Elite Critique - get advice from the Alumni!

[GailS]

Even if you're an advanced scrapper, do you find that occasionally a layout you've created just doesn't seem right, or needs that extra nudge to take it over the top?

Get some expert advice from the DET Alumni team! If you're already familiar with your software and basic digital scrapbooking techniques, feel free to post your layout here in this thread - and the Alumni will answer questions or critique your layout, and offer help with advanced techniques or ideas to achieve the look you're after and to make your layout special for YOU!

If you know how, post your layout full size in this forum so we can see it and post our suggestions here - then others can benefit from it. If you prefer, let us know when you post if you would rather we just do it right on your layout. Your preference. Or, we can post the photo for you.

To post your layout full size in a thread: Go to your layout. Right click and copy image location, or copy the string in the URL bar on your browser. When you come here to post, choose Insert Image from the toolbar at the top of the posting window, paste in your link and tada! One nice big image! (you can see this in Post #13).

Important note: Layouts posted in or for any current or in-progress contest are not eligible for critique until the close of the contest, and any questions regarding the rules and/or judging process of any contest, will not be a part of the critique or discussion offered here.

Feedback on any current contest layout, including DET, and even if you are no longer in the running, will not be given until the contest is officially over. This is out of fairness to all contestants.

If you have any non-contest layouts you'd like to post, however, please do so! Please remember that we're here to suggest ways of making the best of your layout so it's pleasing to you, without regard to any rules or contests of any kind.

Any post which addresses or discusses contest rules or judging, will be removed out of fairness to all contestants participating.

[swatkins56]

Yes! I've been wishing for something like this. I'll be back.

[Lynnie]

Great move, Gail. Even the DET and Alumni have those issues from time to time, so we might be posting our own layouts :)

[Mars]

Great idea!

[GailS]

Hey, that would be fun. Sometimes even I have layouts that just won't work for me!

Great move, Gail. Even the DET and Alumni have those issues from time to time, so we might be posting our own layouts :)

[GailS]

Bumping the thread so everyone can rush right in here and keep us busy!:rofl:

[sandygb]

LOL Gail. Well at least I got the notification email.....

[debilou]

Ok, I'll go first...

I'm working on my heritage album.. and of course I want it to be special..

I just don't think this LO is "right"... so go ahead... rip it apart... And, offer any valuable tips you can think of - I'd love to see me make a version 2 or 3..

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/4137/thumbs/Grandmalo1916post.jpg

My Grandmother Marion, and Gwendoline 1929 (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=304516)

[sandygb]

LOL Debi - You were brave. Thanks for playing....I hope it was okay to put my suggestions right into my comments in your page....

[debilou]

From Sandy - Hey Debi - You asked for some critique on your page in the Alumni forum, so here is a bit from me.....

I love the flowers clustered around the frame, and I think the frame is perfect for a heritage photo. Here are a couple things you can try:

1. Mpre focus on the photo.

Perhaps you could try to enlarge the photo quite a bit so that much of the extraneous background is removed (cropped out), and their heads are closer to the top of the frame. This will probably make the photo interfere with the rectangular portion of the frame. A couple solutions for that would be to alter the frame just a bit to delete the rectangular portion or to play around with resizing the photo to see how far you can enlarge it without mushing it into the sides of the inner frame.

2. Add some "movement" to the page.

How about angling the journaling paper and text so the the upper left corner leans out to the left and the lower right corner lean in toward the photo. You might just play around a bit and try angling the frame, flowers and photo and tilting it slightly the opposite way from the journaling - or even placing the journaling a bit under the photo and frame.

Remember - This is your page, so please don't feel that you must take any of these suggestions to heart. You won't hurt my feelings. Designing is such an iterative process. I tend to try different things on my pages. Some work and some don't. LOL.

________________________________

I LOVE your suggestions...

I will try playing with angling the journaling pieces...

But, I CAN"T make the photo any bigger... I'd love to...

But, remember this is a 1929 photo scanned and fixed to the best of my ability....

I enlarged as much as a could without degrading the photo and making it look pixaled...

Some of my grandmothers photos were just archived better than others...

my scanner has digital ice... and does a pretty good job... but.. there is just so much you can do with 100 year old photos... so I did my best with the size.. and this was a good as I could do with the SIZE portion.

