Photography 101: Crop Shop

One simple, easy way to take better pictures without buying a new computer to up your graphics, or spend time learning the ins and outs of Photoshop, is to learn how to crop things in a more visually pleasing way.

In all these examples, A is the more aesthetically pleasing way, while B shows the difference when the guideline isn’t exactly followed.

Rule of Thirds:

Chances are, you subscribe to the rule of thirds without even knowing it. The rule of thirds basically suggests that, while imagining your image divided into 9 equal portions, it will be more powerful and dynamic when key points of the composition are placed along these lines and intersections.

To create 9 equal squares, simply hit ctrl-shift-R on your keyboard while in Photoshop. This will cause a ruler to appear, and now all you have to do is divide the numbers into equal parts.

Lead Room:

Everyone loves those looking-into-the-distance pictures, but it helps if you actually have distance to look longingly into. Lead room is the space in front, and in the direction, of moving or stationary subjects

This is used because if extra space is allowed in front of the subject, the viewer can see that it has someplace to go; without this visual padding, the subject’s forward progress will seem impeded

Body Cropping:

While this won’t be found online anywhere, it’s something I learned as I worked as a photographer. In layman’s terms, cropping off a hand is like cutting it off.

When cropping around a body, never, ever crop through a joint, especially hands and feet. Instead, select a segment in between two joints, like a thigh, calf, or forearm.

While these guidelines are not rules, they do make your photography look clean and polished. Just remember that you can’t covered up poor composition with any amount of post editing!

First Impressions

I know this is going to sound silly, because who takes Second Life so seriously, but I have a blogging resume, and I think all bloggers should have one, too!

Surprisingly enough, I got someone who agrees with me; one of the many anonymous designers that filled out my questionnaire for my previous post. They said that “a good introduction notecard is important for a first impression”, and I’m gunna help you build one!

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Introduction

The first lines are very important. Explain why you’re taking the time to send them a notecard, and what your blog is. What do you blog, and why is this important and what do you have to offer?

Feeds and Links

Every designer said that you need to be attached to feeds, so make sure to list every one you’ve got your link on. I’ve also included whether or not I’ve been invited, or submitted myself. To me, it shows initiative by submitting, and prowess by being invited.

Social Media

Don’t underestimate the appeal of social media. Just like above, it shows initiative and ambition because you’re attempting to reach readers via any medium you can. Don’t just list the platforms, give direct links to your profiles, too!

Pertinent Information

List any other pertinent information, such as things you do in SL that relate to your blogging. This would also be a good area to list what events you’ve been an official blogger for. For each event, list the year, such as Hair Fair 2011, Hair Fair 2012, and so on.

I know you’re probably thinking ‘dozens of bloggers got invited’ but those dozens of bloggers don’t tell the designers they want to work for.

Conclusion

This is where you give your blog link. By putting it at the end, you’re basically forcing them to read everything, instead of passing judgment by looking at your blog without knowing about it.

Also give your username. No display name, and no fancy characters. Make it easy for them to find you in search.

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Aside from that, the designer that put this idea in my head also said that you should list how long you’ve been blogging, and even provide links to some posts about their items you’ve done in the past.

What do designers look for in bloggers?

Bloggers always have the question of “why don’t designers add me to their blog list?” floating around in their heads. It could be that they didn’t get your notecard or IM, which is often the case with myself, but maybe there’s something you could do to sway the odds in your favour.

I took the time to write out a series of questions, and asked some designers, well known and otherwise, to sit down and give me their thoughts on what they look for in bloggers.

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What do they look for in blogs?

Be creative, and make sure your blog layout isn’t cluttered or confusing. The majority of designers ranked creativity, a unique style, and a well organized blog as things that are most important to them.

What do they look for in posts and articles?

Even after just a few responses, there was an overwhelming trend that you must have good quality pictures. Many placed good pictures as the most important thing, and low quality shots as the biggest deal breaker. They also said that, no matter what else, if the blog had bad pictures, they wouldn’t consider it at all.

What about my writing? Do I need proper grammar?

Writing, while not important as good pictures, is still a needed skill. Proper grammar and good spelling makes you look professional.

It was also mentioned that you shouldn’t abbreviate your key words, such as stores or events. People who have just entered the SL blogosphere won’t know what you’re talking about, and new customers are important to designers.

I’m not attached to many feeds. Is this an issue?

It can be. When asked if being attached to feeds and syndications is important, there was an overwhelming “yes”, especially major feeds, such as Style Academy and feeds.sl.

Will designers mind if I review things instead of just showing readers what’s new?

Most seem to like reviews, as long as it’s not simply “this shirt sucks.” Provide something constructive, something to improve, like “I’d love it if _____ had more _____,” instead of flat out criticism.

After all, you wouldn’t like it if someone told you your blog sucked, but didn’t provide a reason why or how to improve!

I’m a new blogger, and my views are low. Does this matter?

Yes. Many designers listed a low number of views as one of their deal breakers.

Designers appreciate longevity. You’re more likely to get review copies or be added to blogger lists the longer you’ve been around. Don’t let this discourage you though. You can get lucky, like myself, and get added to some lists just a few months in!

What about NSFW content?

Designers said that even if your blog had some dirty pictures, they’d still consider you, but make sure those pictures are tasteful. It’s very off putting when naughty bits are on display whether the reader wants to see it or not.

Solution? Hide your dirty stuff under a cut, and create a new post category for your naughtier posts.

Do I need to credit everything?

Not everything, but proper credits are needed. Like I said above, don’t use obscure abbreviations for stores or events that only the in-crowd will know, this doesn’t allow new people to check things out.

Use the full store or event name at least once in your post, and then start using the shortened versions, and make sure to give SLURLs for everything.

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Knowing exactly what goes on in a designers head after you send them a blog request is a helpful thing. Hopefully, this helps you get your name on more feeds and blog lists, and helps designers get more traffic!