Working with photographs Gather as many photographs as possible. Sort them so they relate to one another and to the album’s theme. Photo slides and reel-to-reel 8 mm films can be converted to photographs. Wash your hands before handling old
Working with photographs Gather as many photographs as possible. Sort them so they relate to one another and to the album’s theme. Photo slides and reel-to-reel 8 mm films can be converted to photographs.
Wash your hands before handling old photos, negatives and slides because dirt and oils from your skin could damage them.
A family photo that has yellowed, become brittle, or been affixed with tape should be moved to a safer environment.
However, you may want to copy the photo before moving it, or have it professionally photographed while it’s still in its current site. Use the originals or make copies of the originals (at a photo lab, using a color photocopier or computerized photo print maker like those found at drugstores). If using original photos, consider securing them to the scrapbook pages with acid-free photo corners, instead of permanently adhering them.
Tips for taking great photos Be generous with film. Opportunities will present themselves just once, and the price of film is very minor when compared to the cost of a vacation or a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Those with digital cameras may choose to get a memory card with more storage capacity.
The best shots are unposed and capture the personality of the subjects.
Make sure you get a fast speed film or use an “action” setting on your camera. Write down names, places, dates, and any other relevant information about the people and the places you photograph. Try to position the camera no more than 8 feet from the subject. Take one shot of the people, and then take a second shot of the background in order to set the mood. Keep the sun behind your own shoulder. Early morning and late afternoon on a sunny day are ideal times for taking pictures; bright noonday sun creates harsh shadows and makes people squint their eyes. Gray, dark days produce grainy photos. Rather than place your subject directly in the center of the photo, adjust your frame so the subject is about one-third of the way from the edge. The same rule applies when shooting a still life or landscape.
