As quilters, we pour countless hours into creating our masterpieces. So, it only makes sense that we want to capture them in all their glory! Taking photos of our quilts is a great way to preserve their beauty and share them with others.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned quilter, here are some tips for taking the perfect quilt photos:
Choose the Right Time of Day
When taking quilt photos, lighting is key. Natural light is always best, so try to take photos during the daytime when the sun is shining. The early morning or late afternoon are great times for photography, as the light is softer and less harsh.
Set the Scene
When photographing your quilt, think about the overall composition of the photo. You want to create a setting that complements the colors and design of your quilt. Consider using a solid-colored wall or a nature scene as your backdrop. You could also add props such as flowers or a vase to create a more dynamic image.
Get the Right Angle
The angle at which you take your photo can make all the difference. To capture the full design of your quilt, try taking the photo from above. You could also experiment with different angles to find the one that best showcases your quilt.
Holding your quilts over a staircase or balcony railing also make it easy to show the entire quilt (and you!).
Include Yourself in the Photo
If you're proud of your quilt and want to show it off to the world, why not take a photo of yourself with your creation?
You might feel a little uncomfortable being photographed, but the truth is that your family, friends, and people you give your quilts to will cherish photos of you with your beautiful quilts for years to come.
Set up your camera on a tripod or ask a friend to take the photo for you. Then, pose with your quilt in a way that highlights both you and the quilt. This is a great way to personalize your photo and make it truly unique.
You also don't have to show your face to photograph yourself with your quilt. Consider wrapping the quilt around you, like the photo below, or showing up close detail shots of your quilt with your hands in the picture (the loving hands that made the quilt).
Edit and Share
After taking your photos, it's time to edit and share them. Use photo editing software to adjust the brightness, contrast, and color balance. You could also add a watermark or your name to the photo to protect your work. Finally, share your photos on social media or your quilting blog to show off your hard work to the world.
Easy ways to edit your photos:
use the editing tools built into your phone to increase the brightness on the photo
use the auto-correct magic editing tool on your phone & let your phone automatically adjust the light and tone in the photo
crop out any unnecessary objects on the edges of a photo (ex. a hand, or a chair).
use Canva to quickly apply a bright & clean filter
All of the pictures shown in this blog post were taken on cell phones, so you don't need any special tools to get good pictures of your quilts - just a little practice and use natural light when you can!
In conclusion, taking photos of your quilts is a great way to showcase your creativity and share your work with others. By following these tips, you'll be able to capture your quilts in all their glory and create stunning photos that you can be proud of.