Holiday Photo Tips

It is that time of the year again....photo opportunities abound, families are together and kids are on their best behavior (yeah right!). Listed below are some tips for taking better holiday photos for your scrapbooks.

The Rule of Thirds: Imagine a grid placed on your photo, such as this one below:

According to the Rule of Thirds you would try to place your subject at ONE of the intersecting points shown with a red cross. This creates a well balanced picture that allows the eye to "flow" across the picture.





Backgrounds: Try to keep them uncluttered and plain so they do not distract from the subject.

Try different angles: If you have kids or pets.....get down on their level to take the picture. Try getting the family together then take the picture from a higher position (maybe from the stairs) or vice versa-have them on the stairs.

Candid shots: Take candid shots. You have to be sneaky...but you can get some really good photos when people don't realize you are taking a picture!

Natural Light: Whenever possible use natural light, but not harsh direct light. Some examples of good natural light are diffused light that exists on hazy or cloudy days and indirect light from a window.

Gift Ideas for Under $20

Need ideas for teachers, neighbors, or friends but you don't want to bust your budget? Try these great gift ideas for under $20:

• Celestial Scrapbooks - Custom mini photobooks, calendars, mugs, luggage tags and more - (don't forget you get Free Economy Shipping on orders over $30 - use code Ship Me at checkout)
• Mini Albums - These albums come in all shapes and sizes and you can alter them to your taste.
• Scrapbook Page Kits - A variety of colors, patterns and techniques available. These kits have enough goodies to make a 2-page layout and then some!
  

Gift for ME!

Do you always ask for scrapbooking items for the Holidays and NEVER get what you want? Well, wait no longer...you can buy a gift for yourself. No one has to know. I will wrap it and address it with the To and From that you choose and mail it out to you with FREE SHIPPING! Put it under your tree or menorah and act surprised when you open it!

Just shoot me an e-mail with the details of the names on the To and From and what type of wrapping paper (Christmas or Hanukkah)!

Go Shop for yourself!

Don't forget to use this code at checkout: Gift4Me
Code Expires: 12/10/08

Announcing Celestial Scrapbooks

We are pleased to announce the opening of Celestial Scrapbooks! Create your own digital photobooks, cards, and unique photo gifts. Visit the website to take a quick tour then give the program a try. It is very EASY to use! All you need is Internet Explorer and an internet connection. Your photos and your project files are stored on your computer. Use one of the many themes or embellishments available in the program or upload your own! Don't forget to try the Smart Arrangement technology that picks photo arrangements for you...don't like the one it picked - let it pick another!

For a limited time, get FREE Economy Shipping on orders over $30.
This offer is good through 12/31/08.
Use code: Ship Me at checkout.

Click here to see the short video.

Recession-Proof Scrapbooking

OK...it is all over the news...the dreaded R word - Recession! Don't let the recession get you down. There are ways to cut-costs and STILL Scrapbook! Listed below are some ways to make your scrapbooking dollar s-t-r-e-t-c-h to it's fullest capacity.

• Chipboard letters or embellishments - Do they have a pattern you don't like or already used a few times - alter them so they are good as new. Paint them with acrylic paint, cover them with patterned paper or cardstock, or ink them so they look different. You can also use different types of chipboard letters (they don't REALLY need to match - do they?) to create a "mixed" alphabet.
  
• Brads - Not the right color? Try alcohol ink to change their color to match what you need!
• Scraps - Don't throw the scraps out! You can use them to make cards!
• Cardstock-only Layout - Have you ever made a cardstock-only layout? If you are a stamper, you can use stamps to create your titles and embellishment. Not a stamper? Try using different layers of cardstock to create interesting geometric designs.
• FREE FONTS - Got a Cricut? Check out this software that allows you to use your Cricut with free fonts and dingbats!
• Clearance and Sales - Buy the items you need on Clearance and during Sales! Check out our Clearance Items.
  

Have any other tips? Let's hear them!

Change your Perspective....photographic perspective that is!

Ever get tired of the same 'ol picture....Jane and Jack by the tree, Jane and Jack at the table, Jane and Jack smiling pretty. I think you get the gist. Well, try shaking it up a bit. Take photos from different angles and levels. Try taking some photos from either up high or down low. For example, take a family photo where the person taking the picture is up several steps so the photo is taken looking down on everyone looking up at the camera. Or, get down low to take photos of kids and pets. Try taking a picture in a mirror or reflection in a window - that can be tricky! :)

I recently bought a point and shoot camera that can go underwater. Let me tell you how much fun I had taking pictures in the pool on vacation! It is actually harder than it seems because it is hard to "see" what you are taking a picture of. I think Kodak makes some disposable underwater cameras...you should give it a try on your next vacation or getaway! So here are some examples of my underwater and "different" angle photos.

Here is my favorite picture! That's my dog Griffin, he is a Great Dane whose ears were never cropped. I always wanted to get a picture of those floppy ears!


Then there are the funny underwater shots:




So...don't be afraid to try some new angles. Get out there and start taking some photos!

Upcoming Crops in DE, MD & PA

October 18th - 9 AM to 9 PM - Bear, DE
Scrapbooking Krop for Kay's Kamp
This is a benefit crop to raise money for Kay's Kamp which will be the First Camp in the State of Delaware for kids with cancer!!
Click Here for More Info!


October 25th - 9AM to 10 PM - Mt. Pocono, PA
Contact Susan Whitmer - s00zn@yahoo.com


November 1st - 10 AM to 10 PM - Elkton, MD
Contact Yaz Waters - yazwaters@hotmail.com

November 8th - 10AM to 10 PM - Newark, DE
Click Here for More Info!



November 15th - 9 AM to 8 PM - Wilmington, DE
Benefit Crop - American Cancer Society Relay for Life
Hosted by Celestial Creations & Scrapbook Supplies, Inc.

Contact Jen for more info - celestial.creations@verizon.net