Blog Archives
Badge: Digital Photography — Improving Your Photos (revised)
You’ve learned what all those buttons do. You take pictures all the time. Sometimes you’re not happy with the final shots.
So, let’s see about improving your photos.
Make sure your batteries are charged and your card is empty. This is definitely a hands-on badge program.
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Steps
1. Review your photos.
Review photos that you don’t like. Can you explain why you don’t like them? Do you know it needs fixed but don’t know how? Keep the photos nearby as you work through this badge program and learn to avoid problems in the future.
2. Composition.
If you’re taking pictures and you don’t have a plan, your photos will reflect that uncertainty. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you plan and take your photos.
- What story am I telling?
- What is the visual focal point (subject) of this shot?
- What competing focal points are there?
- What is in the background and foreground?
- Am I close enough?
- What is the main source of light?
- Is my framing straight?
- What other perspectives could I capture this subject from?
- How would holding the camera in the other format (horizontal / vertical) change this shot?
- How will the eye travel through this image?
Asking yourself these questions will get you looking at the scene before you push the button.
3. Rule of thirds.
The basic principle behind the rule of thirds is to imagine breaking an image down into thirds (both horizontally and vertically) so that you have nine parts. Studies have shown that when viewing images that people’s eyes usually go to one of the intersection points most naturally rather than the center of the shot. The Rule of Thirds works with this natural way of viewing an image rather than working against it. If you can’t picture this, check out the “SUPP_Rule_Thirds.pdf” for a visual grid.
Draw an outline the size of your photo and a grid of three columns high by three columns wide on a sheet of paper. You’ll be visualizing this when you take photos.
Experiment with your camera. Take photos with your subject in the center of your image and then using the rule of thirds. Compare the two. How do your eyes travel the photo?
4. Fill your frame.
Before you click, look around your subject. You want your subject to fill the frame and to eliminate or minimize distracting details. Look around the outside edges of your photo. You don’t want large areas of empty space or so much crammed in that your attention will be drawn away from your subject.
Ways to fill your frame include:
- Use your optical zoom (not your digital zoom)
- Use your legs to get closer
- Crop your shots (software)
You can also use elements around your subject to create a frame. Remember, the frame does not have to go completely around your subject. Some items you might try to use for framing include:
- Branches
- Row of trees
- Tunnel
- Fencing
- Windows
- Doorways
- People’s shoulders
- Walls or arches
Experiment with frames. If necessary, take a stuffed animal with you. Change your angle and / or height to find different “frames” for your photo. Look at the framed area before you press the button and ask yourself “will the elements (other than your subject) add to or take away from the photo I’m about to take?”
5. Close enough.
Do you need to have every inch of the person in the image? Will cutting out the shoes, legs, etc. really make a difference? If you’re too far away, you won’t be able to see their face. They’ll be lost in the shot.
For example, if your daughter has caught her first fish, why do you need to have the entire pier, fishing pole, family members who accompanied her and the boat in the photo? Instead, zoom in on her face and the fish. The excitement you’ll see in her face will be lost in a distant shot. The close shot will tell a better story than the far away one.
Details often are lost when you’re far away. This does not only apply to people, but to buildings, collections and more. Practice getting close shots so that you can see the details.
6. Backgrounds.
Don’t focus all your concentration on your subject. The background can make or break your photo. You don’t want your background to take away from your subject. Review your photos and see where the background takes attention away from your subject. Ask yourself what you could have done to minimize the impact of the background.
Explore various ways to adjust, blur and create your own background to make it less distracting.
7. Changing viewpoint.
Changing your viewpoint can make a dramatic difference to your photos and help reduce background problems. Look at the world through your subject’s eyes. Babies and kids see the world differently than adults do. Move to their height and take photos there. Here are some ways to change your viewpoint. Shoot a single item from a variety of viewpoints to see the difference.
- Lay on the floor
- Shoot down (or up) stairs
- Go beneath and object and shoot up (bridge, tree, etc.)
- Go on a roof or balcony and shoot down
- Climb a tree
- Angle of the shot (rotate your camera slightly or move so that you’re not taking a “flat” picture)
8. Using lines.
The most obvious horizontal line you’ll deal with is the horizon. Horizontal lines convey a message of “stability” or “rest.” Photos of the horizon look best when you shoot these with the widest part of your photo frame running left and right. Unbroken horizons leave your photo dull. Use items in the landscape to break it up. Horizon shots should always be aligned with the frame. Remember to use the rule of thirds — do not put the horizon in the middle of your picture. Practice taking horizon pictures. What other items are horizontal that you can photograph?
