camera, pant length, and forum Q's!

Hi everyone,

I'm having a bit of camera trouble this week: I've snapped a number of photos but can't find the cord to connect it to my computer! Ack!

In the meantime, I have a few maybe OT questions.

1. Taking photos
1a. what are some tips for making sure that the color and detail shows up well in the photos?
1b. What are your best tips for self-photos?
1c. From what height/angle or something like that will I get pictures that don't distort my appearance? (or, why do I look so fat in my pictures when I know that I'm not ?)

2. Pant length. Ugh - it seems that according to the YLF formula, *every single pair* of pants I own is too short and I had no idea. I think I don't understand how that can work in the average woman's wardrobe. I have flats, 1-inch, 2-inch, 3-inch, 4-inch and a couple of 4.5-inch heels. How can I possibly have different pants for all of those?

3. Alterations. Because of my, um, somewhat unique figure, clothes off the rack don't usually fit me without alterations, unless they are really stretchy, form-fitting knits. When I lived overseas I could afford to have everything I owned altered. I can't afford that any more. I need to learn to alter my own clothes! I know there are a couple of seamstresses here. Do you have any suggestions for books or videos that could help me develop this skill?

4. New posts. In this forum I don't see how to view new posts only. Each time I view a thread I have to scroll down until I see the last post I remember reading. Is there a way to do it?

I'm loving this community!

16 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Hi Jenny!
I find that natural lighting helps to get truer colors and more details- but you don't want to be in direct sunlight. Bright shade is what seems to work best for me. I have a shrinky as a photographer (and a back up who is not so shrinky), so I don't have any tips for self photos.
Pants length- I think that you can get away with a 2 inch difference for one pair of pants (so your 1 inch and two inch heels), but that is all. So, you may have to pick which pants look best with your flats and have them hemmed for the lowest flats, other pairs for your mid range shoes, and others for the really high heels. I know that it sucks, but it really is the best way.
For learning how to do your own alterations, I would look at a community college or local community center and see if they offer an alterations or basic sewing course. Even though I grew up with a mom who sewed, I learned more from taking classes than I did from watching her.
If there is a way to view the new posts only, I don't know about it. Sorry that I wasn't more help.

Queen Mum

HI Jenny and welcome!
re: pictures- I do my own pictures and I find it best to have the camera at my eye level (I came to this conclusion when I realized that when others take pictures of us they are holding the camera at their eye) and I agree that natural lighting seems to work best, but I am stuck with the lighting in one of my bathrooms because that is where the mirrors are.

and, I agree that it would be nice to be able to view the newest posts only, but this is such a fabulous blog and forum that I'll let that one go

JennyK (NC)

Active Member

Thanks for the tips. I found the proper cord, so I'll soon be able upload my pictures to do a "confirm my body shape" post.

I've been experimenting with places where I can prop up the camera and use the self timer. I was thinking about getting an el cheapo tripod.

I went back through my pants and jeans, and I do have a few pairs that can work with flats or very low heels. I'll definitely have to start shopping in the "tall" section to get pants long enough to work with heels though.

Ok, I'm now a picture-uploading fool!

Here is a pair of pants I wore today. How does this length seem?

http://i276.photobucket.com/al.....tength.jpg

Tanya

Hi Jenny, I am afraid that those pants are still to short for those pretty shoes! Is there any extra material at the seam that could be let out?

The thing with the pant length is tough, but it is worth it at the end. Skinny and straight length pants are very versatile because they can be worn with any heel height since they can be scrunched. But with bootcut/wide/flared pants I am afraid that you have to pick a particular heel height +/- 0.5" max.

That's very disappointing. When I wear these pants with low or no heel they seem to "pool" on the top of my foot, which I think looks terrible. Maybe I need a pants-fitting session somewhere.

anemone

Jenny,

re: photo tips, you might find these tips from Sally at Already Pretty to be useful:

Part 1: http://www.alreadypretty.com/2.....art-1.html
Part 2: http://www.alreadypretty.com/2.....art-2.html
Part 3: http://www.alreadypretty.com/2.....art-3.html

Hope that's helpful.

jessica

here are some other photo tips. this blogger recommends placing the camera around waist height when taking photos yourself. i think she also stand pretty far from the camera and then crops it. i am still experimenting with how exactly to get an accurate photo....http://www.luckystylespotter.c.....0#comments

Thanks for the photo tips. I already knew and practice most of the ones from alreadypretty, but I did learn a couple of new tricks, plus, I discovered a new blog for my reading list!

I've been searching for an appropriate surface in my bedroom for taking pics. I will have to experiment with the idea of having the camera much lower. I do stand far back, take the pic at a high resolution and then crop and reduce. I'll be posting some WiW pics later and we'll see how I'm doing!

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