Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts

February 22, 2019

How to Create a Flat lay with Your Phone!



You've seen those posts on Instagram, right? You know the ones - perfectly placed items, all laying together, glowing on a white surface - enticing you to buy whatever small shop item you happen to be scrolling by.




Flat lays are seriously gold to me as a small shop owner, they look amazing as a way to break up a "brand rep" feed, and they are a great way to show off your favorite small shop items as a customer and gain recognition from the shop!

But here's the thing, we don't all have the perfect accessories to build the most epic flat lay each time - I have the solution to that issue - the "photoshopped" flat lay or you can also call it a digital flat lay!

Want to master the art of sharing your favorite toddler fashions, capture product photography that makes companies seek collabs, or maybe you're hoping to up the quality of your fashion blogger instagram feed? Here's how I make our digital flat lays in just a few steps.




Let's start with the apps, you'll want to download both the "PhotoLayers" app and the "Background Eraser" app - as an android user. Both are fairly basic apps, but they obviously pack a lot of power when it comes to a achieving a clean & beautiful "digital flat lay" look!


Next, you'll search for your products you'll want to include. I went with a romper I found on the Macy Kate Boutique, a pair of denim from Roses in December, a bracelet from TR tidbits, a pair of Baseball Moccs from Monkey Feet and lastly, a bow made out of a real baseball from my shop - Bloomology!



The one thing that's most important when selecting items to include is the lighting and the angle of the photo. Backgrounds will be erased but bad lighting won't be. If you have trouble finding items to include check out a hashtag on instagram that is similar to what you are seeking such as 'baseballbracelet' or search on facebook! If you are a member of Together We Rep, I highly suggest searching in there for items to include as well!


Once you've selected what items you want to include in your flat lay, go ahead and start erasing all the backgrounds in the background eraser app. You start by loading your image and then cropping, then your on the page to begin erasing. This is the most time consuming part of creating a flat lay but I promise it's a skill you'll pick up quickly!





I've found a recent love for the "magic" setting, I just go around the edges of whatever I want to crop out and then going back through and touching up any areas I accidentally erased with the "relief" tool. You can also use the manual tool to go over the edges of your items or use the auto tool whenever you see it'll be an "easier" crop (this tool works amazing on white background photos).
Be sure to thoroughly go over each edge on an item, then when saving I usually save as a level 2 smooth edge blend! Select whichever looks best for your edit! Repeat for each item.



Now that you have all of your items 'cropped', it's time to assemble them in the 'photo layers' app. You'll want to find a "plain white background" or whatever you prefer to use to upload first. Next you'll 'add photo' and include each item, first 'cropping', then placing it on the white background!






While clicked on each item, you can adjust size and even edit the photo some(notice the bottom bar - select color or shadow).


Situate each item where you think it looks best and save!




Now your flat lay is ready to go, it's that easy!


After making this tutorial, I've actually found other apps that work just as well!

Check out PicsArt, it's one that actually combines both apps abilities and works perfectly! The idea behind creating a flat lay is still the same but you only have to use one app to do it!

July 28, 2017

Brand Reppin' FAQ - The What, Why, & How of Repping Small Shops

I keep starting to type up all of these posts about brand repping - including posts about who we rep for, why we rep, how we achieve our lighting indoors and outdoors, etc. but I never end up hitting "publish" for some strange reason. I actually have had people ask me what brand repping is... and why we do it... and it's something I've really had to think about.

So, instead of trying to summarize our repping experiences, favorites, tips, etc in one post, all through the month of August, Delainey and I are going to share our favorite boutiques, some of our tips for repping, maybe even a few insider secrets. Want to chat about something specific? I'd love to hear your ideas so please shoot me a DM on instagram or email me!

With that said - mamas, go grab a glass of wine.
Potential brand reps, go grab your sippy! It's time to talk shop, y'all.

Let's start with a handful of simple questions.


What exactly is Brand Repping? Here's your answer to all things related to reppin' small shops!
Bow from Darling Diva Boutique Bows, Top from Creek Baby & Co, White Denim from Baby Bottoms


What is a brand rep?

Basically, a brand rep is someone who represents the brand by taking high quality photos, promoting the brand and engaging with the brand, and ultimately, helping the brand grow. In exchange for helping the brand, reps typically get items for free or a hefty discount, whatever you decide upon making it a mutually beneficial exchange.