Vertical lines convey “power”, “strength” and “growth.” Photos with vertical lines look best when you shoot these with the widest part of your photo frame running top to bottom. Again, your rule of thirds says not to put the line in the center of your photo. Practice taking vertical line shots like buildings and trees.
Diagonal lines give a sense of action, but placing them in the middle of your image makes it look like you’ve cut it in half. Practice taking diagonal line shots.
In the case with horizontal and vertical lines, try to keep them aligned with the frame of your photo. Slight angles makes them look misaligned. If you want dramatic effect, make sure your angles are enough that it looks like you wanted it that way.
9. Natural light.
Most photographers feel natural light is the most flattering. However the time of day you’re using sunlight as your light source has a great deal to do with your photos. Here are a few tips to use for outside photographs.
- A mix of sun and clouds that makes for the best photographic conditions.
- Overcast days help diffuse the light, creating a pleasant, flattering light.
- Morning light has a slight blue hue to it.
- Midday light is the brightest light of the day, producing the clearest, sharpest photos. However, the light casts a cool, blue cast which is so bright it can blow out the color in your photos.
- The late afternoon is the “golden hour” because afternoon light is soft and gives a warm, golden glow with soft contrasts.
- Light shines at an angle, accentuating your subject’s features while casting a flattering glow.
- Snow and sand are both reflective surfaces. They reflect sunlight, fooling the camera sensor into thinking there is more light available than there is.
Practice taking the same shot during different times of the day to see how the changing light affects your photos.
10. Artificial light.
Shooting in dark rooms with your flash will not give you good photos. If you can pose a scene, you can collect lights from your house and position them to eliminate bad shadows. Placing them to the left and right of your subject allows you to light the area without it affecting your camera’s automatic sensors. Utilize reflective surfaces such as walls, ceilings and white boards to help diffuse the light.
Play with these light sources to see how they affect your photos.
- Candles
- Holiday tree lights
- Strings of patio lights
- Night lights
- Lamps
- Spotlights
- Clip-on lights
- Specialty lights
- Bonfires
- Fireworks
- Street lights
- Vehicle lights
NOTE: Incandescent lighting can give your photos a yellow or orange cast; fluorescent lights can give a blue or green cast.
11. Shooting portraits.
Have you taken a child to get a portrait shot? An unwilling subject is just the first challenge to taking portrait photos. Here are a few things to be aware of while taking portrait photos.
- Remove as much background as possible
- Be aware of reflective surfaces such as glasses
- Angle your subject to eliminate red-eye
- Fill the frame
- Put your subject at ease
- Natural pose
Read about these items and how to minimize them. Find some tips for great portraits in the supplemental file “SUPP_Stunning Portraits.pdf.” Use your knowledge to practice taking portrait photos.
12. Shooting groups.
Shooting groups of people offers unique challenges. You’re trying to fit a large group of people in one photo and have them all respond in the same way at the same time. Here are some tips to explore and use while you practice group shots.
- Be prepared — check your location beforehand, have your equipment ready and know how you’re going to pose your subjects
- Assistance — if you have a large group, get assistance so you’re not distracted
- Notice before shooting — give a verbal notice that you’re going to take the photo in five minutes so everyone can touch up their hair, make-up, etc.
- Lighting — be aware of available lighting and bring extra to eliminate problems
- Take multiple shots — your group will relax as you take more, also taking shots as they try to get into formation can be humorous for them and helpful to you
- Get in close — stagger people instead of lining them up, have them lean their heads together or look for other ways to make your group shot more compact
- Posing — short people in the front, tall in the back and ask everyone to lift their chins a bit
- Keep control — keep talking to the group and let them know what you want them to do, tell them how great they look and explain how many photos you’re planning to take
13. Urban landscapes and buildings.
Scout out your area before taking pictures. Do a little research and make sure there are no buildings, signs or other items that will be in your shots that are trademarked. If there are, you will need permission to take and publish your photos. You may have to pay for the privilege. Getting a written release will help protect you.
