Choosing Your Own Free Photo Editing Software

Digital cameras have made taking great pictures so much easier. With so many automated options like auto focus, auto flash, and even face recognition, todays cameras give even amateur photographers a big boost in capturing those great shots.  However, we have to admit that we don’t always get the perfect images we were striving for.  Thanks to the existence of digital photograph editing software,  we now have the ability to modify and edit our photos to get our pictures as close to perfect as possible.

Software like Adobe Photoshop and Corel Paint Shop are very popular and used by many, but there are several other software packages that are  free and easy to use, even for those new to photo editing.

Below is a list of FREE digital photography editing software you can use.  I’ve put them all in one place to make it easy for you to freely access them and try them all out.

FREE Digital Photograph/Image Editing Software:  ( Click on the software names below to go to the free software website. )

> Irfan View.  With this software program you can easily alter the gpicturess and also  crop and cut your photos, produce slideshows and even enhance your images. All these features are available in one simple and free software program. This is also perfect for group processing.

> Photoscape.  This is a free software program with great editing and adjusting abilities. This tool has an image animator that allows you to turn your images into animated .gif files. YOu can also batch edit multiple files with this software. Though this is a complicated program, you can be sure you’ll have quality output.

> Kodak EasyShare Freeware.  This is widely used for modifying, sharing and even printing your photos. This is great for amateurs since it is easier to use.

> PhotoFiltre.  This is a simple software program. Though it has limited features, it is elegant in a way that it has an easy user interface and lots of image adjustments buttons, effects and filters.

> VCW Photo Editor.  This free picture editor provides lots of editing,  painting features and tools such as, text tool, color replacement, gradients, editing  any scale, selections by region or color, special effects, etc. You can also upgrade to a higher version for a better features.

> Picasa.  This is a freeware from Google. This software has the ability to share and edit all the photos saved on your PC. The good thing about this digital photography software is that it instantly sets all the images and then sorts them by album with a date on each folder. This will help you find all the pictures. You simply drag and drop to organize your albums as well as to create labels on each album. Moreover, Picasa like other software has the ability to share and send your pictures through uploading them in your emails, and blogs.

> Serif Photo Plus.  This digital photography software includes features such as, editable text, image slicing, export optimizer, image maps, smart shapes, selection tools and other image enhancement tools. Its current version is now available for free online, but you can order a CD, with a shipping charge. You’ll find other useful tools on their website too.

> ADG Panorama Tools.  Like other software programs, Panorama also lets you share your photos easily and generate them quickly. It has added features that embed, edit and publish 360 degrees of interactive panoramic composition directly on the web. This software is internet dependent and be aware that this is a trail version that’s fully functional but with a watermark that reads ‘unregistered’ on your work.

> Picture Shark.  This freeware allows you to “inscribe” visible text or logos on the photos. Additional features includes: The Wizard user interface; the capacity to  produce real watermarks; it also has a feather that create edges between the picture and the stamp, to make the image smarter; and its support any image format.

> GIMP.  It’s the GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed piece of software for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. It works on many operating systems, in many languages.

This is a short but useful list of easily available digital photography editing software.  As a digital photographer, you can always play with your images.  Use your creativity and don’t be afraid to explore. Practice and research more on the software program that you think would work best for you.

Top Reasons Why People Choose Digital Photography

Today, more people are getting hooked on digital photography. Since the birth of digital photography, it’s become easier and more convenient for people to capture their best photos. Digital Photography indeed has become the wave of today and of the near future. But what if you’re still using the old mode of taking photos- the film photography camera? Well, maybe it’s time to reconsider.

For those few people who are still using film cameras, here are some good reasons why you should give thought to switching.

1. Generally, one of the most excellent features of choosing digital photography is that its convenient. Aside from the fact that digital cameras are easy to use since they are user friendly, these cameras are also more portable and you can usually safely place them in your pocket anywhere you go.

2. With digital camera, you can save your time and effort. Most digital cameras provide instant review once you take photos. You will usually find a review button to let you view all your photos so you’ll be able to choose and keep the best ones. At the same time, it also has a delete button for those photos you don’t want to keep. In short, you can keep on trying until you get the right photo. Now isn’t that great?

3. The next good thing about digital photography is its abilityy to have your photos printed immediately. Actually, it is much easier if you have a digital printer. You can just simply connect your digital camera to the printer and press the button to print. On the contrary, film cameras take time before your photos are developed. You also have to go back to the photo shop to get your pictures. That could be time better spent.