What exactly is Brand Repping? Here's your answer to all things related to reppin' small shops!
Bow from 21 blessings, leo from Brooklynn & Grey, socks - from a friend

How can your beautiful little bundle of joy start repping?

Well, sometimes it just happens and companies reach out if they find you via a random hashtag... but most of the time - you have to enter rep searches to be chosen. To enter, typically, shops have you repost a graphic on instagram promoting their search with a little about your kiddo in the caption, sometimes searches ask for information via email, and sometimes shops hold searches within their VIP facebook groups too.

What exactly is Brand Repping? Here's your answer to all things related to reppin' small shops!
Bow from Darling Diva Boutique Bows, Tunic Dress from Ricrac & Ruffles, White Denim from Baby Bottoms

What are shops looking for during rep searches?

It's not a cute kid contest - they all will tell you that! Typically, shops want bright, clutter-free, crisp and clear photos. It's best if these photos accentuate and bring attention to the product. Happy, curious, introspective, funny, moody, and lifestyle type of shots seem to be the most popular - but each brand rep has their own style and once you start to rep, you can of find where you fall in the spectrum!

What exactly is Brand Repping? Here's your answer to all things related to reppin' small shops!
Bow from Darling Diva Boutique Bows & Romper from Ricrac & Ruffles

Why rep?

Well... while I adore the big names we work with and the opportunity to spread awareness about our favorite brands at Target or Walmart via sponsored posts, I also have a soft spot in my heart for small shops. There's just something so special about handmade, specially crafted just-for-you items.

From Delainey's bows to the little gladiator sandals that go between her toes, I'm a huge fan of mixing and matching clothing and accessories from all of our favorite shops and spreading the word about all of those shops with you and my other friends. It's amazing to watch something a friend of mine made, with their own hands, go nearly viral with popularity when I post it on D in a facebook group or instagram. It's even more amazing to know that I'm helping a family live by sharing photos of my sweet girl.

That's what it's really about for Lainey and I. Spreading the word about our favorite shops, helping them to gain success, and also making friends and shopping buddies along the way. It's cool to get free and/or discounted clothing... but it's really cool to know I'm helping a fellow mama support her family doing something she loves by providing her with a little bit of advertising for her business. I suppose it's a bit like pro bono work since I'm a blogger first and foremost, but I just can't help but share these cute handmade shops work!

What exactly is Brand Repping? Here's your answer to all things related to reppin' small shops!
Bow from Chloe & Piper, Tunic Dress from Ricrac & Ruffles, Socks - from a friend


What exactly does a rep do?

Delainey and I receive items in the mail and within 3-7 days we provide high-quality photographs to our shops and then we spread the word. We talk about the new items on social media, we post in groups all over facebook, and when someone asks about her clothing in public, I even write down the shop names. I provide a discount code, for some of my shops, and they can track if I'm bringing in sales when that code is used. It really is a bit of a job, but I prefer to call it our "hobby" since Delainey seems to enjoy dressing up and I know I enjoy photographing her.


With that said, it's time for another rep shoot so I'll end the first part of our Reppin' series here.

June 17, 2017

Mess Free "Finger Painting" - DIY DAD Father's Project

This post contains a few affiliate links, regardless all opinions expressed below are my own.
Make a simple MESS FREE finger painting craft to give Dad! It's something he can cherish and it's SO simple to do! Get the details...

Make a simple MESS FREE finger painting craft to give Dad! It's something he can cherish and it's SO simple to do! Get the details...

Making crafts is something I love to do with Lainey, I hope she always feels the same way. For now, we spend short little bits of time getting creative because well, she's a normal 9 month old and she likes to explore and then keep moving and exploring.

Make a simple MESS FREE finger painting craft to give Dad! It's something he can cherish and it's SO simple to do! Get the details...

With that said, I wanted to try finger painting with her... but didn't want the mess of chasing her almost mobile self around the house with paint covered hands. SO, we got crafty and the end result is so cute. We made her daddy a little something special and she got to experience finger painting without the mess.




Hoping you can "finger paint" with your tiny tot? Here's one way you can make that happen, mess free!

Make a simple MESS FREE finger painting craft to give Dad! It's something he can cherish and it's SO simple to do! Get the details...


For this project you will need:

A box (or a piece of foam board would work too)
plastic wrap

To make this cute "DAD" sign you'll begin by placing two sheets of printer paper on the box or foam board.

Make a simple MESS FREE finger painting craft to give Dad! It's something he can cherish and it's SO simple to do! Get the details...