Walk around your area and decide where you’ll take your shots, when you’ll take your shots, etc. For example, if an area is extremely busy and you don’t want all the people in your shot, getting up very early will allow you to take photos with minimum amount of interference.
Find an urban area to photograph. Watch it for a few days and take photos to document the level of activity, light play and other elements that will affect your photos.
14. Action shots.
Can you adjust your camera to do continuous bursts or triple shots? If so, try these features during a game or activity. Is the quality what you want? Often, you won’t be able to catch the action you want. You’ll probably do better learning the timing of your camera. Here are some items to keep in mind when you’re taking action shots.
- Stay parallel to the action to hold focus and keep adjustment time to a minimum
- For consistent activities, like track meets, pick a place you want to take shots of your team and practice with others
- Pan shots (tripod and move side to side) to keep subject in frame and background blurred
- Know the sport so you anticipate shots
- Maintain “active space” in front of a moving subject
Try these techniques at a game or activity.
15. Telling the story.
To capture a story in a single picture, single shots should be like a headline in a newspaper — the content should be understood immediately. Make sure you have a close-up shot to see strong emotions. Only include background items when they are necessary to your story.
Short stories should be about a single event or theme, but the photos should hold the viewer’s attention a little longer. This might be a sporting event, antics of your pet or a kid’s party.
Novels are collections of stories that occur over time or over an event that has many parts. You’ll have characters and several chapters. Plan what shots you need to tell your story. Make notes of the shots you need to tell your entire story. Before leaving the shoot, review your shots to make sure you have them all.
16. Software adjustments.
You’ve taken your photos, told your story, but it needs a little help. That’s where your software and its editing abilities step in.
Each program has its own way of doing the following tasks. Open some of your digital photos in your software program and try these tasks to see how your photos improve from a little adjustment. As you work with your software, you’ll become more aware with issues in your photos and will start looking for those when you take your photos.
- Remove red-eye
- Rotation (straighten it)
- Cropping (cutting off distracting items)
- Color adjustment (for natural or unnatural results)
- Blur and sharpen
- Resize
NOTE: Don’t forget to save a copy before working with it so your original remains untouched.
Most software programs have tutorials, online courses (free and paid) as well as groups who discuss the programs and help each other. Take the next step and find a group so that you can discuss your software. Expand your knowledge and ability to edit your photos.
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Supplements
SUPP_Rule_Thirds.pdf
. Graphic view of the “rule of thirds.”
SUPP_Stunning Portraits.pdf
. Tips for taking stunning portraits.
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Sites to Explore
www.tipsfromthetopfloor.com/101-ways-to-improve-your-digital-photography
www.picturecorrect.com
www.prosphotos.com
www.geofflawrence.com/index.htm
digital-photography-school.com
www.digital-photography-tips.net/index.html
www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-digital-photography-websites-with-free-tutorials
www.makeuseof.com/tag/five-websites-to-learn-a-lot-more-about-photography-and-digital-cameras
www.makeuseof.com/tag/critique-photo-feedback-photography
www.suite101.com/photography
berniesumption.com/photography
beginnersphotographyblog.com
photographycourse.net
mashable.com/2011/05/12/mobile-photography-resources
Badge: Scrapbooking Basics (revised)
Even if you aren’t “crafty”, you’ve heard of scrapbooking. Scrapbooking includes photography, journaling, lettering, design and more to create unique pages documenting lives of you and your family. The scrapbook you create is something that can be passed down to future generations.
NOTE: We will not cover digital scrapbooking in this badge.
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Steps
1. Definitions.
www.scrapbooking101.net/articles/scrapbook-definitions.html
Start here and learn some definitions before we start.
2. Tools.
As with any craft, you need tools. Make sure you have only the basics when you start. There are an incredible number of tools you can use, but keep it limited until you decide whether you will continue scrapbooking after completing this badge. Basic tools include:
- Scissors — detailed cutting
- Paper trimmer — cutting straight lines
- Ruler — metal
- Cutting mat and craft knife — can use this with the metal ruler in place of the paper trimmer
Before you go out to buy supplies, check your home for these items. If there are others you feel you must have, give yourself a budget so you don’t overspend.
3. Supplies.
The result of scrapbooking is creating archival items. So, make sure you read the package of everything you buy that you intend to put into your scrapbook. Acid-free and lignin-free are preferred. Scrapbook supplies can be found at general craft, discount and paper specialty stores.