4. Another great thing, you get with the digital camera is the capacity to modify or edit your photos anytime. Since the images are in digital files, it is much easier  to edit them. You can simply open the images in any photo editing software that supports your image file type. With photo editing software, you can alter or adjust the color of your photos. You can also crop the photo and create your own design with your photo. All of these capabilities usually are available in one photo editing package. It’s more than what you get with film cameras.

5. If you want to begin a small business, then digital photography would be a great idea. Let your creativity work for you and use the available tools and software to help you on your way. Digital photos don’t have to  just be simple photos. Now, you can turn them into T-shirts, mugs, invitations, greeting cards, calendars and a lot more. This is because of the fact that digital photos can be printed anywhere and in anyway. Just make use of the right photo paper or connect with a print shop that will transfer images to shirts, banners mugs, etc., and surely, you can make lots of money from it.

6. Finally, digital photography gives you the ability to share the photos with your loved ones and relatives. You can simply give a copy of the precious moments you’ve captured to anyone anywhere. Just attach a digital copy of the photo to your email and send. It’s really that easy. But with film cameras, you will need to buy a scanner or pay someone to scan themif you want to be able to send them online.

Apparently, digital photography has really paved the way for making photography convenient and easier while at the same time  it’s provides high quality photos. It just shows that there’s no better time to switch to digital photography than now.

Digital Photography: Natural Lighting for Picture-Perfect Photos

You might think that your digital photography can be maximized to its full potential once you have the perfect camera, the proper subject color and the perfect natural lighting. Even if you own the latest model, feature-rich, digital camera, your photos will not turn out great if you are not making use of the right strategies.

Experts in digital photography will tell you the digital camera is just one of the things you need to create great pictures. There are several other factors to consider if you want to turn the picture you see in your mind into the perfect digital photograph. One of the most crucial factors to consider is how you handle natural lighting.

Have you ever seen a outdoor photographs that have subjects that are unintentionally blurry and indistinguishable from less important background items? This is a common error in outdoor digital photography. Even if you try and edit this kind of problem using Photoshop or another editing software, you will be often unsuccessful and frustrated.

This problem occurs when you don’t prepare to have the proper lighting when you’re taking your photographs. With digital camera is so advanced and so full of features it’s easy to think that the camera will always make up for poor lighting or filter light out when the scene is too bright. But when you see your results you can be very disappointed.

The secret to getting that perfect outdoor or naturally lit picture is to plan to make the best use of the natural lighting you have.

Below are some natural lighting tips that when properly used can make your photos look terrific.

1. Immediately after sunrise and right before sunset.

It is during these times that the richness of natural lighting is at its peak. Your photos can turn out great and full of spectacular detail when taken after sunrise and before sunset. Why might this be?

This is because the sun exhibits a particularly brilliant spectrum of the orange color that is well captured by the optics of most digital cameras. Experiment with taking pictures at sunrise where the sun is behind you and the subject you’re photographing is in front of you. Take several pictures as the sun continues rising. Adjust your position to the left and right to try capturing the impact different angles of the sunlight has on your subject. Take some pictures up closer and others from farther away, but use your zoom option so that the subject appears close. This last suggestion will help you clearly see the difference that real distance, between you and your subject, makes when it comes to lighting.

When you have taken your photographs review them on your computer and look for the variations of color and lighting based on your angle and your distance from the subject. This one exercise will begin to reveal how important lighting is to properly capturing what you think you see through your camera.

Because of the position of the sun in relation to the earth, sunset photographs are another exciting opportunity to learn about lighting. The following suggestion works best at the beach or somewhere you can view the sun setting on the horizon.

This time try pointing you camera at your subject but have the setting sun behind your subject. Let your digital camera adjust and focus on the subject but have the light illuminating behind the subject. Some cameras may not be able to properly filter the light of the sun but if yours can you can get some very exciting pictures. As the sun sets, it displays a more muted array of the orange spectrum which provides yet another opportunity for beautiful pictures.

The coloring of your subject will also impact brightness to your photos. In addition, brilliantly colored subjects can be easier to edit on your computer if you desire.

2. Sunlight.

Sunlight throughout the day is a very effective form of lighting once you know how to use it and position your subject in it. Keep in mind altering the brightness of the sun or the shadows is impossible once you take the picture so take care that there are no shadows or overly bright spots in you view before clicking that shutter.

The choice is always yours of where the best position is to make the most of the natural sunlight you have. Use the sun to your advantage. Again, be sure to try shots from different angles and see which positions work best with your subject and your camera.

