cjt
Established Forum Member
Posts: 351 
Open to constructive criticism of photos: Yes
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Post by cjt on Apr 26, 2023 17:23:26 GMT
i.ibb.co/1Jpmgsb/apr-26-b.jpgPhotos used from trip to the Peace Garden a couple of years ago. 1. does this work? 2. Is background too much? If so, what could be done? 3. A "stronger" frame could help? 4. Any other suggestions?? 5. TIA cjt
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Post by Lillias on Apr 26, 2023 18:57:27 GMT
cjt I always find it a bit difficult trying to advise someone on changes they could make to their project because we all have our own individual likes, styles etc; and it’s what YOU like at the end of the day that matters.
In this instance I personally find the background paper too loud and it tends to detract my attention from the beautiful images of the Peace Garden.
When you put a page together think first of what you want the focus of attention for the page to be. In this case I would think you would want the photos to be the focus so they should be front and centre so to speak and anything else on the page should melt/fade into the background. Also the title text against this background is kind of lost.
So I would suggest a less busy background paper and at a lower opacity. I would work along the lines of the page I have put together here purely as a visual example...as you will see I have used a much simpler background paper, I have placed a small white frame on each of the photos and also a drop shadow which I always feel tends to bring the images to life instead of being flat against the background. The title is much more visible too and then it’s really up to you where you go from here.
As I say these are only suggestions...feel free to ignore them all if it’s not the kind of thing you would want. AND hopefully others will chime in with their suggestions too.
Images from Pexels...Background Paper from the Shabby Rose kit by Peaches and Cream Designs.  |
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Post by cats4jan on Apr 26, 2023 22:58:59 GMT
I also find it too loud, plus, it bothers me that the background colors have nothing to do with the photos. I know if you tone down the background what you get is a simple collage, but you can make a layout interesting by adding what I call doodads (not at all a technical term 😂 but a word I use for anything not a photo which you add to make your page more interesting.) Find something that makes your theme and go from there.
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pontiac1940
CE Members
Posts: 6,359
Open to constructive criticism of photos: Yes
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Post by pontiac1940 on Apr 27, 2023 2:18:18 GMT
Is background too much? If so, what could be done? Yes. Agree with Janice and Lillias. A softer background would help as Lillias has ably shown. If you have closeups of junipers, spruce or pine, they can make nice backgrounds. They can be blurred. Below are a blue form of horizontal juniper ... just examples to show there are a lot of opportunities to create your own subtle backgrounds for your scrapbooking pages.   |
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cjt
Established Forum Member
Posts: 351
Open to constructive criticism of photos: Yes
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Post by cjt on Apr 28, 2023 0:29:15 GMT
i.ibb.co/RQ5q09D/apr-27-b1.jpg but you can make a layout interesting by adding what I call doodads (not at all a technical term 😂 but a word I use for anything not a photo which you add to make your page more interesting.) Find something that makes your theme and go from there. "doodad" (Love that technical term!) was what I used for background in 1st try Texture and Border added in ON1 Effects 2023 No apologies needed to critique my stuff. I put it here because I know I will get great help! In past years I have made calendars for my family and I try to use my photos for that. I'm trying to "up my game!??"  cjt
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Post by Lillias on Apr 28, 2023 11:03:43 GMT
No apologies needed to critique my stuff. I put it here because I know I will get great help! Thank you cjt...I much prefer this one. Much easier on the eye and allows me to concentrate on the beautiful images of the Peace Garden. |
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Post by cats4jan on Apr 28, 2023 18:39:50 GMT
I agree with Lillias. In my opinion, the purpose of the design is to showcase the photos. What you add on a page is for decoration. In the “old days” we put our photos on a white background and the most we added was text. This morphed into the scrapbooking hobby. You can do a plain layout or you can go all out. The fun thing is to discover your style.
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pontiac1940
CE Members
Posts: 6,359
Open to constructive criticism of photos: Yes
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Post by pontiac1940 on Apr 30, 2023 4:07:31 GMT
I'm trying to "up my game!??" Much prefer your updates version. No matter our interests and hobbies, it is always a challenge to "up my game." A better photo. A better design. A brisker walk ... now that is a challenge these days.  Keep having fun ... the main reason we pursue our hobbies. And when you can make family and friends happy as well then it's a double win. |
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