P-Bug!

Having just recently acquired photoshop elements, I am slooowwwly learning how to use it! Some of the things I am playing around with are black & white, the sketch filter and opacity of a layer. So here are the results:

This is my niece, nicknamed p-bug. This is the original photo (not taken by me):



Unfortunately, I don't remember the steps I took to get each of these effects, but its fun to experiment. In the following, I was messing with the opacity of a layer:


With this one I was messing around with the sketch filter..I can't remember all the steps.

This was created with layers, masks, etc. I guess I should write down what I do while I'm playing if I plan to blog about it, huh?
I know this isn't a helpful or informative post by any means. But at least you got to see my beautiful niece!

camilia tree

Not too long ago, I posted a photo of this beautiful tree shedding its leaves to create a fabulous carpet beneath it. Today on the way home from church, I saw this tree's red carpet. It was so pretty, I went home to get my camera so I could take some photos.

The Eyes Have It

I just acquired Photoshop Elements on my computer. And even though I already have enough distractions from my everyday duties (I'm always looking for ways to avoid housework), I am now addicted to figuring out how to use it. Its a slow process, and the dishes are piling up!

This morning, I took a picture of my daughter so I could play around with the eyes. She has beautiful eyes, and I wanted to try out a technique I had read about on Pioneer Woman. Since this blog is my place to put all my fun without boring everyone who reads my "regular" blog, I will now post the results of my playing:

Before playing:

After playing:

What do you think? I think the second picture really showcases her awesome eyes and even highlights the cute freckles on her face.

Did I adjust too much? Do the eyes look unnatural?

My camera

This is my camera:

It's a nice camera that my hubby bought me a couple of years ago. I love it. It takes good pictures. It's digital (which my previous camera was not), and it is small enough to fit in my purse.

But, its just a "point and shoot" and has limited megapixels and optical zoom.

I told you all of that as a HUGE disclaimer! I love to take pictures! I love to take pictures of the things I see everyday. I love to post said pictures on my blog. But as much as I would love to be a professional photographer, I'm not. I'm sure my pictures lack a lot that you knowledgeable ones notice. But I'm gonna post 'em anyway....cuz I like to....and I want to torture you....and I can..cuz this is my blog.........and I like pictures.......

So, today I noticed a beautiful Japanese Magnolia tree (or Tulip Tree, as I like to call them) near a local church. I couldn't resist stopping and taking some pictures. And I'm posting them here cuz I can and I like to torture you.....you get the picture.