- Adhesives — double-sided tape, glue sticks, glue pens, photo corners and dimensional squares
- Paper — these come in all shapes, sizes, colors and prints
- Photos — sort into groups so that you’re scrapbook has a theme
- Journaling pen — black
Of course, this is only the beginning. As you explore scrapbooking, you’ll find additional techniques that require more varied supplies.
4. Non-archival items.
Sooner or later, you’ll want to include items in your scrapbook that are not archival. It might be a newspaper clipping, a concert ticket, or even a street sign. The easiest thing to do is to take pictures or make copies on archival paper. You can also add some non-archival elements by isolating them or adjusting the original. Explore ways to include non-archival items into your scrapbook.
5. Albums.
When most people think of scrapbooking, they think of heavy albums filled with photos and stories. Albums come in a large variety of sizes. When you first start out, try a smaller album so the task of finishing it isn’t so daunting. Sizes include:
- 12” x 12” (traditional)
- 8.5” x 11” (US letter)
- 9” x 9”
- 8” x 8”
- 6” x 6” (works well with standard 12” x 12” paper)
- And more!
You’ll find a variety of binding as well. Some are fixed pages with spiral wire binding. Some have posts that you can disassemble to add more pages.
Additionally, page protectors are available for many of these sizes. They will keep sticky fingers from damaging your pages. If you plan on handling your album a lot or having others view it, the investment is worth it.
If you plan on creating an album, explore local stores with available albums or check scrapbook stores online. You might even find a class that will give you a supply list and a start on your first album.
6. Non-albums.
You don’t have to scrapbook in an album. For Girl Scouts, I’ve found that doing one page and placing it into a frame is a great way to introduce the girls to scrapbooking. It gives them a success quickly and they have something they can show with a reasonable amount of effort. Other non-album scrapbooks may include:
- Coasters
- Tissue boxes
- Clipboards
- Self-made books
- Paper mache shapes
- Christmas ornaments
- Jewelry
Try a non-album way of creating a scrapbook for yourself or as a gift to someone else.
7. Organization.
When you begin scrapbooking, keep organization at the top of your “to do” list. Organization will help you:
- Find the tools and supplies you need more quickly
- Make sure you don’t waste money purchasing duplicates
- Keep your scrapbooking time for scrapbooking instead of cleaning
- Alleviate any additional stress
Keep this in mind as you begin your scrapbooking journey.
8. Why scrapbook?
Each person has their own reasons for scrapbooking. You may want to give the bride a scrapbook featuring the highlights of her wedding or your best friend those of her baby shower. You may want to show all your baby’s firsts or that special trip to Disney®. You’ll notice with each of these possibilities, a theme quickly develops. Determine the story you want to tell. Look through your photos and see what comes to mind. Then, we’ll continue with your first page.
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Your first page
9. Telling your story.
The page you create, or even the entire album, will tell a story. It might be heritage-based, telling the story of your grandparents who came to the US or the military service of a family member. It might be your daughter’s Girl Scout experience. As a troop, my girls worked on learning photography and created their own personalized pages featuring the photos they took at one meeting. The time your album covers may span decades or only two hours.
Tell your story. Pull out a sheet of paper and write down an outline, sayings or even a full story you might want to include. Add the photos you want to find, people you might need to talk to for more information, colors that fit your story, basically anything that you could put into your page that will support your story.
10. Photos.
Photos are the items that most people think of when scrapbooking. With digital cameras, we seem to have way more photos than we could ever use. So, you’ll need to look at your photos critically and think about your story. Will they fit? Can you tell the story in three photos or less? Which one tells the story better? Will one large photo work?
To start with, don’t cut your photos into shapes. Crop out undesirable items like the hand which comes out of nowhere with your paper trimmer. One benefit of critically looking at your photos is that your photography skills will improve.
One last note, heritage photos are irreplaceable should a mistake be made. Before you decide to cut into the only copy of your mother’s baby picture, think about copies. It might be a little costly to get a color copy or to scan and print, but your original photo will be intact.
Take the photo(s) you want to include on your page and start a collection for your page items. You may want to invest in an archival folder to collect them so they don’t get dirty, damaged or lost while you’re collecting items.