But thanks for your suggestion on the angling... I'll give that a try. I really like your style

[sandygb]

I know what you mean Debilou! You definitely don't want to enlarge it if it pixelates the photo. The only other thing I can think of there (depending on your scanner) is to see if you have any control over the resolution of the scanned photo. I try to scan my old photos at 600 ppi, which creates a HUGE file (and photo). When I reduce it to fit on my 200 or 300 ppi page, I am actually scaling it way down, rather then enlarging it.

[debilou]

I know what you mean Debilou! You definitely don't want to enlarge it if it pixelates the photo. The only other thing I can think of there (depending on your scanner) is to see if you have any control over the resolution of the scanned photo. I try to scan my old photos at 600 ppi, which creates a HUGE file (and photo). When I reduce it to fit on my 200 or 300 ppi page, I am actually scaling it way down, rather then enlarging it.
That's a GREAT idea...

I'll try that on future scans... I already have some scanned for my grandmothers collections - but no where near done...

thanks for the suggestion

[GailS]

Debi, I hope you don't mind that I'm using your layout to show how to paste it big in here - then we can all see the suggestions, and make ours right here in the forum. If you do, just let me know and I'll take it back out! Thanks!

Here's the layout Debi posted for our first critique:

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/4137/Grandmalo1916post.jpg

[debilou]

No problem...whack away at it...I already got a great suggestion or two from Sandy...

but, keep going.

[GailS]

My turn! I agree with Sandy on the scanning - I scan my photos as big as I can. Scaling down beats trying to scale up anytime.

Also, this fits in with what Sandy said about tilting the journaling piece - I usually (but not always) make it a rule of thumb not to have a lot of space between photos and elements. Try to make everything "touch" - keeps the flow or movement of the layout going, doesn't allow for the eye to break or wander when viewing. You want to lead the eye, focus on your main photo, keep it from wandering off the page.

I think that angled and tucked slightly under the edge of the frame, will have that effect.

Titles are tricky, sometimes a flower or element to accent the title and tie it into other parts of the page works. They usually look good alone if the style ties in, as yours does with the frame.

I'd add a couple extra sprigs of flowers here and there - rule of three here - maybe in the corners to "frame" your layout.

You can always try these suggestions and of course like Sandy said, it's your layout, play around a bit until you're happy with it - please let us see it if you make any changes!

[debilou]

Ok, I'll take this photo and rescan and see if I can get the resolution up..

This is ONE of the few I have of my Grandmother - so it's important to me.. She is USUALLY THE photographer... so, of the 250 + photos I have... one of the few of her...

So, I'll rescan.. and then give this one another whirl.. give me a day or so.. and, I'll be back ok...

[debilou]

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/500/thumbs/GrandmaLOREDO1916post.jpg

My Grandmother Cicra 1916 Version 2 (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=306214&ppuser=133947)

Ok, here's the new version...

Here's what I changed and why...

I'm sorry I couldn't put the BIG version in this thread... but sorry couldn't figure that out... fairly new to Macs... so some of that stuff I just don't know how to do yet..

Ok, First after I printed my new heritage pages.. I remembered - since it had been a while - I was creating an 8.5 x 11 album... so, I resized the page to 8.5 x 11 since I already have a few made in this orientation (vs 8 x 8)

Ok, as Sandybg suggested, I rescanned the photo at 800 dpi.. and wow what a difference... so, after scanning then I did a B & W conversion and a Filter > dust & noise wow what a difference.. so I have a fairly good photo not great ... but remember this is a 1916 photo.. And, as Sandy said, I was now sizing down, not Up.

My grandmother's loves include the color purpler or lavender and FLOWERS...

So, I made her a flower garden at the bottom of the page, rotating the flowers, and used a soft light blend mode 85% opacity.

I angled the note paper as was suggested, and increased the size of the image and the frame..

I moved the word art closer to the grouping...

Now I took the blue flowers out of one of the pieces in the kit.. a swirl.. and I added 3 across the top... but there was just too much trapped white space...

So, I added another one.. - I know you are SUPPOSED to do everything in 3 but I broke the rules and added a 4th flower - and it looked better to me.. more like a flower photo corner to add some balance to the page...

I added this same flower to the ribbon swirl on the note paper.. and moved the letters further apart...

So, let me know what you think... I'd be happy to do a version 3... so let me know.

Just wanted to give you me thoughts on why I made the changes I did.

