by Nkese Lewis

Thanks for the great response to 5 Tips For Selecting Great Yarn For Your Projects and I hope there was at least one thing you took away from that information whether you are a seasoned maker or are just starting your maker journey.

As promised I’m back with Part 2, and five more tips for you. In this post I will be discussing tips on styling your makes and how to capture the best photos.

Nkese is wearing the sedona poncho - get the free pattern here

1: Be YOU!!

This is by far the most important thing to remember! TRY NOT let other people determine who you are, what you like, and what your style is. Learning to not only be comfortable in the clothing you wear but also the skin that you’re in, is part of the journey. Please don’t allow the pictures you see on the internet fool you into thinking you have to change who you are to be seen - you don’t. What people really want to see are genuine people who don’t change who they are to fit an idea, a brand or a mold. I know sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in that ugly comparison trap, but remember no one can be you better than you!

2: Lighting

When you’re taking your pictures try and capture them in natural lighting. When I say natural lighting, what I’m actually saying is, GO OUTSIDE! I love natural lighting because it creates some of the most beautiful photos. The sunlight has this way of capturing both the highlights and the shadows of everything in the photo. Not just you, but everything around you. Plus you have to admit that there is something so interesting about seeing handmade items, on a body, in a scenic photo. Whether it’s downtown in a city or in the middle of a grassy field, the right lighting in a photo has a way of drawing you in like you were actually there when the photo was taken. I know that getting photos outside isn’t always an option, especially if you don’t have the equipment to do it yourself or you don’t have anyone to take your photos. But if you are able to, get outside and capture as many photos as you can in the great outdoors. You will be surprised at how much different your photos will look just making that one adjustment.

3: Location, Location, Location

This is a big one! Where you take your photos will determine the kind of response you get for the photos you post on social media. For example, if several of your photos are inside, with poor lighting and a bland backdrop, people will mostly likely just scroll past your photos. It’s not that they don’t necessarily like what they are seeing in the photo, it just might not be visually appealing as a whole. Lighting and location play a huge role in good photos. Your photos don’t always have to be in the most extravagant places. As a matter of fact, some of my favorite photos were shot in completely random places such as, at playground, next to a local mural, in a pretend forest, in a dirt pit, in the middle the street and sitting on a bench at a bus stop. I even took some photos inside a big bush in my neighborhood. You can literally find inspiration for photos ANY and EVERYWHERE, all you have to do is take a good look around you! So get out there today and start looking!

4: Let your piece be the star.

When you’re wearing something handmade you want it to be the first thing people notice about your outfit. You know that wonderful reaction that sounds a little bit like, “Oh, did you make that?” and of course you instantly smile and say (with your hand on your chest), “Why yes, I did!” Just kidding you don’t have to do all that.

What I do know is this, in order for your handmade item to be the star of the show you should not pair it with something that competes with it. For example, in these photos I really wanted my poncho to stand out so I chose to pair it with all black to make sure that you notice the poncho first. Nothing in my outfit competes with the poncho and that’s what you want.

Another example would be if you made a top using variegated yarn, then it should be pair it with a solid bottom ( ie. skirt, shorts, pants, etc.). Of course there are times when you can get away with mixing patterns, but more times than not that does not apply to handmade things especially when you factor in colors, textures and finishes such as tassels or fringe. Try not to over complicate your outfit, and remember less is more!

5: Last but not least, HAVE FUN!!

Grab your hand made items, and get out there and have some fun! You can pose like no one is watching or pose like everyone is. Whichever you choose. Be proud of what you’ve created and don’t be afraid to show it off to the world. There are people out there who only wish they could make beautiful things from yarn, so show them just how amazing making things with yarn really is!

As always you can find me on Instagram under @cosmic_crochet_creations. Look for and follow the #afteryarnglow hashtag!! Happy hooking!

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