The Best Photography Tips for Decorating your Walls

One of the Best Photography Tips: Add context

Without some context, your photo will not have any depth. You should position your subjects to the right or left of your frame and show a little of what they are doing. You can also add context by shooting your subjects in their environments such as around people or trees.

Lose the Flash for Good Photos of your Home

A flash is a dead giveaway that you are taking a photo, which ruins the moment. If you want to go unseen, you need to raise your camera ISO and widen your aperture. If you’re using a phone camera consider opening window treatments, or using a lighting kit with a white light rather than incandescent yellow light. This will enable you to take photos that are well exposed in low light areas such as the indoors. For more photography tips for your home take a look at these tips.

An ISO of around 400 is great and you can enlarge the aperture as much as you need to. This creates a shallow depth of field for the photo, making your subjects the focus of the picture instead of their surroundings.

Candid Photos Make for Better Photos

Are you worried about taking photos of people who do not want theirs taken? You should try to shoot from hip height. This will give you an exciting and new perspective on circumstances that you are not used to, which adds to the candidness of the photo.

If you shoot many bad photos from this angle, you should try to use live view for composing a picture first before you shoot. If taking photos of your kids or pets try to get them when they’re comfortable, for example when they’re playing or running around the yard!

The Best Photography Tips occurs when you’re Not Ready!

Make sure you take your camera everywhere, so you’re always prepared. If you want to get the best candid shots, you should start taking your camera everywhere. The best moments usually occur at random times, when you least expect them to happen. When you take your camera out of the house, you will start feeling comfortable photographing strangers.

Move around to Take Beautiful Nature Photos:

When out in nature try to move around your subject to get cool angles and profiles. Nature photos are best when taken with plenty of light but also the photographer is at eye level with the leaf or rock. Remember nature puts on its own show of beautiful photography, it’s your job to capture it to display on your walls!

The Best Way to Display your Photos in your Home

Displaying your photos in your home can be done in a variety of ways. A photo gallery wall in your home is a good way to tell a story about the subjects. Whether it’s a family tree, or a wedding collage. We love these photography gallery wall ideas from Buzzfeed that gathers creative tips for transforming your room.

If you’d like individual photos placed on your walls you should consider acrylic photo blocks. They give your photos a vibrant and lively look that normal mounting does not. Moreover, acrylic prints can withstand UV rays without damage. This makes them great to display in the sunniest of hallways or window walls in your home.

For more DIY ideas and home decor ideas search our archives.

If you’re up to the challenge, there’s lots of creative freedom and huge savings when you DIY your beach wedding. With a little help from Mother Nature you can take credit for a story-book beach wedding anyone would want. Ready to get your feet wet?

One of the best things about getting married at the beach is the free-pass you automatically get to do whatever you want in terms of staging. After considering practical matters like shade and not wearing high-heels  in sand, a well-planned beach wedding gives you dramatic surroundings that need only a few simple touches: perfect for DIY.

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Gather your inspiration from the sea itself, whether you decorate an existing place like a permanent gazebo or you’re intent on building a structure of your own. Choose a lightweight, sturdy frame and assure that it’s built to withstand wind: you’ve got to have a space that’s architecturally sound. Silky fabrics affixed to corners will blow romantically in the ocean breeze and they’re glamorous yet not too pricey. Wrap fabric properly so it doesn’t catch you up!

Reflect shapes of the ocean by using flowers, greens and branches that are tall and graceful, like kelp floating in the sea. Take advantage of the limitless sky above you and design tall arrangements that punctuate your décor with vivid color. Stick with just a few high-drama arrangements — they’ll be highly memorable, cost-effective and easy to transport as needed.

Seashells and sea stars are easy to collect or find on-line, continuing a motif that’s timeless and charming. We love the idea of placing large sea stars half-deep in the sand to mark the aisles and end-chairs for your guests. This kind of special little touch reinforces your theme and lets your guests know they’re in for a treat. Add edible sea stars to your nautical wedding cake or sprinkle seashells across your tables, mixed with sea glass and a few plain tea lights in glass votives… the effect is elegant in an easygoing way.

Tempted by the endless blues and greens of the ocean, you may think your DIY beach wedding is limited color-wise to what the waves bring… but it’s the beach, so there are no limits, remember? In wedding cakes and bouquets, cool shades are stunning and you can’t go wrong picking up a nosegay of hydrangea in sky-blue or holding just a few deep purple/blue Iris with bright yellow centers.

