Exploration+in+Photo+Editing

=Exploring Photo Editing=

My frustration with the editing section of the assignment centered around finding an editing program to use. Before I began editing my pictures, I had every intention of using the GIMP editing program. However, I am not familiar with downloading software from the Internet and I could not figure out what I was suppose to click on to download the program. I looked at several editing tools but I ended up using HP Photosmart Premier.The editing tool was easy and fun to use and I was pleased with my results.

I started my editing exploration by resizing and cropping a picture. Once I entered the number of pixels for the width, the program put in the appropriate ratio for the heighth. Cropping the picture was easy also. I used a box similar to a text box to crop my picture to the desired size. This allowed me to view the picture in different dimensions. For my example, I resized and then cropped a picture of my dog, Alex. My goal was to cut the cars and the tree out of the background. My first edited picture did not turn out so well. It ended up as a smaller picture of undetermined size. I tried again... first cropping the picture and then resizing it. I was pleased with my second attempt. = =

I then thought I would try some of the more advanced features the program offered. First I resized the picture of my son Nick. Afterwards I applied some special effects to the picture. I found this to be fun but I not sure how often I would use this feature. The second picture has been recolored with a "sepia" finish. The third picture has the the special effect "posterize" applied to it. The effect shows up well on his legs. Other special effects include a lithograph and metallic finish. Neither were flattering with this picture.

Lastly I tried to see how the contrast feature effected a photo. I used a picture of a white peacock at the zoo for this adventure. The first picture is my original picture. The second picture has added contrast to it. The darker background is flattering to the white bird. In the third picture I lightened the background. The white peacock blends too much into the background of this picture.

Using the photo editor has been a fun experience. I would use it again on photos that I have taken. This easy to use editing tool allows the photographer to create pictures that are more intesting and visually pleasing than if the picture had not been edited. That is a bonus for someone like me who does not take very good pictures. I also like the fact that I am in control of what my picture ends up looking like. I can decide how the picture should be cropped, sized, or even contrasted.