Photographing Your Layouts

Digital cameras have revolutionized the scrapbook industry in so many ways—allowing quick and easy photo uploading and editing, as well as money savings. Digital cameras can also save time and headaches when it comes to getting images of your layouts to put on the web or to email to friends and family.

While there are a number of great software programs that simplify the process of getting layout images web-ready, the process of scanning two halves of a 12”x12” layout, then trying to perfectly stitch them together can be frustrating and time consuming. Why not use the same digital camera that took the pictures for the layout to take pictures of the layout?

All you really need for the simple task is a good digital camera, a well-lit room some removable adhesive and your photo editing software.

First, use removable adhesive to stick the layout to the wall in the well-lit room. Try to place the layout as straight as possible, but don’t worry about being perfect.

Next, grab your camera. Stand straight back from the layout and look through the viewfinder. Line up the layout with the top of the viewfinder, leaving just a little room between the top of the viewfinder and the top of layout. (You can also use a tripod, if desired, to set the appropriate height). When you’re ready, take the photograph. Download the image onto your computer.

Open the photo in your editing software and save a copy of it to work from so you won’t lose your original file. If you make an error or want to start over, you’ll be able to simply open that document and try again.

Use the rotate feature to rotate your image slightly if it is not straight. Crop the layout from the background (your wall). Finally, adjust the colors and brightness and contrast as desired, just as you would for your normal photos. Now you can email or upload your images to share your work!