One of the things on my life list is learning how to use a graphics editing program properly. I also want to take more pictures in general, but (a) I don’t really seem to be doing that and (b) when I do take pictures they seem to stay on my camera (just ask my husband). When (a) and (b) are combined, it makes it sort of difficult to do much editing. Resourceful little me, however, has found a solution!
I came across the Edit Me Challenge a while ago, and I love love love this concept. The host provides a photo and those participating edit it as they see fit and submit their edits for judging. Fab idea, no?
When I first looked I noticed that a lot of people who participate are photographers or photo bloggers, which I am not. (So if you’re visiting from the challenge, hi! I’m not a photographer, but I’d love it if you’d offer your best tips or suggestions for resources or links to stuff of your own that you’re proud of. I would love to browse!)
I saw the photo for this week and decided it was time to work up the nerve to participate. This photo provided by Jamie from Mommy’s Camera, this week’s guest judge, is just so great:
I’m using Pixelmator, and I played around with a whole bunch of different effects. Because of the colours in this photo, some of the filter tools create really artsy looks.
With all of these edits, I adjusted the contrast, colour and exposure just a little bit. Then this one was done using the pointillize tool:
This one is just a simple click in the spot colour tool, with the levels adjusted to define the stripes:
I like those and actually think the first, especially, would look good framed. But for the judging (ha ha, please don’t laugh at me) I’m going to submit this one:
I cropped this one, and focused on sharpening the details in the dresses, socks and in the rocks. I adjusted the colour map, then did a gamma adjust on it and sharpened it to bring it really into focus. That left it just slightly dark and I really wanted the sunlight to show, so I adjusted the contrast just a bit to bring that back.
I was pretty happy with that in the end – it gives just enough of the dresses for interest, but really focuses on the striped socks, which I love.
Whaddya think?
