Smilebox - Spread More Happy

Our Top Tips for Photos
You'll Treasure

Our daily inspiration comes from helping you share your photos and celebrate the moments they capture. Whether you're preserving holiday magic, family milestones, or everyday fun, each amazing Smilebox creation starts with beautiful photos. So here are our top photography tips, from technical to heartfelt.

1. Stay Composed
Keep in mind one fundamental rule of composition: The Rule of Thirds. Cut the canvas into thirds diagonally and horizontally, and aim to place your subject at one of the intersections of these imagined lines. The result is much more interesting than a centered shot, we promise!

2. Explore Different Viewpoints
Get up close to fill the frame, then step back and capture the entire scene as the action unfolds. Stand on a (sturdy) countertop, or get down on your belly--whatever you can do to capture the moment from fresh, unexpected perspectives.

3. Consider Lighting
Do your best to avoid harsh, direct light that casts strong, stark shadows (think of the sun at high noon). Diffused light that results in softer shadows is preferable, especially for portraits.

4. Consider a Tripod
An easy way to eliminate the blur of camera shake is to invest in a small tripod for solid support. Position high or low for some amazing angles.

5. Have Fun!
Sometimes the most treasured photographs are the furthest from technical perfection. They capture a moment of trush, a flash of personality, a little gesture of love. Stay open to what's unfolding around you and let the camera follow your heart.

What is Smilebox?

Our simple application for PC or Mac lets you quickly and easily create slideshows, invitations, greetings, collages, scrapbooks and photo albums right on your computer. To get started, download and install the Smilebox application. Then simply select the photos you want to use, choose a template, add comments and music and voila, you’ve made a Smilebox! With more than 1,000 customizable templates to choose from, you’ll find inspiration around every corner.