maggienoella Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 Does anyone have any quick tips for photographing quilts? My husband photographs them and I'm sure we can do a better job. The quilting doesn't show well, even when the quilt has been quilted with a wool batting. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks, Joan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cagey Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 I think you need to post a photo of what you are describing, along with telling the group what thread (top/bottom) you are using, and the type batting. Then I believe the group would be able to better guide you. Take care, and have a wonderful day. Cagey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 Be sure the quilt is hanging flat. Have a stand or hanging system so the quilt is straight and secure. A plus is an invisible hanging system where the clips or clamps are not in the picture. Use the no-flash setting on the camera while lighting from the top or side so your stitches show. That's the best suggestion to get a good shot of the quilting. Sometimes a casual arrangement with the quilt artfully laid over a chair gives a better view of the quilting---like a quilting magazine cover. Photos for your personal or business use are fine if taken by you, but if you're entering quilts in shows, a professional quilt photographer is worth the money. Kathy from Tamarack Shack photographs her quilts outside all the time---many times on the frozen lake. Take a look at her blog to get a feel for what she does successfully. http://www.tamarackshack.blogspot.ca/ After taking photos, they can be cropped, color-corrected, sharpened, brightened, etc. so you can get the best shot of each quilt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cegates Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 A photographer who is a friend of mine gave me an tutorial on photographing quilts, and after a long time of fussing with the settings on my very nice digital camera, we came to the conclusion that my phone took the best photos. The rule we came up with was "the newest device takes the best pictures". Therefore, my phone is newer than my iPad, and takes better pictures, and my iPad is newer than my camera, and also beats out the camera. He showed me how to use the grid on my iPhone to change the exposure and increase sharpness. When you are ready to shoot, touch the middle square in the yellow grid that pops up to improve focus. If you want your photo to be darker, point to a dark area, touch the middle square, then move back to your original focal point. Same idea to lighten your photo. You can google photographing quilts for tips on hanging them and lighting. Carol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dramaqueenB Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 I also use a side light. I don't have a hanging system yet, so I go with Linda's suggestion of throwing finished quilts over a chair or my dining table in a vignette. Then I bring a stand light over to the side with a paper lantern (bought at Cost Plus World Market or Pier One Imports) over the light source to soften the glare. It brings out the stitching and shows off my work well. I used Pinterest and other photo sources to get ideas. Good Luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enchanted Quilting Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 I have a open banister in my foyer that I lay the quilts over...the key for me is the time of day, which changes as seasons come and go. Linda gave great tips...especially using no flash. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tamarack Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 I did a blog post a few years ago on how to take quilt pictures ( indoors and outdoors) with just a basic camera, before I got my Canon Rebel T4i. You can check it out here. It's all about the lighting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T Row Studio Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 Thank-you Kathy very good information for sure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbams Posted January 16, 2016 Report Share Posted January 16, 2016 It's amazing what a person can find while looking for something else entirely. Don't know how I missed your post the first time, Kathy, but thank you very much for such great information! I know you said you're "not a photographer," but you sure do know a lot about photographing quilts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tamarack Posted January 16, 2016 Report Share Posted January 16, 2016 It's amazing what a person can find while looking for something else entirely. Don't know how I missed your post the first time, Kathy, but thank you very much for such great information! I know you said you're "not a photographer," but you sure do know a lot about photographing quilts! Thanks Betsy, glad that post helped! I guess I should say I'm a 'Self Taught Photographer!' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilta93 Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 Thank you Kathy. Deb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jameel Posted May 14, 2017 Report Share Posted May 14, 2017 Thanks, Kathy! I just found this post and followed the link to your blog and your info and photos are awesome! I do a lot of photography and have wonderful equipment but photographing quilts just wasn't something I do... and that needs to change! I will start implementing your tips because you gave really good advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quilterkp Posted May 14, 2017 Report Share Posted May 14, 2017 I want to second how wonderful Kathy's blog is. I check in there for inspiration frequently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaryQuiltsTx Posted May 14, 2017 Report Share Posted May 14, 2017 Thanks for bringing this to the front Jameel. Lots of good info. Kathy thanks for the time and effort that went into this tutorial. It is all still timely information and very helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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