[sandygb]

I LOVE your redo Debilou! The rescan on the photo turned out great and really allowed you to get a closer crop. I think that has made the biggest improvement. I also love the angled journaling paper. As far as the rule of 3......All rules are made to be broken. The way you placed the flowers areound the corner is perfect! I love this version!

[Lynnie]

Yes, I agree with Sandy, this is lovely. The elements at the bottom of the page really anchor everything.

[GailS]

Here's the large version!

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/500/GrandmaLOREDO1916post.jpg

[GailS]

This is so well done! And if you think about it, you do have 3 things to count towards that rule of 3 - the title, the frame and the flowers in the corner, all using that same repetitive element - the flower. It looks wonderful!!!

[debilou]

Thank you all so much for your suggestions... This page never would have looked this good without all of your suggestions.. I really appreciate them...

[swatkins56]

OK, ladies, I know the judges can't give feedback, but I'd love to get a critique of my DET entry.
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/3150/thumbs/alaska4.jpg
Relish Alaska (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=306138&cat=500&ppuser=73576)

Some thoughts:
8.5x11 is just not a striking format
Shadows on stamps not well done
Text color is not right.
Didn't showcse the kits enough
Other?

I'm not crushed by not moving on; but I'd really appreciate feedback to help me improve.

Thanks, Sheryl

[Lynnie]

OK, ladies, I know the judges can't give feedback, but I'd love to get a critique of my DET entry.
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/3150/thumbs/alaska4.jpg
Relish Alaska (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=306138&cat=500&ppuser=73576)

Some thoughts:
8.5x11 is just not a striking format
Shadows on stamps not well done
Text color is not right.
Didn't showcse the kits enough
Other?

I'm not crushed by not moving on; but I'd really appreciate feedback to help me improve.

Thanks, Sheryl


Hi Sheryl, it is always tough when some of our favourite people don't move on. It is hard to separate the layout from the person...

That being said, I think you hit on some of the salient points. For DET, 8 1/2 x 11 is not a good format, I think. Some of the other things that you could improve on:

Elements should be clustered and relate to each other. Here they are somewhat scattered. Nice symmetry, but not really related.
For the DET contest, you need to pick amazing photographs. Sometimes the pictures selected are wonderful in themselves, or sentimental, but not quite right for the kit or the contest. In this case, I love the photo, but I'm not sure it was right for the competition. I don't think you gained anything with the reduced photo in the background, either.
The flower in the corner of the frame somewhat overwhelmed the picture - it might have been better reduced and clustered.

Anyway, as I said, you are a super participant and I wish you had passed just for your pleasant personality. Keep scrapping :)

[sandygb]

Sheryl - Although I can't give any specific advice as to what the judges might be looking for in the DET contest, (I have not kept track of the current rules, or required kits, and judging is such a subjective thing) I can give you a couple of suggestions that you might consider to improve your page. Please remember, this is my opinion only, so you really need to decide what you want your page to convey.

One thing I notice is the way everything is centered on the page....the title, the photo and the grounding stamp at the bottom. Perhaps a 12x12 page would allow you more room to arrange the elements. Perhaps the title could then be placed more to the left rather than centered. The stamping at the bottom of the page is a bit distracting to me and draws my eye there rather than to your photo. Perhaps recoloring the stamp to a rust color and reducing the opacity might work a bit better. Sometimes it's trial and error to see what looks best. I hope this helps!!!

[sueya]

I would also like some cc on my DET layout



http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/3150/DET_Mar09_Evie.jpg
Baby Evie

I did wonder if I didn't showcase the kit enough
Also I'm not sure if my shadows are strong enough

[sandygb]

Sueya - I can't answer your questions regarding how you showcased the kit, or even if your shadows were a factor in the judging. Please remember that the DET contest is still running and we can't critique all of the entries as to what might appeal to the judges. I don't even know what the chosen kits were, so my suggestions are the same, regardless if your page was done for a personal album, or for the contest. Simply my impressions...I hope you understand...

I think I would try making your 2 round mats a bit smaller and placing the page title outside the circle mats toward the upper left and enlarging it to make it more prominent.