Now take your cue from nature once again:  use that same sunny yellow color at key points throughout your decorative plan, from invitations to cake. Lime green, citrus orange and rosy pinks enhance your beach-y hues. Finally, if it’s your goal to dress up your beach wedding and conjure up a formal atmosphere, add liberal touches of black and white to your table-scape. You’ll get great prices by ordering white linens and adding black is always classic move.

Whatever you decide to DIY your beach wedding, keep things simple and make it yours.

Susanna Miles, from (kisswedding.com) and real wedding blog (kisswedding.com/blog) is a place for brides to go for simple wedding ideas that make planning a wedding on a budget a heck of a lot easier.  The Guide, the Workbook and now the eCourse however help brides de-stress by de-mystifying the wedding industry, simplifying planning, and uncovering alot of the myths surrounding inexpensive wedding ideas.

All of the elements of the K.i.s.s. brand are based on keeping it simple & special – the very things that kept me sane while planning my own wedding and thousands since

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Watch Stagetecture’s You Tube Channel for more DIY ideas

Unless you live under a rock…. or maybe you just aren’t on the internet very much… Pinterest is the latest social media craze that allows users to collect images and ‘pin’ them to idea boards and have followers ‘re-pin’ your image to their boards.

What started off as a way for me to find gorgeous images for Stagetecture, turned into an obsession that I’m told is a world wide ‘epidemic’! Literally people are spending hours looking and re-pinning gorgeous photos. I actually had a follower on Stagetecture, tell me they found me on Pinterest and they pinned many of the images they found here, onto Pinterest.

Image via: Gypsy Purple Home.Tumblr

I realized it was time for me to get with the rest of the world and include an easy way to follow Stagetecture on Pinterest. I now have a “Follow Me on Pinterest” button above each post.

There are also all kind of goodies on Pinterest. From their handy iPhone app, to a “Pin it” button for your internet browser toolbar. This allows you to pin images from any website onto your Pinterest board! So awesome!

Just one of the latest obsessions I have, but figured it’s healthy since I’m helping my fellow Stagetecture readers… see what I do for you all?!

Yesterday,  I featured a wedding post from Susanna Miles, which showed gorgeous photography showing American weddings. I love June for all of its wedding inspiration, and throughout the month I will bring you more wedding ideas and ways to learn and see more wonderful aspects.

Image courtesy Lin and Jirsa blog

Today I was looking through Mashable and came across this fabulous video from Intel, titled: Intel: Targeting a Digitally Savvy Audience.

I thought it was interesting to see how not only social media is changing but also how worldwide influence on weddings is such a beautiful art.

It’s a great article focusing on how companies are creating new and innovative ways to use social media.

“This week, the campaign (Intel) launched its most recent video, which documents the role technology plays for two young Chinese wedding photographers, Kitty and Lala.

Overall, the series takes on a lifestyle approach that is uncommon for tech brands, focusing on the effects that technology has had on each video’s featured subject, both personally and professionally.”

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

For anyone who has attended, planned or had a summer wedding, you know how truly inspirational they are! Summer wedding decor can be elaborate or as simple as everyday items found in the grocery store.

Today, my Guest Blogger, Susanna Miles from Kiss Wedding, shares with us beautiful inspiration for summer wedding decorations and the simplicity of capturing weddings with gorgeous images.

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Looking for fresh ideas for summer wedding decorations? Selecting decor that suits your style and budget can feel like running a race in high heels. It’s actually easy as pie. Work these ideas into your wedding planning and get the big day of your dreams.

There’s an art to choosing summer wedding decorations. The trick is to make incorporate them with the setting, theme and color scheme. From budget to blowout there are decor ideas that suit every bride’s bank balance.

Not sure which color scheme will work for you? Here are some wedding color combinations that’ll rock your world!

Summer Wedding Decorations: Seasonal Details

It’s all in the detail, ladies! Little touches make a big difference. Summer spells holidays, sun and lazy days at the beach. Channel the breezy, beach style with colored sea glass scattered on tables. Use driftwood for reception signage.

Get fruity! Summer fruits are zesty and come in traffic-stopping shades. Lemons and limes make stunning centrepieces.

And let’s not forget other seasonal foods like granny smith apples make fab summer wedding decorations and taste great too.

Try colorful cupcakes decorated with pretty summer flowers. Or strawberries and pineapple pieces that guests can dip into melted chocolate.

