I am deeply in love. We knew each other throughout my childhood and as I was growing up, but it wasn’t until 2001 that things started getting serious.
In 2001, I bought my first digital camera to enhance my blog with photographs from my every day life. I quickly realized blogging and photographs are a match made in heaven.
Some of the first photos I used in blogging. I knew nothing about photography, but approached it creatively.
There was a time when a blog without images was acceptable if the writing was good enough. Even if you did take photos, you’d need to manually upload, then insert the HTML snippet into your entry and style it. It was a time consuming pain.
A decade later, there are no excuses. Virtually every blogging platform makes it easy to upload and share photos on your site without knowing a lick of HTML. The advances and low price of digital camera technology means nearly everyone is carrying a camera around in their pocket.
I love blogs with photos. More than that, I love blogs with creative photos creatively applied. You don’t need a great camera or a lot of technical skill to take interesting, awe-inspiring photographs for your blog.
That’s exactly why you should join us from Monday, April 4 through Friday, April 15 for a two week inspirational photo challenge. Get inspired to try new things, or blog about your own photo tips and techniques in applying our discussion topics!
Take Better Photos for a Better Blog.
We’ll post a new article on SITS every weekday through Friday, April 15. (10 in all!) There will be a few challenges throughout the event prompting you to try a technique discussed by taking a photo and incorporating it into your blog. If you just want to focus on improving your photography, that’s fine too as you can share your photos on our forums, Flickr, Twitter or Facebook.
We’ll cover these topics:
Photography
Basic photography techniques which rely more on you holding any device that can capture images than knowing what aperture, ISO, RAW, SLR, f-stop, shutter speed or any other number of photography terms. (This post might just be the only place in the series where those words appear at all!) Instead, we’ll focus on:
- Composition
- Perspective
- Lighting
- Lines
- Repetition
- Color and Black & White
Blogging with Photos
Tools and photo tips to help you better incorporate original photographs into your blog and social networking presence, such as:
- Free Online Photo Editing Tools
- Making a Collage
- Photo Sharing via Social Networking
- Styling Your Photos in Your Articles
- Image SEO
- Protecting Your Photos
Why You Need to Participate!
- You do not need a fancy camera. This series will feature photos taken on cell phones and archaic pen cams. No special equipment is needed other than any device that can take pictures!
- You do not need to know anything about photography. We’re not going to get too technical.
- Professional and Amateur photographers are welcome to participate! If you do know a thing or two about photography, your knowledge and feedback will be invaluable. We hope you’ll participate, join in the discussion and refer us to articles you’ve written.
- Taking pictures is fun and creative!
- Social networking is enhanced and expanded with the addition of photography.
- Readers are more engaged by original photography on a blog.
How to Get Involved!
There are a number of ways to get involved, promote your site and find some new, great reads! This is not a time sensitive challenge and you may join in at any time!
- Sign up on the SITS Forums! If you plan on participating, visit this thread to sign-up so we can follow along together! There will be daily discussions, additional questions, prompts and exercises in our discussion forums. You can also upload pictures there and post links to your blog entries related to the topic!
- Twitter. Use the hashtag #SITSPics on Twitter! You can join in the conversation and follow along using our hashtag! If you need help getting set up on Twitter, check out this post on SITS, Don’t Be Afraid! A Twitter How To.
- Flickr. Join the SITS Spring into Action Photo Challenge Group to share photos or screenshots of your blog entries related to the topics! (If you’re not sure what Flickr is or how to use it, we’ll be covering that in-depth on Day 4!)
Who is Here to Help
Some amazingly talented ladies have stepped up and volunteered to help take the lead during this event, so you’ll likely see their faces around a lot!
My name is Jenna. I am a twenty something native Arkansan who is fairly new to blogging. I am a wife to Bryan, my JR high sweet heart and mother to Hudson, a sweet 6 month old baby boy, and I can’t forget my lab puppy, Sadie. I am an RN and work on a seniors unit in our local hospital two days a week. My blog follows the adventures of me, an ordinary woman who sometimes gets put in very awkward and extraordinary situations, the boys who rule my world and the God that controls my universe. You can find Jenna on her blog at You and Me and plus Hudson is Three and on Twitter @jmkbuett.
Kelly is a wife, mom of 2 teenagers, and has recently re-entered the full-time work force. When not running here or there for after-school activities, she can be found running or cycling the roads, speed skating on the ice or working on finishing her latest book. Kelly is the author of Mom Got Blog, a unique place on the web, sharing her passion for writing, family, and the quirky-ins-and-outs of daily life. You will also find she has a passion for food, which she shares in her Mom Got Food section, and writes about the latest on sports and fitness in her Mom Got Game section. Connect with Kelly on Twitter @Kpugs.
I’m Lindsay, a twenty-something city girl through the week and a back-to-her-roots country girl on the weekends, who blogs at Designer Wife. I have no idea how to cook, but I enjoy fine food & eating well. I once got in to {and lost} a fight with my vacuum cleaner on the stairs, but I adore a spotless house. I seem to always shrink my husband’s work clothes in the laundry and I still don’t know how to properly iron, but my wardrobe must always be hung in seasonal order and by color. Come talk to me on Twitter @DesignerWife.
