Four techniques for creating a focal point

How do you go about capturing a special moment on a scrapbook page? One of the best ways is to turn one of your photos into a focal point. A focal point not only tells the "reader" where to begin, but it also immediately conveys the mood or theme of a layout. Before you get started, you need to select a focal-point photo. In general, a photo that is well lit, in focus and vivid works best. If you're not pleased with the quality of your photos, you may need to try several of the techniques listed below, which will help turn those "not-so-hot" photos into great focal points. Read on to learn four easy ways to give your most important photos a little boost.

1. Size. In general, large photos make great focal points because they catch the eye first. If you have a photo you especially like, you may want to have the photo developer make it into a larger size. (Note: Photo-imaging machines, like Kodak's Picture Maker and Fuji's Aladdin, are wonderful options. These machines allow you to alter a photo's size in minutes.)

2. Matting. When matting your photo, be sure to select colors that complement your photo rather than overwhelm it. Also, experiment with the sizes of the mats on a focal-point photo. Try varying the widths of the mat, leaving an uneven mat for journaling, or use patterned paper that supports the general theme of your layout.

3. Shape. When matting your focal point, don't feel limited to the size and shape of the original photo. Call attention to your focal-point photo by adding a contrasting shape. For example, a circular photo on a square mat or an oval photo on a rectangular mat are great focal point options. Even silhouettes can make great focal points, although you'll probably need to mat them to add extra prominence. (If you do use silhouettes, don't forget to "ground" them.

4. Accents. Enhancements are an easy way to highlight a focal-point photo—especially if you're dealing with a photo that's not all that bright or eye-catching. Also, adding enhancements to your focal point is a great way to immediately convey the theme or message of a layout. Just take care that the enhancements don't overshadow the focal point—remember that your photos should be the stars of the layout.

Make sure that the story your layout tells is the story you want to tell. A focal point is the easiest way to do this. To check yourself, quickly look at a layout, then ask, "What's the first thing I see on this page?" If it's not your most important photo, take advantage of any of these four easy techniques!