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don't panic  

AR Mantra and AR team


AR stands up for Artist Relations. That is why the team was created. This is what we are doing, but we need your help so we can do it better! We bring Unity to the Community Help us by sharing your ideas, projects, events, groups and clubs with us, so we can do it together! With YOU AR brings unity to the community – but only with you…

AR Team
Director: $Moonbeam13
Assistant Director: $FallenRox

• AR Team List
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AC Articles

The Artisan Crafts Gallery (weekly article serie)
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The Crafted....
'Star Wars', 'Sports', 'Valentines', 'Easter', 'Babies', 'Flowers', 'Tim Burton'

• AC Interviews • AC News

Project: EDUCATE

What do you do if you want something pimped in my journal or AR newsletter?

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25 comments | Past Polls

The Artisan Crafts Gallery

• Artisan Crafts FAQ

Tangible craft work created by the artist, including leather working, glass-blowing metalwork or textiles crafted for utilitary use.

• Architectural Design Artisan crafts of an architectural nature, such as awnings, custom cabinetry, patios, or anything regarding buildings and shelter.

• Culinary Arts Edible art; food and drink presented as art that is purely edible or is enhanced with non-edible objects.

• Custom Dolls Custom dolls created from bases or by hand and are usually of porcelain, vinyl, or hard plastic. Custom dolls are not stuffed.

• Folding & Papercraft The art of folding and cutting paper to create objects of a 3D nature such as origami, dioramas, and other art work.

• Jewelry All types of jewellry regardless of medium, and includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, charms, and even keychains.

• Knotting & Weavings Baskets and other woven reed creations.

• Leatherwork Leatherworking including stamped flat pieces like belts, to meticulously shaped and sewn objects such as sandals, saddlebags and clothing.

• Metal Work Metal work, including swords, armor, chain mail, metal forging and blacksmithing.

• Misc/other Miscellaneous artisan crafts.

• Sculpture and Glass Works using mediums such as clay, ceramic, synthetic sculpting compounds, glass, paper-mache, sand, and other medium.

• Textiles Art created by using fabric and natural woven materials including fashion/costume construction and hairpieces like wigs and falls.

• Woodworking Artisan crafts created using wood as a medium, and can include carvings, constructs, and etchings.

STAMPS






Recent Journal Entries

  • 7/14/08 Cosplay category added in Photography
  • 7/13/08 AR Update - Artisan Crafts July 13th
  • 7/13/08 Man, this is sleek + hints and help
  • 7/2/08 June DD:s
  • 6/29/08 Comment challenge!
  • 7/13/08 • Edumiscation
  • 6/27/08 A little word on miscats
  • 6/24/08 Update on the photographing critique event
  • 6/22/08 Journal Cloud & Breast Auction
  • 6/20/08 Midsummer + contest winners

    • Disclaimer

    The views expressed on this website are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect those of deviantART or my employers.

    • A guide for improving your AC-photographs

    Journal Entry: Tue Jun 24, 2008, 12:55 AM



    Suggest a DD
    DD Guidelines

    AC Gallery
    AC Forum
    AC News
    AC Tutorials

    AC Interviews
    AC FAQ
    AC Clubs

    #ArtisanCrafts

    Report miscats
    Edumiscation

    -----------

    A guide for improving your AC-photographs

    Spotlight on Artisan Crafts

    AC Week Database



    THE CHALLENGE

    As artists who creates 3-dimensional art/craft there is a challenge as to show our creations by photo - in a portfolio, as a deviation on dA or anywhere else on the internet.

    The viewer can't touch the surface, feel the fabric or smell the wood. The photograph of the item is all we have, and if the photo doesn't show your creation in a good way the whole impression can be completely destroyed.


    If the photo is too blurry or the lighting is too poor it's hard for the viewer too fully appreciate your work and might not see/understand the hard work behind it since details are lost in the poor quality of the photo. Also messy backgrounds, cropping and image size make a huge different when viewing all kinds of work

    Of course it makes a difference with what kind of equipment you have, but as long as you know how to use it there is no real excuse to blur photos.
    The tips and tricks I've listed below to combat different problems can be used no matter what camera you are using.



    GENERAL

    When doing a photoshoot of your object, take several photos - use different angles, change the light and please look through them with a critiqual eye. Don’t go for ‘a bit blurry, but otherwise ok’ - reshoot and learn what conditions suits your camera and object the best.

    If you rezise your photos, or do some post-processing - ALWAYS save your original!



    FOCUS

    If the photo is blurry and you can't see the details, it's hard for the viewer to appreciate the delicate work you have done.

    Blurry photos either depend on camera movements or lack of proper focus.

    All cameras have a limit on how close you can go and still be able to focus, this will usually be indicated somewhere. Find out how your camera works and don't go any closer than the limit.
    If you still are unsure, I'd say take a step back and crop the photo afterwards instead.
    If your camera have a macro mode, use that.

    As for movements, which can occour when lighting is poor or from holding the camera loose - either use a tripod, books or something to put to camera on - and get better lighting.


    Photobucketbra

    In the left photo I was way to close and the camera couldn't focus - I took a step back and what a difference! Now all the details are visible.

    #1 Way to Correct Blurry Photos



    LIGHT

    If the lighting is poor the quality of the photo usually is low a as well and it can be hard to get a good 3-dimensional feel over it. With poor light it's harder to get a focused shot without tripod.

    Sunlight is often the best lightsource!

    PhotobucketPhotobucket

    In the left photo the light is too poor and therefore details are lost and on the right photo I used a flash, which tends to 'wash out' the colors.

