Photographing Your Blocks

[Mary A.]

Don't know if this is generally known, but there are free software programs available that will allow you to crop and otherwise manipulate the digital photos that you take. I like Picasa, which is provided free of charge at the Google web site. I know there are more out there, but this is the one that was recommended to me. Most PC's also come equipped with Microsoft programs that will do this as well (my computer has Windows Photo Gallery installed from the store). You will be able to correct the lighting, crop your photos, etc. Makes for a much better product.

[Mary A.]

Hi Mary Ellen,

I learned, with the last set of block photos that I took, that it's best to turn off the flash--even in low light, you'll get more details of the fabric prints.

I think most PCs, digital cameras and photo printers now come with some photo downloading, editing, and printing software. Camedia software came with the purchase of my Olympus digital camera. HP Photosmart Premiere came with the purchase of my HP printer and PC. Depending on what you are doing, there are advantages and disadvantages to each type of photo editing and printing software packages. So, it's a good idea to try out several software packages to see which works best for your needs.

[Mary A.]

I use PHOTO SHOP and or PICTURE IT from MS. I have also tried other photo editiing programs that came with my camera.

PHOTO SHOP ... similar to professional software does alot and relatively cheap for under $100. I use to make .gif files of animated cartoons... that was fun



Picture It is stand alone or bundled it works, which include MS WORD and other MS programs. Cost about $40. Picture it was easy to use/ learn and does some nice detailed work.

Hope this information helps.

[Mary A.]

:P I only mentioned this because some of the block photos that are displayed have been kind of hard to see well. With a little photo editing they would show to best advantage and we could enjoy seeing the colors and fabrics that were selected.

[Gloria H.]

I am so glad someone brought up this topic. I look at my pics compared to others and it's pathetic. I didn't try to edit them at all. I have such a time finding where things go in the computer when I start playing around. (I am not that computer literate) So I grab the 1st image and download it. Next time I will try and make them better. Gloria ops:

[Mary A.]

Gloria, Don't be discouraged. We all had to start at zero with the computer, unless there are some tweens on this board! The software is pretty user friendly. That said, I just discovered that I can make slideshows using the free Picasa software I already haveand don't have to use Smilebox, which is also free, but you have to pay a small fee if you want to add your own music. So, we are always in a learning mode unless we are six feet under! I think if you look into the options you may already have, you will be pleased with the results. I wish I could sit down with you and show you how. That's usually all it takes.

[Margo C.]

I'm not able to give tips about improving the pictures after they are taken, but here is a link to a site that may help you take better pictures in the first place! No affiliation....just found it has lots of helpful info.

http://www.hollyknott.com/stq/index.htm

[Sandy M.]

Thank you Margo! What an awesome website!

Sandy in CO

[Nancy M.]

Margo, Thanks so much for the link! That is an awesome website! Nancy