A New Day, A Different Way The creative and photographic endeavours of a woman trying to add color and beauty to her world.

The photo I prepared for this week's Pixel Perfect "Blog Hop" is from the graduation photo shoot I did with my niece a couple weeks ago.  As I said in a blog post earlier this week this was the first portrait session I have done because they intimidate me so much.

I do have to say though I really like the way this one turned out.

Here is the before:

And here is the after:


I edited this photo using Photoshop Elements 9 and the Pioneer Woman's Vintage action.  It was shot at
45 mm, ISO 200, F5.6. 

Today I am participating in Pixel Perfect's blog hop "Critique This".  Below is my photo for consideration.  I welcome all constructive criticism.

Based on the descriptions on Pixel Perfect I would be a beginner.  I edited this photo using Elements 9.  I slightly adjusted the levels and added a warming filter, that was all. 

UPDATE:


In the comments Tiffany wondered what the photo would look like in black and white so I quickly edited it and added a B & W version.  I would have to play with it a bit more if I was going with a black and white because the rushes in the middle kind of get lost but I just did a quick edit. 

This photo was taken during our Winter Carnival.  Every year they have a balloon fiesta and I always have to admire the people who are willing to get up in those balloons in mid February.  Seems like it would be way to cold for me.

The receipe for this edit was very simple and inexpensive.  I did the whole thing using Picnik.  Here is what I did:

Up until recently editing my photos has always been a scary process for me.  But since I have found some amazing online resources like Kim Klassen it has gotten a lot easier.  One thing that I have learned is that texture can be used to make the most ordinary and boring photos much more interesting.  This photo is one case in point. 

Here is the original...



And here is the edited image...