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A Beautiful Mess Photo Idea Book: 95 Inspiring Ideas for Photographing Your Friends, Your World, and Yourself
Ready to show your photos some love? Whether it’s of your sister’s smile, your morning coffee, or your new puppy, photos are a way to connect on Facebook and Instagram, keep a visual diary of our lives, and create momentos for future generations. Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman, creators of the mega-popular DIY style blog A Beautiful Mess, are in love with photographing everyday life. Here, they share that love with 95 all-new tips and photo challenges that will inspire you to style and snap better photos and then transform them into simple yet stunning projects and gifts. You’ll learn how • Take the most flattering self-portraits • Be your own stylist to turn dull, cluttered photos into pretty lifestyle photography • Capture adorable couple portraits • Turn everyday moments, hobbies, and rituals into amazing photos • Show off your favorite photos by turning them into handmade jewelry, home décor, and gifts Packed with Elsie and Emma’s happy spirit and unique style, A Beautiful Mess Photo Idea Book will inspire you to capture your days, your friends, and your dreams in beautiful photos!
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2013
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461 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
November 22, 2013
I'm not the target market for this book, I don't read the blog, and I can see I have some pretty clear ideological differences with the authors. It's no big surprise I didn't like the book.
I was fooled by the first three words in the title: A Beautiful Mess. From this I expected that the book would focus on photographic techniques for capturing one's life. One's authentic life. Crappy, messy, ugly, disorganized, life. It is not.
It is a book of techniques for creating the curated life. The image of a non-existent enviable life, full of shots of food and shoes, which you put online to make yourself look awesome (and which is leading to some interesting findings re depression and career dissatisfaction in Gen Z).
It is an ode to the selfie.¹ An ode that assumes you are a young woman who wants to produce selfies while girlishly jumping, pulling adorb kooky faces ,making duckface pouting seductively, and, above all, performing "pretty".
¹ Interesting rebuttal to the selfie piece on Shakesville
selection of photos from the book below, so you can judge if the style is your thing (after a spoiler just so I don't clog up everyone's page)
I was fooled by the first three words in the title: A Beautiful Mess. From this I expected that the book would focus on photographic techniques for capturing one's life. One's authentic life. Crappy, messy, ugly, disorganized, life. It is not.
It is a book of techniques for creating the curated life. The image of a non-existent enviable life, full of shots of food and shoes, which you put online to make yourself look awesome (and which is leading to some interesting findings re depression and career dissatisfaction in Gen Z).
It is an ode to the selfie.¹ An ode that assumes you are a young woman who wants to produce selfies while girlishly jumping, pulling adorb kooky faces ,
¹ Interesting rebuttal to the selfie piece on Shakesville
selection of photos from the book below, so you can judge if the style is your thing (after a spoiler just so I don't clog up everyone's page)
January 14, 2022
More like 1.5 Stars but not quite so.
I don't know where to start here. Almost everything in this book could have been taken out of blogs, pinterest, tumblr, instagram and youtube for free.
DIY's, taking photographs, hair do's, props and prepping, etc...
It just wasn't for me, this screamed 'fake life' and 'cookie-cutter pictures' to look special online (which won't really make you special, but okay). It's full of that aesthetic/style which I don't like and would never use for my social media pictures.
There were certain moments where I even snarled at the book in disgust. A waste of time, I could have worked on a project or read something better instead.
I don't know where to start here. Almost everything in this book could have been taken out of blogs, pinterest, tumblr, instagram and youtube for free.
DIY's, taking photographs, hair do's, props and prepping, etc...
It just wasn't for me, this screamed 'fake life' and 'cookie-cutter pictures' to look special online (which won't really make you special, but okay). It's full of that aesthetic/style which I don't like and would never use for my social media pictures.
There were certain moments where I even snarled at the book in disgust. A waste of time, I could have worked on a project or read something better instead.
October 15, 2013
I have three cameras ... a Canon point-and-shoot that is usually in my purse, a Nikon D5100 DSLR along with some lenses, and a Nikon CoolPix (that's in between the two) that I use often. Needless to say, I take a lot of pictures. Gord and I took some classes last year to learn how to (1) use our cameras in other than auto mode and (2) take photographs, not just pictures.