Although shadows usually aren’t what you want, they can be used to add an artistic touch. Just make sure that they will not blur your photo and they are accomplishing what you want. For minor adjustments, you can edit the photos straight from your computer, but remember it’s always better to get the best picture you can so you can keep editing to a minimum.

Shooting digital photos is not just about having the most advanced digital camera you can afford.  It is also about looking for strategies and techniques that will bring your photos to life.  Try to make the best use of your natural lighting and you will gain a great skill that will help take your photography to new levels.

Let’s Get Digital: SLR Photography Basics

We live in an extremely visual world.  How many people do you know who love to “take in the sights”, or “watch the sunset” when they are able?  In other words, most of us love using our eyes to enjoy the world around us!

We use our eyes to view things in our environment. However, through time, man has devised ways  to preserve the things we seeto enjoy them in the future, and one way of through the use of cameras.

These days, the biggest sellers in the camera market are the  digital SLR cameras.

Just what is an SLR camera?

SLR is an acronym for Single Lens Reflex. SLR cameras were the tools made for and used by professional photographers. Cameras such as these, similarly, make use of mirror that reflects light entering the lens up into the eye piece or the viewfinder. Thus, a photographer can gauge how the image or picture will look like. Moreover, a SLR camera uses lenses that are interchangeable. Hence, this camera can be used for long distance telephoto photography or close-up macro photography.

A digital SLR or DSLR camera is dependent on lenses and mirror and their optical capabilities. However a DSLR camera uses light sensor chips and digital memory cards instead of films, basically a computerized version of the abovementioned camera.

The following summarizes the comparison between DSLR and point and shoot cameras (SLRs):

1. DSLRs and SLRs use interchangeable lenses for better resolution.
2. Any picture you take using SLRs and DSLRs is usually crisper, cleaner and fine upon reproduction.
3. DSLRs have a higher speed when it comes to focusing and taking pictures
4. DSLRs perform better at low lighting conditions by using ISO speeds. These cameras have lesser granularity.
5. DSLRS provide more professional power over depth of field, light, and responsiveness.
6. DSLRs provide a more immediate feedback as they use digital chips or light sensing CCDs that translate incoming light rays into digital pictures.
7. DSLRs and SLRs cost more than point and shoot cameras.
8. DSLRs and SLRs are usually heavier than some point and shoot models.

Some sample DSLR models are listed below:

Prosumer models:

• Canon EOS 10D
• Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT
• Nikon D50
• Nikon D70s
• Pentax *ist DS

Professional Models:

• Canon EOS 1D Mark II
• Canon EOS 20D
• Fuji Finepix S3 Pro
• Nikon D2x

Who actually wants DSLRs? Anyone wants to have crisper and clearer pictures—be it a hobbyist or a professional photographer can opt for a DSLR model. Anyone who will not bother carrying bigger cameras on trips in order to bring back topnotch photos can make use of DSLRs.

Like all electronic and computerized gadgets, digital models tend to get cheaper yet better over time. For sure, DSLRs will eventually migrate down to consumer cameras: ability to take bursts of 10 frames in a few seconds, quick response time, higher resolution image sensors, and accurate auto-focus, among others.

The only thing that will remain constant are the laws of optics—you will not get the same results from a finger-nail sized lens as with larger lenses used by professional users. Also the fact that people do not have enough money all the time remains the same through time.

If you plan to take photography as a profession, practice shooting some shots using prosumers models and consider budget and quality of lenses before you say, “Big Cheese”!

The Art of Digital Photography

Computers and cellular phones, mobility and microchips – these are the trademarks of the world today. We live in a world continually changed by technology. Even the arts have continually changed due to technology. Think of it: from charcoal drawings to painting to photography to digital photography, we have come a long way in the visual arts. We have used various methods in capturing life and freezing time. New technology is continually being developed to make art easier and more fun. However, you should know that the art of digital photography is not as simple as aim and shoot.

The art of digital photography needs skill in order to pull off properly. Although some people may reason out that digital photography art can always be edited, many people do not really know how much work editing can be. Oh sure, we can say that technology has reached a level wherein a person needs to do practically nothing in order to achieve a great photograph, but of course, you need to know how to use the tools properly in order to do that.

The art of digital photography, in order to be truly mastered, needs three T’s: Time, talent and tactical placement of equipment. No, that’s not right. You need time, talent and treasure. Just what does this mean?

1) Time – one cannot be an instant expert in digital photography. You need to take the time to learn all about it. Even though you are some sort of protégé who has the talents of a genius, you actually need training to hone that talent. Remember that for all its power, a steamroller cannot be used to do the work of a hammer. There is wisdom in harnessing power properly.

Taking the time to train your self in the art of digital photography is something akin to sharpening a knife using a grindstone or forging a fine katana (that’s the Japanese samurai sword) by heating it and folding it over a thousand times –it may be painful, but it is necessary to produce the best.

2) Talent – of course, you need a bit of inherent talent in order to be truly great at the art of digital photography. You need to have an eye for the subjects that would make a great photograph. Otherwise, you will only end up being mediocre in a field that requires greatness.

Of course, the proper training can actually enhance your inherent talent and help you sharpen your skills in the art of digital photography.

3) Treasure – as said before, you will need the proper tools in order to be successful in the art of digital photography. This means that you will need to invest a lot of cash. Although there are a lot of digital art photography equipment that can be bought at inexpensive prices, the best equipment needs some serious pocket digging. This, of course, tests your courage because there’s nothing scarier to a man than having to pull out his wallet in the name of an untested interest.

Once you have invested money in the art of digital photography, there’s no turning back.

The art of digital photography may seem like it requires a lot. However, in order to be truly successful in something you need love and love always requires sacrifice. You should keep that in mind.

Master Your Digital SLR Camera and You Master Digital Photography

There are a lot of amateur as well as professional camera users who are shifting to digital models for much ease, convenience, and efficiency when taking initial pictures, taking more pictures after deleting some, and finally sharing photos to friends or storing them into the computer’s memory.

Camera users are normally classified as hobbyists, novice, and professionals. To whichever category you belong, it is suggested that you ponder and accommodate the following basic information about digital cameras:

1.) Categories of a camera

Cameras can be grouped into:

a. ultra compact – no flash mode
b. prosumer or compact – for hobbyists
c. digital SLR cameras – have lenses, tripod, and external flashes; for professionals

If you want to master the art of photography, it is suggested that you master using the third category. Models that fall under this category are priced for their resolution, among other things.

2.) Mega pixels

Mega pixels can be classified into:

a. 3 mega pixels – for basic snapshots
b. between 3 and 5 mega pixels – images have good print quality
c. between 5 and 7 mega pixels – images can be easily manipulated; larger print sizes can be made

3.) Zoom

A camera’s zoom is normally categorized into two:

a. optical zoom factor – what is distant appears closer by magnifying the light entering through the main lens
b. digital zoom factor – magnifies the resulting image

Quality photographs depend mostly on the optical zoom factor.

4.) Storage media

These are the some common storage formats:

a. Compact Flash (for compact and DSLRs)
b. Sony Memory Stick (compatible with other Sony appliances)
c. Smart Media

Storage sizes normally range from 64 K, which can store 3 dozen mega pixel images; 1G can store about 500 images with the same mega pixels

5.) Carrying case

You should keep the camera and its accessories in place.

6.) Tripod

Tripod can be used when setting the timer mode on and keeping the focus stable.

7.) Lenses and Filters

There are digital cameras that allow additional lenses to be attached to the main lens, or the lenses can be completely interchangeable.

Lenses can be categorized as follows:

a. macro lens – allows you to get closer to objects like insects and flowers
b. wide-angle lens – used for capturing landmarks, and large and wide sceneries
c. telephoto lens – allows longer zooms that let you get close to objects that are rather unsafe

Filters, on the other hand are used to:

a. soften the effect of the image
b. provide blurring on the edges for portraits that have sensitive moods
c. add light flares for the image to be more dramatic
d. to reduce glare so that pictures appear more saturated, crisp, and vivid.

Here are some basic strategies on how to capture an image:

1. Holding the camera

You should hold the camera steadily and keep your spare fingers from interfering with the lens. This skill usually takes a few practices.

2.) Focusing

To keep the camera from shuddering, it is better to half-press the camera until you are able to lock your view on the focus before completely pressing the button of the shutter.

You may also use a tripod for better focusing.

3.) Previewing

Take and retake pictures if necessary after previewing them in your LCD screen.

4.) Archiving

Keep an album of your best photographs so that you can refer to them as you keep on working your way to being great photographers.
Once you have mastered using your simple compact and especially digitals SLR cameras, you can surely capture photos using other cameras with great ease and perfection. That is a guarantee!

Macro Digital Photography: Things You Should know

We have always found that looking at objects from another perspective is fascinating. This is because of the fact that we often discover new things just by looking at a familiar object from a different angle or focus. This might be the reason for people’s fascination with digital macro photography.

Digital macro photography is an art. There’s no question about that. It takes the genius of an artist to take something so ordinary and something so dismissible and turn it into something that just captures an aspect of life. For that is what art is. No art ever claimed to contain all the truths of life. Art is a reflection of the world through the eyes of the artist. By looking at a piece of art such as digital macro photography, we get to share the perspective of other people and that can be a very powerful connection.

Another thing about digital macro photography you should know is that it is not easy. You need to consider a lot of factors in order to produce great photographs. What are these factors?

1) Skills – do you actually have the skills necessary for digital macro photography? Do you have the eye for beauty that would be appreciated by people who view your photographs? That’s not all you need. You also need to have a steady hand. While taking digital macro photographs, even barely noticeable movements of the hand can ruin your picture.

You need to have the skills to use a camera properly. You need to be able to adjust the camera in order to take the picture that you truly want to appear. Sure, you can actually edit a digital macro photograph using the computer, but why should you give yourself more work than necessary?

Some people have the necessary skills naturally. However, it is still important to hone these skills by taking classes or attending workshops. Remember that digital macro photography is all about showing things in different ways. Because of this, you need to accept the fact that other people may see your work differently from the way you see it. A fresh eye never hurts.

2) Equipment – you also need the proper tools in order to express your talent. The proper tools can help you a lot if you want to achieve the effect that you want. Remember that although there are tools today that claim to be usable for any type of photography, you should try to find equipment that’s specially made for digital macro photography. This is because such equipment can definitely bring out the best in your skills.

The right equipment is essential because digital macro photography needs a lot of work in order to be perfect. If you have the right tools for digital macro photography, you will be able to achieve your goals and show your pictures the way that you want them to be seen.
3) Subject – everything is interesting when viewed in different ways. However, some subjects are more interesting than others. Some objects, when you choose them as subjects of digital macro photography, manage to amaze you with the amount of things you do not know about them. Great subjects of digital macro photography reveal worlds beyond what you can see with the naked eye. So choose your subjects wisely.

A Closer Look at Digital Photography

Digital technology has been a prevailing factor why people can now have the ease of access in almost anything they do. Many significant inventions were developed to make it easier for people to finish whatever their jobs require. One concrete proof of this remarkable breakthrough is the digital photography, which implies greater ease and comfort in taking pictures of any kind.

What digital photography means? Digital photography connotes different things depending on how the people interpret it. Some people perceive digital photography as something which converts a traditional photo into digital format by simply using a scanner. Others interpret it as something that is done by means of a traditional picture taken from film and digitize it through the computer. While others see it as something captured digitally by means of a digital camera.

Well generally speaking, digital photography is a type of photography that does not require film. This is the basic concept of digital photo capture. And this is good news for the people because there’s no need to wait for the picture in order for it to be printed. Once you take pictures using a digital camera, the shot goes quickly from the camera and then transferred to the computer. In that instant you can see your snapshot in the monitor and you can even preview the image and check if the image quality is good and the color is accurate. If you don’t like the result of the shot, you can just delete the image and have your photo shoot again. Very simple, isn’t it?

Because of the great features of digital photography, many people now are considering buying a digital camera. Why are there so many people turning to digital photos? It’s simply because digital photos allows you to use your imagination. You can modify the look and feel of the image without much effort. You can change the background or add a text to the picture to make it more personalized. Whatever it is that you want for your photo, you can have it when it’s digitally captured.

Digital cameras allow you to fix the image quality of your photographs. You can edit, enhance or restore your photo according to your taste. All these can be done in real time.

Now the question is how digital photography can fix the image quality of a certain photo. To ensure that your photo gets the best image quality, you need to check the setting of your digital camera before you press on that click button. If the image is already in your computer, you can check the screen of the computer to verify if it your snapshot is in the highest image quality.

Fixing the image quality of a digital photograph usually involves several elements such as the colors and the contrast. The contrast is very important if you really want to get the best result in your snapshots. If you want to add life to your photos, you can improve the image quality by adjusting its colors. There are lots of things that digital photography offers to make sure that your pictures will come out attractive.

By and large, there is still more to discover about the digital aspect of photography. Some of the issues being deliberated are concerned with the image quality, cost of production, the features of digital camera and other amenities. These issues are taken into account to make the world of photography more accessible to the people.