[swatkins56]

Thanks Lynnie & Sandy for your suggestions. Just taking a few of them greatly improved my layout:

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/6636/thumbs/alaska_edited-1.jpg
DET Re-do (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=306785&ppuser=73576)

I'm thinking back to my Round 1 layout a year ago which did make it to Round 2. First, it was one of my photographer son's fabulous Morocco shots. And second, there were a lot of details. I haven't mastered this format well enough to do that detailed work. My round 1 trendsetter passed to round 2, but it was a 2-page 8.5x11 spread. So I probably really need the real estate of get the details in for contests.

I promised myself I'd do 2009 in this format, and I plan to stick with it all year, with the hopes that I'll have it mastered. I have a hunch more people are using this format for ease of printing - and I've noticed the designers are doing more ploppers and QC in this size - and being good at this might be a competitive advantage.

Many thanks for the CC. I'll be back!

Sheryl

[Lynnie]

Yes, along with the points that Sandy had made on Sueya's layout, I am not sure that the oval shape works well directly inside a circle. I would also crop the photo to provide a little more room around the baby, perhaps trying not to cut off the foot and giving more room around the head. You want to provide a feeling of the baby being nestled in the photo rather than falling out. :)

Again, there's a lot that goes into judging a DET layout other than good composition. DET entries are judged on a combination of kit use, composition, suitability, rules and technical expertise. That isn't part of what we can (or should be) providing here. Hopefully what we can provide is a few suggestions on different approaches to a layout so you can try things that make the layout more pleasing to you.

[sandygb]

Thanks Lynnie & Sandy for your suggestions. Just taking a few of them greatly improved my layout:

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/6636/thumbs/alaska_edited-1.jpg
DET Re-do (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=306785&ppuser=73576)

I'm thinking back to my Round 1 layout a year ago which did make it to Round 2. First, it was one of my photographer son's fabulous Morocco shots. And second, there were a lot of details. I haven't mastered this format well enough to do that detailed work. My round 1 trendsetter passed to round 2, but it was a 2-page 8.5x11 spread. So I probably really need the real estate of get the details in for contests.

I promised myself I'd do 2009 in this format, and I plan to stick with it all year, with the hopes that I'll have it mastered. I have a hunch more people are using this format for ease of printing - and I've noticed the designers are doing more ploppers and QC in this size - and being good at this might be a competitive advantage.

Many thanks for the CC. I'll be back!

Sheryl


I do like your redo Sheryl - Especially the title moved to the left. The angle of the title now balances the opposite angle of the photo. I also like the addition of clustered flowers around the frame and the reduced opacity of the stamp at the bottom. The stamp now seems to coordinate better with the aged building in the photo. I'm not sure I like the font used for "Alaska". Maybe you could try various fonts and see what appeals to you. Maybe making it a bit smaller and moving it a bit to the right? You might even try angling it a bit following the angle of the photo.

[GailS]

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/3150/thumbs/alaska4.jpg
Relish Alaska (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=306138&cat=500&ppuser=73576)

I'm going to throw a last 2 cents in on this one - there is something about the shadows that draws my attention to them. Could be the post, but to me they seem a little inconsistent in direction, and darker on some elements. I can see that for the most part, it looks like the intention is that the light is coming from the lower left. But there are a couple of pieces (like the buttons) that make it seem as if the light is from directly below with much darker shadow. The buttons appear to be tilting forward off the page here, as if they were loose, so if that was your intention, then they are fine!

I like the little adjustments you've made, the re-do looks much more balanced!

[GailS]

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/3150/DET_Mar09_Evie.jpg
Baby Evie


On Sueya's layout, the only thing I could add would be to try moving the circle shape to the left, maybe even dropping off the page a bit) so that the oval one overlaps outside the circle. That way the shapes don't really compete with each other. See if you may like that better.

[debilou]

We couldn't have elements drop off the page in round 1.
The exact rule was No elements or papers going off the edge of the layout....

Would have been nice... but she couldn't do that.

[swatkins56]

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/3150/thumbs/alaska4.jpg
Relish Alaska (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=306138&cat=500&ppuser=73576)

I'm going to throw a last 2 cents in on this one - there is something about the shadows that draws my attention to them. Could be the post, but to me they seem a little inconsistent in direction, and darker on some elements. I can see that for the most part, it looks like the intention is that the light is coming from the lower left. But there are a couple of pieces (like the buttons) that make it seem as if the light is from directly below with much darker shadow. The buttons appear to be tilting forward off the page here, as if they were loose, so if that was your intention, then they are fine!