My name is Rachel and I blog at And Then She Snapped. I am a mother, a wife, and a bargain shopper extraordinaire. I love taking pictures. I believe it is impossible to have too many shoes or handbags. If there was an olympic event for bargain shopping, I would take home the gold. I like things tidy, but HATE to clean. I can be hilarious, and only sometimes offensive. I’m not sarcastic AT ALL. (Get it?) You can find me on Twitter @racheldrechsel.
My name is Shelley. I am a creative person by nature and ready to jump into things with both feet, sometimes not really sure what I am getting myself into, but always with an open heart. In 1996, I had the dream to create the first fully inclusive playground in the state of Maryland. Only having my design background, my love for children, and passion to bring this project to fruition, I jumped in full force. Ultimately, we (I formed a nonprofit organization) raised the one million dollars needed to create this playground, which is known throughout the region as “Hadley’s Park.” You can find me on my blog at I’m Still Standing and on Twitter @shelleyellen.
Spread the Word!
Invite your friends and followers to join! You can grab our button below to share on your blog!
Copy code below:
The SITS Spring into Action Photo Challenge is a two week event designed to inspire your photography and help improve your blog with photos. Follow along in our Forums, #SITSPics on Twitter, our Flickr group and Facebook! It’s never too late to jump in!- Introduction: Join the Spring into Action Photo Challenge!
- Day 1: Composition and Perspective Photo Tips
- Day 2: Free Photo Editing and Collage Resources
- Day 3: Lighting Photo Tips
- Day 4: Social Networking Tips
- Day 5: YOUR Photo Tips
- Day 6: Lines and Repetition Photo Tips
- Day 7: Five Image Tips to Improve Your Blog
- Day 8: Color and Contrast Photo Tips
- Day 9: How to Protect Your Photos Online
- Day 10: Spring Into Action Photo Challenge Wrap-Up
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What a great idea.
Heather Johnson recently posted..Note to SelfEach One is Different
Twitter: TimeCrafted
says:
This looks fantastically fun! I just got a DSLR, but am learning still. And while I do, I still love my little five year old P&S…it’s fun to play with both! :> I just followed all the great SITStas here on Twitter and am looking forward to seeing more of SITS Spring Photo Challenge!
Karen @ Time Crafted recently posted..One Little Word meets The Sketchbook Challenge
I’m all over this idea. I am always a little bit challenged when it comes to adding photography to my blog entries. Plus I need an excuse to get back in the habit of taking more pictures. Now if only I had asked for a new camera instead of an iPad for Christmas
Marcy recently posted..Spring into Action
This is awesome and just what I need. I’m there.
I’m really excited about all of this – it’s going to be fun!
I am looking forward to this. I can’t wait to see how it goes.
Definitely signing up!
Amy recently posted..iHeartFaces A Slice of Life
I really like this idea! Hopefully I can stick with it!
Tara recently posted..From My Closet- Colder Weather
Twitter: Rosesdaughter
says:
This is a GREAT idea! I’m about to get a DSLR camera and would love to start using it for my blog!
Rose’s Daughter recently posted..Training for a Peachtree……
Twitter: kpugs
says:
Ooh!! Lucky duck! What brand of camera are you thinking of? I’ve been tossing between Nikon and Cannon…not sure which one.
So excited you will be joining us!
Kelly recently posted..Dear Diary…
I’m a NIkon girl, but I think you can’t really go wrong with either. : )
rachel recently posted..i heart vacation
What an awesome idea. I just recently took my first photography class – had to take it in order to learn how to use my new camera. I am so envious of people who take the beautiful photos I see on blogs. I want my photos to be beautiful too.
Sounds awesome! I’m always up for an excuse to start taking photos of anything and everything… count me in!
kirsten recently posted..What does Kate Spade have to do with it
I LOVE it! This is exactly where I need support, and a good kick in the butt, to push my photo skills to the next level!
Sandra Foyt recently posted..Do a Kind Deed and Win a MINI Cooper Countryman from Dairy Queen!
I just purchased a Digital SLR camera and I am learning how to use it. This will be a great help! I am always open to improving my photos
I really need help with taking better pictures. I currently just point & shoot the camera and hope for the best. I would love to be able to take a photography class as well.
Lala recently posted..Makeup Madness
sounds awesome!
I am entering!
Sarita Edgerton recently posted..Transparent Thursday
I hearts photo challenges, and SITS of course!
julie {angry julie} recently posted..Wordless Wednesday- Studying Lego Instructions
Twitter: forloveorfunny
says:
I am a photo junky, so I’m excited about this challenge!
Lynn from For Love or Funny recently posted..There’s something weird between my legs…again
Twitter: JameeTMiller
says:
This sounds awesome! I think I will be getting my first DSLR soon (*fingers crossed*) but would love tips for my point&shoot camera too!
Jamee@A New Kind of Normal recently posted..The ABCs of Me
Yay, yay, yay, yay!!!! I love photography challenges!
