Original Gondola image...............

This image shows the original photograph as we were given to work with. Note, no clouds, small boat in background, striped cover duller, orange tarp now green, and of course photo is angled. When you compare these 2 images it is quite apparent what has been changed.

Gondola (jpeg format for blog)

We began this exercise with a perfectly fine photo - to the untrained eye - and improved the quality of the image by resizing and retouching. For example,

• we removed another boat in the background, using the rubber stamp command
• we recoloured the green tarp using the 'replace colour' command, changing the hue and saturation
• we brightened the red on the striped cover (saturation & brightness sponge)
• we added clouds to the original grey sky

This photograph is intended to be used in print, on a brochure. The intended use of the image determines the methods used and the techniques utilised. ie. images for print are treated differently to images for screen.

This banner was created by placing numerous layers on top of each other and then 'flattening' the finished banner before converting it to a jpeg file. We also added a border and of course some text !

Banner for Web Page

This is a banner created for a web page. It has been made using several layers, starting with the background, then, using the wand tool I have selected the butterfly itself and resized, or 'transformed' it to sit on the page. The border was added to the backgroung layer, on the inside of the frame. The text has been added in 3 separate layers, to enabling ease of editing etc.

Layer Basics Z999

This excercise changed opacity (transparency) within layers to allow us, for example, to see through the clock to the background behind. We also used blending, with colours within layers, and learned how to link layers, which meant we could 'join' 2 layers together and reposition, scale and rotate them as 1.

'Gradient' was added by introducing a whole new transparent layer, and adding a special effect - in this case the purple colour that you see, graduated from right to left. This effect is applied to any layers below the new layer. We also added text, which is not nearly as simple as it sounds !!

Layer Basics Z999

These are the original photos we were given to work with for the 'Layer Basics Z999' Blog. (Above) I have created this image by layering the 3 photographs onto a banner. Doing it this way, it has allowed me to position the 3 images side by side across the page. If they were individual images, they would have to be positioned one above the other. We worked with these photos and layered them on top of each other. We also applied different modes to layers to vary the artwork effects, applied gradients, added texts and layer effects. Finally we saved the file with the layers flattened - this means the layers are merged into a single background layer, hence reducing the file size immensely. *Note, always save a file with the layers unflattened as well, in case you need to edit at a later stage.

Mr Potato Head

• Mr Potato Head was an exercise not only in 'layer creation and technique', using tools like

* the magnetic lasso

*the marquee tool - but also

*anger management, *self control, *practicing methods of stress relief !!

You can see from the clump of vegetables above that we were given to work with

that this was a lot more difficult than first meets the eye when you look at the

finished image..........................

More night shots - different effects......

Believe it or not, these are exactly the same photo ! What looks like a starry night is actually the fairy lights under the stairs, but that's ALL. The 2nd photo shows the actual stairs, with the lights still visible, but not the main feature. The 'starry night' uses the auto portrait setting and the 'stairs' uses the 'night portrait' setting. This was achieved with the slow/repeated flash.

Night Shots - using different settings

These 3 pictures demonstrate the difference between 'Portrait', 'Night View' and 'Night Portrait' automatic settings on the camera.

• Portrait (photo 1) used no flash, and produced a fairly dark image of the 2 candles on the dining table.


• Night view (photo 2), uses some flash, but image is still a little dark.
  
• Photo 3 - night portrait used the multi flash, and is almost like daylight.

Collages...........a whole new world !!!

Far top - picture grid, 3 photos, sepia.

Above - image overlay, multi exposure.

ShOoT aNyThInG sUnDaY.....................

Advance Australia Fair.....................

MACRO & CLOSE UP MONDAY...........

.......a close up, macro or small detail. I'm sure I can find something that fits into this category !!!!!

Not easy to get a horse to stand still in a paddock - unrestrained.

Twenty first century Tuesday...............................

This front loader washing machine is certainly 21st century compared to the wringer I used at Newton Boyd......not that long ago. It also fits into the category of something shiny as well. *Note the smelly sandshoes at the base of the machine - every home should have them in their laundry!

Worn out and weathered Wednesday...........................

Something not quite at it's best. This poor old wheelbarrow has certainly seen better days. Because it was late in the day when this photo was taken, I needed to alter the exposure settings to allow more light in the frame.

TRADITIONAL THURSDAY

Something older and more traditional.............' what more traditional than a couple of stockmen out riding the boundary?

Fill the frame Friday.........................

The requirement for this activity was to fill the frame, and during all our exercises we were asked to think about viewing items from different or unusual angles. There are two photos that meet the criteria, and they are shown here.

Shiny Saturday

These are two photos I have taken - the requirement being, something shiny! The smaller of the two is a front loader washing machine, and the larger a water feature. I have used 'Picasa' to edit the photos, and then placed them on my blog.

Shutter Speeds & Aperture Settings

These 2 photos will show the difference when various settings are used with your camera. The photo on the right, a close up of the sprinkler, used the 'Sports and Kids' setting, which means it has a fast shutter speed - 1/160th of a second - to capture something frozen in time. You would use this setting for something moving or likely to move ie. animals, vehicles, kids etc.

The second photo (far top) uses the 'Portrait' setting. You will notice the foreground is in focus (the leaves) and the background (the water) is blurry. This setting would be used for close up portraits, or something you would like a clear picture of that is the main focus of the photo. If photographing people, you will notice this setting will give their skin a much nicer tone.

I Can Do this Again.............boring isn't it!

This is just one of the lovely views I wake up to in the mornings, or of an evening when I am looking out over the deck.

THAT CAKE, and......Who's are those feet?

Perhaps you were wondering just how tasty that cake was? Well, it was a bit leathery and there was a lot of texture - kind of like a lamington, but not as tasty. The second cake was much nicer. And...it actually looked more like a cake should.

Learning to Add Photos to Blog - Compression etc.

Our fabulous teacher has advanced us so much, we are today able to add not only a photo, but a compressed photo, not reduced too much in quality, but reduced immensely in size. This is an important thing to remember when attempting to add photos. The photograph featured today is a snap of Maree's cake, or what is left of it after her particularly enjoyable morning tea. Thanks Maree for having that birthday!

YOU MAY NOTICE, this is not a cake !!!! If you have a problem with this, see next week's edition.

Digital Cameras & Web Design - a short course........

Class today spent celebrating Maree's birthday with a delicious sponge from the kitchen of Campus Operation's Manager, Deb McMahon - in your dreams! The sponge featured the prettiest of pink icing and of course, delicate mock cream. The main feature of the cake was the 100's & 1000's sprinkled evenly over the icing. Maree had a fabulous time, and seemed appropriately embaressed during the rendition of 'Happy Birthday' as sung by the staff, out of tune, but suitably loud. Our introduction to Web Design was a little rocky, with several delays, due to technical difficulties. With a little luck, we can read this page from the internet...........................................