I'm still an amateur and like reading photography books to see what professionals take pictures of and how they do it.
The chapters in this book are:
* Capture your favorite people
* Add backdrops and props
* Use beautiful lighting
* Get creative
* Capture yourself
* Challenge yourself
* Show off your photos
As stated in the beginning of the book, this book is not about the mechanics of photography such as how to change your shutter speed and/or aperture ... it's a how-to book to take fun and creative pictures and what to do with them (like magnets, lampshades, business cards, gift tags, cupcake toppers, etc.). Even if you have a point-and-shoot or a cell phone, this book may inspire you to go outside the box take some cool and funky shots.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/10...
I'm still an amateur and like reading photography books to see what professionals take pictures of and how they do it.
The chapters in this book are:
* Capture your favorite people
* Add backdrops and props
* Use beautiful lighting
* Get creative
* Capture yourself
* Challenge yourself
* Show off your photos
As stated in the beginning of the book, this book is not about the mechanics of photography such as how to change your shutter speed and/or aperture ... it's a how-to book to take fun and creative pictures and what to do with them (like magnets, lampshades, business cards, gift tags, cupcake toppers, etc.). Even if you have a point-and-shoot or a cell phone, this book may inspire you to go outside the box take some cool and funky shots.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/10...
September 1, 2013
3,5 Stars
An easy and very usefull guide book with nice tips and good pictures smart ideas and generally very handy..
It was good, colorfull and had so many different themes to peak from your next photo spree..
From challenges and how to's that were pretty informative to imaginative ways of displaying your work or make gifts for your family and friends with it..
Really nice book so fresh!
An easy and very usefull guide book with nice tips and good pictures smart ideas and generally very handy..
It was good, colorfull and had so many different themes to peak from your next photo spree..
From challenges and how to's that were pretty informative to imaginative ways of displaying your work or make gifts for your family and friends with it..
Really nice book so fresh!
September 18, 2013
This is not a book on how to become a better photographer. This is really a book on how to spend a lot of time taking selfies. I was ok with the book until I saw hair and make-up tips. If you want to spam your friend’s facebook and instagram accounts with annoying pictures then this is the book for you. If you want to actually improve your photography, look elsewhere. I found this book to be very self-indulgent of the authors. They wanted a book to show how cool/stylish/pretty they are without actually helping anyone.
October 1, 2013
This was a cute little read. I was thinking about buying it, but wanted to check it out first. I don't think it's one I'll be purchasing, but still glad I read it. I read the Beautiful Mess blog & have for years, so I of course felt compelled to pick it up.
Sometimes the projects and tutorials on the blog can be quite juvenile (but not always!), so I wasn't sure what level this book's content would reach. I'll say that the ideas in those pages aren't rocket science, but are still... cute. I gained more inspiration from the images than the text, so make of that what you will. The book did inspire me to do a 30-day self portrait challenge on my Instagram feed! They really have some gorgeous photos in there, but I had seen about 70% of them before on the blog. So let me break it down for you:
*The Photos-- pretty, most of them inspiring in some way.
*The Content-- nothing I didn't already know, pretty obvious stuff. I would have liked to see more technical setting details like f-stops & ISO combos.
*The Projects-- some very cute ideas for little gifts, but again, nothing new or revolutionary I can't find on Pinterest.
All that being said, I think this would be a great book for the everyday gal just wanting to perk up their snapshots... which I think was their intention. Unfortunately the content didn't really apply to me since I'm a trained professional photographer, but I wasn't expecting it to. I would say check it out-- it might inspire you. :)
Sometimes the projects and tutorials on the blog can be quite juvenile (but not always!), so I wasn't sure what level this book's content would reach. I'll say that the ideas in those pages aren't rocket science, but are still... cute. I gained more inspiration from the images than the text, so make of that what you will. The book did inspire me to do a 30-day self portrait challenge on my Instagram feed! They really have some gorgeous photos in there, but I had seen about 70% of them before on the blog. So let me break it down for you:
*The Photos-- pretty, most of them inspiring in some way.
*The Content-- nothing I didn't already know, pretty obvious stuff. I would have liked to see more technical setting details like f-stops & ISO combos.