Gonna try this and make my photos become mind-numbing upon first glance… that’s right? huh?… Isn’t that what’s going to happen? I hope so. But, I’m going to join to find out. Great idea! Come visit when you can.
SharleneT recently posted..Stuffed Chicken Thighs- Penne Pasta & Red Bell Pepper-Tomato Sauce
So cool! I’ve always wanted to learn how to take better photos for my blog and in general. This will be very interesting as I use a remote to take photos of myself.
Kimmie recently posted..Silhouette
This is just what I need! I’m having fun taking photos but really need to take it to the next level.
Narelle @ Cook Clean Craft recently posted..What a Star- Boy’s T-shirt
Twitter: osvme
says:
ooo pretty button! *grabby hands*
Jenny recently posted..Are you ready to party!
This is right up my alley! Seems like I eat, breathe, and sleep photography these days.
Angelia Sims recently posted..Enchanted Rock- The Climb
Twitter: addglitter
says:
What a great couple of weeks this should be!
Maggi recently posted..Dating Game for Moms
Twitter: decondemand
says:
Pictures make everything better.
Marie Cole recently posted..Home Made in Middle America
I like this! I will try to play along as much as I can. Last week I returned to my native Holland for the first time since I left. I didn’t feel like posting stories every day, but I did manage to upload a few snap shots for the folks back home.
Hanneke Nelson recently posted..Snapshots From The Homeland- Old Friends
Twitter: tatertwins
says:
Oooh! Awesome idea ladies!
Jayme recently posted..WHEW! and some silly girls!
as a photographer in training I need all the help, motivation (kick in the pants) I can get. grabbing the button and ready to snap!
christy, home-mom.com recently posted..Introducing MAKE & SHARE! first edition
I’m so excited to be part of this challenge! A much needed injection of creativity without the technical – being a photography teacher I spend waaay too much time thinking about the technical. Can’t wait to get going
Twitter: kpugs
says:
I cannot wait to get started! I have wanted to take a photography challenge and this is the perfect place to do so- with all the fabulous SITS-ahs!
Kelly recently posted..Dear Diary…
I am so glad I found SITS! You guys have the coolest ideas. Count me in.
Madison recently posted..Help Keith Richards Help Japan
Twitter: DesignerWife
says:
It’s almost here!! I’m SOOO excited!!
Lindsay | DesignerWife recently posted..Retro bloggin’ a housewife list
This sounds great. I am a zero photographer but will be willing to try!
trininista recently posted..In Beauty Terms- My Best Friend is not the Diamond
YAY! What a great idea, I am heading off to sign up, I really need to learn so much about photography with my new camera & would love to improve my blog at the same time.
Thanks for the opprtunity!
Cheers!!
Twitter: thecoastalchick
says:
What a great group of ladies – can’t wait to see what we create over the next two weeks!
Kathryn recently posted..E-mail Advice from the Family
I am so excited…I definitely need to kick my photography skills up a notch!!! I am a brand new blogger; therefore, I have so much to learn especially when it comes to my photos!! Looking forward to this!!
~~~rhonda~~~
~~~rhonda~~~ recently posted..Sunroom With a Colorful View
Twitter: ithoughtiknewma
says:
Fun! I’m in!
I Thought I Knew Mama recently posted..I’m the SITS Girl in the Spotlight!
Count me in! No fancy camera… Just gonna keep using my Droid phone’s camera. Can’t wait to see what all I learn.
Greener Cleaning Mom recently posted..Earth Day Special- FREE Shaklee Membership with 30 Purchase
Twitter: greenearthbazar
says:
Yay! I’m so excited about this challenge. I can’t wait to dive in. Thanks so much for putting this on for everyone.
Peace.
Michelle recently posted..Our Green Future- Green Washing- GMOs- Toxic Skincare- and DIY Spring Gardening Projects
I’ll definitely be there to follow along. What a great idea. Thanks so much
Katie @ Sunglasses and Pedicures recently posted..Snowed In
So excited to do this!! Great idea ladies!!
Amy Layne @damyhealth recently posted..How to Make Naturally Flavored Water
I’m in! This is such a great idea and wonderful way to learn something new!
Twitter: TOItweets
says:
I am sad because I can’t take part of this challenge, my camera died on me few weeks ago
toi recently posted..I Gotta Feeling 2011 UBP Party is dedicated to ME…
I’m all the way in and I’m signed up!
I’m all the way in and I’m signed up!
Moni recently posted..Funky Flashback Friday – April 1- 2011
Can’t wait!
Stephanie recently posted..All Good Things Must Come to an End
Ignore that Stephanie above – she was SO last year. My blog has since changed
Anyway…
I’m EXCITED!
Stephanie recently posted..Thirty before 30 My list
Can’t wait for this to start! Thanks for organizing all of this and helping us improve our photo skills!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers recently posted..Purple Monster Crime Scene
Of course! Can’t wait.
ThatGirlBlogs recently posted..Get a battery grip
Twitter: redo101.blogspot.com
says:
Really looking forward to this, so much I need to learn!