Photography for Cardmakers

Do you want to learn all about photographing your cards for a website, blog or social media? This introductory "Photography for Cardmakers" video by fellow cardmaker and photographer Crystal Komara includes sections on:
1. Lighting - from natural light and lightbulbs to light boxes and professional studio lights
2. Cameras - what kind of equipment do you need - JUST a Smartphone!
3. Props & Staging - how to set up "photoshoots" with backgrounds and props
4. Editing - how to use both your camera's built in editing features and apps like Adobe Lightroom
Crystal has designed for companies like Whimsy Stamps, Birch Press Design, Newton's Nook, Spellbinders and more! Her card samples and photographs have been featured in "Making Cards & Papercraft" magazine.
"I wanted to create the kind of video I wish I had had when I started blogging and sharing my cards, so I hope this video is that for you! Please tag me @crystalkomara if you take "before" and "after" photos using something you have learned from my video. There is no greater measure of success to me than knowing I have helped another."
Visit Crystal on Instagram and Facebook @crystalkomara
or online at: www.crystalkomara.com

[@cartwheel43]

Tiffany introduced me to this video. Very well done and not at all complicated. Great advice on the smartphone. It's the way to go.

[@sunshinecreativity01]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I appreciate all the information and tips you have shared here.

[@crazyhappyhomelife1721]

Wish I could give this a bunch of thumbs up.. this was SUCH an incredibly useful and clear video... thanks!

[@charlenethompson307]

Can you please share what product you ordered from Amazon for your studio lights? Loved your video!!!

[@stampcatstudio4482]

Your video is awesome!!!! So many good tips! ❤️❤️❤️

[@hillaryathappywillowdesign3296]

This is incredible helpful! I loved all the variations and examples. Thanks for taking the time to make this

[@gidgetsmome]

This was absolutely a fantastic video!!! Thank you so very much for all this information!!!

[@huginanenvelope]

This is an amazing class! Thank you for your time and expertise.

[@StampARueCreations]

Awesome and helpful! Just what I was looking for ❤

[@JeanettesColours]

Great video! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. :)

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch.

[@bethholt2245]

This was the best video! Thank you so much for creating it and being willing to answer questions.

[@annakickan]

Best thing I have watching on a long while. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much Annika! I appreciate your kind words.

[@kareNstampZ]

wow what an amazing and informative video, thank you so very much for sharing

[@fulbrightr]

Great, great, great video! Super helpful, well organized, and professionally delivered. Do you have information on printing your photos? What I see on the screen and what comes out of my printer are very different. I've seen some videos on this, but it has left me a bit overwhelmed with the steps involved. Thanks again!

[@crystalkomara]

HI Ruby, thank you so much for taking the time to watch the video. I'm glad you found it helpful. When it comes to printing you photos it all comes to down to quality. Quality of the photo paper you use and quality of your printer and ink cartridges. Personally, I always use a program like Shutterfly, Walmart or Snapfish to print all my photos, because they seem to come out much more professional than on any home printer.

[@jeannej4953]

Great video Crystal! I loved all of your ideas and look forward to spending more time experimenting with staging my cards! THANK YOU!!!!

[@crystalkomara]

Wow! You already do amazing Jeanne, but thank you for watching and your kind compliments.

[@KathyaKalinine]

Super helpful! Thank you for sharing! I need to get some of those bulbs. They will also be helpful with lighting while filming. 🥰

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much for watching. Yes, I think you will find the lightbulbs make quite a difference for many things.

[@ummekulsumkutub4791]

Wow!!! This video has a ton of helpful information packed into it. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I just came across the link for this video on your Instagram page and am so glad for it.

[@darcywebb7726]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, this video answered a lot of my questions. I struggle with taking pictures of my cards and especially at the moment I've been trying to take a few decent photos of a pop up box card. I'll be refering back to your video as needed. And yes, more about your day job if you ever feel like sharing.

[@NanaOrange79]

Thank you for this helpful video. I also work a difficult job and card making is my detox. So I feel we connect in that way

[@simkisanyal6142]

This video was amazing! I learnt so much! One video taught me all the things I wanted to know but didn’t even know to ask! 🙏 thank you!!!

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you found it so hepful!

[@sanjuscreations]

Thank you for taking the time to share your technique and tips.

[@crystalkomara]

Thank YOU so much for taking the time to watch and comment. I hope you are able to take something useful away from my video.

[@diaylunacrafting4187]

Thanks you for this video !! You explain everything really good 😊. Thanks again.

