So, first thing, if you have been reading my blog for the last few months, you may have noticed a slight change in the design this week. I am finally crossing things off my to-do list (ahem, TAXES) and a little site refresh has been on my mind for a while. Now I didn’t go crazy, but I updated a few small things like my header, fonts, and colors. What do you all think of the new look?
Another big thing that I have been working on behind the scenes is my photography. While think I have been doing an okay job, I feel that there is always room for improvement. What really sealed the deal and helped me bump up my game was purchasing Cool Photo School by Sugar and Cloth.
Basically Ashley and Jared of Sugar and Cloth created an awesome video and PDF of all the tips and techniques they use to create their awesome blog photos. While I knew some of the things and already have a nice camera (Canon 70D), Lightroom, and a few of the other pieces of their recommended essential pieces of photography equipment, it was nice to see how they use it. I learned how to use manual mode and have actually shot quite a few of my latest posts using the settings they talk about in the videos. Can you see the difference in the photo quality in the photos below? The first one was shot before I knew all the little tricks and tips and the second one was after learning manual mode!
I also learned quite a few things about styling a photo shoot and little tricks Ashley uses to get the perfect shot. I have started to use colorful backdrops like in this shot here:
And I have already tried her recipe for no-melt ice cream in my dessert bowls shoot.
Anyway, I can’t recommend the video enough to those of you who are looking to up your blog photography game.
Lastly, I have been spending the week preparing for my first big blog conference, SNAP. It is a conference for creative bloggers and is happening next weekend in Salt Lake City. I am so excited to meet face-to-face with all the virtual friends I have made since beginning blogging as well as getting to meet the conference sponsors. Companies like Fuji Film, DecoArt, Expressions Vinyl, Darice, IKEA, Heidi Swapp, Silhouette, and the list goes on and on. So hopefully I will make a few connections and be able to share a ton of awesome new products and craft ideas with you when I get back.
I have already been working on my business cards and even came up with a fun DIY Watercolor card that I will be sharing next week before I head to Salt Lake City.
Well, that is about all that I have had going on behind the scenes. Next week I will hopefully share a few details about the conference. But in the meantime, if you have any questions or have specific things you want to know, just comment below and ask away and I will try to include those answers next week too!