*The Projects-- some very cute ideas for little gifts, but again, nothing new or revolutionary I can't find on Pinterest.
All that being said, I think this would be a great book for the everyday gal just wanting to perk up their snapshots... which I think was their intention. Unfortunately the content didn't really apply to me since I'm a trained professional photographer, but I wasn't expecting it to. I would say check it out-- it might inspire you. :)
September 13, 2013
Inspiration for taking photographs that capture the spirit rather than the outward appearance of things. It reminds me of a class I took on Medieval art. Their paintings were not 'naturalistic' like those of the Renaissance; they used colour and pattern and framing and flattened perspective to convey deeper truths than those seen with the eye.
These photographs tell stories, capture emotions, take note of details and collage histories; they help you notice aspects of life you could snap and frame to the best effect. From special moments—like announcing a pregnancy or remembering a couple's first year together—to turning odds and ends into framable wall art, to visualising your love for music or reading or gardening, to capturing the places you go, the possibilities for inspiration are endless.
Then there's the practical advice on how to make colour, lighting, framing and texture enhance the effect you're trying to create.
The images used are the authors' own and the playful, bohemian style may not be to everyone's taste (I love it!). Yet the ideas and techniques can easily be applied to one's own personal style, and that's what makes the book so useful. It's the perfect photo idea book.
Reviewed for www.GoodReadingGuide.com
These photographs tell stories, capture emotions, take note of details and collage histories; they help you notice aspects of life you could snap and frame to the best effect. From special moments—like announcing a pregnancy or remembering a couple's first year together—to turning odds and ends into framable wall art, to visualising your love for music or reading or gardening, to capturing the places you go, the possibilities for inspiration are endless.
Then there's the practical advice on how to make colour, lighting, framing and texture enhance the effect you're trying to create.
The images used are the authors' own and the playful, bohemian style may not be to everyone's taste (I love it!). Yet the ideas and techniques can easily be applied to one's own personal style, and that's what makes the book so useful. It's the perfect photo idea book.
Reviewed for www.GoodReadingGuide.com
June 29, 2015
This book is lovely! The tips are great, the photos are stunning, but most importantly, it is full of wonderful inspiring ideas and concepts that really help give your photos more imagination.
I bought this book about three months after I got my first DSLR camera. Although it doesn't teach the technical behind the scenes of photography, I still found this book incredibly helpful. I read the book cover to cover and the ideas encouraged me to go out and take more pictures, which in turn helped familiarize myself with my DSLR.
I bought this book about three months after I got my first DSLR camera. Although it doesn't teach the technical behind the scenes of photography, I still found this book incredibly helpful. I read the book cover to cover and the ideas encouraged me to go out and take more pictures, which in turn helped familiarize myself with my DSLR.
August 16, 2013
This book is a great inspiration for those of us who love to take pictures! The book has great ideas on how to get the best out of everyday photos. Can't wait to put some of these ideas into my own photography. Very inspiring!!
April 22, 2020
This was a quick read with some interesting photography ideas. It was a try at ebooks for me and I must say for now I am not a fan. I used my laptop and wonder if an e-reader would make it a more enjoyable experience.
October 2, 2013
Loved the photography and creativity- it was very inspiring. The photography tips were very basic and nothing new to me.
January 29, 2014
The photographs are beautiful and inspiring. The text is vapid and awful. This is one to skim for visual inspiration...don't pay too much attention to the words or you might cringe.
December 26, 2020
I got this book at Christmas from my sister. I am a photographer looking for ideas for me and my Sony DSC RX100 6 camera. I guess it’s my fault I had this on my Amazon list, my sister thought this would be a good book for me. Sorry, I don’t take selfie’s which in some of book it shows that. The projects look good, but I’m looking for technical things. Strange on Goodreads for this book I see only female reviews, nothing bad about it though.
There is a book I read year’s ago titled Photo mojo. It’s got some really great ideas. I do appreciate people like these two females churning out a book like this, I think it might help out teens learning how to have with a camera or their iPhone. One strange thing my books pages have a faint scent of perfume.
There is a book I read year’s ago titled Photo mojo. It’s got some really great ideas. I do appreciate people like these two females churning out a book like this, I think it might help out teens learning how to have with a camera or their iPhone. One strange thing my books pages have a faint scent of perfume.
