mutilated.” The two work stations previously mentioned have storage. You may need more, or your scrapping from some other source or area. There are several options available to you to have your paper safely stored, but easily accessed.

There are several mobile or carrying totes available like “Crop in Style” and “Cropper Hopper Class Tote.” There are plenty of other smaller or individual style holders that could well meet your storage needs. One of the largest selections I’ve seen online is at JoAnn.com. Go to “paper organizers” under the scrapbook storage area. Plus, they always have something on SALE!!! Don’t you just like to get things on sale?

For large storage needs take a look at ScrapNcube. They also have workspace items. Also, take a look at Display Dynamics for shelf units, or individual pieces. And lastly, take a look at VmarkInc on eBay for shelf towers.

For those who are looking to build there own storage rack or unit, you may want to review Rebecka’s article on 12 x 12 shelving she made at Ask.com.

(One note: Office file cabinets can work if you modify the hanging folders to allow for 12 x12 sheets. One drawback is the lack of ease to see the various papers you may have stored.)

Additional Article: More on: “How to Organize Your Workspace

BASIC TOOLS for BEGINNING

SCRAPBOOKERS

Every new scrapbooker needs to start some where–sometime. “Every journey begins with the first step.”

We are providing beginners with a simple list and some information about the basic tools you’ll need to get started.

This list is by no means complete. As you become more engrossed in your scrapbooking you will easily find there is never enough of anything, and you won’t ever have all of what you want. All that said, you need to begin your journey. Here are some basic tools you’ll need:

SCISSORS:

No scrapper could exist without scissors. You only need one good pair, but we have included information on two:

Fiskars Nonstick Scissors shown above offers a non-stick coating which prevents most adhesives from sticking to the blades.  Because you will be cutting and trimming pages and embellishments with adhesives on them, we recommend this scissor.

The next pair of scissors is Fiskars Straight Shears 8″ – Ambidextrous scissors are lightweight and  perfect for cutting many materials in the home or office. Comfortable handles enable use with either left or right hand. Permanent stainless steel rivet is finely tuned to provide complete cutting efficiency.

PORTABLE PAPER/TRIMMER CUTTER:

Fiskars offers several portable Paper Trimmers you can use to cut your photos and paper. There is a 12″ trimmer that is compact and lightweight for easy use, transportation and storage. There is a swing-out ruler to help provide measurements up to 15″. This cutter will accommodate cuts of up to 5 sheets of 20 lb paper or 2 sheets of 65 lb card stock. English and metric measurements are provided.

RULER:

No scrapper is without a ruler. This Zero-centering ruler allows you to align your photographs, die cuts and anything else where you need a measured element. This is a clear plastic ruler with holes you can use for marking stitches, aligning eyelets, buttons, and more. This ruler will help you with parallel guides for borders and journaling. You can also use it as a corner placement guide.

PAPER ADHESIVE:

There isn’t much you can do without someway of attaching things to your page. So you need a glue or adhesive–preferably a universal adhesive to begin with.

PHOTO ADHESIVE:

Because you are working with photographs, it will serve you well to use a glue specifically designed for photos.

JOURNALING PEN:

Journaling is near impossible when you are creating a scrapbook page. (See article on Journaling). This pen is a medium point, but can be purchased in fine or bold point–what ever you choose. There are also pens designed for use on photographs, but you can get by without one to get started.

PENCIL and SHARPENER:

There is no way to get by with your scrapbooking design without a graphite pencil–with a sharpener to keep your point sharp. The higher the number on a pencil the harder the lead and the finer the point.  This sharpener is a versatile sharpener, and can be used with charcoal pencils, pastel pencils, and other soft cored pencils.

You can use an all-purpose, wood-cased graphite pencil. A #2 pencil is a good universal choice.  The higher the number the harder the graphite lead. Most pencils come with a soft eraser.  Most wood cased pencil write on anything! The #2 lead pencil is soft and perfect  perfect for marking, writing, or drawing on any surface, including glass, plastic, photographic materials and films, metal, leather, rubber, and paper.

You should start out with a number 2…erasing is easier. You may want to add color pencils to your kit too.

ERASER:

An eraser is essential, because we always make mistakes, and you need to remove any unwanted marks after you have used them–plus you can get rid of graphite and dirt that should be on your page.

These are basic tools you will need to get started. Be assured you will easily add many more things to help you in your scrapbooking. These can easily be placed in a tote for storage and portability. As you acquire more things it will require more storage containers. You may want to consider this fact as you purchase your supplies–space will become an issue, but until you get there just have fun creating your pages. For more information and ideas you can check out our articles on:

• Scrapbook Products
• Scrapbook Glue and Adhesives
• Scrapbook Basics
• Cropping Photographs
• Scrapbook Page Design

Check the Site Map for more Articles and Information

BASIC SCRAPBOOK CROPPING TOOLS

(To get you started)

Everyone getting started with scrapbooking wonders what tools they need in order to begin. Here is a list of basic tools you’ll need. Use your own judgment on what to have, because this list is spartan–just enough to get you started. You will surely add to these basic tools. There are suggestions for additional scrapbooking tools and machines in these companion articles: Basic Tools for Beginning Scrapbookers, Cropping Photos and Matting Photos. These articles will provide you with instructive information on how to crop and mat your photographs, and other useful tools to help you enhance your scrapbooking desires.

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BASIC SCRAPBOOK CUTTING TOOLS

When it comes to scrapbooking there are some basic tools (see our article on “Beginner’s Tools“) you need to get started, and cutting or cropping tools are one of them.

There are a ton of cutters you can buy, but there are a few that we would say are essential: at least one good pair of scissors, and either a good roller or rotary cutter or guillotine cutter.

Here are some recommendations and information on good quality and useful cutting tools. These tools are by no means a full list of opportunities you have at your disposal. You may have other scrappers who have given you their recommendations–you would do well to at least check them out.

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