Search Results for: blog high tech photo tools

High-Tech Scrapbook Resources

Computers are a priceless resource when it comes to scrapbooking, and not just digital scrapbooking. I am a traditionalist when it comes to creating memory albums, which is why I don’t have too many examples of digital scrapbooking masterpieces. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t utilize my computer to create amazing layouts. When people hear about computers being used to enhance scrapbooking, most automatically focus on the different digital software options available on the market. For example, Photoshop is one of the most incredible resources for scrapbookers whose pictures need help, be it in the cropping, lighting, contrast or focus … Continue reading →

High-Tech Photo Tools

High-tech tools are making it harder and harder to miss photo opps. Today, you can find smartphones that are equipped with the same mechanics featured in upscale digital cameras. BlackBerry, iPhone, Palm Pre and HTC Touch, are just a few handheld gadgets that allow people to keep in touch with family and friends and shoot incredible photos at the same time. However, these high-tech devices aren’t the only inventions created to aid shutterbugs. Free photo organization and editing tools are also part of the package, including: Photo Session: Recently, Flickr unveiled a social image-sharing app called Photo Session. The app … Continue reading →

Do You Photoshop?

I’ve been lusting after Adobe Photoshop software since it debuted in 1988. Yet, like my long-lost love, the Dyson, we have yet to join forces. Of course, even if I had the money in 1988 to purchase the popular photo-editing software, I would have had to upgrade by now. Since its debut, Photoshop has been revised more than 10 times. In October 2008, the 11th major release of Adobe Photoshop took place and along with the upgrades came a name change, from Adobe Photoshop 8 to Adobe Photoshop CS. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the software, it’s … Continue reading →

Basic Photo Editing

The right photo editing program can be a lifesaver if you struggle to take frame worthy shots. What’s more, photo editing software can also be a blessing for photo subjects, who avoid the camera at all costs, because of perceived physical shortcomings. Got bags under your eyes, a missing tooth, or a face full of pimples? Basic photo editing software can erase these flaws with a simple click of a mouse. In addition, the high-tech programs can whiten teeth, reduce oily complexions and fix red-eye. The possibilities to improve a photo subject’s appearance are practically limitless with today’s software. Another … Continue reading →

Are You an Astrophotographer?

Are you a backyard astronomer looking to document a starlit sky with your own camera? Recently fellow blogger Courtney Mroch asked me for tips on how to shoot constellations and I thought I would write a simple post on camera set up, focusing, and lighting. Then I realized there is much more to astrophotography than one blog could accommodate. Therefore, I have decided to devote an entire series of blogs to astrophotography beginning with this one on the types of cameras used to capture stellar shots of constellations. The introduction and subsequent swift evolution of digital cameras has made astrophotography … Continue reading →

Smart Mama Shopping

You can please some of the people some of the time, all of the people some of the time, some of the people all of the time, but you can never please all of the people all of the time.  That goes double if you are a penny-pinching mom playing Santa Claus. I am all about retailers trying to make cash this holiday season.  I get that, but when you are living on a tight budget and you have kids who are expecting St. Nick to deliver a little more than just a few stale candy canes this Christmas, don’t … Continue reading →

Attention to Detail

What makes an ordinary layout extraordinary? For me, it’s all about the details. For example, a page design detailing a trip to the petting zoo is fine with photos of your kids interacting with bunnies, goats and chicks, plus a few stickers or die cuts depicting the same animals. However, if you really want to make your layouts pop, consider adding some fun details. For example, you could create a page border with stamped tracks. If you can’t find stamps or sticker tracks of the animals you saw at the zoo, then print your own from the Internet or draw … Continue reading →

Picture Problem

Does this photo look familiar? If you are like me, you likely have a few dozen Fourth of July-themed pictures to place in your summer scrapbook. Whereas I am pleased to have captured so many decent shots of fireworks, family members, friends and other holiday festivities, I am now faced with the challenge of whittling down just a few select images to feature on a single layout. For me, it’s one of the most daunting scrapbooking tasks. When it comes to picking just a handful of photos to include on a page, my indecisiveness rears its ugly head. I have … Continue reading →

Scrapbooking Made Easy

My mother is the first to admit that she is a dinosaur when it comes to technology. To say that she doesn’t embrace computers or anything digital would be a severe understatement. Ironically, for as much as my mom abhors high-tech gadgets, she absolutely loves the idea of digital scrapbooks. In fact, she is borderline obsessed with digital photo books, which are essentially affordable scrapbooks that you make online. You’ve likely seen the albums advertised on various photography and scrapbooking websites. They feature a variety of prefabricated templates that make scrapping an entire book a breeze. To design the pages … Continue reading →

Reunion Layout Ideas

There’s more than one way to spice up family or class reunion scrapbook layouts. Rather than stick with traditional page designs which embrace standard techniques, consider branching out with whimsical approaches. For example, a fun way to document family history is to do so by displaying photos from different decades. Collect pictures of your family members from the 1940s, 50s, 60s and 70s to create a comical timeline that captures how they looked and acted through the years. While a picture may speak a thousand words, it may be even funnier to add personal anecdotes from loved ones featured in … Continue reading →