March 25, 2018
3 1/2 stars.
Visually stunning (which is largely why I purchased the book), it provides lots of eye candy and ideas to curate your life in photos (as a blogger and social media influencer does ;) ) but for those looking for actual tips on photography, this is likely not the book for you. Published in 2013, it can be a bit out of date as far as app recommendations and doesn't take advantage of the newer options on Instagram and I feel would benefit with an updated edition.
But, for what I wanted - photo ideas and pretty pictures it beautifully met my expectations.
As a crafty girl, their ideas on how to display your photos we a bit laughable, but I'll allow it, haha.
Visually stunning (which is largely why I purchased the book), it provides lots of eye candy and ideas to curate your life in photos (as a blogger and social media influencer does ;) ) but for those looking for actual tips on photography, this is likely not the book for you. Published in 2013, it can be a bit out of date as far as app recommendations and doesn't take advantage of the newer options on Instagram and I feel would benefit with an updated edition.
But, for what I wanted - photo ideas and pretty pictures it beautifully met my expectations.
As a crafty girl, their ideas on how to display your photos we a bit laughable, but I'll allow it, haha.
January 31, 2018
What a great book!
I am new to photography and this book was perfect! It was easy to read and understand. There are a ton of ideas on how to take photographs (using anything from a professional camera to your iPhone) and why you should and shouldn't take photos in certain light, at certain angles, with different backgrounds, and so much more.
There are pages of ideas of what to take photos of and how to display them. They even provided some photo challenges, which I am looking forward to doing.
If you're new to photography or have been taking photos for years, this book is beneficial.
I am new to photography and this book was perfect! It was easy to read and understand. There are a ton of ideas on how to take photographs (using anything from a professional camera to your iPhone) and why you should and shouldn't take photos in certain light, at certain angles, with different backgrounds, and so much more.
There are pages of ideas of what to take photos of and how to display them. They even provided some photo challenges, which I am looking forward to doing.
If you're new to photography or have been taking photos for years, this book is beneficial.
November 22, 2018
What a GREAT little book on the creativity that can be inspired through pictures. The cover is striking, drawing the viewer in for a closer look. The pictures are very vibrant and inviting with sections of text to challenge the reader to look past the "normal" and let their creative juices flow. I also enjoyed the picture crafts d.i.y. section in the back of the book to get the reader started on their creative adventures. Overall, an interesting read!
December 11, 2019
I would say it's more a crafts book then a photography book. If you want to know how to build your props and how to apply photos to pillows, boxes, walls, refurbished furniture and so on then it may be an useful read. If you enjoy taking picture of what you ate, drank, wore and you need inspiration it may also be useful.
February 24, 2018
Great and easy read!
Lots of different and interesting ideas. A nice tips & tricks and source inspiration for anyone who enjoys photography. More geared towards less experienced photogs, so a perfect read for me.
Lots of different and interesting ideas. A nice tips & tricks and source inspiration for anyone who enjoys photography. More geared towards less experienced photogs, so a perfect read for me.
June 14, 2018
A good choice for folks looking to have fun with their photography. However, advanced or serious photographers will get bored with the perky writing tone. This book encourages beginners to stretch their photography goals and it's a good choice for non-technical snapshooters.
February 19, 2024
This seems to be a book idea that originated from a blog. Some ideas to keep your creativity up when taking and using photos. I liked the backdrop ideas and learned that you can create a pretty portrait by having your subject look towards the light in a window. Well presented.
October 17, 2017
This would be a good book for girls wanting to post on Instagram. I wouldn’t recommend it to any photographers.
November 22, 2017
I actually thought this was something.
April 13, 2018
I love everything from A Beautiful Mess, and this book is no exception. There are some great ideas here!
May 13, 2018
3.5 stars.
A quick read if you’d like a few simple ideas about photography. I’m glad it wasn’t overly technical. It will give you some new ideas to try out on Instagram!
A quick read if you’d like a few simple ideas about photography. I’m glad it wasn’t overly technical. It will give you some new ideas to try out on Instagram!
January 28, 2019
I love this beautiful book! It is colorful and inspiring!
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August 27, 2019This was a cute little read. Not really a book about getting better at photography, but still had lots of ideas for fun pics.
