Photo Ideas for all Seasons

• Shadowplay is high on the list of photo ops I encourage you to pursue. The art of perceiving the effects of light and shadow can be a daily pursuit. Some of us are happy with simple pleasures. Observing the moments in time when shadows offer up something unpredictable can be delightful.  Capturing these illusive moments is almost always considered a good get. For a fun presentation effect I framed the shadow of the tree within a billboard. You can find more fun templates at Loonapix.

False Depth of Field

• There is a trend out there where people are trying to create the feel of a miniature scape using photos that start out with a normal perspective. Tilt Shiftmaker is an online filter that generates a false sense of depth in order to create the "lilliputian" illusion.

Preview Your Package Design

• Here is a great site that helps you to put the polish on your package design. Create boxes, CD covers, DVD covers , logos and banners, in 3D! Easy upload of your photos or graphic design.  Go to 3d-pack.

Photo Technique and Timeline

• Here are some suggestions for taking photos and I include different examples using a variety of cameras and editing tools. There are predominant themes that please my eye. They are "Reflection" and the "Blended Image"
• The self portrait is taken with a Pentax SP 500 and Tri X 400 speed film. I used selenium toner to get the sepia effect. I saw the image of myself reflected in some double glass doors. Although spending time in the darkroom was magical and productive and true to a certain purist attitude toward the art of photography I must admit that I finally did embrace the digital age in the year 2000. It has been a new and exciting learning experience every day since. 
• While in Paris in the year 2000, having been gifted with a digital camera to document the trip, I was unafraid to be snap happy. The computer was now my portable and affordable darkroom. I still pursued images reflected in glass and found the antique carved toy horse as it rested against some glass. The sepia tone was a quick fix on the computer and fume free.
• Last night while researching my resources of online editing programs I was so pleased and amazed to discover a new interactive experience designated for kids on the National Gallery of Art Kids Zone. I think it is fun for kids of all ages. The Photo Op device allows one to pan and click with a virtual camera! There one can zoom, edit, blend, and create amazing effects !

Design Your Own Cartouche

• Learn more about Egypt and hieroglyphics. Go to Virtual Egypt and create a personal cartouche.

Photo Effects and Filters

• You can find more free online photo enhancers and  filters on the site called Drpic. I like the polaroid stack effect. 
• Try Pho.to and you will be able to apply a neon, sketch, and glamour effect to your digital photos.

Calliope

• This is a free online image editor that not only offers a variety of photo effects/filters but also allows one to practice photoshop type editing options by including Layers and Adjustments. I think that Pixlr is a gem. 

Look Up With Symbolism

• In the "year of the pig" I look forward, I think hopeful thoughts, I wish for positive change in our economic climate, and I support those who know the meaning of altruism. You can identify your own Chinese Zodiac Symbol. I blended the image with a fun photo effect. Make your own predictions.