Valentine Project!

January 31, 2011 · Portrait Pricing

First off, let me introduce to you the Moms with Fancy Cameras logo:

Actually, its one of 2 versions. What do you think? Ya like?? Thought I would make our little group more official.

So, as the first project for the MWFC group, you will need both your photography and Martha Stewart hats: Photo Bunting! This project was inspired by several things: 1. The awkward feeling my house has after I took down the Christmas decorations and had nothing to put up 2. Bunting is wildly popular right now – and I think its just SO freaking adorable 3. I can’t sew but wanted to create my own bunting piece.

Photography Skills:

I am a natural light photographer – meaning most of my sessions are lit with that powerful star high in the sky. However, not many of us want to go outside in this frigid weather (Californian’s: please pretend it has dropped below 65 degrees – much appreciated!) so you have to make the best use of the light that floods your home. Thus, for this project you MUST use natural light that comes into your home – no artificial light- my recommendation would be near a window.

Tips for shooting near a window:

  • Angle your subject towards the window – it will illuminate their face, create catchlights in their eyes (catchlight is a fancy term used to describe reflections in the eyes of the subject), and will give you even lighting across their face.
  • Use a sheer curtain or linen in front of the window. This will help soften the light and reduces shadows.
  • Find the best light source in your home – use this light even if you have to rearrange a few pieces of furniture to take your photo.

Crafting Skills:

Supplies:

  • Photos
  • Ribbon, lace or fabric (I used ribbon)
  • Scissors
  • Hot Glue gun

Choose the photos you want to use. I added quote bubbles in Photoshop but my original plan was to make them out of paper and adhere them to the photos (for more of a 3D effect). You can do whichever you choose.

Then create a document to accomodate all your photos – I used 6 2 inch wide photos so my document size was 6×6. Keep in mind that you will need white space above each photo to adhere onto the ribbon.

Print your photos and cut them to size leaving room above each photo.

Using a hot glue gun, run some glue along the white space and glue onto the ribbon. (Be quick like bunny doing this! The glue dries quickly!)

You can then hang it up in your house or fold it accordion style, tie a ribbon around it and give them away as Valentine’s Day presents!

Please upload your photos to the Erika Ashauer Photography Facebook page! I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with! As always, please feel free to ask any questions – Happy Bunting!

And for those of you who want more of a traditional approach to Valentine’s Day: You can contact me to receive the templates to these cards I designed. All you have to do is insert the picture! :) If you could still post the photos you took on the Facebook page, that would be fantastic!

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