- Create a light box (or use natural light) – my apt doesn’t get too much natural light so I created a light box. Do not be lazy like me and put off creating a light box. It was the best thing I have done and it only took about 20 minutes!
- Learn about the manual settings on your camera – after I learned what the exposure and white balance were, my pictures naturally came out nicer.
- Use a tripod with a timer – if you have problems with blurry photos I recommend a tripod. I got one for less than $20 at Target. Even when using the tripod, use your camera’s timer. Even on a tripod, snapping a photo can make the camera wiggle. Using a timer prevents camera shaking resulting in crisp, clear photos.
- Position your items in a fun, eye-catching way – I found that this can be difficult when using a tripod. Luckily my camera has image stabilization so can get by without always using my tripod.
- Use a photo editing software – even after I adjust my camera settings I always need to edit my photos. I typically crop, adjust brightness and contrast, and resize my images.
Customizable Hand Stamped Silver Charm Bracelet
This was the big shock that I needed to start learning how to turn my “hobby” around. Between July 2009 and December 2009 on average I spent $6.80 on supplies for every $1.00 I made. In October I spent $29.00 for every $1.00 I earned! That was a bad month, needless to say! Here is what my pathetic graph looks like:
I have now started to diligently track my spending. I am also trying to use a lot of the supplies that I have on hand instead of buying new every time I have an idea. This will obviously reduce my monthly expenses and I can then look at my previous spending as investments rather than losses.
All of these were 3 – 4 day weekend trips where you get hardly any time to see the sites and relax. In 2010 I’m taking a real vacation! I’m talking at least 10 days of relaxing, eating, and adventuring somewhere other than the US!