Paper fans tick two boxes; they’re decorative and help guests beat the heat. Hang them up in the reception venue or give them to guests as personalized favors.

Summer Wedding Decorations: Aisle Arrangements

Aisle arrangements can bold and beautiful or chic and simple. Or you could go for super romantic, frothy florals. There are aisle arrangements for every budget and theme.

Check out this gorgeous wedding aisle décor? The couple who planned this wedding kept it simple and special by sticking to just two colors in their color scheme. And the simple arches are a total hit too!

Summer Wedding Decorations: Lanterns & Lighting

Yellow tealights channel the spirit of summer and give a soft, warm glow.

Fairy lights are a bride’s best friend. Inexpensive and sparkly, they give a reception room that fairytale effect. Planning an outdoor wedding? Wrap clear fairy lights around tree trunks for a really romantic atmosphere.

Freestanding lanterns are awesome for backyard and garden weddings. As night falls and guests hit the dance floor, the lawn is illuminated in true vintage style. Gorgeous!

Hungry for more big bridal ideas? Try these suggestions for dazzling Wedding Reception Decorations

Susanna Miles, from (kisswedding.com) and real wedding blog (kisswedding.com/blog) is a place for brides to go for simple wedding ideas that make planning a wedding on a budget a heck of a lot easier.  The Guide, the Workbook and now the eCourse however help brides de-stress by de-mystifying the wedding industry, simplifying planning, and uncovering alot of the myths surrounding inexpensive wedding ideas.

All of the elements of the K.i.s.s. brand are based on keeping it simple & special – the very things that kept me sane while planning my own wedding and thousands since.

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Happy first day of June! Even though summer doesn’t officially start until June 21st, June has always been known as the wedding month. With warm weather outside, outdoor weddings, especially backyard ones can be beautiful, sentimental, and easier to plan.

Today, my Guest Blogger, Susanna Miles from Kiss Wedding, gives tips to consider for planning a backyard wedding. From the decor to favors for the guests, see how a backyard wedding can be a gorgeous event to plan and attend.

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Think you can’t afford a beautiful big day? Think again! Planning a backyard wedding at home could be the answer. You don’t need a bloated budget to get the fairytale effect. Throw the stuffy wedding rule book in the bin! Banish those budget calculators and planners that claim you need $25k to get hitched. All it takes is a little creativity and some smart outdoor wedding ideas.

We’re talking homey, relaxed and fun backyard weddings that don’t break the bank. It’s the way forward for budget-savvy brides who don’t want to compromise on beauty.

Why do it?

Planning a backyard wedding can be a stress-free and really rewarding experience. We’re all watching the dollars and cents right now. And instead of focusing entirely on budget wedding invitations, open or closed bars, or cheap wedding rings it makes total sense to save on your venue by holding your big day at home.

Backyard weddings get brides and grooms back into the driving seat. Get family and friends to pitch in and put your personal stamp on the celebrations. Have a big day that suits your style and your budget. You get exactly what you want, when you want it.

Backyard Wedding Ideas that Suit Your Style

What type of wedding suits your personality? Select a style and check out some backyard wedding ideas before you start planning a backyard wedding.

Are you a champagne and cupcake kinda gal? Do cocktails and canapés tickle your fancy? Maybe you’re an informal buffet bride? The great thing about backyard weddings their versatility. You can adapt ideas to suit all sorts of different styles. Enjoy an intimate sit-down dinner in the garden. Fire up the BBQ and crack open the hot sauce. Do English afternoon tea on the lawn. There’s a backyard wedding to suit every bride.

Tips for Planning a Wedding In Your Backyard

Here’s what you’ll need to do to prepare:

1.     Get out your green thumb and plant flowers. Choose varieties that bloom at the right time of year.

2.     Try to plant flowers over a course of a couple weeks to guarantee some bloom at the right time.

3.     Select flowers that fit with the wedding theme (both in style and color).

4.     Plant alot of annuals as extras. Plant early in the season and slightly closer to the wedding to fill odd spaces.

5.     Potted trees are a nice touch. If your budget doesn’t stretch to buying, ask a florist about hiring instead.

6.     Paint or stain decks. Don’t leave this until the last minute, ladies! Paint and stain give the best finish when applied in spring and fall.

Things to Buy or Rent

Planning a backyard wedding involves spending money wisely. The trick is to decide what really matters to you and spend accordingly.

Tents/canopies –these serve two purposes. They transform your garden into a reception space and provide cover for guests.

