Thursday, February 21, 2008

Adventures in Photography

I've got to tell you, if you've never been to Pioneer Woman's site, you really need to get over there. I'm sure that most people who visit my blog have seen Ree's, with her gorgeous photos and very well-written stories. I love visiting there every day since I found it just over a year ago on StumbleUpon where I'd entered that my interests included photography.
What I'm really excited about is her new Photography section that's beginning March 1st. Today, on her post, she gave us a sneak preview of it. I found it really interesting. She's planning on starting at the very beginning level on March 1 and going from there. I've already learned so much from her. What I'm also hoping is that her generous heart gives out some free downloads of some of the 'actions' she uses. It wouldn't surprise me if she did this.
I took these photos at Shenandoah National Park last summer using my old camera, the little Sony Cybershot point & shoot. I also have a gorgeous Nikon N60 SLR (film), but it's been in storage ever since digital took off for me. I photoshopped these pictures just a little bit, sharpening them up some and lightening where necessary, adding some contrast. Oh, and the borders. The butterflies aren't anything special, but they're nice to see. I'm not sure what kind of lily this is. We found it growing along the edge of the woods by the parking area to one of the trails.
Late this afternoon, it began to snow and so far we've got a couple of inches on the ground. We haven't had a snow day yet from school this year, and frankly I don't think this is going to do it. What is surprising is that a little snowfall like this has made the local news in Baltimore.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

OH, I like that one with the butterflies. Can you just get totally LOST messing with your photos? I swear, I'll look up and I'll have spent hours adjusting, cropping, changing, running actions. I just love working on the whole post picture taking processing part!

Mental P Mama said...

These shots are beautiful. I am looking forward to learning more about photoshop, too. Your stuff is just as good as PW's by-the-way!

Jen said...

I'm excited about her photography blog, too. I like your pictures, as well, and your writing - or I wouldn't keep coming back! :)

Jeannelle said...

Your butterfly photo just went up as my background for the evening......simply gorgeous!

brneyedgal967 said...

What a gorgeous lily. Even if it is a little, uh, scary lookin'.

Hey, did you get my thank you e-mail on the package you sent me? Not sure, you usually reply but you may have been busy. Just wanted to make sure you knew how thankful and happy that made me! I will send pics to you soon.

Hugs!

Anonymous said...

I'm looking forward to ree's photography blog too. I do hope she explains the basics. Since I have GIMP, I just can't run pre-set actions. But I can do anything any Photoshop user can do if I know the how behind the actions...

I guess we'll see... it would be nice to win Photoshop one day...

Jeannelle said...

I looked up some info about Photoshop. What version do you use.....the Elements or the full?

Robin (Bumblebee) said...

Hi Kate,

It's exciting what you can do with a camera and Photoshop. But where to find the time? I want a magic program that just makes everything like what I see in my head. Poof--it's antique looking. Poof--it's glamorous. Poof--it's sharp and detailed with a blurred edge.

Think Pioneer Woman has those tricks? I want poof tricks!

Robin at Bumblebee

Country Girl said...

Jeannelle, I use Photoshop CS2. Poorly, I might add. I've got a LOT to learn.

Thanks, everyone, for the comments. The original pictures from my little camera weren't very good and that's why I like Photoshop so much. Yes, Robin, the poof-action would really be a blasty blast!

And Mental P, I just don't agree (hey, I rhymed!) but thanks for the compliment anyway. It means alot.

Mary said...

Thanks for the heads up. I visit Ree occasionally, but I might have missed this if I hadn't heard of it here.

Your pictures are beautiful!!! And so welcome in this endless winter. :)
xoxo,
Mary
BTW, I think that may be a Turk's cap lily.

Anonymous said...

I think we are all waiting for Ree's new site to go up so we can all master photoshop. Thanks for reminding me.

Egghead said...

I love the photos. I am anxious for Ree's March photoshop tutorials as well. My son just told me they expect snow in the Baltimore area tomorrow. Strange!

Anonymous said...

...Hello Kate, yeah I agree, that Ree has some mad Photoshop'n skills, much like yourself! And I wouldn't be surprised if she has a contest where she gives away a Photoshop package - she never ceases to amaze!

...I love this photo and that is called, Butterfly Weed. It's native here in Missouri and most likely there too if you see it growing along the roadside. It'll come back every year (perrenial), very pretty!

...I'm hoping to get a D-SLR this year. I can't get over the quality pictures they take compared to a lil' point and shoot! And then Photoshop - wow! I can see why Ree wants to have its baby! lol... ;o)

...Great stuff Kate!

...Blessings... :o)

Country Girl said...

I just want to say thanks for letting me know the names of these plants. I looked up the Turk's Cap lily and this is exactly what this is. There were so many blooms on one single plant and it was as tall as I am! And I didn't know this was a Butterfly Weed, either. I love knowing the proper names of things.