Next add a few spots of paint on the paper, covering with plastic wrap fairly loosely, with one piece securing the paper horizontally and the other vertically.

Now, let your little one slap around on the paper - spreading the paint but not making a mess!

Make a simple MESS FREE finger painting craft to give Dad! It's something he can cherish and it's SO simple to do! Get the details...

Once your little one is ready to move on to the next activity go ahead and clean up by removing the plastic wrap and placing the box in your recycling! Let your gorgeous creation dry, take a photo of babe with it, and have your sweetie hand it to Daddy on Father's Day.

Make a simple MESS FREE finger painting craft to give Dad! It's something he can cherish and it's SO simple to do! Get the details...

I bet he'll cherish it and the coolest part is, it was mess free and fun to make! Now, if your little one is anything like Delainey, they're ready to move on to the next fun activity... so tell me, what kind of fun stuff do you and your little tike love doing? I'd love to hear all about it in the comments below!

Make a simple MESS FREE finger painting craft to give Dad! It's something he can cherish and it's SO simple to do! Get the details...


Curious about Delainey Kate's outfits?

The blue flower bow is from 21 Blessings! You can score one of these beauties AND help fund the adoption of a sweet babe with down syndrome by clicking here. [save with the code 15Delainey].
Her tie dye shirt is made by mama & pants are second hand.

The dress in the other photos is from one of our favorite small shops - creekbaby & co. [use code CBCfriends to save].
Her precious mustard colored bow is from Accessories by Sabrina [mention code Delainey10 to save].
Lastly, those precious gladiators are from The Mini Princess Designs [and again, mention Delainey to save]!

April 15, 2017

DIY Baby Bunny Easter Photo Project - The Cutest Keepsake & Easy to Make!


Making memories and starting traditions is what I'm attempting to do with Delainey as each holiday approaches, with high hopes and a pinterest board full of inspiration I always think I'm going to do all of these amazingly fun crafts... then life happens! And well, we end up making little last minute crafts like this.


Don't get me wrong, I love getting creative and doing something simple, yet adorable, with Miss D... that's why I'm sharing how we made these cute little bunny photo crafts last minute and how you can make one yourself! Grab these items from around your house and get to work on something adorable!

What you'll need for this project:

Packing paper or construction paper
Cotton balls
glue
paint in white and a few springy colors
paint brushes
Printer & photo paper
felt (optional)


This project is super simple, yet an adorable keepsake that can be hung on your fridge all spring long. To start, you'll need a clean kiddo foot and a few pieces of colored paper. Simply paint little one's foot with white (non-toxic) paint and stamp it onto a piece of paper. I did this a few times so we could make a few bunnies!


Next you'll want to let these little white bunny bodies dry while you play with your kiddo for a bit! Then once they go down for a nap, add details like ears on the bunny, eggs, flowers, grass, etc to the bunny.


While that is drying, pick out a few photos and print them off. Choose only photos where your little one is looking directly at the camera. Once the photos are printed, cut your sweetie's face out of the photo and attach to the bunny body with glue.


You'll then want to add a little torn off piece of a cotton ball to make the tail, using glue to secure it.



I added little felt bows that were simple enough to make. Just one or two pieces glued together, folded.


That's it, now your little bunny and you have a cute, super simple to make keepsake! I love that we have this craft that showcases how teeny tiny her foot is on her First Easter... and I imagine we will try to do a craft similar to this each year.


Maybe next year we'll make butterflies or chicks? I can't wait to continue to attempt to be a super crafty mama. Until then, I hope y'all enjoy doing simple projects like this with me!


You don't have to be Martha Stewart to do this craft. It's easy to make a super adorable little bunny photo keepsake with your baby's foot and you likely already have everything you'll need around your house. So grab a chocolate bunny and some jelly beans... and of course, your kiddo, and let's start crafting and making memories!

So tell me, what do your Easter plans include? I can't wait to hear all about how you'll be celebrating this blessed day in the comments below.

