Wednesday, December 19, 2007

My Christmas Gift to You!

I realized that most of my blogger friends are photography buffs, as am I. Here is a free web sight that has really helped me make some dull photos into works of art...okay - well maybe not art ..but better anyway! There are many sights like this one that have more variety, but they are not free! The web sight is www.picnik.com You will have to register and you can opt to pay for more upgrades if you choose, but I have only used what they offer for free.

Below is a picture of our barn cat named Boo. The photo is in color, it is a bit off centered and well - just plain boring.
Before:


I took this photo to the Picnik web sight. First I imported my color photo onto the sight. Next I went to the Edit section. I cropped out some of the sky and centered the photo better. I sharpened it up a bit and lightened it as well. Next I went to Create. Under Effects, I changed the photo to Black and White and put a Matte finish on it - which gave it the eerie faded look around the edges. Using the text, I chose a font and size to write in Boo's name and then drug the word to the location I wanted it. Then I saved the photo back to my computer as a jpeg file under pictures. Now I can send it to Walmart or Shutterfly or any photo store and have a poster made out of it if I want!

Don't you think this makes a great Halloween photo?
After.

Here is another example:
BEFORE:

AFTER:

11 comments:

Karen H. said...

Good Afternoon Julie,
I just finished reading your story from your previous post and left a comment on that. Wow, you are an expert when it comes to fixing up pictures. I have seen so many of my blogging friends doing wonders with pictures they have taken. I don't have a digital camera. The only camera I have is on my cell phone. It doesn't take the greatest pictures. But, it is a camera and I can save them to my computer. I love how you redone the one with your cat Boo. It is beautiful. Thanks for sharing it with us. Take care my friend and have a great evening. May God Bless You and Yours.

Hugs,
Karen H.

Lilli & Nevada said...

Oh i love the new look Boo definitely looks scary. Will check out the site.

Anonymous said...

Hi Julie, thanks for sharing this, will definitely check that out! Boo is cute sittin' there while you take his photo!! Merry Christmas Julie! Jenn and Jacqui

vivian said...

Julie, your pictures are fine.. I think most of us are just playing with the cameras! There are a few professional types out there, but this is all just for fun right!?
I started the miniature horse last night.. I'll finish it tonight and post pics with in tne next couple days.
viv

bj said...

Thanks so much for your gift of this wonderful site. I will use it as I LOVE enhancing photos.
hugs, bj

Unknown said...

Love your cat photo! Thanks for recommending the site, I'll definately check it out.

Karen H. said...

Good Morning Julie,
I love what you have done with the Santa pictures. They are adorable. You sure do a good job. I just want you to know that I have an Award waiting for you on my post today. When you have time, stop by to pick it up. It is raining here this morning. Well, take care my friend and have a great Thursday. May God Bless You and Yours.

Hugs,
Karen H.

windycorner said...

Thanks Julie. That's exactly what I've been looking for. The camera you got from your husband looks great. That is on my list but I don't know if I've been good enough this year to get it. Merry Christmas!
Holley

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, Julie, great tips with the photos! I'll have to try that one. I use Photo Filtre & Picasa, but I love new options.

LOVE the story about you opening your Christmas gifts...that is priceless! Came over here from Debra's. Great story!

merry Christmas, Julie!
Rhoda

CIELO said...

Oh wow... what a difference! Thank you, Julie, for letting us know about that site.... I will check it out right now.

Merry Christmas to you and yours

Cielo

Southern Heart said...

Julie, thanks for the recommendation of that site. I love Picasa, but am always looking for new tools and techniques.

I love that photo of Boo!

Merry Christmas,

Andrea