I like the little adjustments you've made, the re-do looks much more balanced!

Great catch. The frame had a built-in shadow. When I flipped it, I should have just erased it. Instead, I shifted the angles to match the flip. I guess not all of them took. Dumb idea, anyway, because the photo has a shadow that clearly comes from the wrong direction.

Thanks, all, for the great feedback.

Sheryl

[sandygb]

We couldn't have elements drop off the page in round 1.
The exact rule was No elements or papers going off the edge of the layout....

Would have been nice... but she couldn't do that.


Debilou - Thanks for adding this note.

I just wanted to clarify that we can't give feedback that takes contest "rules" into account. I personally am not aware of any of the current contest rules. (They do change, and the required kits also change). Any suggestions we make are purely subjective and not necessarily in accordance to contest rules.

[tora]

I would love to post my layout that I did for Round 1 DET here and get some advise on it, I did not go to round 2. hang on I´m going to get it in full zise

[tora]

Oh I do not know how to put it up here bigger then this
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/../gallery/data/3150/thumbs/Love_for_my_daughter.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php?photo=305664&ppuser=117264)

can someone tell me what to do please?

[webfrau]

Just wanting to add some general comment here about layout design, I'm not directing this at any one LO in particular.

A great LO needs to have a FOCUS and FLOW.
The focus should be obvious - a photo that is significantly larger than the others or a proper photo against blended reduced opacity photos. Your use of the kit elements should be to enhance this focus.
By flow I mean your eye should move around the page naturally ending up wherever you want the viewer to stop, mostly this is your "focus". You should use your elements to lead the eye where you want them to go. If you've ever looked at a page with things scattered all over it, it probably didn't feel very comfortable - because it lacked flow.

The design classes run by Lauren & Sharon (DSU 190 & 290) are well worth doing if you're serious about improving design skills and they will teach you all of the above and make you put it into practice.

[GailS]

tg, I think your layout is lovely as it is...anything special you want to achieve in this one?

Just a thought, to make it pop a bit more, you might want to move the row of buttons over towards the left a bit more, in line with her eyes in the photo, just to keep the focus there. Try it if you like, and see how you feel about the change. Otherwise, this is just gorgeous!

[GailS]

The design classes run by Lauren & Sharon (DSU 190 & 290) are well worth doing if you're serious about improving design skills and they will teach you all of the above and make you put it into practice.

Definitely! These classes are fabulous, you will learn tons!

For those of you looking for help with DET quality layouts, don't forget that DET Boot Camp (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=191) is also a great place to get your scrapping skills up to par. Keep your eyes open for the next run of that challenge.

[GailS]

Please note that feedback on any DET contest layout from here forward, even if you are no longer in the running, will not be given until the contest is officially over.

If you have any non-contest layouts you'd like to post, however, please do so! Please remember that we're here to suggest ways of making the best of your layout so it's pleasing to you, without regard to any rules or contests of any kind.

[sueya]

I have revised my layout in line with some of your comments



http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/500/DETMar09Evie_v2.jpg
Evie - revised version

The original photo which my friend sent me was quite closely cropped with very little space on the left and right so I decided to abandon the idea of using oval and circular frames. Instead I decided to use angled mats to reflect the swirly nature of the flowers at the bottom of the layout.

[GailS]

I really like this version! My eye is drawn right to that cute photo, as it should be. The squared mattes were a great choice. Great work!

[GailS]

Bumping the thread now that the DET contest is over!

[GailS]

The invitation for Elite Critique is still open! and still free! http://www.digiscrapaddicts.com/forum/images/smilies/misc/stars.gif

Post your layout with questions....let us know if you're looking for some specific advice on anything! Or just a general "what can I do to make this layout POP?"

We're ready to share our expertise and help you out! And, we really want something to do anyway!! :)

[WhiteAngel]

Critique away, I hope I'm doing tis right...!:love1:

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/500/Adrian_OurWedding.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=325935&ppuser=5982)

[sandygb]

Hi Whiteangel. Here is a link which will give you directions on pasting a thumbnail link to your layout in the forums. That way, we will be able to click on the link to be taken directly to your page:

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32209

Here is a link to your page:

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Adrian_OurWedding.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=325935&ppuser=5982)
Adrian's Wedding (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=325935&ppuser=5982)

[sandygb]

Here was my CC on your page:

Hi Whiteangel. I think this is the page ypu requested CC on. Here are a couple of observations....