A dancefloor. We’re not talking a floor the size of a stately home ballroom here, girls.

Heaters – if you don’t want to buy you can always rent. Don’t forget the gas! Check if this is included in the hire price.

Chairs, tables and linen – choose a local rental company to cut delivery costs.

Plates, cutlery, glasses and coffee cups.

Lighting – lanterns and fairy lights give a gorgeous, romantic glow.

Citronella candles –these will keep bugs under control if you’re getting spliced in summer.

Games and puzzles for the kids. One of the best backyard wedding ideas ever! Inexpensive and will keep tears and grizzling at bay during speeches. ­­

Backyard Wedding Ideas: Food & Drink

Cookies and mini cupcakes are ideal for backyard weddings. They’re fun to make and can save you serious amounts of cash!

Invest in a couple of fun cookie cutters and choose freezer-friendly recipes. Freeze the dough then defrost the day before and bake. Saves tons of time!

If you are planning on serving savouries, buy in bulk from your local supermarket.

Have champagne for toasts and offer cider, coffee and soft drinks.

Inexpensive outdoor wedding ideas with the wow factor

Want to know the best thing about planning a backyard wedding?

The things you buy can be used again over the years. Trees and perennials look fab and bloom for decades. They’ll be a constant reminder of your big day.

Baby photos and pics of the parents and grandparents make beautiful displays and add the personal touch.

Vintage cake platters – they look fab and can be picked up for next to nothing from flea markets.

Mini pumpkins – a cost effective choice for the fall bride.

Susanna Miles, from (kisswedding.com) and real wedding blog (kisswedding.com/blog) is a place for brides to go for simple wedding ideas that make planning a wedding on a budget a heck of a lot easier.  The Guide, the Workbook and now the eCourse however help brides de-stress by de-mystifying the wedding industry, simplifying planning, and uncovering alot of the myths surrounding inexpensive wedding ideas.

All of the elements of the K.i.s.s. brand are based on keeping it simple & special – the very things that kept me sane while planning my own wedding and thousands since.

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Resources to help you get your project done!

• D.I.Y. Saturday’s

  
  Each Saturday throughout the summer, Stagetecture will feature a new DIY project. Resources, information, and How-to articles on how to get you working on that weekend project.. not just thinking about it!

DIY Saturday #1 – Getting inspiration from Before and After Rooms

DIY Saturday #2 – Home Improvement Stores, use them to help you!

DIY Saturday #3 – Laminate Wood Flooring, is it for you?

DIY Saturday #4 – Maintaining and Enjoying your hardwood floors

DIY Saturday #5 – ‘Man Cave Inspiration

DIY Saturday #6 – Outdoor Water Features

DIY Saturday #7 – Ralph Lauren Painting Techniques

DIY Saturday#8 – Installing Closet Organizers

DIY Saturday #9 – Installing Crown Molding

DIY Saturday #10 – Installing Stone Veneer Panels

DIY Saturday #11 – Installing a Glass Tile Back splash

DIY Saturday #12 – Installing a Fire Pit

DIY Saturday #13 – Installing Outdoor Landscape Lighting

DIY Saturday #14 – How to Make your Bathroom into a Spa

DIY Saturday #15 – How to Expertly Paint Exterior Wood & Trim

• Book Reviews –

  
  Stagetecture’s review on helpful home books, beautiful coffee table books, and D.I.Y. books to help you get your project done right, the first time!

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  Step by Step Guides

  – Guides that will help you:

1. Choosing colors for interior and exterior paints, and finishes
2. Resource guide for home sellers – For Sale by Owner (FSBO) – listing your home, pricing your home, etc..
3. Creating great curb appeal for your home, how and why you do it.
4. How-to guides for organization, helpful and time-saving tips
5. Do you have past blog posts that you love, but don’t want to hunt for them online? Topics ranging from organizing for your relatives to visit, to staging your laundry room!
6. Have a certain topic you want covered? We’ll make custom mini Ebooks too!
7. Have you seen products or resources that you want Stagetecture to make a mini Ebook about? I.e., You love how the bedrooms look in your favorite decor magazine, and you’d like inspiration to mimic the look.

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  Mini Ebooks

  – Compilations of past blog posts, compiled in an easy to read, take-to-the-store guide!

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  Ebook

  – Stagetecture resources, manufacturers, helpful hints, Tips from the professionals and much more!

Stagetecture will compile all the resources you need to have a beautiful home.  After all, that is why we love our home, right?