11. Colors.
Why put colors after photos? A great way to tie the page with your photos is to match a color in your photo with your papers and embellishments. Matching a color in your photos helps pull that element to the front of the photo. If you need to use copies of your photos, make sure you take the copies with you to the store when you purchase paper in case there is a slight difference in color between the copies and originals.
When you choose your paper, be aware that you’ll be looking for a background paper that everything will sit on as well as coordinating papers for photo matting (our next step) and other elements.
12. Photo matting.
You can create the illusion of layers by matting your photos. You cut pieces of paper slightly larger than your photo and then attach your photo to the paper. You can do one layer or multiple layers. Look at examples of scrapbook pages on the Web and see how matting affects photos.
13. No photos.
Perhaps you don’t have photos or the photo you want is of poor quality like a faded newspaper clipping. What can you do?
- Create a sketch from the image you have
- Do a caricature or cartoon if the image conveys humor or playfulness
- Find a stock photo or clip art that will do the same job as the photo you want to use
- Use stickers or other embellishments (see below)
If you would like to include one of these on your page, make yourself a note so you don’t forget when you layout your page.
14. Non-photo memorabilia.
You probably have a drawer of movie and concert tickets, sports ribbons, recital programs, coins and more. These items can be incorporated into your scrapbook. Often, you’ll copy or print them onto archival paper. You can also purchase archival holders that you can put these items into so they don’t damage the other page elements. If you have any of these for your page, look at ways you can incorporate them into your layout and put these into your page collection.
15. Embellishments.
Embellishments can quickly make you go broke. Not only can you purchase brads, eyelets, ribbons, stickers and more to put on your pages, you can incorporate other items that you make yourself. Here are a few crafts you can add to your scrapbooking page.
- Rubber stamping
- Punching
- Quilling
- Pergamano
- Paper folding
- Polymer clay
- Die cutting
What else can you do that could be incorporated? Put the embellishments that fit your color and theme with the items for your page.
16. Titles.
Every page you create may not have a title. You might feel the desire to put the person’s name and year in its place. Make sure your title works with the page, not overpowering it. Create a title for your page and see if it fits with the design. If not, create another that works.
17. Journaling.
This is your story. You’ll be telling it with a black pen and your words. You can put lined paper under your paper to help keep your lines straight or use a pencil and ruler to make very light lines to erase after you’ve written your information. You can even write the story in pencil before doing it in ink.
Can’t get started? Answer the simple questions — Who, What, When, Where, Why and maybe even How. You can write about why you chose these photos. What feelings did the photos invoke? What was happening? Is there a story behind the photo you want to remember? You can write about how the campfire smelled, how the sunset looked, how the baby duckling’s feathers felt.
Lastly, don’t worry about your handwriting. That is part of the story and makes your scrapbook page uniquely yours.
18. Layouts.
You can find layout ideas online, in magazines and in books. Look at other scrapbook pages to get an idea of how items flow. You can have one large focal image and two smaller ones. You can do an elaborate photo mat with only one photo. This is your page and your story.
Take the items you’ve collected for your page. Put your background paper down and lay your photos, embellishments and other items out. Move them around until you’re happy with how it looks. If you like overlapping photos, do it! Want to journal after you get your photos on the page, not a problem.
Don’t be afraid to pull items out and put different ones in. You may even find that you don’t care for the main photo you started with. This is your page — do what feels right!
When you’re happy with the look and the story, get out your adhesive and tack everything down. If you want to show others your work, make sure it’s protected with a page protector, frame, etc.
19. No intimidation zone.
You are not allowed to compare your final page with the magazines, books and Web sites you find. Many of these people have been doing scrapbooking for years. The page you create is the story you tell. It is the story of you. As you continue your scrapbooking journey, your tastes will change. Your style will change. There is no right or wrong. The only thing you need to worry about is your story.
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Sites to Explore
www.scrapbooking101.net
funscrapbooking.net
www.basicscrapbooking101.com
www.scrapwow.com/free-scrapbook-tutorials-basic.asp
scrapbooking.about.com/od/gettingstarted/How_To_Get_Started_Scrapbooking.htm
www.everything-about-scrapbooking.com/scrapbooking-for-beginners.html
www.creatingkeepsakes.com
www.makingmemories.com
Badge: Art Journals (revised)
Many people keep journals or diaries of their lives. An art journal takes this activity to the next level. This craft not only allows you to record your life but also to explore your art. You do not have to be an “artist” to create an art journal, you only need the desire to create. These journals are considered “mixed media” because you can pull many art and craft techniques into a single project.