[@craftingwithpaula]

Thank you so much for your tutorial, very helpful

[@MrsAngela65]

Thank you so much Crystal for this helpful video with all fantastic informations.😘

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you for taking the time to watch Angela! I hope you will find something useful.

[@sandrawharton8281]

This video is amazing. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your know,edge with us.

[@crystalkomara]

You are so welcome!

[@jeandoeringsfeld]

Fantastic information❤️ Thank you!

[@MindzaiComics]

Thank you! A super helpful video, I learned a lot.

[@TraceyMcNeely]

Thank you Crystal, this was a lot of very valuable information. Your discussion and description of the editing process was really helpful! I have taking courses and watching lots of editing videos but your description of each of the editing elements was bang on--so thank you my friend. You might hear from me when things don't work as I hope. ❤️

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much for your feedback Tracey. I'm glad that you found it helpful and easy to understand!

[@peggstone]

This has been so helpful ! Thank you for sharing your tips and tricks!

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch. I’m glad you learned some new tricks.

[@lissa65512]

This was very helpful thank you.

[@clarissavicencio-wickens6448]

Wow, this video is really awesome and helpful. Thank you so much for sharing this wealth of information of photographing and editing cards. It's a gem of resource. I've learned a lot from this and have passed it on to my crafty friends.

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much for watching. I love that you called it a "gem of a resource!" That sounds wonderful!

[@PearBlossomPress]

Wow, thank you Crystal! That was super helpful! 😍😍😍

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch, I really appreciate it and I'm glad you are able to learn something new.

[@LilStampBug]

Great video 👍 and what an awesome craftroom 😁😁😁🥰🥰🥰🥰 tyvm for taking the time to make this video for all of us 🤗🤗🤗 I just subscribed to your channel ❤️

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much. I am very blessed and grateful to have a room dedicated to my hobby and passion. I hope you will be able to use some of the tips and tricks.

[@anitam2170]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make and share this video. I picked up so many helpful tips!

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch, Anita. I hope you learned something new!

[@anitam2170]

@@crystalkomara I did Crystal!

[@sashaomo9254]

thank you so much for this super awesome and necessary breakdwon. You are saving so many of us hours of stress! ❤️❤️

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you, thank you! No one needs the stress especially when cardmaking is supposed to be fun!

[@hayleydoherty9557]

Thank you amazin g video, just what I was looking for

[@stampinwithalohajoyceb9310]

Thank you so much for sharing this video! I’ve not posted any cards on IG for the past year because the lighting where I’m currently living is not good at all. I’ll be moving soon & hope to set up something decent to take good photos. Thanks again!

[@BethBurns68]

I'm just starting out and am so glad I found this video right away. Thank you so much for all of the work you put into this very informative and helpful video. :)

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch the video. I'm glad you found it helpful and can take something away from watching it.

[@hdb80]

Super helpful, thank you so much!

[@justenephoenix2126]

Thanks so much for this amazing and helpful video, Crystal! :) I learned so much (and have sooo much to learn! lol) How kind and generous of you to share a bit of your wealth of knowledge with the crafting community! :)

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch, Justene! I appreciate your kind comments and hope you will be able to learn something useful.

[@ExpressionsWithHeart]

thank you Crystal! Excellent video!

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you, Pam. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. I appreciate it.

[@rachelalvaradodesigns]

Great video, Crystal! ☺️♥️

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much, Rachel. And thank YOU for being a part of it!

[@ink.therapy.designs]

So helpful! I wish I had this video when I started crafting a year ago. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us Crystal!!

[@crystalkomara]

Yes, you and me both!! Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment, Tiffany.

[@craftypurplefrog9085]

Wow! This is brilliant! Thank you so much xx

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and comment. I appreciate it.

[@zammymille]

Oh my gosh Crystal, this was soooo helpful. I especially liked the run-through of different light types, editing photos on your phone and how you stage props. Hmmm, who am I kidding, LOVED IT ALL!!!

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much Marianne! I'm glad you were able to take away something from the video.

[@joyfritz5537]

This was wonderful. Thank you!

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much!

[@anitatrippi7072]

You really met your goal! I wish I had seen this years ago when I started photographing my cards, too! I learned a lot and it reinforced some of the things I have been doing. I am so glad I found you❤️

[@PaperSquirrelsCardDesigns]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@mellightbody8212]

This was all very helpful even the tips at the end. I thought the discussion on lighting especially valuable and it sounds like that's where I need to start investing a bit of money. I also didn't think about using patterned paper as a background. Genius! Thank you so much for providing this tutorial.

