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Ambergris Caye, Belize - 2008 |
The dangerous thing about blogging is that you sure can neglect many things.
Like paying the bills, picking up the house, going for walks
(which by the way, The Professor and I did on Sunday ... it was a beautiful day!),
running needed errands, exercising,
and even brushing one's hair!
(But I always always always brush my teeth!)
On top of that,
you begin to learn new editing techniques from fellow bloggers
and then blow through a whole afternoon just editing a few photographs.
And that's pretty much what I've been doing the last few days.
Playing around with a couple of new editing tools.
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Eiffel Tower, Paris -2007 |
The first one is a new Topaz product called Star Effects.
I spent several hours perusing through old photographs trying to find ones that were appropriate to use the star burst effect. I guess I don't take too many night photos.
But that may change.
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Park City, Utah - 2009 |
I can see that it can be a cool tool to use in certain photos.
Even when they aren't the best photos but you still kind of like them.
Like most of these that were taken with my little point and shoot through the years.
Not only can you use the effect on lights but also on sunsets and sunrises.
Not only can you use the effect on lights but also on sunsets and sunrises.
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Sunrise over Hermanus, South Africa - 2002 |
And then, today, after completing these photos and doing a little blog hop, I happen upon Nancy's post over at A Rural Journal. She did some texture work using Pixlr. I have been wondering what I might use when Picnik goes away. iPiccy is not bad and easy to use. But Pixlr is so much more robust but isn't nearly as intuitive. Nancy has a nice little tutorial in her side bar describing how to use Pixlr for textures. And of course, I have spent over an hour just playing around with Pixlr. My guess is it feels similar to Photoshop which is all foreign to me.
And while I was doing all that, somehow I ended up on another sight that offers a free trial called Perfect Layers for Aperture, Photoshop and Lightroom users. A plug-in program that combines several photos together to create one. Mmmm.... I can see how my afternoon is going to go now!
(P.S. This will be one blog post that I hope The Professor doesn't read!)
I definitely need some blinders!
Unlike me, go out and do something fun today, dear friends! (But actually, I am having fun!)
Unlike me, go out and do something fun today, dear friends! (But actually, I am having fun!)
49 comments:
wow! these are really cool! like you didn't have enough effects in your bag o' tricks, lady!
These do look cool, going to have to check them out! Ah, yes! We do have fun, don't we!! I really hate to lose Picnik! Well, it's a gray, chilly, rainy day here, so I can definitely have fun at home today! Thanks for the info!
Sylvia
I know all about neglecting things to blog. I really need to stop and get more work done around the house.
Great Pictures!!!
We could definitely form a club -- but no one would go to the meetings because we'd be at home blogging and editing photos. ;)
Beautiful light editing -- I'd say it was worth whatever you didn't do instead.
they're all very good...eiffel tower is my favorite...I love taking photos but I am really lax about editing, learning new techniques...I've had photoshop and Lightroom for two years and have yet to open them!
Professional level photography here. I could stare at your pics for hours or even use them as wallpaper.
Ditto what TexWisGirl said! That all makes my head spin. I will miss picnik for the few times I add a frame or some text or wish to collage a few pics together. Don't go picnik!
Gorgeous pics. Also, if you're still brushing your teeth, you're okay ;-)
I know the feeling. And then when I run out of photos to play with I'm antsy and want a trip to go get more! This photo stuff is addictive!
LOL Reena good to know you are brushing your teeth!! You must definitely are addicted but tell the Professor that you are also teaching us all about your new methods so maybe he well see the educational value in your neglect of all things domestic.
Hugs Madi and Mom
Wow!!! My favorites are the first and last pictures. You are a fast learner, they are all perfect!
Hahaha! Too funny, Reena! I get swooped off my feet by the computer & the evil internet quite often :)
I bought Photoshop Elements 9 some time ago and don't know squat about using!! Guess I just haven't taken the time and made the effort. I do love some of the effects that can be achieved with less than perfect photography, though. Great shots from all your travels.
These are rally beautiful! I see you'll probably be out on the town at night (with camera) and holed up at home editing photos during the day!
Hmmm...when to sleep?
So true...love these as usual!
Lovely photos! I went to Ambergris Caye once. So beautiful there.
Awesome effects!
I have the same problem, and I have to set a timer so I don't sit in front of the computer for so long! These effects are beautiful, and now you're tempting me to try them. I'm loving that Eiffel Tower!
I believe that as bloggers we are all guilty of being enablers also. We feed each others addictions :)
I love these shots especially that first one. I so have to go download the topaz. So much for cleaning tonight :)
It really IS fun, isn't it? And you're being creative, so give yourself a break. I love those stars!
I really do love the twinkling of the lights in that first photo!
What fun effects! Will have to check out some of the links.
so i'm not the only one who wastes hours on end do that! although, I'm not the one calling it "wasting time",if you catch my drift. ;-)
lovely images!
You're learning new things all along and that's good for you! I've started a new venture...and having fun, too! Hope you can stop by and visit soon and tell me what you think! ♥
Picture editing is very time consuming.
Once addicted, always addicted.
Ah! Why spend time on paying bills and housework when you can create wonderful twinkly photo effects like these..... Love them!
Wow, these are wonderful effects. The sunset and the Eiffel Tower are my favs.
What wonderful photos.. I love the editing. It really is crazy how much time one can spend on this computer..
I am addicted.. Thats for sure..
Hugs, Linda
I used it on my Christmas tree for the first time and loved it. Nice job Reena!!
Renna, these are all lovely photos. The first shot is my favorite! I love what you did using the different editing tools. Thanks for sharing the links. Have a great day!
Oooooh..... love the night shots ...... I may have to dig into these programs. I never take night shots - but these are Super!
Very cool editing tools, Reena! I have been too busy lately to play... and I'm so jealous! I need to carve out some time for PLAY!
There truly is so much out there Reena, and most of it is so much fun!!!
Love what you did here with Star Effects. Just beautiful.
It's the same for me. I forget *everything* while blogging or playing with photos, widgets, templates, etc.
Please, keep me updated about your photo editor new choice.
Wonderful images Reena.. Belize I haven't been to but your image has sold it to me..
Paris is a wonderful place to visit and I was born in South Africa (unfortunately I was only two when my parents brought me back to the UK.
One day?....
Another star is born!
I saw the 1st shot of what I thought was twinkle lights, then scrolled down & 1st word that came to mind was "DAZZLING"... then, I read & it's an editing program... ah, ok! It's still "DAZZLING", no matter what! =)
I like the effect.
OMG that first photo is simply amazing!!
reading your words about
your hours spent
playing with your photos
in the "edit studio"
relaxes me deeply
...I can feel your pleasure
in your art:)
makes me happy to the bone,
Jennifer
very cool! yes, editing photos is like falling down the rabbit hole... but so much fun!!!
what an amazing effect. i especially liked the boat lights at dusk. perfect ambient lighting.
These are all gorgeous and stunning photos! You've got a lot of effects out there. :D
Dog Fence for Any size yard.
The image of the Eiffel tower is really awesome!
Editing is so cool. Sigh, I'm an addict too!
i'm wowed! these are all stunning, love the art effect to some of them.
love your creativity.
thanks, dear reena.
These are Awesome! Full of sparkle and shine:) Love them!
These are so much fun. I love the E tower and the strung lights.
Wow! Each one of them is beautiful...
Stunning. And now I must sign out as I am going to be in huge trouble as I want to spend time investigating these programs... (Sunrise over Hermanus is amazing!)
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