Ep 024 Quilt Photography 101: Tips for Documenting Your Quilting Legacy
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Documenting Your Quilting Legacy: A Conversation with Photographer Carissa Ramirez
I've been thinking a lot about legacy lately—specifically, how we document the quilts we pour our hearts into. My grandmother kept a quilt journal —simple but beautiful—complete with taped-in photos and handwritten notes about dates and recipients. That journal has sparked something in me, and is part of the reason I was inspired to start this podcast two years ago!
In this episode, I’m sitting down with my friend Carissa Ramirez, a photographer and marketing coordinator who understands the power of preserving our creative work. We talk about the intersection of photography and quilting, how to capture your quilts authentically, and why documentation matters for future generations.
What We Cover in This Episode:
The Connection Between Photography and Quilting
Carissa and I explore how both crafts center on preserving moments and creating tangible records. I share my grandmother's quilt journal and my vision for creating printed photo journals with handwritten details—a practice that connects us to quilters of generations past AND future.
Carissa's Photography Journey
From teenage photo shoots with friends to navigating traditional family expectations while pursuing creative work, Carissa shares how she built her photography career through marketing positions and side hustles. Her path eventually led her to product photography and wedding work, where she developed her signature true-to-color, classic editing style.
Practical Tips for Photographing Your Quilts
Lighting Is Everything The number one rule? Chase the light. Natural light transforms your quilt photography. We discuss solutions for low-light situations, including ring lights with neutral white tones (avoid overly warm or blue light that distorts your fabric colors).
Start Wide, Move Closer Begin with establishing shots that show the full quilt, then move in for detail shots. This approach gives you variety and tells the complete story of your work.
Photograph Quilts in Use Authentic documentation means showing quilts doing what they're meant to do—draped over furniture, wrapped around people, spread on beds. These images capture the life and purpose of your quilts.
Manage Difficult Lighting Conditions Harsh sun or sunset shooting? Use shade as your friend. Reflectors or even white poster board can diffuse and bounce light beautifully. Experiment with backlighting for dramatic effect, and consider using flash at sunset to preserve true colors.
Props and Composition Thoughtful props add context, color harmony, and mood to your quilt photos without overwhelming the main subject.
Color Theory and Perception
We touch on how our eyes perceive color and why understanding basic color theory helps both in quilting and photography. This knowledge directly impacts how you capture and edit your work.
The Reality of Creative Business
We get honest about social media pressures, monetization expectations, and gatekeeping in creative communities. Balancing fair pricing with sustainable creative work remains an ongoing challenge, and we discuss how to navigate it authentically.
From family heirlooms to thrift store finds, the Patchwork Revival podcast celebrates the generational connections made through the quilts we love.
Until next time,
