4 Photo Chat Challenge and links

[sarahorton]

Thanks for such a fun chat, everybody! I had to split this up into several posts because of the images. Sorry 'bout that

Here are the deets for my challenge to win an 8x8-inch softcover photo book from Shutterfly:
Rules:
1. Post a layout with 4 photos in the Special Event Gallery

by Sunday at 1:00 pm EST. Only 4 photos. No more, no less and please use DD product.
2. Use the title "4 Photo Chat Layout" so that I'll know it's your entry for this challenge.
3. I will check the gallery and count the total number of layouts with this title. Then I'll use the random number generator at http://www.random.org/integers/ to find the number of the winner. I'll find the winning layout by counting to the random number and then I'll post a message in your comments.
4. The winner will receive a coupon for an 8x8 softcover photo book from Shutterfly: http://www.shutterfly.com/shop/digit...product_c21160

If you have already won a prize during the chats, please don?t participate again.



In the chat, we talked about different design techniques you can use to include four photos on your layouts.

1. One way to make 4 photos work is to treat them as ONE photo unit so that you maintain visual appeal.

That's what Kaleigh did here:



Her photos function as one page element because they are grouped into one photo bar

Here's another terrific example of that by Linda:



And I love this one of Katrina's which illustrates this:

[sarahorton]

• Another way to trick the eye into thinking 4 photos are one is to group the photos together into one large block.

Heidi's layout here illustrates this concept:




And this one by Kari works by the same principle:




2. Another way to make 4 photos work is to make a grouping of 5 frames/blocks and fill one of the blocks with patterned paper like Debbie Hodge did here:

[sarahorton]

3. Making one photo the background, then arranging three others on top of it is the third way to create visual appeal with 4 photos

Shanah's cool layout will give you an idea of how well this works:



Her large photo works as a background, with an odd number of smaller photos as an accent.

Bonnie used this same sort of idea in this layout:


One of the photos is blended into the background, so your eye focuses on the grouping of three photos and registers it as an odd number of photos

4. If you use 4 photos, varying the size of the 4 photos creates a tension in the balance and fools the eye into thinking it's more or less than 4 (an odd number.)

That's what Debbie Hodge did with this layout:



And another one by Maureen:



Just by making one photo really large and the other three small, you'll be able to take advantage of the rule of odds by creating two odds for your eye to take in.

[sarahorton]

Bonnie did that with this layout:



and Merr's beautiful page is another great example of that idea:


5. Creating a blocked design allows you to scatter 4 photos between patterned paper, journaling, and titles while retaining visual balance.
Here's a great example of that by BrittanyLane:



And another by Bonnie:

[sarahorton]

6. If you can create a visual triangle with the 4 photos, you?ll be able to defy the rule of odds like Terri does here:



Her arrangement unites the photos and allows the eye to travel around the page in a path.
Visual triangles are pleasing to the eye because they create a boundary and link all the layout elements together.

Here are some store products that facilitate 4 photo layouts:
(You might like to use one of these for your challenge layout.)

http://www.designerdigitals.com/digi...oducts_id/6797

http://www.designerdigitals.com/digi...oducts_id/7326

http://www.designerdigitals.com/digi...oducts_id/6549

http://www.designerdigitals.com/digi...oducts_id/6444

http://www.designerdigitals.com/digi...oducts_id/6522

http://www.designerdigitals.com/digi...oducts_id/7280

http://www.designerdigitals.com/digi...oducts_id/6998

http://www.designerdigitals.com/digi...oducts_id/6974

http://www.designerdigitals.com/digital-scrapbooking/supplies/product_info.php/products_id/6293


http://www.designerdigitals.com/digi...oducts_id/6638

http://www.designerdigitals.com/digi...oducts_id/6566

http://www.designerdigitals.com/digi...oducts_id/6407

Good luck on the challenge! I can't wait to see your gorgeous pages in the gallery!
Thanks again for a fun chat. You guys are the best!

[anke]

thank you thank you Sara, this is so helpful!!!! I really enjoyed you chat!

[quilter422]

oh, thanks for posting this! i'd missed the first 20 minutes or so of your chat, so it's wonderful to get those first few tips.

[lima]

Thanks, Sara--you have selected great examples!

[wsprite_ad]

Thanks for posting this information. With the way the chats flow, I have a hard time following the different threads of conversation. This is great to refer back to as well.
Thanks!

[iUma]

Sara!!! You are so KIND. Now I can study without having to go to the college (for a high speed connection!). Your chat was truly educational and inspiring. Thank you so much for your hard work and that great single source you share with us so generously.

[jazzmatazz]

Sara, there was such WONDERFUL information in your chat. Design is one area I really struggle with, and your two last chats have been real inspirations! Thank you so much for hosting ... and putting up with the shenanigans! (See, I did behave better last night!) Oh, BTW, may I borrow your brain for my next LO? I promise I'll give it back ...

[Happy2bhere]

Sara
Thanks for the wonderful chat and I'm thrilled you were able to list it here for reference. Thanks again. I was the one making dinner and running back and forth trying not to miss too much. I learned so much.
Thanks Again,
Wendy

[sarahorton]

Congratulations to kayjay who is our chat challenge winner with this awesome page:



You all did such a beautiful job with your 4-photo pages! You are all so creative - I've enjoyed every one of the layouts. I'm glad it was random because I sure couldn't have picked a favorite - they are all fantastic!

Thanks so much for joining the challenge.

[BettyJoR]

Thank you so much Sara for both this wonderful post and the fun chat. You did such a great job and having visuals made it so much easier to understand. You have proved you can be both odd and even!!!

[Jen D]

Thanks Sara it is so nice to have a reference to go back to!

[MeEmMom]

Thanks for all of the info, Sara. I have struggled with having an even number of pics before and wondered how to do it effectively. This info will come in very handy!