Saturday, September 18, 2010

Photo Manipulation For Those Like Me.....

......who live in utter terror of Photo Shop, and run like a crazed hedgehog when the program boots up, I have an answer! While wandering on line the other day, somewhere, I came across a photo someone had manipulated in Photoscape and my interest was piqued. Because they mentioned that it was easy......and free! Two words that send my heart pitter-patter!
So after finding the site and downloading, I started playing, and it is easy---all tutorials are on a link to You Tube and you just watch! (of course I looked at the help section after manipulating the photos below.......*sigh*......I should read instructions.....)


Yes, that is me. Young, thin and full of sass. A fun modeling session and I always liked this picture, though there was one that had red-eye from the same session, but I just looked like a little devil! It did not need retouching.....hee, hee, hee!
I digress. I ran this through I don't know how may filters and effects and below is the result, which I like because I have been looking for something to grunge down images to use in collage, or as transfers. (I think if you click on the images, they should enlarge some)


I decided to try some of the other effects and poor Sweet Pea was the guinea pig this time (in digital only!)--going from a simple vignette I had done in another program, to~~~~~

~~~a nice collage-look image that I would definitely put on a shirt or on a card. And again, quick and easy! And fun. There was no swearing involved in the altering on this image. *ahem*........


Finally the ultimate challenge, our photo from Halloween in New Orleans, the fabulous Fiend Night! I have loved/hated this photo due to areas of too much contrast and then lack there of, and if, if, if  I was adept at P.S. I could have changed that.
But I'm not, and the few times I have tried to tinker with the image I have had disastrous results with LOTS of swearing!!!!


So I just cut loose with all the different options and finally got the photo reduced to an atmospheric piece that has more of the feel of a haunting evening and less of a simple vacation photo. (which, don't get me wrong, I do LOVE the original for the sentiment and the fact that it was a good shot to work with!)


Oh yes, very skeletal......very Halloween, DeMeng-ish, quite Fiendish! Muh-ah-hahahahahaha!!!!  Very much New Orleans on Halloween night, too---walking streets lit by gaslamps and the echoes of older times.
Now, all of this seems to conflict with my previous post of missing the film era. And trust me, I do.
But I look at Photoscape as a simple tool to get me from point A to point B when I need something for collage. I don't look at it as an editing and enhancing program. I feel if I am not capable of framing up a decent photo by myself, maybe I shouldn't be shooting it. I have the simplest of photo editing programs (in fact, I don't think it is even made anymore) and basically it lets me crop and change pixel size and do very simple tweaks on exposure; all things I did in the darkroom. I know....I am archaic. I am stubborn. I am lost in another era.
Alas, I don't mind.
Thus, I give this two skeletal thumbs up for ease of use, over all fun, and instant gratification.
And at my age, those are all biggies. LOL!
Now go do something creative!

Pax....

30 comments:

Georgina said...

Great pics!! Love the "fiend" pics especially!! Have been busy with preparing for the gallery show next month and lots of other family "crap" going on...so if I've become even more absent from the blogs and FB, I'm just dealing with all this...bleh!

Love ya,
G

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Georgina!

I hear ya---a lot going on here too and FB seems to be faster usually, but I had such a good time with this that I thought...oh, why not?
Not a stellar post, but fun--and that's okay!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

audrey said...

Anne, these photographs are great! I love what you've done with them. I, like you, have steered clear of photoshop, etc., because I want my photos to be what they are. However, to do things like you've done to them for collage purposes and the like, it's a wonderful tool. Also, I think of it as being very technical and diffictult to manipulate the photos. Another reason for steering clear.
You've made it sound fun and easy. One day when I have a few extra minutes (will that EVER happen?), I think I'll check out the site.
Thanks, Anne, for showing these and telling us about Photoscape.
♥ audrey

Linda and Michelle said...

Great job! That one of you, Blondie, is spectacular....I can see an interesting collage that could possibly be x-rated....but then that's where my mind is after the week.......

studio lolo said...

You KNOW I'm going to try this now that I see your fabulous results!!
WOW! Great choices in all of the alterations too. I love the photo of you in distressed sepia;)

Thanks again for the call yesterday. That was very sweet of you!

~♥Lolo♥~

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Audrey,

Oh I so hear you on the *few extra minutes*---I just felt so rotten this week, this was what I managed creatively!
I think you might enjoy the program for small things; it is NOT as strong as P.S.--less options but enough for me.
I am getting lazy. I just want my grungy pics for collage.
And a glass of wine! LOL!!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Linda!

You must have had an interesting week! LOL!!!
I don't know....throw in a few Bettie Page pics with it and yeah, we'd be close to retro-naughty-rated! hahaha!
I know my skill levels with software, and my patience levels too. Who knows; maybe I will learn enough through this program to do a basic layer in P.S.
But don't hold your breath! ;)

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Lolo,

I think it is good for artists that want to retain their style and feel in work, but add some pizazz for other art possibilities.
Of course, P.S. has many many more options, but this is sooooo quick and easy....... :D

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Deborah said...

Oh Anne! Love Love Love the first shot of you!!! Sizzling!!! OUCH! They are all great photos and I like the affects you did on them all. Sweet Pea is a very pretty little boy! I'm going to check out the site...free is always a good thing. **blows kisses** Deb

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Free and easy Deb! THose are my favorite words....and hopefully don't describe me. Hmmmmmm......
