Photography Giveaway: Learn to Take the Best Pictures Alive!

In January I made a public goal to take a college photography class. The amazingly talented Brandy of Bella Pop saw this and asked if I'd like to take her online photography course. I took it in February and loved it! Now Brandy  is offering a $60 class credit to one lucky winner!

Brandy takes resplendently crisp and colorful photos and her classes are perfect for photographers who want to take their skills to the next level or learn exactly what their camera is capable of. The class costs less than a college class and with videos, detailed instruction, and a private Facebook group for discussion it was easy and fun to follow. Unlike most college classes, it's concentrated knowledge you won't be graded on!

What You'll Win:  $60 Credit toward any Bella Pop Online Class

How to Win: Leave a comment on this post telling me what you want to see more of on Thrift Core. I'm planning content ahead, need help! :)

Leave Your E-mail: You must leave your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win!

For Additional Entries: Leave a separate comment for each action you perform so they count as extra entries. Don't forget to include that e-mail address!

- Follow the Thrift Core blog (you are here!)
- Follow Thrift Core on Facebook
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- Tweet About This Giveaway
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I will announce the contest winner here on the blog on April 17, 2012! So check back then. Bella Pop is not a Thrift Core sponsor. Please drop me a line if you're interested in becoming a Thrift Core Sponsor or host a giveaway with me.

Good Luck!  You have the power to choose what I'll write next, use it, Neo! You're the Chosen One. (There is no spoon!)

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Photography Tips: 5 Quick and Easy Steps to Improve Your Photos

Photos are paramount in blogging and online reselling. Creative photography gets eyes where you want them, and you don't even need an expensive SLR camera or equipment! When you have the foundations down, an inexpensive point and shoot camera or even a camera phone is sufficient.

Make the effort to improve your photos and your customer and reader response will be noticeable! Here are 5 Quick and Easy Tips for Taking Better Photos:

1.) Use Bright, Natural Light Whenever Possible.

Natural light is magical, especially for showing all the details of your product. Schedule photoshoots early and take advantage of the daylight.

2.) Use a Tripod. Always. Forever.

Camera movement is what makes your photos blurry. It's especially noticeable in low lighting situations; indoors and at night. Using a tripod keeps your camera stationary, producing bright, clear photos.

Tip:  Use a wall, pal's shoulder, railing, or anything stationary as your tripod in a pinch.

3.) Be Mindful of Your Background.

It only takes a couple more minutes of prep to make a big difference in your photos. In the example below I used a vintage mirror and a lace cloth to make the product pop. Always seek to eliminate distracting details in your photos.

4.) Try a Different Angle. Go High, Go Low!

Change your perspective. Lie underneath your subject, stand on a chair above it, get in close for an extreme close-up. Take risks and try new angles to yield creative shots that can really put the viewer right there with you.

5.) Be an Unabashed Nutcase. It's Fun!

I get perplexed glances and random comments from my constant photo antics. I never let it stop me from having a blast taking my pictures. Don’t let shyness get in the way of getting the perfect shot. Ask strangers for permission to take their picture, jump fences to get to that perfect clandestine spot for taking photos. (Shh you didn't hear this from me.)

 I've sold a lot of prints of this photo. It's from my Toys Behaving Badly series. Indecent! Hide yo kids, hide yo wife!

Experiment, Practice, and Experiment! Use a rubber band to affix colored saran wrap to your lens or walk around your neighborhood during twilight and snap photos. I encourage you to constantly take pictures and try new things.

Have Fun: I never leave the house without my bulky SLR. Innovate and have fun! Go forth, photo adventures await you!

Need a Camera? If you're looking to upgrade to an SLR I use an recommend a Canon Rebel, it's everything a beginner needs and it's less expensive than a more advanced DSLR. I use a Canon Rebel T1i and use my 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens most frequently.

Got any other Photography-Related Tips or Questions? Let's discuss in the comments.

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Photo Outakes + Getting Used to Self Portraits...

I love photos.I love photographing food, nature, art, interiors, people, critters; pretty things of all kinds. I never leave home with my SLR. But I've never liked taking self portraits. Some people practice photography with themselves as a subject but I never did, so I feel very uncomfortable in front of the camera. And it shows.

Yet, I feel that self portraits are important for more than just blogging. It can help you improve your posture and evaluate how you present yourself to the world. And so I'm going to practice taking self portraits this year.

I discovered you should think of things that make you happy to get that light in your eyes that only comes with genuine mirth. I wanted a genuine smile for my new blog photo, so I listened to my favorite comedian John Witherspoon (check my my favorite Witherspoon skit, ever!) , played with toys, and took a few quick shots. Toys make everything better.

Any self portrait tips to share? Do you feel uncomfortable in front of the camera, too?

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