Wednesday, June 15, 2011

I like big photos

Several years ago I remember seeing a Studio A article in CK where she touted the value of using big photos, 8x12 specifically. I was hooked. I especially loved how you could leave a bunch of yummy white space in the photo to put "stuff." Not sure what, just nice stuff.

Here's some of what I've done in the past:

This was one of my earlier big photo layouts. I loved adding the big cluster on the left, including the stamped "remember," which I stamped with Stayzon.

LinkThis one I did more recently. I found this photo unscrapped from last summer so I boosted the color, printed it big, and wrote about waiting for summer. Which I still am waiting for, thankyouverymuch.

This is my most recent big photo LO. The photo is technically bad--"muddy" is the term I hear used. But look at that blue! I used the Pioneer Woman Boost action to jack up the color and printed it big with the idea of putting smaller photos of my husband and me on it.

I didn't stitch at first, but the LO looked a little static without it, so I stitched to add some motion.

I get 8x12 photos from National Camera Exchange when I have few photos to print and Scrapbook Pictures when I have many photos to print.

Right now I have one 8x12 waiting to print. It shows my boys from behind walking down a fall path, lots of yummy white space to the left. I want to reflect on their relationship with this. I do that often, but I think that's OK.

So if you have never printed a lovely photo in 8x12, I challenge you to do so and scrap it. Using this big size makes you think differently about the way you design and embellish a page; indeed, it changed the way I take photos. I now tend to leave white space to the side, just in case I want a big print.

14 comments:

BabyBokChoy said...

These are seriously wonderful :) I read that article and did one such layout too, lol, probably five years ago now :) I particularly love your Gutherie one!!

Diana said...

These are great LOs and I love your tutorial about using large photos. I do it from time to time but I love the idea (new to me) of using the white space of a large photo to put stuff on. I'll try that.

Donna Jannuzzi said...

These are all really wonderful, Jennifer. I have made one or two layouts using this size photo before, but it's been a while. You've given me some inspiration for my Seattle album. =)

Sarah said...

I love these! You do such a great job with the big photos. I have to try this now- thanks for the links to the print shops! :)

alisonm said...

Do you up load to those sites like snap fish? How do you determine what will make a good 8x12 photo? More of a landscape type photo? sorry for all the questions... But I have some coastal shots that might work but I am not sure, darn, I should have e-mailed you. lol!

Lynette Jacobs said...

Wow...you do amazing work with such a big photo. I love it.

Sara said...

These are all so great! I don't think I've ever used an 8x12. Will definitely have to try that. I love the Guthrie and I know that view. I think you took a beautiful photo. :)

Linda said...

Wonderful layouts, Jennifer. I was cleaning out some magazines this week and just came across the article you were talking about. I sure do miss Ali's column!

Kirsty Wiseman said...

see, I can make a comment - and your layouts are LOVELY x

Steffanie said...

I love your large photo layouts---the top one has always been one of my favorites of yours! You do a great job with them!

Melissa Mann said...

LOVE these layouts :-)

Noey said...

Fabulous layouts! I just love going big and bold with photos.

Monika Wright | I Love It All said...

you're rockin' the big photo layouts!

Carolyn Wolff said...

I have done a similar technique with an 8x10. Love your layouts. I must try this again.