March
• Objects arranged/Still life
Big or small, arrange a collection of objects that are somehow related and which perhaps tell a bit of a story. The objects are important, but remember it’s the light that will make it a really good shot.
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1. Images must be uploaded from your hard drive to a web hosting site before you can post.
2. You can use PhotoBucket tutorial that DOES NOT increase file sizes when you upload them...
Note: you may have to click on the tutorials to expand them in your browser.
...or Flickr ...or AP Albums that DO INCREASE file sizes when you upload them. Or your own site.
3. Images must not exceed 800 pixels x 800 pixels
Images for the Web and this site should be compressed to Quality 80 or less (so that other people can't use them - aim for under 150Kb colour - 75Kb for images that contain one or two colours and b/w).
This image is just 53Kb - so there is NO EXCUSE for large file sizes. Do all the necessary adjustments then reduce and sharpen your image before using Save For Web If you don't have PhotoShop or Elements then use PIXLR below.
Thanks to Roger_Provins for use of this image.
If you don't know how to compress images. Use PIXLR and my tutorial (Resize-Crop-Sharpen) below to find out how and see your file sizes before saving!
MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR OTHER PEOPLE TO USE YOUR IMAGES FOR FREE!
4. Images must be displayed in this thread. Note: Image must end in .jpg to display
6. No links please – images must be displayed in this thread only! (Technical details etc. should be posted in the comments thread)
7. ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON IS ALLOWED WITH NO CHANGES
8. If you don't have a resizing program, use PIXLR On-line photo editor
When you 'Save' your image, a 'Save Image' dialogue box opens with a Quality slider which shows you in real time the size of the file you are saving.
9. Competition closes midnight at the end of each month.
If you want comments on your work, or you want to comment on other members work, please post in the Comments thread provided.
Good luck!
PS. If you're new to embedding images in forums and you're having problems, don't forget you have 15 minutes to try something else - if at the end of that time you’re still having a problem, contact a moderator.
PPS. If you need help with resizing images etc, then PM a moderator with details of the image manipulation program you're using (if you have one) and they’ll get back to you a.s.a.p. Note: the program and tutorial in my signature is a simple way of resizing and compressing images.
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FILE COMPRESSION & image manipulation programs
PIXLR - recommended if you want a Photoshop type experience for Free!
Great on-line photo editor......
When you 'Save' your image, a 'Save Image' dialogue box opens with a compression slider which shows you in real time the size of the file you are saving.
See my tutorial on how to Resize, Crop and Save ------ How to create a borderr
There are 30+Video tutorials as well - including
How to straighten an horizon
See complete list
Click me...
Adobe PhotoShop and Adobe Elements
"Save for Web” used in Adobe PhotoShop and Elements is an easy way to watch in real time what size your image will be when posted. Do all the necessary adjustments then reduce and sharpen your image before using Save For Web Tutorial
PaintShop Pro users
Paint Shop Pro resize and compression tutorial
Pixresizer
Pixresizer Free --- See my visual on how to use it
GIMP - takes some getting use to
Gimp - similar to Adobe PhotoShop but takes some getting used to.
Search "Google" for tutorials
IRFANVIEW
Irfanview plus Plug-ins Make sure you download the Plug-ins as well as it has a "Save for Web" feature which strips all unnecessary info from the file, thereby making it smaller for the web.
Search "Google" for tutorials
PHOTOPLUS SE
Seriff PhotoPlus SE
PICASA
Simple to use image editor
Has a Straighten tool for horizons etc.
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Photography tutorials for the beginner
Basic DSLR tutorials
Totally new to photography and just got a new DSLR or compact? Then take a look at Canons basic DSLR tutorials and learn how to use it and find out about ISO, Exposure, Depth of Field, Aperture priority, Shutter priority etc in picture form – this applies to all makes of camera.
Click for tutorial
Photography tutorials in layman's terms
When you’ve mastered the very basic, then you can move onto these simple tutorials
Click
Jodie Coston's Free Online Photography Course...
Do you want to learn the basics of photography or improve certain camera skills? With the morguefile photography classroom you can begin to take better photos of any subject and get more enjoyment from your photography.
Click to start
Ron Bigelow's fabulous articles
All you'd ever want to know Click me
Cambridge in Colour...
Learn how to take and edit digital photographs using visual tutorials that emphasize concept over procedure, independent of specific digital camera or lens. Topics range from basic camera tips to advanced techniques.
Click me
Using on camera flash
Wow! If you want to learn about flash, then look no further!. As you know, light is what makes stunning images - without it your doomed so, if you wanna know all about it, bookmark this site. Click me
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Let The Games Begin...
Sometimes I feel like screaming