My photography is still hit or miss these days, but I have to give props to a site that has improved my finished photos a good 50-300%. It’s Picnik. Have you heard of it? My friend Barry Foy dragged me out of my cave to show it to me (the light, THE BLINDING LIGHT!!!).
Picnik is a photo-editing web site that allows you to download your own image files, manipulate them in a simple, user-friendly way, and then store them back on your own computer. It’s great if you don’t have Photoshop and/or the will to learn Photoshop. I have yet to really explore the finer points of what Picnik has to offer, but what I use all the time is the auto-fix, wherein I upload a photo, click a button, and major problems are identified and magically corrected. Things like exposure. And contrast. So far, it hasn’t improved composition, but I suppose there’s something to be said for artful cropping.
Picnik isn’t really a substitute for actual photography skills, but it might allow one to buy a little extra time while such skills develop. You know, if four years doesn’t happen to be enough. (But look where I started!) You can also make collages like what you see above. Between that and correcting my ever-present lighting issues, it’s done wonders to make my brand new "professional" web site look more, er, professional. Come see!
"Powered by Typepad and Chocolate" LOL!! I've heard of Picnik and I really need to check it out because I take craptastic pictures.
Posted by: April in CT | October 28, 2010 at 11:35 PM
Genius. I think I've decided that I'm never going to make peace with my digital camera, but this will definitely improve the usual state of affairs.
Posted by: adele | October 29, 2010 at 12:31 PM
I love Picnik too. Sometimes I forget about it though, 'cause I'm in such a hurry to get my post out. Thanks for the !reminder
Posted by: Karen @ Mignardise | October 29, 2010 at 01:09 PM
Just found your blog after searching for shiitake mushrooms. Just read your recent mycological tour post. I recently went on a foraging tour with Russ Cohen... I think he's involved w/ mycological club in some way. Love your blog! I'm a local-ish food blogger too (central MA).
I bought some shiitake mushrooms at the farmers' market this afternoon from a character that could be compared to a stoner kid, and I'm furiously checking the internet to make sure these mushrooms are not hallucinogenic or poisonous before I put them into some sort of sauce.
Anyway, if you never hear from me again, you'll know they were poisonous. Otherwise, I look forward to reading your blog! :-)
Posted by: Jess | October 29, 2010 at 06:15 PM
Oh, and I LOVE Picnik. What a little gem.
Posted by: Jess | October 29, 2010 at 06:16 PM