Many of the items on your page appear to be "floating". If this was an actual paper page, your title would not have a shadow that large. I would remove the shadow, or perhaps try a very low shadow instead.

The same is true of the other elements on the page. For a more realistic layout, try reducing the size of the shadows and see how you like it.

While I love the effect you used on the photo, (I think it would work beautifully on another page) it doesn't strike me as fitting for a wedding layout. If you are trying for a more masculine page, perhaps you might choose a different kit.....something with neutral colors and less feminine elements.

I do like your overall page arrangement!

[WhiteAngel]

Another one for me.....Critique away please!!:yippee:

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/500/thumbs/BrideAmanda.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=326163&ppuser=5982)

Adrian's wedding

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=326163&ppuser=5982

[GailS]

Hi White Angel,

I looked at your layout and you've received a lot of great suggestions so far...so I'll wait until you've made revisions because I bet you'll have it nailed by then :)

[WhiteAngel]

Thanks everyone for their CC, I will think about and try out some of the sugguston and re-post, there have been some great CC, thanks so much, just to let u guys know. I have a few ideas on some layouts for my nephews wedding, I don't want to lose the flow. So it might be a while before repost these LO's. I'm on a bit of a time limit. But i do thank everyone!

[WhiteAngel]

ok I've made some changes...thanks everyone

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/500/BrideAmanda1.jpg
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=326163&ppuser=5982

1st version: http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=326163&ppuser=5982

I'm having problems linking my image, sometimes it works most times it doesn't not sure why!:yahoo:

[WhiteAngel]

ok this is the matching LO for the groom
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=326281&ppuser=5982

and this is what it should look like as a spread...
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=326284&ppuser=5982 :tup:

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/500/thumbs/BrideGroom_Spread.jpg

[GailS]

Oh my..........the improvements have made this into a stunning layout!!! The blending is much better here...I love this version! :applause:

[GailS]

Now...off to offer advice on the groom's photo (by the way, nice 2 pager! love seeing them together :))

[WhiteAngel]

this is another LO for my nephews album
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/7316/love_walk.jpg
(http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/7316/love_walk.jpg)
and the last changes made to this spread...i hope http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/7316/thumbs/BG_spread.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=326469)

its very quite in here...LOL

[sandygb]

Ooo, this last page is beautiful! I really don't think any cc is necessary at all. If it was my page, the only thing I MIGHT try is to nudge everything up just a tiny bit or try the "Love" title at the top left instead of the bottom. This is really not necessary, and I don't even know if it would improve the page - just something to try and see how YOU like it. If you are happy with the page as it is....I think you are done! Gorgeous!!

[WhiteAngel]

ok got another one, where is everyone gone...why am I the only one posting...LOL :annoyed:

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/7316/Boo9.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=327306)

[sandygb]

WhiteAngel - I think you are on a roll! I only have one teensy cc. The heart page border looks like it is floating. Not sure if it was made that way or if you added the drop shadow. A smaller drop shadow might look more realistic. In any case, I would move the heart border layer UNDER the vertical paper strip. Nicely scrapped.

[GailS]

Love Sandy's suggestion.

I wonder, for a little bit of pop, if you tried recoloring the swirls in the corners to a deep green picked up from the photos? They seem to disappear into the background, being the same shade...and I think that would really make this layout stand out. Then again, you may not like it after you try it.

The composition is wonderful...I wouldn't change anything else!

[WhiteAngel]

GailS-thanks I took your advise and changed the colour of the swirls, but the green made it look like Chirstmas...lol...I went lighter...I think it works?:pray:

sandygb: thank's I dropped the shadows...

here is the result with a matching one for the groom..thank's guys for your CC:applause:

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/7316/cool-spread.jpg?6 (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/7316/cool-spread.jpg?6)

[WhiteAngel]

ok I think this is my last lo's for this album, this spread is 10 in total...I'm not sure about this one...trying something different :rolleyes:

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/7316/Golden_maskSpread.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/7316/Golden_maskSpread.jpg)

[sandygb]

Beautiful! Very artsy looking. I really like the black and white photos with the artsy background. (Maybe even try a sepia tone and see how you like that). I think I would change the small photos that are currently in color to black and white (or sepia) as well.

