How To Make A Photo Collage With A Matching Color Palette

Color collages are a fantastic way to showcase your photos in a new and interesting way + they are so much FUN to create.

When you put your photos in a collage along with a matching color palette you can inspire the viewer in a way standalone images can’t.

Collages can be a creative way to up-level your social media strategy, promote the essence of your brand or feature products on your website.

In this tutorial I will show you two examples. In the first example I show you how to design a collage for Instagram Story and in the second example I teach you how to create a collage for your website or blog.

How To Make A Color Collage With A Photograph

To design a collage with photos and a matching color palette I use a website called Canva. You can get started on Canva for free. They also have a paid version with more possibilities.

So let’s get started!

How To Make A Photo Collage With A Matching Color Palette In Canva – For Instagram Stories

STEP 1: Go to Canva.com and click on “Instagram Stories”. After you click the workspace will automatically open up.

STEP 2: Make sure to start with a blank canvas.

STEP 3: In the panel to the left side pick “Elements”.

STEP 4: Now scroll down until you see the “GRIDS”. Pick your favourite. I like to use the template with an image on one side and small squares on the other side. I will use the large area for the image and the small squares for the color palette.

STEP 5: To upload your own photo click on “UPLOADS” in the left side menu. Then click on the purple “Upload Media” button.

STEP 6: When your image is uploaded you can drag it over to the photo grid and place it in the large photo area.

STEP 7: Now you’re ready to add your color palette. To begin simply click on the first small square. Then click on the color box in the top menu to open up the color panel.

STEP 8: To pick a color from your photo look under “Photo Colors” which present you the most dominant colors in your photo. I prefer to arrange the colors so they go from light to darker, but you can do it anyway you desire.

STEP 9: When your design is ready it’s time to download it. Click on the “download” button. Choose JPEG or PNG for the best quality. I find that PNG often gives the sharpest result.

STEP 10: Finally, click the purple download button and the design will download to your computer. Now transfer the image onto your phone. You can also download the Canva app on your phone and then access it from there. Share your beautiful design on Instagram. Feel free to tag me if you want me to see it.

In the next example, I will show you how to create a collage for your website or blog. The process is very similar but I want to show you a different way to do it.

Are you ready?

How To Make A Photo Collage With A Matching Color Palette In Canva – For Websites

STEP 1: Go to Canva.com and type “Photo Collage” in the search. Now you will see a selection of ready-made templates.

STEP 2: Find a template that you would like to work with as your starting point and click on it.

STEP 3: When the template opens up you can begin your design process. You can change the background color, the images and the color boxes as well as removing elements you don’t want to keep.

STEP 4: To replace the template photos with your own photos click on “Uploads” in the left side menu. Then upload the photos you want to use. Drag the photos to the board and place then where you want them.

STEP 5: To change the colors simply click on a color in the template and then click on the little coloured square in the top menu. This opens up the color panel.

STEP 6: To pick a color from one of your photos see under “Photo Colors” which shows the most dominant colors in your photos.

STEP 7: When your design is ready click on the download arrow in the top menu. Choose JPEG or PNG.

STEP 8: Download the collage to your computer and enjoy the result.

Below you can see a few more collages that I designed.

Happy creating!

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5 Creative Tips for Photographing Old Flowers

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I’m sure you love fresh flowers. Am I right? But what about about old dying flowers? You know, those you throw out when they start to look sad and dry…

Why not get creative and turn those old flowers into some FINE ART photos?

You can capture amazing photos of old flowers with all their texture and character. It just requires a few tricks.

So in this blog post, I will show you how I turned this old bouquet (see photo below) into a series of fine art flower photos + I will share five techniques that will help you do the same.

Let’s dive right in, starting with…

1. Use A Macro Lens

The best lens for photographing flowers is a macro lens. For the photos in this post I have used the 100mm Marco Lens from Canon. I love it because you can get really close to the flower and capture their beauty up and close.

This makes it possible to show the amazing texture of the wilted flower petals. If you don’t have a macro lens you can also use a lens like the 50mm or a zoom lens, and then crop it in post production to get closer to the flowers. But the best choice is definitely a macro lens.

2. Move In Close

When you photograph old flowers, it’s important to get close so the viewer can enjoy the details. It’s within the details the story of the dying flowers appear. Showing textures and details of the flowers ageing process will help evoke emotions and interest.

