From time to time I’m asked questions about my photography and my scrapbooking.  I’ve started compiling them here in hopes that it’ll help someone else out.

How do you print your photos?

I print at home now.  Up until about a year ago I had them printed out at my local walmart.  But… I’d always feel like I had to print out all of them, and then realistically there’d always be a bunch I didn’t scrapbook.  I started putting those in a regular album… but this was just getting too expensive.  Now I just have them save on my computer and backed up.  I’m totally okay with that.  If anyone want’s to sit down and look at photos we can just take the laptop and run a slideshow!

How do you get such great drops and splatters on your pages?

You can check out the video I made demonstrating my technique over here.

I love all of the machine stitching that you do on your layouts. Any hints on this process? What size needle, thread, and also machine that you use. Thanks!

I use a Brother LS-2125 sewing machine that I purchased at Walmart.  I used the needles that came with the machine and just purchase multi-purpose needles when needed (also from Walmart).  I love stitching on my layouts.  While I know of a few very NEAT stitchers, that is just NOT me!  I usually just leave white thread in my machine and stitch the major elements of my pages down… photos, large patterned paper blocks, random strips peeking out behind a photo, and the borders I incorporate at the top and bottom of the page.

I would definitely suggests jumping in and giving it a try.  If stitching on a layout is too intimidating, then start with trying it on a card or tag!

Do you have a polaroid camera or is it a montage?

I do have an Instax, but it’s new and I’ve only taken 2 pictures with it!  The nice thing about printing at home is that I can print out any size I want and then trim them to look like polaroids.  I print with an Epson Stylus Photo 1400

Do you spent a lot of money on all your scrapbook stuff?  

I try not too… but you definately can!  I feel that sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the newest stuff… and to buy buy buy.  Don’t fall into the trap of buying all kinds of tools… circle trimmers, etc.  If you’re like me you’ll use them for a little while and then they’ll just collect dust.  It’s a fad.  Start with a good trimmer, adhesive and pens. Add a little bit of paper and other bits and you’ll be good to go.  Take the time to find your style and products you like.  Then go shopping.  For example… it took me a while to realize that I liked neutral backgrounds.  Now I purchase my white and vanilla cardstock in bulk (and got rid of all the bright colors I had… and therefore won’t use).

I’ve been very fortunate this last year to work with some fabulous companies… the perks of that are being supplied with some of their product to work with.  Other than that I shop at my local shop (My Scrap Shoppe), Two Peas in a Bucket and purchase monthly kits from Studio Calico.

What are some good fonts and shapes for the Silhouette?

I answered that question in detail and with links over here.

Do you edit your photos or are you just that good?  

Ha ha!  That’s sweet.  I enjoy photography a lot and consider myself a part-time photographer by profession.  That said, I’ve invested in professional equipment… but if you have the time to learn about photography you can get great results with consumer products.

Knowing your lighting is key.  A lot of the time I shoot slightly overexposed and can leave my photos just as they are.  Other times I edit them (using CS5)… usually just to correct a White Balance error or spice up the photo just a bit. All my photos are sharpened in the computer.  I go back and forth between using actions and making my own.  Right now I’m just using my own workflow with includes tweaking levels and curves.

What lenses do you use?

I have both a 24-70 L and a 50 1.4 lenses.  I go in spurts where I’m obsessed with a particular lense.  When I’m out and about I usually bring the 50 1.4 prime lens simply because it’s lighter in my bag…. Unless we’re somewhere where I need the zoom.

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