[GailS]

The color change on the first two is great - the lighter does look better. I think I know what you mean about the Christmas. :)

On the new ones, love them, love the style..in addition to Sandy's suggestion, I'd pull the bottom photo up a bit as it looks further away from the others and detracts from the group. Maybe even put the bottom two nnext to each other to balance it out.

[WhiteAngel]

ok I'm back now while I'm free,
I was asked to make up a thank you note for my niece baby's birth...
so any CC would be great... thanks in advance..:)

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=330419&ppuser=5982

[GailS]

Advice given on your layout, WhiteAngel!! :)

[swatkins56]

I would love to get not just critique of this layout, which was judged to be in the bottom third of round one DET, but also suggestions on specific skills and techniques I should be working on over the next six months to I can break into round two?

Thanks.

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/../gallery/data/3150/thumbs/spending-time1.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php?photo=332377&ppuser=73576)
...in Morocco (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php?photo=332377&cat=500&ppuser=73576)

[bendipez]

I'm in the same position as Swatkins.....this LO was in the bottom third and wondering what it was lacking.....why it didn't make the cut and where could I have improved.....
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/3150/thumbs/bright_day_reading_450x450.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=332430&ppuser=82827)
Reading Together (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=332430&cat=500&ppuser=82827)[/URL]
[URL="http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=332430&cat=500&ppuser=82827"] (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=332430&ppuser=82827)

[sandygb]

Sheryl and brenda - If I remember correctly from the last DET contest, all requests for critique while the DET contest was still in progress were held until after the contest was finished. We will resume the alumni critique after the contest ends. Please bump your post at that time if we forget......

[GailS]

Sandy's correct - in fairness to all the contestants who are still in the competition, we have to wait (even if you're no longer in the competition), but we'll be happy to give you advice as soon as it's over!

[GailS]

Now that the DET competition is over, we're open for business again! If you'd like some CC or help on your layouts from the DET Alumni, just post your layouts here. If you don't want the CC to be IN your layout comments, post the image here too and we'll critique it right in this thread!! We're here waiting to help!!!

[carolat]

OK - I just made DET and I am an alumni, but I have had this nagging question for YEARS! With my own pictures, the shadow only goes one way, so it is easy to duplicate that in a layout. With professional portraits, there are usually multiple light sources, so shadows are cast in several different directions - in that case what do you do when you are adding your own pieces (I mean pieces from the kit)to the layout and want a dropshadow? Which way looks more realistic? You can especially see it on the photo of Alex sitting. On his left shoulder, the shadow from his overalls is cast both down and to the left and also up and to the right. Help?!?!

BTW, the part of the photo that I uploaded looks kind of grainy, that is because I enlarged it so much so you could see what I am talking about. Also, feel free to leave the critique in the comments on the picture!

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/500/Shadows2.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=370530&title=shadows&cat=500)

[GailS]

I see what you mean. Generally, I think shadows on a digital layout will fall from upper left to lower right. That's not to say that anything else is "wrong" if the intention is to make it look like sources are coming from multiple areas.

My rule of thumb is to tell people that since we're trying to replicate a paper layout (not a studio shot), is to sit down under a light with several pieces of paper and see how the shadows fall when they start stacking them. That will emulate what they are looking for when creating a realistic layout. I suppose you could do that with multiple strong light sources as well, if that is your intention when creating a page.

I think the real reason is that when you make a layout, you're replicating a flat paper page as one would be sitting down looking at it - not a studio shot - that would usually not be under studio lighting or multiple strong sources. Does that help?

[carolat]

Sort of - let me try again. This layout was a "paper style" layout and I really wasn't sure where to put the shadow - I finally went with lower left, but I usually try to duplicate the way the light is on the picture so it looks more a part of the layout instead of just pasted on. So, in this case do you think the decision would be based on personal preference?


Or am I just taking this shadow thing too far?!?!

[sandygb]

I have often thought of this too Carola. Especially when the photo is a portrait and the person is facing toward the right side of the page with the light source obviously coming from the upper right. I have tried changing the light source on the layout to also match the photo and come from the upper right, but it looks unnatural to me. I have concluded that even if I was doing a "paper-scrapped" page with the same photo, the shadows on the elements and papers I use will not match the photo. They are what they are, and depending on how you hold the paper layout, the shadows cast by the elements will change. I no longer worry about it.

[carolat]

I no longer worry about it.


