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Monday, March 17, 2008

Second Element

Last month I finished my first online class in PhotoShop Elements 5.0. Wednesday, I will begin my second class (the advanced studies). I really liked the first class. I liked the format and the instructor had written the lessons in such a manner that many of potential problems were anticipated and the answers provided without having to go to the discussion area. The discussion area was helpful and questions were generally answered within 4-8 hours.
I have always bee interested in photography. With the introduction of digital photography, the amateur photographer can create great photos from mere snapshots. Darkroom techniques that were once the exclusive domain of the pros and phot0 labs can now be done by the average interested amateur. There are still techniques and processes in the full version of PhotoShop CS3 that I will never learn, but I can make myself very happy with the capabilities of Elements. In fact I have ordered three books on PhotoShop Elements techniques to supplement what I have and will learn in the class.
This will make the hobby of photography so much more exciting that I can't wait to get out and shoot some more pictures, bring them back, download them and manipulate them in the program. Here is a very basic example. The first photo is the original snapshot. The second photo is the result of a little cropping and color enhancement. There were no significant techniques involved here. I might play with some other techniques later, like adding snow where the grass is showing.

Before

After

As mentioned in an earlier post, we are taking the family to Disney World in June. There will be more photo opps there than anyone can imagine. You're going to get sick of looking at the grand kids when we get back from that trip and I have the chance to post photos. That's OK. Like I said, this blog is mostly for my benefit anyway. I know where to come to see photos of the grand crew without having to do an extensive file search.
I am already planning to take a couple of online digital photography classes this fall. I think I have created a monster, and the monster is me.

6 comments:

Travis Cody said...

Great job on the photo!

DoubleDeckerBusGuy said...

Goodly job! Looking forward to the Disney photos upcoming!

Jose said...

Hi, I don't know how you found by blog but I came to visit yours and it seems we have similar tastes. I have another blog that showcases my pictures, except I point, shoot, and post. I never alter them from the original snap shot. I am also an avid Idol fan and try to give my opinion and predictions for each show, or at least for most of them. I hope you come back and visit.

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

I Love having my photoshop back...for the St. Pats post, I took the statue of St. Pat and made it green...then put it behind the bar...(having to slice away the bar to give the dimension and then put the bar back in...

and I also then needed St. pat to reflect in the top of the bar...something i am not sure many noticed...

If you have any questions...please just ask...I have been using the program for years (self-taught!)

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

I appreciate you posting on my Photog blog. I love the creative outlet of photography. I think you are on the right track. Looks great! If you get the chance while at Disney, visit Epcot (my kids liked it in comparison to Disney they are ages 17,10 and 7) and you will have some terrific subjects and still life as you walk through the many nations (Japan, Mexico, France,Canada,Germany,etc)-all without leaving the sunny state of Florida. Some wonderful photo op's there.

Laura said...

Nice work with Photoshop. It is a program where you can pick up the basics quickly, but mastering the program takes years. I have been using it since I started college 8 years ago and there are new tips I learn all the time.

I am taking my first ARE test on Saturday...MEP...yikes! Wish me luck!