April 8, 2020
Loving the simple photo ideas and challenges in this book. I normally skim, skip, and flip through books like these but I find myself reading every word.
April 25, 2020
This book read like a quick list, and easily could have been an internet article or blog post. It’s fine, but not really what I was looking for in regards to fundamentals.
August 16, 2015
A very fast read, because it is written in the same style as their blog. I thought the ideas portrayed in this book would give us, the readers of their blog, a different insight on how to take photos and some basic instruction on how a camera works. If you read their blog, do not buy it.
The DIY's they show to display your photos have been shown in their blog before. If you are looking for photography instruction, the instruction goes as far as, if there is too much light, look for some shade to take a photo, if there is no light, bump up the ISO but be careful for grainy photos. If you know anything about photography, you know there is always a way to make things work. Maybe not in the way that you wanted to, but you can always try something else. The authors probably know more about photography than what they show here, or at least I hope so.
Read this book if you have absolutely no idea how to start taking photos; and I mean no idea at all, no creativity whatsoever. Their tips are as mundane as take a picture of your hobbies, family, or use props. It might be better for you to read the blog, which I am a big fan of.
I expected a lot more from this book because of how they manage their blog and because of all the time they put into their posts and new projects.
It might have been because they are constantly using their ideas and creativity on their blog, but this book was empty in ideas, projects, instruction, and writing style.
The DIY's they show to display your photos have been shown in their blog before. If you are looking for photography instruction, the instruction goes as far as, if there is too much light, look for some shade to take a photo, if there is no light, bump up the ISO but be careful for grainy photos. If you know anything about photography, you know there is always a way to make things work. Maybe not in the way that you wanted to, but you can always try something else. The authors probably know more about photography than what they show here, or at least I hope so.
Read this book if you have absolutely no idea how to start taking photos; and I mean no idea at all, no creativity whatsoever. Their tips are as mundane as take a picture of your hobbies, family, or use props. It might be better for you to read the blog, which I am a big fan of.
I expected a lot more from this book because of how they manage their blog and because of all the time they put into their posts and new projects.
It might have been because they are constantly using their ideas and creativity on their blog, but this book was empty in ideas, projects, instruction, and writing style.
September 24, 2014
Overall, it feels like this book was right in their wheelhouse vs the home DIY book. I think they're starting to get deeper into home decor, but they were more experienced with photography when this book was written (and had more content as a result).
As many have stated, this is not for photographers. No F stops and ISO, just simple ideas for taking photos, developing skills with a camera that does most of the work, and refining an eye for detail.
I didn't read much that I didn't already know, but I could see it being helpful to someone starting out.
Other reviewers also mentioned this feels like a book about taking perfect Instagram pictures and selfies. In the end, it did sort of feel that way with all of the images of Emma and Elsie. But it's their book and they practice on each other, so it makes sense. If they create a second edition or volume, I'd like to see them include their staff (though maybe Sarah will be the photographer?) and maybe tips about natural settings/travel photography.
The tutorials at the end were a mix of great ideas and a few "yikes, you must have run out of time" projects. I think their new team members could probably help flesh that out a bit, too.
Oh! One thing I loved and want to see more of: the examples of bad setup vs good (lighting mainly). Would love to see this extended to cropping, framing, color selection, filters, etc.
As many have stated, this is not for photographers. No F stops and ISO, just simple ideas for taking photos, developing skills with a camera that does most of the work, and refining an eye for detail.
I didn't read much that I didn't already know, but I could see it being helpful to someone starting out.
Other reviewers also mentioned this feels like a book about taking perfect Instagram pictures and selfies. In the end, it did sort of feel that way with all of the images of Emma and Elsie. But it's their book and they practice on each other, so it makes sense. If they create a second edition or volume, I'd like to see them include their staff (though maybe Sarah will be the photographer?) and maybe tips about natural settings/travel photography.
The tutorials at the end were a mix of great ideas and a few "yikes, you must have run out of time" projects. I think their new team members could probably help flesh that out a bit, too.
Oh! One thing I loved and want to see more of: the examples of bad setup vs good (lighting mainly). Would love to see this extended to cropping, framing, color selection, filters, etc.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews