Archive for May 8th, 2009

What’s New at ScrapMatters.com

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Viva Fiesta by WM[squared] Designs:

Viva Fiesta Alpha by WM[squared] Designs:

My Grab Bag Reveal:
Shabby Chic by WM[squared] Designs:

Shabby Chic Alpha by WM[squared] Designs:

Sketchy Alpha by WM[squared] Designs:

Simply Dated V.2 by WM[squared] Designs:

Project 365 Essentials V1 by WM[squared] Designs:

”Capture This: Seasons” Photo Masks by Scrapmuss Designs

Turtle Island mini-kit by Scrapmuss Designs

Tree Templates Vol 1 by Dirty Feet Designs

Whimsical Vol 1 by Dirty Feet Designs

Textured {Brick} Vol. 1 by Dirty Feet Designs

Birdies Vol. 2 by Dirty Feet Designs

Curiouser & Curiouser by Tracie Stroud

Love Life Add On by Sahlin Studio

Love Life Full Kit by Sahlin Studio (includes add-on)

Loverly by Sahlin Studio

Haynay’s School’s Out for Summer, Alpha, Wordart

Haynay’s School’s Out for Summer Paper Packs: Elementary and Secondary

Haynay’s Project 365 Templates

Haynay’s PhotoBorders

Haynay’s Chip Off the Old Block Alpha

Haynay’s Chip Off the Old Block Frames

Haynay’s Chip Off the Old Block Word Art

Coined by Sya’s Blueprints

Gimme Some Space by Sya’s Blueprints

Long ‘n’ Skinny by Sya’s Blueprints

Stacked ‘n’ Layered Strips

“Word Circles” by Britt-ish Designs

“All Strung Out” by Britt-ish Designs

Britt-ish Designs NSD Grab Bag Revealed

“Yippee Skippee”

“Polkee-Dawt Alpha”

“Glam-o-Rama Gradients”

“Edge 2 Edge: Songs”

Welcome to Paradise

Messy Date Stamps by Jennifer Barrette Designs

Masquerade Vol3 by Jennifer Barrette Designs

Paper Pieces Template Set by Plum Dumpling Designs

Bunch Of Buttons by Juno Designs

Edgy Solids by Juno Designs

Whole Lotta Awesome by Juno Designs

Whole Lotta Awesome – the alpha by Juno Designs

Glitter Mess by Juno Designs

The Real Thing: Frames by Chelle’s Creations

A Pirate’s Life by Hafen Creations

A Pirate’s Life Add On by Hafen Creations

Megan Turnidge’s Grab Bag Reveal:
Party Girl Mini Kit by Megan Turnidge

Ribbony Sweet Treats by Megan Turnidge

Fresh ‘n Fruity Felt by Megan Turnidge

“Orange You Glad” by GG Digital Designs

“Burlap Paper Pack” by GG Digital Designs

“Doodley Doo Swirls” by GG Digital Designs

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Photography Phriday… Gimme Some Color

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Hey all!  Cyndi here to give you a quick little photo tip today. 

I love to take pictures in natural light.  I love the colors and how wonderful they look in the sun.  But at times, depending on if my subject is in the shade or as was the case with this picture, the car… the photo can look a little dull.

Check out this cute pic of my little man, Dan (a good friend’s little boy).

We were in the car and he was hugging his chick and it was just so cute, I couldn’t resist taking a picture (can anyone relate?)  But we were in the car and although it was a bright day outside, the picture looks dull and gray.  Here are a few steps I take to add light and hopefully save the picture. 

Open your pic in your software program.  Mine is Adobe  Photoshop CS2.  Create a new adjustment layer by clicking on the little half white/half black circle.  Click on levels.

The levels tab will open.  Set a dark point by clicking on the black eye dropper and then clicking on the darkest spot of your picture.

Do the same with the white eye dropper and click on the lightest part of your pic (sometimes you have to click on a couple different light spots to find just the right look.)

On this pic I clicked on the light part of his finger, real close to his cuticle.  The program then brought light into the rest of the picture without blowing out that little spot.  (And now you can REALLY see all the dirt on his little chick!!)   These colors are truer to what my eyes saw when he was sitting in the back seat of the car.

Much better :)

It may not work for every picture but it doesn’t take a whole lot of time, so I think it’s worth a try.  This procedure has saved a few of my pics.  Hope it works for you.

Happy Friday!!

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