It begins with a photo

Like this one.

1. Unprocessed, straight out of the camera.

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2. Edited, using photoshop actions from Totally Rad Actions + My 4 Hens Photography Actions

best moment of the day

3. The beginnings of a layout: the edited photo + words + date
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4. Add visual interest (ink splats) to break up the white and ground the photo to the page.
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5. Add more dimension (photo frame and more ink splats).
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6. Test out a different background. Nope. Too dramatic. Would need to use bold, larger or darker type or the words get lost in the background.
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7. Try another background. Nope, not enough contrast – the color is too similar to the background in the photo.
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8. Go back to the white background. I like this the best, but it needs a little something extra.
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9. Add texture (black stitching).
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10. Add color.
when you're home
credits: frame, ink splats, date stamp from the open road by paislee press, needed more stitching 4 by amy martin

There, I think that does it.

That’s the abridged version of my process. It starts with the photo. I usually spend a great deal of time on photo editing. Then an equally long-ish (sometimes longer) amount of time on the journaling. Then more time tinkering with the little details, a nudge here, the lowering of opacity there, a bunch of minor tweaks to get the embellishments to do it’s job – play an important supporting role – to lead the eye to the photo and the words.

What’s your process?

Blog Comments

Great post! So interesting to see how others work. I work in a similar way. I have a picture that I like and I try to make it look as good as possible then think about how to embellish it and journal about it.

love this glimpse into your process. i'm such a fan of your stuff! I usually start with photos, too, then add a background. Then, since I love patterned paper, I try to find a way to squeeze some in somewhere. From there come the embellishments and the words.

Thank you for sharing a glimpse into your mind and your creative process. love this!!

Pretty similar to yours I think Liz. I can spend HOURS tweaking & nudging things to make them look "just right" … it's good to know I'm not alone!

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