Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Scriptor Senex
Joining Heather, Jen, Shabby Girl, Dan, and GB on a photography blog promises to be great fun. I look forward to others joining us as well. It enables me to combine four great passions - photography, natural history, friendship and blogging. If I then wrote a book about it that would sum me up since reading and writing are my other sources of sanity in this modern world which - at times - threatens to overwhelm me a bit.
My first camera was a bellows camera which took an odd size roll film (112 or 116?) but in the early 1960s I inherited a Halina from GB and that took the 'ultra-modern' 35mm film. Wow - that was exciting. Even more exciting was moving to colour slide photography in 1964. In 1985 I changed to colour print film - by then using Pentax SLRs. Then 2002 brought me into the digital age and my current camera is a Sony DSC-H1 - too chunky for most people but ideal for me.
Heather asked us to post a bit about ourselves and I cannot talk about me without mentioning my health (or lack of it) since it has an annoying impact on what I can do. Most noticeably it has stopped me driving and that restriction of movement is what saddens me most about it. But, with the help of my partner, my brother (GB) and my daughter I still get to see some exciting places. And, quite possibly, being able to get around less means I stop and look at things more closely than I used to. There's always an up-side to things.
If you want to find out more about me you are welcome to visit me at Rambles from my Chair or see my daily photo on Project 355.
I just managed to scrape into June with its green theme with this - a tree that caught my eye as GB was driving along near Dunblane in Scotland in May. I haven't played with it except to crop it slightly to move the tree from the centre of the picture, hopefully to give it a better balance.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Shabbygirl
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This is the real me, staring out towards the ocean on a foggy morning on the California coast. That is where my heart is, my soul. Thus, the title of my blog, A Fishes Beach Wishes, I am a pisces, of the sea, who longs for the watery comfort of the waves pounding the sand.
Today, I find myself on a very different adventure in the high desert of southern Arizona, in foreign flora and fauna, that is as beautiful as it can be deadly. Okay, pssht! I get carried away...not so much a drama queen as just plain goofy! Ha! I love to write, read, paint furniture, and have a new found love of photography!
God bless the blogging world for allowing me a place to give voice!
GB
I split my time between New Zealand and the Isle of Lewis in the Western Isles of Scotland in such a way that my life is lived in a constant summer. I am passionate about two things: my friends (which includes my family) and croquet. Over thirty years ago one of my (still) closest friends described me as a boring old fart. I've spent the rest of my life trying not to be. One day I may succeed.My Father was a keen photographer as is my Brother, Scriptor Senex. I have been a keen photographer most of my life but blogging has given me a new purpose and enthusiasm for it.
Eagleton Notes (for when I'm not in New Zealand)
A Hebridean in New Zealand (for when, as you might expect, I am)
A Life in The Day Of (where, so to speak, I get various things off my chest)
Eagleton Book Notes (where I keep a note of thoughts on some of the books I've read)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Desires for This Blog
I'm not a big RULE maker, but we all know that there are times when they're needed. So, here are a few musts about our blog site and sharing:
*When first becoming a member, please post a brief profile bio. of yourself. For ideas, just visit one of the member's links within this blog. There is a listing at the sidebar of Members, under the LINKBAR heading. Once a profile post has been made, the administrator will date it accordingly as to not be shown on the first page of the blog.
* WHEN POSTING, please ADD your LOCATION. Because this blog is based on views from all over the world, the interest of where you're at is high. If you feel that you really don't want to leave that much info., just share the country that you're living in with us (USA, UK, etc.). For those who live in the United States and do want to leave a note of the State you're in, please ABBREVIATE like you would on an envelope (VT, ME, GA...etc.).
* LABELS for photos should have these three titles (atleast-you can add more if you'd like to)..."SCREEN NAME", "WEEKLY THEME TITLE" and "YOUR LOCATION IN THE WORLD".
* ALL PHOTOS MUST BE CLEAN AND WELL MANNERED (absolutely no nudity, disgust, profanity or anything else that would harm a child's eye - okay - keep it clean, please).
* PHOTOS can be unedited, edited, of an artful nature (like the HDR format or with textures). IF you do edit your photo with a certain formatting (other than the basics) - please make a note of it under the photo. Many of us are interested in different abilities, textures and artful touches :)
* MEMBERSHIP is limited to 100 friends. I know that sounds mean, but that is truly all that blogger will allow. So, if you want to become a member - hurry up and contact me. Send me and email with your blog and email address included.
* WHEN POSTING, you can share some thoughts about your photo or not...it's up to you, but please try to keep the post fairly short in length :)
* Please FOLLOW the WEEKLY THEME. There is a list at the sidebar of upcoming theme topics. Each topic will be up for a full week. Don't be afraid to use your imagination and get creative with the topic :)
I think that's just about it for now. PLEASE DO HAVE FUN!! Don't forget to visit the Photo Places 2 See, under the LINKBAR heading too. You might learn a few things that you didn't know before, about photography.
