Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Public Service Announcement: Why photography can make or break a blog

We've never done a post on this. But after this....

Heeeeello down there can you hear me?!
this...
Moooo, who's there I can't see it's so dark!

and nearly gagging over this....

Now we know why Mady needed a glass of water so bad.

....It's time.

Photography can elevate your blog from mediocre to truly Pioneer Woman-ish fantastic. Especially when you are trying to convey the tastes and smells of delicious food. And while other bloggers can offer dozens of great tips on how to make your blog photos really wow your readers, we recognize the need to dumb it down for the dumb-ish and take baby steps. So for now we offer just three big ones:

1. get close
2. get closer
3. Photoshop (or iPhoto) is your friend

That's all you need. You don't need a DSLR or some kind of fancy lens. You don't need a photography class or to even be that artistic. Just invest in a point and shoot that has a "macro" or similar setting (allows you to shoot really close to your subject and captures all the details and makes them pop), get in there with your subject and snap away. Then after, don't be afraid to play with the photo in Photoshop or iPhoto until it looks really cool.

Here's some examples yours truly shot with a Canon Powershoot SX260 on the macro setting:

Get down in there. Get low with the food, get as close as you can, and shoot toward and into it, not hovering above it. Stop hovering, we're photographers not helicopter pilots!

Mmm, this simple pizza I made on the grill looks mouth-watering when you actually can see it.

I didn't even like these that much, I think I left something out, but using a white container, a fun angle,
natural light and getting in as close as possible makes them look yummier than they really are.
Even a mediocre Caesar salad just looks better when you get in close and don't hover.

Photoshop or iPhoto can help improve a blah photo. Take Kate's cow photo she probably took on her iPhone. It's so dark you can hardly tell what it is:

But with a little playing around on iPhoto, cropping it and lightening and adding some cool filters, it can look a lot better. It's still blurry, you can't make chicken soup out of chicken sh%&, but it's a lot more presentable.





Thanks for indulging me in sharing a little of my hobby of photography and may all blogs everywhere be forever more much prettier. Especially that one called kateplusmy8.com. Happy shooting and share your photos if you want, I'd love to see.

253 sediments (sic) from readers:

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JoyinVirginia said...

Tweet, I am also very sorry about your dog.

Aeduko said...

Tweet: I'm so sorry to hear about your little dog. I had a dachshund mix who was the love of my life. He was a holy terror, but I adored him. He was the worst barker we ever had, all someone had to do was look at the house and he'd go berserk. We had huge picture windows in the living room, and after he died it took me forever to clean the windows. Just couldn't bear to clean up all the Rudy snot all over the bottom third of the window.

I feel your pain, and I hope you start smiling more than crying soon.

anger issues kate said...

Well, I just checked the guest list for the Kentucky Derby for 2012 and Kate is not listed at all. So, unless Kate is gonna show up un-invited or last min. Or Kate will make some half-ass excuse on why she could not go this year. You know lie about it, instead of just saying she was not invited.

Ex Nurse said...

PJ's momma said... 162
I don't know about you, but I have never thanked my friends for their service before. They are my friends, they don't provide a service. When my friend does my hair, I tip about 20% and still call her only my friend. When my friends cook me a meal, I thank them for their hospitality and thoughtfulness. I have never in my life used 'friend' and 'service' in the same sentence.
//////////////////

I was thinking the same thing PJsmomma (hey, autofill popped up your name after I typed pjs!) --does Kate have any friends that aren't on her payroll? gawd...I am starting to feel sorry for her...

sidnay said...

A Very Special Announcement!!!!
Creekhouse Apps is proud to announce that we are developing an app for reality star Jon Gosselin!


Since Jon has left celebrity life to spend more private time with his family, his loyal fans are always wondering what he's up to. Since Twitter just doesn't seem to be enough he is introducing his own personal app. Launch date is expected for early June!


Here is a sneak peak of some of the things you can expect....



Jon's got a great sense of humor...send him a message, if you're lucky he'll holla back!



Keep up with what Jon is listening to and easily download tracks from the iStore.



Jon has promised to come back to Facebook for his app...you'll know when it happens here first.



Find out where Jon is making public appearances, you might be able to snag an autograph.

***********************************************

Holy shit. The ego of those poor children's parents burns. Seems Jon's got a little narcissism in still.

How come no one is talking about this? So much for ANY privacy now, Jon. Stupid ass. Him and Kate should really get back together. They are a perfect match. Like attracts like.

PJ's momma said...

Aeduko, I am living your life over here with my doxie! We love him but he's a handful. He's bitten me trying to get to another dog. It hurt! But we love him, we can't help it. He's sleeping so peacefully behind me, curled up a dachsund donut with his little baby blanket on him.

Ex Nurse, exactly! Way to remind your friends that they are at your service, Kate. Or as my husband would say, at your beck and whim. How about those riots yesterday? Egads, I am glad we were south and missed all that.

Ex Nurse said...

admin said`.....
Here's a tip on how to get hired for lots more speaking engagements. Don't act like it's an afterthought that you blew off until the last minute and then scrambled to do your homework on the bus to school. I don't know, it just comes across like you don't care.
_____________
How about not getting Menu Monday recipe posted until Tuesday? Really?  It is the only commitment that you have made to you fans and you can't get that done? Don't you know that there are entire families that will go hungry on Monday night while the house chef sits at the computer waiting for the next Kulinary Kreation (copyright pending)?

Here's a free tip, oh organized one: Write a couple of posts to have as a backup for when you are too busy organizing your hoses to post on your pathetic website. Then you won't look like an unreliable, disorganized and high maintenance bitch to any future employers . The last thing you need is another demonstration that you are undependable and unable to deliver on a deadline--a top priority for those that are occupying your dream chairs.

______
Tweedle Dee--so sorry to hear about your beloved pup. My thoughts are with you.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Corey and Matt agree, the network and producers do care that people get help. And the reason that they do this is because they want to help people.

&&&

You know I do think there are people like those guys that are truly involved in the Hoarders shows and similar "OMG" shows to help people. I really do. I don't think for a second though that everyone is, I think execs and many more behind the scenes just see this as a quick, cheap, easy way to make money off people's problems. I just think the exploitation of these people is not worth what help they could provide, although thank goodness they provide aftercare after invading their personal lives like that. Maybe a better idea is for A&E if they are sincere about their concern is to set up a charity to help. Lots of networks have their charities, that could be A&E's. Providing mental health services to people like this but without the condition they have to exploit their situation on T.V.

Border Collie said...

Tweetle, allow me to express my sorrow as well for your irreplaceable companion. RIP little one.

She is a Cow said...

Interesting: If you look at @jasonhueman, you can see that he did see Deanna and Kate today, but I beleive it was for Lunch. He never said dinner, just "dineandditch". He later tweets that he is going to dinner with Ted Gibson and has pictures of the restaurant. Funny, he also took a picture of Deanna and posted it along with a few other cute tweets to her. Nothing about Kate! So, maybe holaiscj is telling the truth about seeing Kate at a minit market in the afternoon.

I guess Kate doesn't rate that late afternoon/dinner appointment anymore HA HA! And I know it is not for the kid's sake, because she is probably still in NYC, waiting for her flight to MO.
______________________
Some of Jason's Tweets:

jasonhueman
@deannatweeting you look adorable as a bunny! #Pick http://t.co/cwYsPYMW(preview)

jasonhueman
@Kateplusmy8 @deannatweeting I just realized I did a #dineandditch !!!! On me next time!!!! Xoxox

jasonhueman
Dinner in the village w/ @tedgibson #major #datenight http://t.co/87hoLRq0

jasonhueman
#mixology at #fedora NYC #datenight w/ @tedgibson http://t.co/FRv6uCYg(preview)

Barb Gilman said...

@Tweet-le De Tweet-le DUMB I'm so sorry about the loss of your sweet doggie. It is so very hard, but the memories will live on. I'm glad you had a dinner of real food to honor him!

readerlady said...

Tweet -- I'm so sorry to hear about your little dog. These fur kids wrap their paws around our hearts and won't let go. I hope you find some comfort in the memories of your life together. He will be waiting for you at the Bridge.

Dmasy said...

Tweetle...every pet lover here (and there are so many of us) wants to send you a hug. You made a difficult choice. Hopefully, the pain of your loss will evolve into charming memories. Take care...

TLC stinks said...

I think hola tweets are from a sheeple teeing us up. It is totally like Kate to get her hair fried before she does any event. Of course INF will be carrying photos of he Ozark's Women's charity because Sreve will be taking the pictures. Anyway, let's not start any rumors and fall for hola. Not buying it.

TLC stinks said...

I bet Steve is at the McMansion as we speak.

chefsummer #Leh said...

SO Kate's in NYC early.? I wonder if she's still there or not I bet she is.

Thanku @JasonHueman 4my blonde &Diego @fig&olive again 4 great care, &friendship...There r no words to describe friends&service like you! XO

JoyinVirginia said...

Ms Kreider is even more boring than ever. talking about Dancing with the Stars is more fun!
This past week on dwts was classical week. The costume department went all out in making beautiful, incredibly gorgeous dresses for all the women, and most of the men exposed some or all of their fabulous chests. It is not surprising that the bottom two, Jaleel and Roshon, both had costumes that covered their chests.
Once again, makes me wonder just why Ms Kreider had a Series of Unfortunate Costumes on dwts.
Tony is off the competition but definitely on the show, and he was featured in the Web series Ballroom Battle, also on the dwts website. He is often on the show dancing to the musical guests on Tuesdays.
Former stars come back to be in the audience, to give current dancers pep talks, to be in the dwts live Las Vegas show, to do comedy bits. nice, fun former stars, that is.

Dmasy said...

It is easy to envision Kate in full out I-am-so-important (sigh) I-have-so-much-to-do mode. "KIDS, get out of my way!" "Steeeve, where is my suitcase?"

A star is on her way to the stage today.

I can't imagine any humility that she is speaking at a charity event -- a benefit for mothers and families with troubles.

This is about being blonde, tan and the center of attention. And, maybe some room service at someone else's expense.

She just makes me grouchy!

barbee said...

SHE can't be at the Derby this year as she has that important SPEAKING engagement in MO Friday night. She will be toooooo oo exhaustedish to grace them with her royal heinous presence. Sometimes the Derby gets really lucky!

chefsummer #Leh said...

miloandjack
@Kateplusmy8 Im saddened by the other parent's decision 2share custody time w/3 other kids not his own. The 8 need that time w/dad.
___________

So does that also included Steve's kids being there and Steve being there.?

Or are you just bashing Jon for being a good dad to his 8 and possible to 2 other children.?

A Pink Straight Jacket For Kate said...

Tweet,

I'm so sorry to hear that your little fur baby has passed on. May your little friend R.I.P.

Take care.

With love,
Pink

A Pink Straight Jacket For Kate said...

Hooray for the Gosselin children!

They're getting a mental break from their manic mother.

I hope they have a good time.

Once a Viewer said...

Tweet-le: I am so sorry to hear about your dear dog. I know how you feel,having gone through it, and will again. And it's terribly hard. Yes, you will have great memories but it is a true loss.
But it is worth the pain to have loved such a truly unconditional furry friend- so many people miss out on this experience. RIP.

TLC stinks said...

I just assumed she is home after the NYC trip. Perhaps she remained in NYC and is still there with Steve?

Once a Viewer said...

Kate plans today to do her' best, as always'.. but has no appetite...could that be because she gorged herself at Fig & Olive? She is looking forward of a summer of sun and pool...what, no job hunt? She will even be glad, she tweets, not to see to the kids' getting ready for school, helping with homework etc! She acts like she doesn't have a care in the world? How many people can sit back all summer with nothing to do but relax and enjoy life's 'little luxuries?'

TLC stinks said...

Hey hola, how do you know so much about where Kate is seen? Don't believe you. Prove it.

Kate's Going Down said...

Kate's orange ass isn't going to be at any derby. She's going to prattle on in MO Friday night about what she's famous for and act like an ass as usual, then either sneak off to some other location or stay there so as to escape the orphanage. Or if the orphanage is empty, she'll sit in the empty house over the weekend counting out frozen candy or re-arranging garden hoses or talking to herself in the mirror.

Her life is probably more pathetic than any of us have guessed.

As for that Jon app, I'm not sure I even understand that. How can a person be an app? I guess I'll wait and see what it's like, just like with his book. So far, I don't have much to judge, as neither this nor the book are out yet.

As for Jon's girlfriend's three kids, I'm sure it's nice for the eight to actually have some kids to interact with outside of school. At the orphanage, it's just them in the basement with some workbooks. And his girlfriend's kids are younger than the eight, so that's probably fun for the six. There's nothing Kate can do about the fact that he has a gf with kids, anyway. So Milo needs to butt out of that.

Tucker's Mom said...

Tweetle-- I'm so sorry about your loss. Dogs are so precious. I have 3 and the oldest is sick today and I'm doting over him!
I hope you find peace in wonderful memories and treasured times you shared.

Virginia Pen Mom said...

Am I seeing this right that Kate hasn't tweeted Milo since April 26? Careful, Kate, or the bunny gets it! Milo will get more desperate to regain Kate's attention. Her slam on Jon is probably part of that.

I'm so sorry about your dog, Tweet-Le. They are such precious, loving family members.

Jane said...

NLAN transcribed Jon's recent radio interview and it can be read at Preesi's site in the Jon Gosselin's Book thread - it's very interesting and worth the read. Tried to post it here but it won't go through. Thanks for your hard work, NLAN!

She is a Cow said...

Tweete- I am sorry about your dog,but I am sure he is running in hotdog heaven. May the happy memories outweigh the sad.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

She is looking forward of a summer of sun and pool...what, no job hunt? She will even be glad, she tweets, not to see to the kids' getting ready for school, helping with homework etc!


&&&

Ah yes, kick back, relax, enjoy a mai tai by the pool.

Meanwhile summer is a time of increased anxiety for struggling working moms who have to figure out child care all day log and scrape together every last dollar to pay for a few fun day camps for the kids and try to give them a nice summer on a budget. She is clueless.

Paula said...

Just curious, WTH is Kate living on now and what will she live on in the future? It appears she has no plans to ever get a job.

As far as Jon's GF's kids - good for the Gosselin kids to finally have other children to play with. It has to be boring just entertaining yourselves.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

So does that also included Steve's kids being there and Steve being there.?

&&&&&

Great point Chef, you got it.

So, if it's not okay for Jon to bring his friend's children around the kids on his time, it stands to reason it's certainly not okay for Steve to do the same on Kate's time.

Explain the difference please dear Milo. If anything Steve's kids are worse since they are significantly older teen boys (15, 16 now?) and likely have nothing in common or want much to do with such little kids.

For the record, I don't have a problem with their one of them bringing their kids around. That is something that is truly a personal choice and if Kate or Jon don't want other people around that's up to them, they are big boys and girls.

Dmasy said...

Jane, thanks. I admit I am not the best computer browser, but I have the most difficult time with the Preesi site. I have given up trying to find something there when it is mentioned here.

Finally -- mostly using Google -- I did find NLAN's transcript of Jon's interview. It is good. Maybe she will copy it over here, too.

Permanent Name said...

Tweet,

So sorry to hear about your pup's passing. I understand you not wanting to clean the window - it's 'doggy nose art' and we left ours up for a couple of years.

My sister-in-law commented that we 'should clean that up' but I just couldn't. Everytime I looked at it I thought of all the good times.

Dachshunds are the best - they leave wonderful memories long after they are gone.

RIP, Little Angel.

Jane said...

Glad you found it Dmasy. I should have included a link!

http://preesi.lefora.com/2012/03/30/jon-gosselins-book/

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Kate Gosselin ‏ @Kateplusmy8
I have a couple of kids home sick 2day. Guess what they're watching @RealRomaDowney? Your Little Angels! Thx again..GREAT DVD series 4 kids!

&&&

Ugh, plllease. They are nearly eight years old!!! Roma specifically said it's videos for PRESCHOOLERS.

I don't believe for a second these kids wouldn't say, OHhh noo not the baby videos again!!

Once a Viewer said...

Geez, how many times do these kids have to watch them? And more at home sick- I wonder how much sick time the kids have had from school?

Kate sure turns DVDs on a lot despite snootily saying they don't watch much TV except "R show'.

TLC stinks said...

Read the transcript. Good for Jon. He has a bright future and is WORKING. I agree with NLAN that when Jon was asked if Kate were ever to get another reality show with the kids, would he be hesitate to allow the kids to be on it, his answer was not a definite no but says he and Kate have co-custody and have to work things out. In other words, why start a fire with Kate by pronouncing something that most likely will never happen.

He did say he and Kate are friends now but are totally different people and have different parenting styles. No shit, Sherlock!

Anyway, Jon is doing great designing apps for a company and doing some charity work. He is a network engineer.

He said that $22K for CS was based upon his previous year's income with TLC. Wow. Some salary! SO Kate must have been raking in a big salary too in addition to the $22K. And now the poor thing has to save for college. Boo hoo.

Dmasy said...

Well...maybe the sick chicks chose to watch the pre-schooler DVD because their other option was another viewing of a Kate Plus 8 video!

anger issues kate said...

Admin: Actually isn't it none of Kate business, what Jon does, when he has the kids? Just as it is none of his business what Kate does?

Sidnay: I totally disagree with you about Jon. 1. Jon is not using his kids, in any shape, form, manner or talking about them. 2. Jon is not doing a show biz thing, 3. believe it or not Jon does have fans, friends, family, business contacts etc and people who follow him. Unlike Kate who uses her kids, cause without them she is nobody. Just a has-been reality personality. All Jon is doing is expanding his networking, from twitter to facebook and probably people have been asking what he listens to. You know not all fans are like Kates fanatics or her haters. I like Jon, I have always liked Jon. Everyone does stupid things in their lives, and are given a second, somethings like Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears etc, many second chances, probably more than they diserve. I do understand why Jon did what he did back 3 years ago. That was then, this is now. Jon has cleaned up his act and has moved on, Kate has not. Jon having a new GF, good for him, maybe this is the one. How many of you, went through a lot of relationships, before you found the right person or found another someone? I really hate the media, crazy Kate fans, haters for coming down on Jon, for just about everything, and let Kate get away with murder. This GF of Jon is only about 6-8 years younger than Jon, so he is not bar hopping or picking up young girls. Yes, I am defending Jon, cause he does get a bum rap all the time. Kate get off scott free.

Once a Viewer said...

Thanks Jane for the link.

Jon: Um, I'd kind of be hesitant. But, you know, we'd kind of have to talk about it. You know, we share custody so, if it came down to that...

This is in regard to another reality show with the kids!! I was surprised Jon would even entertain such a thought. He says he and Kate speak daily and are friends. Hmmm. Also that he does get all the kids at once, and yes,last time was on Monday.

With all those payments of $22,000 per month I think Kate could be set for quite a while IF she spends wisely.

chefsummer #Leh said...

Realitytvkids.com (Administrator) said... 31
So does that also included Steve's kids being there and Steve being there.?

&&&&&

Great point Chef, you got it.

So, if it's not okay for Jon to bring his friend's children around the kids on his time, it stands to reason it's certainly not okay for Steve to do the same on Kate's time.

Explain the difference please dear Milo. If anything Steve's kids are worse since they are significantly older teen boys (15, 16 now?) and likely have nothing in common or want much to do with such little kids.

For the record, I don't have a problem with their one of them bringing their kids around. That is something that is truly a personal choice and if Kate or Jon don't want other people around that's up to them, they are big boys and girls.
May 3, 2012 7:11 AM
------------

Exactly but we both know Milo thinks Kate can do no wrong only Jon can.

Milo would probably say "Oh Steve's kids they can watch the little kids.

Cause Kate works so hard and is such a good mother and she's all-ways home with the kids.-Blah Blah Blah

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

anger issues kate said... 39
Admin: Actually isn't it none of Kate business, what Jon does, when he has the kids? Just as it is none of his business what Kate does?

&&&&

Not exactly, I think you have a right to know who is around your children and a right to express concerns, if you have any legitimate ones. You can always go to the family law judge if you have concerns about how is around your children.

Because I know both Kate and Jon can always go to the family law judge if they take issue with who is around their kids, is why I say it is THEIR business and not anyone else's.

Some judges won't hesitate to make orders that girlfriends, boyfriends etc are not to be around the children on visits if they have a reason to feel that a parent is being inappropriate. That was obviously not done here and never was for either of them.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

New post.

Tamara said...

Find out where Jon is making public appearances, you might be able to snag an autograph.
------------
Ick, if you put stuff like that out there you can't complain much when strangers come up to you for a pic or more even if you are at something linked to one of your kids.

And I thought Jon was designing apps, not trying to climb up from z- list celeb to m-list celeb.

Tamara said...

So does that also included Steve's kids being there and Steve being there.?
-----------
Apples and oranges imo. Khate is an absent parent even when she's in the same room as her kids. The kids have been highly jealous and desperate for attention from the beginning and I think it's crappy if Jon is forcing them to now share him with any other children, especially if said kids are under 14.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

I hope she goes to the derby because dang that photoshop last year was FUN! Time for a sequel.

Desperation personified said...

I wonder how much Kate is paying her PR firm to keep her face/name front & center on Radar Online with this nonsense 'sinister plot'. It's nothing but making much ado about nothing to keep her in the press, but what's so funny is that NO ONE is biting - NO ONE cares. She's sooo desperate. lol

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

To his inner circle Jon is very clear the kids will not be on T.V. again unless of course a judge overrules him and at this point he knows no network is going to want the bad publicity of that. He has no obligation to make this widely known. The last time he did that it turned into a tabloid war of the roses. There is no reason to put his kids through another public tit for tat again. None.

He might not be getting along with Kate at all (from the way she talks about him does anyone really believe they are?), but the diplomatic we are friends, and the diplomatic we would have to talk about filming, is just that, diplomatic.

As for what you see is what you get with Jon, well, what you see is what you get with Kate too!

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Also another indication is Kate's always very sad, I don't think there will be any specials, that she's said a few times.

TLC was very clear they hoped to make specials. They make them all the time for the Little People. Why not for Kate? Because Jon won't let them. Period. And Kate knows it.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

@SuperPattyPie @stxmom @trippenin lol. Yeah almost a century ago $5 was a lot I guess... about 19 hours ago

&&&

A century ago?? Umm, no, five bucks was plenty for me when I was a kid, plenty for Kate, and plenty for millions of other kids around the country.

What don't they understand about the point of an allowance? The point is not to make you RICH. The point is to teach you about money for gosh sakes. What don't they understand about the fact that many, many good parents don't give allowances AT ALL?

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