[@crystalkomara]

Aww, thank you so much for all your kind comments. Yes, lighting is valuable I cannot stress that enough and even if you just start with changing lightbulbs, that won't be very expensive at all. And yes, use your scrapbook paper or fabrics, if you quilt! So many things make excellent props without spending even more money! Save that money to spend on stamps!

[@natashavacca2850]

Wow!!!!! This is absolutely AMAZING!!!!!! Thank you so much for putting this together and for sharing your tips and tricks!!!!! I’m excited to try these!!!!!!

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much Natasha! Your photos are already beautiful, so I don't know what more you can learn.

[@cnorberg9516]

Fantastic video! Excellent tips!

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much. I appreciate you for taking the time to watch it.

[@blankinacreationsonvideo54]

tHANKS FOR SHARING YOUR TIPS ON PHOTOGRAPHING OUR CARDS

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you for watching! I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment.

[@franciscavanbochove2465]

Thank you so much for your inspirational video 🥰

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch.

Thank you so much for this video, Crystal! I love your cards and how you present them! Lots of love from Austria!

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much, Martina! Sending love right back to Austria!

[@carolhodges9899]

This is so helpful and full of great information. I’m saving it for future reference! Thank you for devoting your time and knowledge and compiling it all into one useful video. It’s much appreciated!

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and comment Carol. I appreciate it and I'm glad you found the video helpful, that means the world to me.

[@rosagreene4364]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@mariskaritfeld]

Wow, this is a fantastic, very very helpful tutorial! Thank you so much for the insight and valuable tips!

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you for taking the time to watch. I'm glad you'll learn something new.

[@sm355572]

Omg, this is one of the best crafty videos I’ve ever seen. You’ve covered everything! I had so many questions and they were all answered! You poured your heart and soul into this, and it shows! 💕 Thank you for making the video so detailed, easy to follow and informative, Crystal! 💕☺️ I’m saving this as a favorite ☺️

[@cardsbydannii]

This is an amazing video! Thank you so much for all the tips and tricks. It was so clear and brilliant explained. I shall try to follow your tips to improve my photos.

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much for watching! I'd love to see any "before" and "after" photos if you tried something and found it helpful.

[@dishajain2026]

What an amazing video and full of knowledge :) Thank you so much for this hardwork and information sharing :)

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much! It was a lot of work and I'm thankful that you appreciate it.

[@dhruvikaraj7254]

Thank you for a very very informative and helpful video Crystal.. Really admire your efforts and sharing everything in depth. Your craft room looks adorable and all the supplies so neatly tucked in the designated spaces.. 😍 Thank you once again

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you Dhruvika for watching and I'm glad you learned something new and helpful. I am blessed to have a designated craft space and it inspires me.

[@teresamedeirosdesigns]

Awesome video Crystal! One can tell how much thought, time and effort went into putting it together. Bravo! Your card photos are always so beautifully done and I was curious to see what type of lights you use. I've been using umbrella lamps and I don't think it's giving me enough light. Yours with the four light bulbs look like they do a more effective job. Also, so fascinating to learn that you're a forensic photographer by trade! Very cool!

[@crystalkomara]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and comment Teresa. Your umbrella lamps should work quite good, maybe look into just changing out the lightbulbs on them? I'd have for you to invest in something else.

[@craftingwithpaula]

Could you tell me where you bought the large magnetic panels on the wall where you place the dies? Thanks

[@BromeroCards]

Hi there, thank you so much for the video, do you have a link to this lighting system, I would love to research these more!

[@crystalkomara]

Hi Ricky! Thank you so much for taking the time to watch my video. I'm SO sorry that I never saw your comment until now, but here is the link for the lighting system I use: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047FHOWG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@barbra429]

I'm having such a hard time. No matter what I do, the white part of my cards looks white on my phone but gray once I upload. I have tried three different phones, same problem.

[@hooklineandinker]

Ummm more about your day job please! 😄

[@crystalkomara]

Haha! That's a video for another time!!

[@ExpressionsWithHeart]

Are you able to add your name to your cards with an app?

[@crystalkomara]

Hi Pam, yes, I also do watermarks with an app, you can do them in Adobe Lightroom as well. I am compiling lots of future questions for Part II - if there is one!

[@sccrespoc]

Very useful. Thank you