Experiment with photographing just one single flower and then move in close so that one flower fills up most of the frame. This will give power to the flower and make it shine like a star.

3. Fill The Frame

Another great way to capture old flowers is to completely fill the frame with flowers. To do this simply cut off all the flower heads of your old bouquet. Cut some of them so they still have a bit of stem, and cut others so they have no stem left.

This will help you create a more pleasing composition because those flowers with no stem can easily be placed turning directly up against the camera and those without a stem can be placed sideways. Now place all your flower heads close together on a matte surface, and photograph your composition from above.

4. Experiment With Simplicity

You don’t need an entire bouquet to create some artistic flower photos. You can simply play with just a few dried flower petals like I did in the images below.

The key to this look is to use a macro lens, and also pick a background with charming texture. Sprinkle your flower petals out and play with different compositions. Look into your lens and move around until you spot something that looks interesting.

5. Consider The Background

The background will play a major role in the final look and feel of the image. For a dark and moody atmosphere I recommend using a black background. This will give you a timeless and classical look. You can simply use a black piece of fabric or a cardboard. Make sure it’s matte and not too shiny.

Another option is to play with layering. In the photo below I placed various layers of papers; handwritten notes, brown paper and postcards. This technique adds so much to the storytelling but it also takes a bit of the attention away from the flowers. So experiment to see what you like.

In the next two photos I have used a homemade background with a crackle effect. This creates a beautiful antique look as if the flowers are photographed on top of an old French table – but in reality it’s just a piece of plywood that I have painted. I think this adds such a lovely feeling to the image and the antique look also complements the old flowers.

If you would love more tips on how to photograph FOOD and STILL LIFE I invite you to grab my FREE 5-Day photography course. Click here and start NOW >> It’s 100% FREE!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls Recipe

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Craving something sweet, delicious AND healthy? I got the perfect recipe for you!

These yummy chocolate peanut butter protein balls are the perfect snack to satisfy your sweet tooth.

They are vegan and free of refined sugar + they are quick and easy to make.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls Recipe

One year ago my husband and I started eating mainly plant-based food.

It was not an easy transition and it has been a bit of a rollercoaster learning how to cook for our new lifestyle. But we both agree that it’s been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

We have so much more energy, sleep better, and feel + look healthier too. Personally, I’ve also gotten rid of joint pain and chronic stomach cramps. And the funny thing is we never miss meat!

I also try to limit my intake of refined sugar and that’s why I LOVE these protein balls.

They are better than any chocolate bar and I eat them happily for breakfast as well as before a workout to boost my energy.

They are loaded with protein and healthy fat and will quickly make you feel satisfied and full.

I always make a big batch of the protein balls and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

They can easily last in the fridge for up to 10 days and in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls Recipe

Ingredients:

1 can of Organic Chickpeas
A handfull of Cashew Nuts
2-3 tbsp Peanut Butter
10 juicy Dates (take the stone out)
3 tbsp Shredded Coconut
1 tbsp Maple Syrup
3-4 tbsp of RAW Cacao
2-3 tbsp of Oats (can be gluten-free)
1-2 tbsp of Almond Butter
1 scoop of Protein Powder (I use BodyLab)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract (optional)
1 pinch of Salt (to enhance the flavour of chocolate)

How To Make Protein Balls

Rinse the chickpeas under water for 5 minutes. Then add them to a food processor together with all the other ingredients.

Blend it all until smooth and thick. Not too dry and not too wet.

If the dough is too dry you can blend in more maple syrup, more peanut butter or simply add a bit of water or oat milk.

If the dough is too wet and sticky add in more oats or coconut flour.

When the dough is mixed well together put it in the fridge for 1-2 hours or until the next day. It is so much easier to roll the balls when the dough is cooled down and hardened.

I personally, prefer to roll my protein balls in shredded coconut but you can also pour a bit of melted dark chocolate over them with a spoon.

If you feel fancy or want to impress your guests, you can buy some edible gold dust and sprinkle it over the protein balls while the melted chocolate is still warm. It looks so beautiful.

PS. Did you already sign up for my FREE 5-Day photography course? If you love still life and food photography and want to learn my best tips, simply get started here >> It’s 100% FREE!