December 7, 2016

5 Tips to Help You Perfect Your SELF SHOT Family Photo!

http://www.philips.com/Avent

Taking a family photo can be a daunting task, from avoiding a double chin, to the one family member that excessively blinks, to a baby that wants to be fed at the exact time your shoot is scheduled, getting a family portrait perfect isn't always easy! This year I feel like we kinda have mastered the whole deal though. Even with a few funny outtakes, everything went smoothly and we were able to get some gorgeous photos of my Daughter.

http://www.philips.com/Avent
If you're planning a holiday shoot soon, I highly suggest you check these 5 tips out to help you and your family perfect your photo this year!

http://www.philips.com/Avent

1. Make sure everyone is fed - Making sure we all have a good meal just before the shoot is important... we don't want any "hangry" episodes. I've shared before that Delainey is exclusively breast-fed, but that doesn't mean that I don't pump and share the task of feeding on occasion. The morning before our photoshoot was definitely one of these occasions, we made sure Delainey got a good full feed in with Philips Avent Anti-colic bottles.

http://www.philips.com/Avent

These cool bottles are perfect for my babe. Many people have trouble finding a bottle their baby accepts, but luckily we never had that problem. These were one of the first bottles we tried, actually, and she's always excited when she gets to have a meal from her Avent bottle! She's not the only one that enjoys feeds with an Avent bottle though, we love it when she feeds from these too! Mainly because they do exactly as they say and reduce gas, making all of our lives easier! We also love that these bottles are easy to assemble and clean, making for a quick feed no matter what the occasion!

http://www.philips.com/Avent

While we've never had to deal with colic (*knock on wood*), many families do. Luckily, these bottles and their amazing vented system help reduce colic and studies have shown babies fed with Philips Avent Anti-colic bottles experienced 60% less fussing at night. Don't take my word for it though, Philips Avent partnered with actress (and new mama) Sarah Chalke and she's experienced the woes and worries of colic herself and has real life evidence that these Anti-colic bottles help!


Other than making sure your baby is fed, it's best to make sure their feeding is going to be as comfortable and rewarding as possible and that's why we choose to use our Avent Anti-colic bottle before photoshoots. Want to find out more about Avent? Be sure to follow them on Facebook & Twitter!


2. Dress well - Once everyone has a full belly, it's time to get down to business. Getting dressed can take a while, for myself and my little gal. We both have full closets and tons of cute clothing, but making sure we find the right outfits for photoshoots is complicated! Here's the scoop, too much pattern isn't flattering for any photo. That's why for this shoot we decided to let D steal the show with her colorful, patterned Ric Rac and Ruffles romper and my husband and I went with more neutral looks.

When it comes time to pick out your outfits, go with a less is more approach. Choose to put your husband in a plain, one-tone shirt over stripes, don't wear a paisley print dress, don't put your daughter in stripes, etc. Keep things cute and timeless with more neutral looks and you'll always love your family portrait.


3. Get silly - After you've dealt with your wardrobe, it's time to get a little silly in front of the camera. Talk to each other about your favorite memories, blow raspberries at your kids, chant "A E I O U" until you're giggling in delight. The sillier you feel, the better your photographs will probably turn out.


4. Light it up - Lighting is pretty much what makes a great photograph, other than the subject of course. Make sure you shoot when the light is the best, most of the time that means waking up at the crack of dawn to catch what photographers refer to as "the golden hour". Luckily there's another golden hour at sunset as well. These are the BEST times to shoot if you are using natural light or shooting outdoors. If you are shooting indoors, find the brightest spot with indirect sun in your house - I promise your photos will turn out the BEST there!


5. Go overboard - People think my husband and I are crazy when we take photos, but in reality we're pretty smart. We take at least a handful of photos each time we're asked to take a photo for a stranger and we're shooting ourselves we've been known to take more than enough. Why take so many, you may ask? This tip helps with the family member that blinks too much, it's the way you can ensure you are able to capture that little baby smirk, and it's easy to accomplish. When you're taking photos, take more than you think is enough, and then a few more. You're guaranteed to have a few great photos in the bunch.

http://www.philips.com/Avent

That's how we've managed to get such amazing photos lately, so tell me... do you have any tips for taking great family photos? I'd love to hear all about it in the comments below!


Disclaimer: Compensation was provided by Philips Avent via Momtrends.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Philips Avent or Momtrends.

December 17, 2015

Make Things Easier with Staples Holiday Cards & Custom Photo Gifts!



From custom photo cards to personalized ornaments, I was able to check so many items off my to-do list with Staples Copy & Print this year...

Christmas is almost here and I'm going to share a little secret, I'm just now sending my holiday cards out to my family! I'm a total procrastinator with most things in life, so it comes as no surprise to the recipients of these cards to see them rolling in last minute, but what my family isn't expecting is the super cute and unique card I was able to design quickly and easily with Staples!

From custom photo cards to personalized ornaments, I was able to check so many items off my to-do list with Staples Copy & Print this year...

I'm totally in love with how our cards turned out! They are the most dreamy design we've sent out ever and I can't wait to share it, so I'm giving you guys a peek at it today!

From custom photo cards to personalized ornaments, I was able to check so many items off my to-do list with Staples Copy & Print this year...

Staples Copy & Print made it so easy for me to make these cards, I literally grabbed a picture from our holiday photo shoot and added it into their template... and here's the end result! My cards were printed off within a day or two and when I walked in to our local Staples to pick up my order, the guy behind the counter recognized us from our photo and had our order waiting for us when we approached him!

From custom photo cards to personalized ornaments, I was able to check so many items off my to-do list with Staples Copy & Print this year...

Our Christmas cards are on thick, high quality paper and they're bound to be a hit with our family. With a little bit of a love and a wish for peace - these cards are truly the sweetest! I'm excited to design our cards for next year, so maybe I won't procrastinate so much and they'll actually make it out on time... That's the goal anyways!

From custom photo cards to personalized ornaments, I was able to check so many items off my to-do list with Staples Copy & Print this year...

Are you looking for a last minute solution for Christmas cards as well? Maybe you want to send out a batch of New Years Eve cards or a holiday update to your nearest and dearest? I've got some awesome news - you can save 20% off your order of holiday cards, invitations, calendars and more by using the code HOLIDAY20 by 12/26!

From custom photo cards to personalized ornaments, I was able to check so many items off my to-do list with Staples Copy & Print this year...

While I'm obviously a huge fan of the cards I designed with Staples, I also ordered some personalized gifts... because well, I just can't help myself when I find out I can add pictures to everyday objects!

From custom photo cards to personalized ornaments, I was able to check so many items off my to-do list with Staples Copy & Print this year...

The first personalized gift I designed with Staples Copy & Print were these customized coffee mugs! I made these little cuties for some of our favorite coffee drinkers! I love the high quality, thick mugs that these are printed on and the quality of the images is superb. As my husband said when he saw these sitting on the counter after their arrival, "those could be sold in a boutique somewhere..." and I must say I totally agree with him! I'm so excited about these mugs and the adorable designs!

From custom photo cards to personalized ornaments, I was able to check so many items off my to-do list with Staples Copy & Print this year...

Plus I made an extra mug with my favorite holiday picture printed on it, because a girl has to reward herself with cute, picture covered items sometimes as well! I love the template I used to make this mug, the print is so colorful and using the Staples Copy & Print system to insert my picture was effortless... that's why Staples Copy & Print is so awesome, it's so easy to use!




From custom photo cards to personalized ornaments, I was able to check so many items off my to-do list with Staples Copy & Print this year...

From custom photo cards to personalized ornaments, I was able to check so many items off my to-do list with Staples Copy & Print this year...

I guess it's obvious, I'm super excited about the mugs I made... but have I mentioned I'm also really excited about the adorable personalized ornaments I crafted up to help add some "spice" to the mugs!

From custom photo cards to personalized ornaments, I was able to check so many items off my to-do list with Staples Copy & Print this year...

The Staples Copy & Print service did a great job with all of my custom photo gifts, but I really think the ornaments may be my favorite part of my entire order! They turned out so incredibly perfect, it's going to be hard to let them go... I think I may even order an additional set or two, actually!

From custom photo cards to personalized ornaments, I was able to check so many items off my to-do list with Staples Copy & Print this year...

From custom photo cards to personalized ornaments, I was able to check so many items off my to-do list with Staples Copy & Print this year...

I think these ornaments are going to be like gold coins in my family, with a precious picture of my niece in her ballet outfit on a set of them... and of course, a picture of me and the hubs on the other - I can think of a few family members that would smile to see these waiting for them under the tree!

From custom photo cards to personalized ornaments, I was able to check so many items off my to-do list with Staples Copy & Print this year...

Are you wanting to make some custom photo gifts for your family? Stock up now while they're on sale, use the code JOLLY20 by 12/26 and you'll save 20% off your custom photo gifts order!

From custom photo cards to personalized ornaments, I was able to check so many items off my to-do list with Staples Copy & Print this year...

So now that I've shared my little procrastination secret and how I decided to creatively make some adorable gifts with Staples Copy & Print this year, I'd love to hear what you would make with their services? Are you wanting to stock up on coffee mugs with your dogs face printed on the side or maybe you want to add a few new personalized t-shirts to your collection? Head on over to Staples and tell me all about it!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.