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Steps
1. What is an art journal?
An art journal is an illustrated diary or journal. It moves into the realm of art when you add illustrations, paintings, embellishments and more to create a visual journal. Art journals are excellent for people who might not always have the words to share their lives as they would in a traditional journal / diary.
Go online and look at art journals portrayed there. Discover what others have done. If you think this is something you might want to try, continue with the steps below.
2. Make a plan.
Would you like to create a theme for your art journal? Perhaps highlighting your experiences with your troop for an entire year? Document your family traditions, family holiday or special trip? Create a normal journal / diary with embellishments? A keepsake journal for someone you’ve been separated from? Celebrate a life-changing event like a birth or a wedding? Make a visual representation of a feeling, mood or idea? You may want to journal your dreams or flights of fancy.
You can also use an art journal to try art and craft techniques and document your results.
Decide what you will do in your art journal.
3. The journal.
You need to start with a journal. Here are a few ideas. Choose one or find one of your own.
- Composition book
- Handmade book
- Drawing / sketch books
- Diary / journal
- Hardcover book (altered art)
- Single-subject notebooks
- Dollar store blank notebooks
Before you decide, think about how you will be using your book? Will it stay open as you work on it? Is that less important than a spiral binding that gets in the way? Would you do better with individual sheets and assembling the pages later? Is your paper thick enough for the materials you plan to incorporate?
4. Idea and color files.
Using manila folders, zip-top bags or any other system you feel comfortable with, start collecting ideas and images for your art journal. Note colors or thoughts you have initially for these items. You may find it easier to collect color chips (paint stores) or magazine clippings to show colors instead of trying to describe a color. Dates and times for items may help trigger memories or details. This will help you later as you start to assemble items in your art journal.
5. Writing prompts.
Writing prompts can also help provide you with ideas. Review our list of items you may want to include. Keep notes with enough information to prompt you into activity.
- Memories
- Quotes
- Questions
- Poems / song lyrics
- Short stories
- Clichés
- Your ideas
- Theme prompts
Create your own unique list of writing prompts.
6. Basic tools.
Here’s a list of basic tools to start with. Some tools you may have around your house, so check before purchasing more.
- Paint brushes
- Glue / adhesives
- Rubber stamps
- Scissors
- Craft knife and cutting mat
- Stencils
- Sand paper / emery board
- Ruler
7. Basic materials.
These are materials you may or may not need depending on the techniques you intend to include. Review the list and find out about any items you are unfamiliar with.
- Paint / watercolors
- Gesso
- Markers
- Pens / ink
- Embellishments, scrapbooking
- Magazine clippings
- Pencils (colored and others) / erasers
- Scrapbooking paper / embellishments
- Gel medium
- Crayons
- Double-sided tape
- Ink pads
- Stickers
- Photographs
NOTE: If you are intending on creating an archivally safe journal, don’t forget to check every material before you include it.
8. Time investment.
Take time to work on your journal. You may want to work on it every day, on the weekend, etc. Set up a schedule and stick to it. Not only are you more likely to work on it, others will pick up on your “special time” and leave you alone.
Also, schedule a certain amount of time to create a page. This will stop you from working on one page until it is “right.” Nothing is perfect and if you fixate on that perfection, you will not complete the page. Come back to it later and review it, making adjustments if needed.
9. Tutorials.
There are numerous tutorials on the Web covering not only the creative process, but techniques and materials. Some of these are listed in Steps 10-17. Try tutorials on one or more techniques. You may also find some that are not listed to make your art journal unique to you.
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Exploring techniques and materials
10. Backgrounds.
You’ll need to start with the background. The background can incorporate colors from the elements you intend to include on the page, the colors that communicate a mood, etc. You can also work on multiple page backgrounds and finish embellishments when you’re feeling “inspired.” Any paper technique can be used to create backgrounds, embellishments or focal elements. Create backgrounds for a few pages.
NOTE: When working with wet media, the colors may bleed through the paper. Paper will curl if it is too wet. Pages may stick together. Place wax paper under your pages to help isolate these pages as you work on them.