Sounds like a good way to do things - I'll try it :yes:

[sandygb]

Also - Since most designers add drop shadows to the kits elements they "create", usually with the light source coming from the upper left which casts the shadow to the lower right, I find it easier to match my drop shadows to the kit elements as well and not worry about shadowing that occurs within a photo.

[renee s]

I agree with Sandy. The photo is already taken, so the only shadow that will affect it when scrapping it is the edge of the picture. So I just add a drop shadow to the photo paper to match the element shadows, and I don't worry about where the shadows are falling in the actually photo, itself. Does that make sense?

[webfrau]

I think where the shadow is on the photo only becomes critical if you're doing a fantasy/graphic layout where you've extracted and are trying to create a realistic scene with other elements. Otherwise as already said a photo is just a piece of "paper" another element on the page.

[stitchmich]

I think where the shadow is on the photo only becomes critical if you're doing a fantasy/graphic layout where you've extracted and are trying to create a realistic scene with other elements. Otherwise as already said a photo is just a piece of "paper" another element on the page.

I think what Julia said. Although I also am not big on rules, so I think it's a matter of personal preference as long as all the shadows of the "pieces" on the page fall in the same direction.

[sandygb]

Very good point Julia. I hadn't thought about graphic style or extracted photos.

[carolat]

I don't use a lot of extracted photos or do many fantasy layouts, although the picture that I posted was an extracted shot and I was trying to make the shadow realistic. Now, I do work on a lot of graphic layouts with some of the picture extracted - What do you think I should do there? I really like Sandy's idea of not worrying about it anymore, but unfortunately, I don't think that'll work for me.

[sandygb]

LOL Carola - You sound like a perfectionist. I guess I would TRY not to worry about it, and in most cases, you probably won't need to, but if it is truly noticible to you, to the point that it doesn't look right, You could try changing the direction of the light source and horizontal-flipping the elements to match the photo......or you could try horizontal-flipping the photo. Family will obviously look strange in a mirror image, but if you are aiming for a perfect LO to post, who cares.

[Tara]

I agree with Julia!

[GailS]

I think Julia said it perfectly!

I guess it just depends on what style you're attempting to create. Anything that would be considered paper style (as if you were sitting at a table with the photos and elements cutting and pasting) - the photo would just be another paper layer with shadows falling the same way as the other papers and elements.

Graphic style layouts will integrate more with the image in the photo, because they don't have paper shadows - you're creating another whole image of its own. In which case you, the creator, can do whatever you fancy with lighting and shadow.

[Mashi]

Is this thread still running? I would love some help on where to go with this.....

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/500/thumbs/mag_layout_for_help.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=378949&title=i-27m-stuck-2c-need-help-21&cat=all)


It is a magazine style page more graphic than anything. I don't have any DSP products on it yet so not sure if that is okay to ask for CC/help at this stage? I think all that I will use DSP wise is a word art title, unless someone can think of some sort of embellishment or overlay that might work (and I am definitely open to all ideas)! Title or word art on the left, either sort of on the blue part of his shirt or in the block underneath. NOt sure how to best 'finish off' the bottom part of the page...

AM appreaciative of CC and even of any comments you might think are too critical, throw them all at me!!!

[WhiteAngel]

hi everyone I'm making a photo book for my grand nieces from photos, I need your advice...I made it into a storybook about themself...I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas or if I'm missing something or weather it makes sense, or if I could improve the story line...the children are about 2 years old..looking forward to any advise good or bad...i just want it perfect before i send it out for printing...thanks in advance here is a link...
http://issuu.com/whiteangel/docs/storybook2?mode=window&viewMode=doublePage

[GailS]

I think it's wonderful! For children that young you want to keep it simple and clean, and you've done that. I love the photo/sketch effects you've added as well as the masks.

If you are looking for ideas for dressing it up any, you could add some small graphics to some of the photos to jog their memory (like a monkey on the monkey page, a pair of ballerina shoes, etc.) since they probably can't yet read. If not, it's beautiful just as it is!

[WhiteAngel]

hey guys, i have made some changes, channged the font n added a front cover n i hope i made it read better...thanks for CC...let me know if it's improved...do u think it's ready 4 printing?

http://issuu.com/whiteangel/docs/cousins_storybook?mode=window&viewMode=doublePage

[webfrau]

I think it looks lovely and it's a wonderful idea.