Better Photos-Better Vision!

     A photograph can either make your vintage treasure look like a piece fit for the museum, or a piece of junk for the recycle bin! If you are trying to sell your treasure online, it's all about the picture - the vision you give others of the item you want them to fall in love with.

     A few good rules that will help the characteristics of your subject shine online are:

• Good lighting - dark shadows can make your vintage jewels look dirty and worn.
• The background should be free of distractions so the focus is on the item.
• Be still and steady, or use a tripod, to keep photos from blurring.
• Fill the frame with the treasure being photographed. Crop it if there is too much background and too little of the item.
• Focus on the item. Most cameras have an automatic focus option. An incorrect focus will ruin the picture.

Sterling silver, jade and enamel pendant on a black velvet background - details of the filigree and enameling are easy to see on the solid background.

     Lighting, a distraction free setting, keeping still and steady, having a focus that is filled with the item are tips that will help you take better photographs. They are also good ways to get a better picture of God!

     For many, God is a blurry entity - someone or something out there somewhere that they don't see clearly, and so to them, has little value. A correct vision of God makes all the difference. Let's use our photo tips to see how we can get that clear picture:

• Lighting - Jesus Christ is, "...the light of the world." The way to God is through believing in Him. "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6) 
• Take away the background distractions and search for God in prayer and meditation on His Word. Fill your mind and heart - the frame- with Him. "And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
• "Be still and know that I am God..." (Psalm 46:10)  Stillness will allow God the opportunity to fill us with a vision of who He is, "Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite." (Psalm 147:5)
• Focus on God. What does He expect? How should we live? "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:4-5)

     A clear picture of an old pendant can show it off as a treasure...

     A clear vision of God, His love and concern for us, is something we can treasure in our hearts!