    Lighting: Live Tutorial

    Lighting - Abridged Reference

    Studio lighting

    Fussy Camera, Shitty Light Tut



    BACKGROUNDS

    If the background is messy, it's harder to take in the details of the creation. Use a plain backdrop - it could be a single colored sheet or fabric. Use a color or pattern that fit and emphasize the object.

    Photobucketbra

    Notice the difference



    CROPPING

    If the photo isn't cropped at all, it can get a bit of a sloppy feel over it - almost like the artisan don't care how his/hers work is displayed (left photo below)
    If the photo is too cropped the visual effect usually isn't the best (right photo below)

    PhotobucketPhotobucket



    RESIZING PHOTOS

    Resizing photos is a must when fullview is huuuge and it's impossible view the whole photo without scrollin' in all directions.
    You want the viewing to be a pleasure, not a work-out

    Resizing images for Deviantart
    Image Resize Tutorial
    Cropping and resizing tutorial



    ANGLE

    When you are photographing your creation, look at it! Is the angle you a shooting in the best for your item? Or is the angle making the piece look crooked?

    vs.
    Bad vs.good angle




    Big thanks for *DryadStudios for letting me use their example in my tutorial!



    COLLAGES

    Also, sometimes different angles of the item makes it easier to understand the complexity of the creation and a collage can sometimes be crucial to fully appreciate it, with some close-ups and details on how it works.





    ARTIST'S COMMENTS

    When submitting your fantastic crafted and well photographed work to dA please add a little about it in artist's comments.
    You have spent several hours creating it, spend a couple of minutes writing down a little blurb and you will recieve more comments, questions, understanding and awe!



    OTHER USEFUL TUTORIALS


    Pics of art w crappy camera


    studio pics without studio???


    small home made studio



    DISCLAIMER


    Please note that I am not a professional in any way, I just wanted to share some tips and tricks I've picked up and I hope others will find them useful.
    Opinions and taste stated here are mine


    Please let me know if you think something is missing or if something is unclear.


    Please also consider the option to contact a professional photograph, if you want to set up a professional portfolio, if you lack the time or equipment.
    A good visual presentation is everything when it comes to applying to colleges, jobs or exhibitions. Or just sharing you work!



    The example used (if not otherwise stated) is a creation of mine

    Crying over a missing foot




    Devious Comments

    love 1 1 joy 5 5 wow 0 0 mad 0 0 sad 0 0 fear 0 0 neutral 0 0

    *Jarathorn:iconJarathorn: Jan 17, 2008, 11:33:01 AM Mood: Joy
    YEAH someone had to say this. I really hope every one reads this. Actually you might want to turn this into an article so it hits a wider audience.

    Great journal I hope it is read and loved as much as it should be.

    --
    "Better to die on your feet than live a life time on your knees."

    "The beatings will continue until moral improves."

    "Life is not a question to be asked, it is a statement to be lived"
    `taeliac:icontaeliac: Jan 17, 2008, 11:45:30 AM
    It's incredibly nice that you're *not* a professional - I think it makes people more comfortable to know that they can get the same results.

    Do you have any plans on submitting this as a news article? :poke:

    --
    :damphyr: Fairy Wings + Etsy Contest
    Deadline is July 25th!

    Why watch anime when you can be anime? Custom Cosplay Commissions [link]
    `taeliac:icontaeliac: Jan 17, 2008, 11:46:32 AM
    Holy wow! I, apparently, spoke too soon! XP

    I suck.

    --
    :damphyr: Fairy Wings + Etsy Contest
    Deadline is July 25th!

    Why watch anime when you can be anime? Custom Cosplay Commissions [link]
    ^KevLewis:iconKevLewis: Jan 17, 2008, 11:59:44 AM
    using a small light tent will do wonders for the lighting as it removes all of the harsh shadows. They can bought from camera shops or ebay. I bought mine from ebay :)

    Or you can make your own [link]

    --
    Gallery Director, Animals, Plants & Nature
    "It isn't what you feel that matters, it's who you touch"
    Breast Cancer Awareness 2008
    ^KevLewis:iconKevLewis: Jan 17, 2008, 12:15:28 PM
    also supporting your camera with something as simple as a beanbag and using the camera self-timer so you don't touch the camera while the photo is taken will seriously improve the detail and quality of the image.

    --
    Gallery Director, Animals, Plants & Nature
    "It isn't what you feel that matters, it's who you touch"
    Breast Cancer Awareness 2008
    *dehk:icondehk: Jan 17, 2008, 1:20:36 PM
    Very detailed journal, and if anyone need any help you know where to send them and i will be very glad to help.

    --
    ________________________
    Founder of dAmn #UnknownPhotography
    =amalym:iconamalym: Jan 17, 2008, 1:31:40 PM
    thank you for the ideas!! The tutorials are great too:D

    --
    Amanda Lynne Murtagh
    `lazybutt:iconlazybutt: Jan 17, 2008, 1:35:38 PM
    Yay - this is aweosme, Jenny! Thank you for doing this :hug:

    --
    =DailyDeviants
    --
    support.the.community :heart:
    =minami63:iconminami63: Jan 17, 2008, 1:37:23 PM
    Thanks so much for writing this! I know a lot of people who will benefit from this assistance (myself included)! :love:

    --
    Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go...
    {T.S. Eliot}

    *ArtisanCraft *dAKnitters *Holidays ~creepy-craft ~mushy-plushie

    Athrun Zala avatar made especially for me by ~Im-so-C-O-L-D
    =InKibus:iconInKibus: Jan 17, 2008, 7:46:35 PM
    Priceless. :nod:
    To many people don't realize setting or just simply letting n some light makes a piece look professional instead of like a lump.
    Thanks for that!

    --
    I guess, to be a fully fledged actor these days, ya gotta learn to ride.~~
    :buymyprints: InKi's Prints and Art for sale-[link]
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