I did not wreck the beer truck!!!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Bunny said...

You sure are a hot one... Love what you did with that program I have photoshop and play a lot with it. I used to be in an on line class with Jeannie and we learned a lot. It was sure fun. I wonder if I downloaded this program it would interfere with my photoshop.
Hugs

Jan said...

Looks like you are having some fun with this program. always good to know about these, free and easy is good. Love what you did to the photos, so many possibilities.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Bunny,

Not at all. I have FIVE photo manipulation programs on my computer and use each for different things; maybe a faded edge from one, cropping and sizing the other.....
As long as you save the work in a compatible format (PNG, JPG, GIF etc) and not some extension specific to the program you can hop from one to the other!
I think you'd enjoy it! ;)

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Jan,

It keeps the mind off the foot, it keeps me out of too much trouble and let's me sit for a spell! LOL!!!
I want to take this the next step--getting some old clipart I thought had possibilities run through some of the filters, then when I am back to painting and collage, it will be there.

XXOO~~♥
Anne

yoborobo said...

Hey Anne! Just popping in to say hi, and there is that lovely pic of you! :) What a gorgeous gal! And I love photo shop, although I am pretty bad at it. I use photoshop elements (a mac version of photoshop for dummies). Some day, when I get TIME I am going to play with it more and gain some expertise! Been thinking about you! xox! Pam

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Pam,

I am all for the versions of programs for Dummies, because that means I can conserve my grey matter for other mischievious deeds! LOL!!!
I have heard a lot of good things about Elements. Alas, I have *the monster* and run from it....hee hee!
Have a good weekend!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Ces Adorio said...

But why? Why manipulate a beautiful photograph into something that looks antique. You are gorgeous!

Bella Sinclair said...

HAHA! Fun FUN FUUUNNNN! Zowie, Anne, these are great effects. Though the originals are great as they are, the tweaked ones certainly have more story and atmosphere. They are awesome! That photo of you! With the vintage layers, you remind me of a young and beautiful Mae West. Va va va voooom!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Ces, Dear-----I am NOW an antique!!! :D
I was trying with the photos what I do in a horribly laborious manner by hand with collage. If I can get it halfway there BEFORE it goes to the substrate, then it helps free up more time.
You do know I am slower than molasses in January with my work....tree-sloth speed. Whoo-hoo! hee hee hee!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Bella,

Oh my, I don't want to admit how many years ago that was. They would have to use a lot of soft focus lens to get me looking good now! HAHAHAHA!!!!
I think you put to words what I wanted to say; when I use a photo, I want that story and atmosphere---this is just a shortcut from having to do it all by hand. Which sometimes works and sometimes does not. I *think* it will save time. ;)
I think......
Now I have to go Va-Voom dinner; it's not doing itself!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I'm sorry, but when I read that post title all I could think of was Sally Field and her 'you like me, you REALLY like me' speech (at the Oscars I think). I know - my mind works in mysterious ways! Your photos are all great - fore and aft!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey M.A.~~

LOL!!! Yes I do know how your mind works; mine is quite similar.
Should civilization as we know it start to shudder? ;D

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Dear Fireflies said...

Well, well, haven't we been busy? Hehehe... It's nice to know that your lack of mobility finally pushed you to dip your toes into the cold water, although I'm sure it turned out to be quite lukewarm after all? :)

These pictures look wonderful, Anne! You're right, you don't have to use Photoshop to render pictures. Programs are like clothes, you pick whichever suits you best.

Hugs,
Me! oxox

PS: Your comment on my last post really made me laugh!! Long bow...Hahahaa!!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

*Sigh*

Amalia...I am so antiquated, I was not aware of these other programs out there! LOL! (and I also had to go reread what I wrote on your last post--OMG; ages sucks!)
HOWEVER.......
I have learned a few things that sort of explain tidbits of Photoshop better.
Not that I'll use it.
I'll just run away fast...heehee! Or limp as the case may be.
And yes, the water was rather pleasantly warm..... ;D

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Elena said...

I am still in awe of the photos of you HOT MAMA! You did some amazing things with this and thank you so much for the suggestion. Especially since photoshop is on my list of things to do...gotta go check this out. Love all of the manipulations! Can only imagine what my train shots would look like!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Elena, I think they would look great! You could make them B&W, or sepia or then start tinkering with the filters.
I bet you could easily come up with a *story* just by using the photos!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

America Alcala said...

Anne the pics are great! I love the little bird! :-D

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thank you, thank you!
That is my little Sweet Pea....who is becoming quite an independent and fiesty little budgie. Still a sweetheart, but getting her *personality* for sure! ;)

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Robbie said...

I love Sweet Pea's collage!!! And you fox you!!! That pic manipulated is wonderful..so vintage..but so sexy...

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Robbie,

Wish I had gotten *vintage* and stayed as good looking! HAHAHA!!!
I had fun with the sepia; I used to tone photos I took with Sepia Toner, so I do have a soft spot for anything that color.
As to *The Pea*--that bird continues to amaze me. ;)

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Post a Comment

Talk to me Dahling!
I'm waiting, breathless...... ;-D