I’ll whisper it to you if you’ll get in real close.
I discovered a new trick yesterday. Well, new to me anyway. Photos of scrapbooking paper can be made into textures for layers.
My discovery started at the local craft store. I noticed the wonderful papers that were marked “7 for $1.00.” It was worth a try, I thought. I had blown a dollar before hadn’t I?
So I quickly selected seven papers and paid my $1.04.
Here are the ones I selected:
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7. 
When I got home I made an improvised studio set up that consisted of a clothes drying rack placed in front of a large window. One at a time the papers were clipped to the rack with clothes pins. I took a photo of each paper; applied a Lightroom preset; and voila….my own texture creations. I can go back and change the texture as I want simply by going back to the original and making any desired adjustments in Lightroom or Photoshop.
They work! Here’s a quick sample –
Now I don’t have to go around saying “Texture credit ___________”
The sky is the limit. I have my eye on some other papers and plan to go back to the store — now that I know this will work.
Seven for a dollar. Not bad for some quick and easy textures! And…..a way to fight the winter time blues.
Good idea, Sue! Your creativity is inspiring!
Do you have to credit the paper manufacturer if you are using it as a background?
Hey – That looks neat!
Brilliant!!
Thanks for sharing your secrets!
Another way you can do this is by scanning (if you have a scanner) the papers into photoshop or lightroom or whatever post-processing program you’re working with. Have done so myself. Love how you’ve used the ‘texture’ with the image.
Bo,
I’m not a lawyer and really don’t have a definitive answer for your question. But here is my thought process (justification/rationalization). And, being truthful, I really didn’t give this much thought until you posed the question. So….I’m glad you asked!
When I go to WalMart and buy a bouquet of flowers and a vase to allow me to use the items as a subject for photography I don’t credit WalMart for the flowers or the vase.
I purchased the papers (designed for creative purposes) and am using them for my own creative purposes.
If anyone reads this and has any insight into this question, I would welcome their comments.
Again….great comment and good food for thought!
Interesting, Marcie. I may give scanning a try.
Very creative idea, I had never thought of doing that! I might have to look into it myself.
Good job Sue!!
I don’t think you have to credit the paper manufacturer. If I buy fabrics to photograph something I don’t have to credit them either, right? The same like you describe with WalMart. This is not a licensing issue and paper or fabrics are made for end users like we are.
You had the best idea to buy your own backgrounds, how clever!
I like your choices!
Sue’s Daily Photography
Nice creativity! I love the idea.
very creative!! good find
Sue, I love this idea…and I’m digging that ones you chose! You’re so crafty & creative!
Now I need to make some time to buy some paper like this and try it myself because I love em!!!
Great creative idea!!
these will make very pretty textures.
Sue, I love this! I have been wanting to play with textures and this technique but didn’t know where to start! Now, I do!!!