Good Photos and the Mommy Blog
Many of you have been asking about what else I learned from the Martha Stewart Show on blogging. (That post has now been updated with photos, by the way.) I have to admit, it all went by pretty quickly. The guests were on and off within moments, it seemed, and the discussion with each of them really didn’t go beyond what their blog was about. Perez Hilton did share some tips, but as for blogging success, that was about the extent of it.
One thing I noticed, however, is what a difference a well-designed blog and great photographs can make for readers. When I come across blogs that are simple, clean, and easy to read, I really notice it. When I find blogs that are cluttered and busy, well, I notice that too. And that was true when I looked at all the blogs that were featured on the show that day as well.
The blogs that really stood out for me were also the ones that had beautiful photos within the posts. My favorite was A Way To Garden. I realize this is common sense, but I do sometimes forget that blogging is a visual medium, and the look really does matter. As I said before, the greatest thing I came away with was the book, A Year Of Mornings, which, again, places emphasis on great photography, and made me want to do a lot more with the photos I take of the boys and our family.
And I think all of this applies to mommy blogging just as much as any other type of blogging. Many of us share pictures of our kids on our blogs, and the quality of those pictures obviously ranges in quality (although the subject matter is always gorgeous, of course:). I know I’ve been guilty of posting many poorly composed or blurry photos, simply because I wanted to share the subject in the photo, and I just was not able to capture it any better. And I’m not saying that it’s not ok to do that occasionally - most of us are not professional photographers. But I can also think of many mommy blogs that consistently have beautiful photos, and that makes them a pleasure to read, which makes me want to practice, practice, practice.
Some of my favorite moms who put me to shame in the photography department are Jaime at All Things Avery, who always stuns me with beautiful photos of her adorable daughter, Nicole of The Tales of Eli and Maddux, who has a wonderful ability to capture the emotions and excitement of every day activities with little ones, and Gretchen from Lifenut, who always manages to find the smallest of beautiful details.
So bear with me, because all of this together has gotten me on a bit of a photo frenzy, and you may have to witness some serious experimental photography in the coming weeks. I figure, why not? Is it possible to have too many pictures of one’s children? I think not.
What are your favorite blogs with great photos? Any of them mommy blogs?
I’ve been following The Pioneer Woman for a while and her blog has really grown, she’s all about photography and sometimes kids. http://thepioneerwoman.com/
I just found this one with some really great pics. http://www.raisingsuperheroes.blogspot.com/
I’m curious, what kind of camera do you have?
amanda soule’s blog. of course. she has wonderful photography. http://www.soulemama.com.
and great photography on a food blog mari of http://www.mevrouwcupcake.com— her stuff is just mouth-watering. all the time.
I agree. I have the ABILITY to take good pictures, but not the digital camera needed to catch them as I see them. Trust me: it’s on my list…. someday!
I definitely try to only post photos that I love SUPER much- if I don’t like it even a little it usually won’t make the cut. I do appreciate creative points of view and perspective definitely! What a neat experience you had!
Steph
Greeblemonkey and moosh in indy are both mom bloggers who are also amazing photographers.
A few of my favorite photo/prose combinations are Noble Pig http://noblepig.com, Goddess in Progress http://goddessinprogress.wordpress.com/ and Clearframe http://clearframe.typepad.com/ …and I know as soon as I hit “submit comment” I’ll think of more!
You know, you are ABSOLUTELY right. I wish I had more skill in this area. I have a great camera. I just don’t know how to use it. I suppose I should take a class. In all my free time. Yeah, so no. LOL. I threw up a picture just tonight that I don’t like, but it captured us leaving for our event. Hopefully next weekend, I’ll get some better family photos at my brother’s wedding.
I just found the link to your ‘Martha’ coverage, and the kind words you said about my blog. As for the book…would have loved to give out copies, but it’s out of print after like a decade. Hoping to do a new one before very long. Well, at least it’s on my to-do list.
Hey Beth, thanks for your kind words. I had to read this silently to myself twice and out loud to my husband once to be sure you meant ME. You absolutely made my day.
I can’t wait to see your photo adventures, you’ll be addicted in no time.
Thank you for the compliment.
I give 99% of the credit to having a really, really good camera and lenses. It makes all the difference. That, and taking a zillion pictures until I find ONE that stands out.
Have fun just playing with your camera. It’s the best way to learn.
You’re so right — great photos are everything. And pictures are worth 1,000 words. If a photo isn’t any good then I often find myself turned off of a blog. It’s hard to see that, though, in one’s own photos. If that’s the case with me I would hope someone would tell me.
I agree with you on Jamie and Nicole! Such stunning crisp photos! Some day I hope to have a camera that is capable of such art!
Your apple photos were so cute the other day!