Typical Basic Edits

Posted on by Debra 2 Comments
basic edits pic

editing image

Hi, have you ever wondered why the pictures you take are not as vivid or bright as other photographer’s images? Simple basic edits can make a tremendous difference.

Typical Basic Edits

Many people when starting photography get very lost when it comes to editing. When looking at a picture you just took on a nice camera, it’s really easy to look at it and think “wow, that looks great! what is there to fix?” Or maybe “I’ve got a nice camera that I figured out how to use, but I can NOT get my pictures to look like everybody else’s!” Well don’t stress it, because we’ve got some good ways to help you get started with some basic edits.

The 2 main things that photographers look at with each image is the tone and the exposure. Many cameras shoot pictures where the skin tone ends up looking too orange, too red or even too blue. Fixing the image so that the skin tones look natural and like the color of the actual skin can make a dramatic difference. The other major fix is the exposure. Is the picture too light? Is the picture too dark? Even with professional cameras, pictures can come out with the exposure off. The best way to judge if the exposure is correct is to look at the skin again. It’s very important to adjust the image until the exposure is correct. Even if it means making the sky extra bright, it’s more important to have the skin be the correct amount of exposure over everything else in the image.

The two software programs I use to make these basic edits is Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop. If you have used other programs to make such adjustments, please share in the comments section below.

For more information about image editing click here.

Best Wishes,
debra

The Secrets to Using a Flash

Posted on by Debra 2 Comments
flash secrets

flash-noflash

Do you ever find yourself trying to decide if you should use flash or not? There are a million similar situations you can find yourself in where you would consider using flash, but it sometimes seems the flash actually takes away from the image, rather than helping it. Here is some quick advice on how to use your best judgment with flash, and some tricks on how to make it look the best!

To Flash or Not to Flash

The best times to use flash are night, and anytime a good amount of natural light is not available. A lot of times this means indoors in a poorly lit environment! Flash was created to help the camera have enough light available to make the subject more visible, but it can also create a flat look to your images and create an extremely dark background. So anytime you are considering whether or not to use it, keep this in mind. You can also take a test shot without it on and see how you like it. The flash will create a better quality picture as far as clarity, but it may sacrifice too much beautiful and natural lighting and can completely hide the back ground.

Some tricks to help you use the flash more efficiently: A camera’s flash is not programmed to make it long distance, so get closer to your subject so they can be actually lit up by the flash going off. Also, until you feel proficient in determining when a good time to use flash would be, keep it on auto. It will go off, and sometimes clue you in to a good time to use it, when you yourself wouldn’t have thought to. Flash is ultimately an awesome tool to have when light isn’t available, and should be used accordingly!

Best Wishes,
debra

Journal 2015

Posted on by Debra 2 Comments
journal

Hi, it’s amazing how quick this year has gone by. It’s fun to reminisce as I look through my journal 2015 book. This project was my New Year’s resolution project for 2015. One thing I enjoy about going to my parents home is going downstairs and looking through one of the many family photo albums. Since the digital camera revolution, I have not printed my pictures. Storing them on my computer or phone was and is my standard. I wanted to change that.

With this change, I knew my efforts would need to be simple- very simple. That’s why I chose the 8.5×11 size scrapbook. Printing could be done at home or I could email my file to Kinko’s (my local office printing supply store).

A copy of my 2015 journal is posted below. It can be viewed in full screen or just as it is. Click on the page corner to flip the page. I would enjoy hearing what you think of the journal- did it inspire you to start one for 2016?

The supplies needed for my journal printing project:

1. Post Bound Scrapbook Album and refill pages

Hobby Lobby is my favorite crafting store. I take advantage of the sales whenever possible. The scrapbooks I use are purchased when they are on sale for 40% or 50% off. The post bound style is my preference. The book looks full with 10 or 50 pages! A three ring binder could be used as well.

2. Archival Sheet Protectors from WalMart

3. Print
At home or use a printing service.
FedEx Kinko’s
Office Depot

A one-sided color copy is only 70 cents at my local FedEx Kinko’s. When I am ready to print, it’s as simple as emailing the file. I drive by this location on a daily basis which is very easy and convenient for print pick up. The key is to print as I go- send in my files each month; not waiting til the end of the year!

4. Software to create the pages.
Keep in mind I needed this to be as simple as it could be. For quick pages I use Microsoft Office Word. Another good alternative program is Microsoft Works.

The other program I use and have mentioned several other times throughout my blog is, Lumapix Fotofusion. The Enhanced version was designed for digital enthusiasts and scrapbookers.

5. Fonts
Ok- I know all computers come with fonts. However, different fonts can make your journal more fun and creative. Again I needed simple so I wanted a more personal touch- my own handwriting!
Get your own handwritten font!

Do you scrapbook journal? I would enjoy hearing how you preserve your memories.

Best Wishes,
debra

Journal 2015 Year in Review