11. Painting.
Acrylic paint is cheap and comes in a variety of colors. You can use it as it is or adjust it with other items for a variety of looks. Also, the brush you use can make a big difference in the coverage and texture you have on a page. Don’t want to use a brush? Try sponges, stamps or a variety of other items to put paint on a page. Experiment with various colors and have fun!
12. Drawing and sketching.
You can draw directly on the page. You can also draw on another page and attach it. Do not worry about being perfect. This is your unique art journal. You don’t have to draw images. Create Zentangle™ patterns or doodle randomly. Try adding to your pages with your drawings.
13. Collage.
Collage is not clutter for its own sake. It’s a collection of items that together explain a feeling, mood or idea. You can use any found bits that lay flat for the pages. If your bits aren’t flat, sketch or photocopy them. Glues have different properties that may make them easier or harder to work with from drying time to thickness. Experiment with a variety of adhesives to find those you prefer to work with.
14. Photos.
Do not use your original photos unless you have either the negatives or digital files for a backup. You don’t want to use irreplaceable originals. Photocopies are thinner and easier to manipulate. If you don’t like the final result, you can throw it out and do it again. Find other tips for working with photos.
15. Ephemera.
Ephemera is any vintage item in the public domain you can include in your artwork. This may be images from the Library of Congress or old matchbooks you pick up at a garage sale. Like photos, you may want to work with photocopies. Search through some of the images at the Library of Congress or search Flickr (www.flickr.com) for ephemera. Find some you can use for your art journal.
16. Recycled.
Recycled materials such as junk mail can be used in art journals. Magazines can be used for images, as background paper for lettering or full words. Brainstorm other recyclable materials you can include in your art journal.
17. Journaling.
You have your prompts. Are you writing in your journal? Gluing words you created from your computer? Assembling letters from a magazine like a ransom note? Calligraphy? Sometimes one word is enough to convey your thoughts. Practice journaling in at least two different ways.
18. What else speaks to you?
What other art / craft techniques speak to you? What materials fit your journal that haven’t been mentioned? Don’t feel limited to the materials / techniques listed. This is your journal. Use what you want.
19. Sharing your journal.
Share your journal when it is complete. Photograph, copy or find another way to share your journal. Feel free to share it with other AEP members, your family or to the general public.
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Sites to Explore
ezinearticles.com/?7-Tips-For-Starting-Your-Painting-Art-Journal&id=458596
artjunk.typepad.com/art_junk/2007/03/art_journal_tut.html
billiescraftroom.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/tutorial-choosing-papercard-for-your-art-journal
trishbee.wordpress.com/2007/08/03/the-book-of-me-sketchbook-challenge
thriftycollageartist.blogspot.com/2008/02/background-tutorial-1.html
www.scrapscene.com/2009/06/art-journal-ideas.html
www.liveyourart.net/2010/03/junk-mail-art-journal-tutorial.html
www.imaginativebloom.com/2010/05/04/anna-denise-art-journal-and-tutorial
balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2011/03/art-journal-every-day-tutorial-for-a-leather-journal.html#axzz1Vge4Ni9i
www.artistsjournals.com
pamcarriker.com/2010/02/21/fun-graffiti-journal-page-tutorial
www.milliande.com/Art-Journaling-with-Teesha-Moore-Collage.html
www.artellaland.com/BookLarksSample.pdf
daisyyellow.squarespace.com/abstract
www.loc.gov/library/libarch-digital.html
painting.about.com/od/keepinganartjournal/a/art_journaling.htm
www.squidoo.com/Visual-Journals
www.wikihow.com/Use-an-Art-Journal
www.suite101.com/artjournals
Badge: Photowalk
A photowalk combines photos and exploring a specified area. It allows photography enthusiasts a chance to meet, share their hobby and have a great time together. This is not just about taking photos, but making friendships. This can be a low-cost event for troops.
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Steps
1. Before you begin.
Make sure everyone is familiar with their cameras before you accept participants. You want to enjoy the photowalk as well, not spend time helping others figure out their equipment. To do this, feel free to explore the AEP badge programs:
- Digital Photography: Basics
- Digital Photography: Improving Your Photos
2. Participate in a walk.
Before planning a walk, participate in one. Find out how a photowalk works.
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Planning your photowalk
3. Pick a date and time.
Depending on your group, you may choose to do one time on a specific day, over a weekend or even over a week. Choose more than one date you can make it before deciding your date with others.
4. Set a participant limit.
Limit the number of participants. Age will be a huge factor here. If you are limiting your participants to adults, they are more likely to stay with the group, move around crowds, etc. Limit adult groups to 50.
If kids will make up the majority of participants, you’ll want to make sure each group is a good size to handle as you’ll probably be spending time making sure no one wanders away, stops to window shop, etc.
5. Determine a location.
Pick a specific area for the photowalk, a place to start and an ending location. This is where you will meet, where you will be taking photographs and where you will end up. If people in your group will be driving, plan on completing a circle so they don’t have to walk back to their cars.
Because you will be outdoors taking photos, you can start at a coffee shop to give everyone time to arrive and have something before you start. You might choose to have refreshments afterwards to discuss your photowalk, what you saw or even to plan another photowalk. If you have a large group, ask your establishment if you can meet there before doing so.
Limit your route to 1-1.5 miles. You’ll be moving slowly to make sure everyone has time to take photos. It should take about two hours. Provide a map, if possible.
6. Research your location.
Whether it is to help with Step 7 or just to provide additional information during your photowalk, researching the area you’ll be photographing adds to the experience. You can share the information you find during the photowalk or provide information via PDF or print beforehand.
As part of your research, walk the area you’ll be photographing before the event. Note any hazards in the area or special historical items you may want to share with your participants.
7. Pick a topic.
You can have a general topic like “people in the city” or perhaps you want to focus on architecture. A topic allows people to focus on one item instead of randomly taking photos . . . or perhaps not taking photos at all.
In addition, the topic allows more skilled photographers to decide what gear they need to bring beyond their standard equipment. Brainstorm topics.
8. Share your photos.
The result of your photowalk is sharing. You can compare your photos with those of the other participants. A site, such as Flickr, allows your participants to upload their photos to an area you set up. You can use your Yahoo! ID to sign in. Check out Flickr for photowalks or other sets of images taken by a group of people.
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During your photowalk
9. Group photo.
Before you start the photowalk, take a group photo. This is the only time everyone will be together.
10. Photo release.
If you are doing this for an existing group and wish to publish any of the photos in your group’s newsletter or other publications, you’ll need a release for them. Find or create a photo release form to be filled out before going on your photowalk.
11. Safe and comfortable.
Remind all participants about comfortable shoes, appropriate clothing and water bottles. What other items can you think of that you might need?
12. Any camera.
Don’t penalize anyone because they don’t have a great camera. Even camera phones can take photos. Be as inclusvive as possible. If someone doesn’t have the ability to share digitally, find a way for the photos to be scanned and uploaded to your sharing site.
13. Minimize.
This is something to think about with kids. You don’t want to haul all their extra items around. Make sure everyone is aware they will be carrying their own equipment. If necessary, create a packing list.
14. Be aware of other photographers.
You don’t want someone wandering in front of your perfect shot. Be courteous to others.
15. Have fun.
If you think the photowalk will be work, it will be. Focus on the fun. For a few more ideas to incorporate fun, check out some of our ideas to make a photowalk into more of an event, read below and pick one of the following events to run or create your own and share it with AEP members.
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Similar photo events
16. Photo scavenger hunt.
Adjust your photowalk into a scavenger hunt. Just like a photowalk, have a starting and ending place. Limit the area where participants can find items to photograph.
17. Property activity.
Set up photowalks as an activity at your camp or other location. Change the theme to coincide with seasons, organization or as part of a fun patch program.
18. Badge based.
Create a theme based on a badge you are working on. You might want to concentrate on specific shapes, plants or even colors. Look at badges beyond photography. For example, photographing invasive species can help others identify them.
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As a council event
19. Featured properties.
Set up a photowalk at each property owned by council over a weekend. Provide a short photography workshop beforehand. Use the photos the girls take to share how they see the camp with other girls and volunteers. Make sure to give each girl credit for her work.
20. Girls in action.
Ask the girls to take photos of their troop / group over the course of a month, highlighting their activities. Feature photos online with stories of why that shot was taken, what was happening, etc. Allow the girls to show the world through their eyes.
21. Share your community.
Ask girls and volunteers to photograph their community. Share the stories that make your community a unique part of your council.
NOTE: The AEP badge program “Field Trips: Sharing My Community” is currently in development and will further explore Step 21.
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