Suggestions for Photography Project

[cdly]

Hello, my mom passed away suddenly last year. She was a very accomplished quilter, among many other talents. I would like to assemble photos of the many quilts, and other items, that she blessed us with to honor her life. Since I wont be able to take all the photos I will have some work to put it all together. I am not sure what will happen with the finished product, but it will most likely be shared with my sisters, nieces and nephews.

all that aside, do you have suggestions on how to best take photos of quilts? I suspect I will have many various situations when I am able to take the pictures. this is the last one she made for me, would it be better hanging, folded, close up? Any ideas you artsy folks have would be appreciated. I may just end up to be a catalog of Mom's many talents, but I would really like to have a heartfelt finished product that we can enjoy and pass on.

My niece already sent me photos of hers. She added some close ups of the colors and pattern as well as on the floor. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated! you guys are great! carol d

 

[Don Kuykendall_RIP]

Go to google images and see what others have done on the subject. It may give you some ideas to start your project. Be creative and do each one in a way that shows the work and love put into making it. I have quilts made by my great grandmother and by my grandmother. They are some of my favorite things

 

[cdly]

Go to google images and see what others have done on the subject. It may give you some ideas to start your project. Be creative and do each one in a way that shows the work and love put into making it. I have quilts made by my great grandmother and by my grandmother. They are some of my favorite things

will try that. never thought of using search. Still not sure what to do with the project either...

 

[Claudia!]

A good idea may be to have each family use the quilts they have as a backdrop. Each family can take photos in front of the quilts and make a collage or album out of them. You can add it to your project. They don't have to be professional but just the addition of the quilt would be nice in a photo. It's as if she is being added to the pictures through a meaningful symbol. They can also use them to take pictures at a park with them sitting on top of the quilts rather than a backdrop.

As far as taking photos of the quilts themselves, maybe you can fold them and stack them up and take a photo of them all together in a row. As I can tell, the quilts are spread out throughout the family, so maybe each family member can fold them up and take a photo of them and you add them all together. You can also place them in her favorite spots and take a picture of the quilt in that spot. Not only will it show case the quilt but it will bring good memories of places she liked to quilt or rest in. I have also seen where people use the blocks on the quilts as a scrabble board. Maybe you can write a meaningful message to her or about her. You can also fold the quilts and use some decor letters to spell grandmother, family, love or any meaningful word next to the folded quilt. Maybe add her name or the family name. You can also frame the quilt and take a nice photo of it next to family photos. I think it would look nice to use them as decorations for windows, above the bed, at the corner of a bed, on top of a sofa or just random places and just take photos of them there. Make them the center of the room and of the picture. Hope this helps. I know this was a little bit different than what you asked for but I hope they come in handy.

 

[Marilynne]

It's probably to late in the season, but check how they're displayed at county/state fairs.

 

[AC016]

I would say hanging them on the wall would be the best way to do it. That way, you can see the whole quilt. You really want to get them as vertical as you can, showing all of the quilt. Folding them up may hide the different paterns/colors on the quilt. Try and put them in a "country" setting. My mom has made dozens and dozens of quilts by hand and she is part of a guild as well, this is how they display their quilts.

 

[Mike150]

I see nothing wrong with the one you have already displayed. Quilts were meant to be on the bed. (My opinion only). Throw them on one at a time and shoot from various angles.

 

[fotojack]

I see nothing wrong with the one you have already displayed. Quilts were meant to be on the bed. (My opinion only). Throw them on one at a time and shoot from various angles.

LOL!! Mike...I really love your signature!! LOL Kills me every time I see it!

 

[cdly]

thanks everyone! i can see that there are many ways to take the photos. I actually like the idea of folding the ones i have to show how prolific she was in her work. My niece sent a close up of the pattern and a bit of history with each. AND the idea of the family with the quilt is great! keep em coming, and thank you all so much!

 

[cdly]

I see nothing wrong with the one you have already displayed. Quilts were meant to be on the bed. (My opinion only). Throw them on one at a time and shoot from various angles.

LOVE this response! Mom only wanted to give quilts to people who would use them. No use having them in the closet!!! She gave me a flannel quilt for my 25th birthday that I gifted to my son. Can't wait to photo that one.