*When first becoming a member, please post a brief profile bio. of yourself. For ideas, just visit one of the member's links within this blog. There is a listing at the sidebar of Members, under the LINKBAR heading. Once a profile post has been made, the administrator will date it accordingly as to not be shown on the first page of the blog.
* WHEN POSTING, please ADD your LOCATION. Because this blog is based on views from all over the world, the interest of where you're at is high. If you feel that you really don't want to leave that much info., just share the country that you're living in with us (USA, UK, etc.). For those who live in the United States and do want to leave a note of the State you're in, please ABBREVIATE like you would on an envelope (VT, ME, GA...etc.).
* LABELS for photos should have these three titles (atleast-you can add more if you'd like to)..."SCREEN NAME", "WEEKLY THEME TITLE" and "YOUR LOCATION IN THE WORLD".
* ALL PHOTOS MUST BE CLEAN AND WELL MANNERED (absolutely no nudity, disgust, profanity or anything else that would harm a child's eye - okay - keep it clean, please).
* PHOTOS can be unedited, edited, of an artful nature (like the HDR format or with textures). IF you do edit your photo with a certain formatting (other than the basics) - please make a note of it under the photo. Many of us are interested in different abilities, textures and artful touches :)
* MEMBERSHIP is limited to 100 friends. I know that sounds mean, but that is truly all that blogger will allow. So, if you want to become a member - hurry up and contact me. Send me and email with your blog and email address included.
* WHEN POSTING, you can share some thoughts about your photo or not...it's up to you, but please try to keep the post fairly short in length :)
* Please FOLLOW the WEEKLY THEME. There is a list at the sidebar of upcoming theme topics. Each topic will be up for a full week. Don't be afraid to use your imagination and get creative with the topic :)
I think that's just about it for now. PLEASE DO HAVE FUN!! Don't forget to visit the Photo Places 2 See, under the LINKBAR heading too. You might learn a few things that you didn't know before, about photography.
The Themes
JUNE THEME is GO GREEN
Whatever this may mean to you, go hunt for it and share your find with us. For some it may be simple photo of something green, for others it may be a way of sharing how to better our planet...get imaginative (plants, glass, metal, mold, etc. but make sure it has green in it somewhere).
Every few weeks, a new theme will be posted. The theme is what you'll be looking for in the treasure hunt of photos to share. If you have a theme in mind that you would like to have us hunt, please leave a comment or send an email to the Administrator. The next available opening for your theme topic will be shared :).
Happy photo hunting everyone!
Whatever this may mean to you, go hunt for it and share your find with us. For some it may be simple photo of something green, for others it may be a way of sharing how to better our planet...get imaginative (plants, glass, metal, mold, etc. but make sure it has green in it somewhere).
Every few weeks, a new theme will be posted. The theme is what you'll be looking for in the treasure hunt of photos to share. If you have a theme in mind that you would like to have us hunt, please leave a comment or send an email to the Administrator. The next available opening for your theme topic will be shared :).
Happy photo hunting everyone!
Jen
I am so excited to be part of this team blog. When I first started blogging, I never dreamed I'd find so many amazing people who would become true 'blog' friends.
I am learning about photography through my own reading, trial and error, and mostly from masters who are kind enough to have their own photo blogs.
I find that I lean towards a somewhat 'purist' style, where I shoot in full manual mode, and I only sometimes very lightly edit photos. As an amateur, I want to know how to get it right in camera first. However, sometimes I see something my lens cannot capture, and that is when I look to editing tools to reveal the beauty or story that I saw in the photo. So, after I figure out how to get the most from my camera, I plan on learning how to get the most from editing software. One thing at time. :)
A big "Thank You" to Heather, who set this blog up, and who posts some amazing photos and very inspirational words on her other blogs.
My other blog: Jennifer Photography is where I am posting a photo a day as a 365 project blog. A couple of years ago, I moved from Michigan to Texas, and my blogging at my other blogs has become too sporadic. So, I started the photo project as a way to capture my journey as a Texan. Stop by anytime. :)
*Photo Credit: The photo of me was taken by my husband's cousin.
Welcome to our site!
I thought it would be nice to have friends from all over the world share one blog, together finding a theme and allowing one another to view their area of the world. Membership is limited to 100 friends, per Blogger rules. If I could, I'd have more :). If you'd like to become a member, just send me an email with your blog and email address. I'll contact you a.s.a.p with further details.
Once a confirmed member... please post a photo and a little detail about yourself...just like I've done here. You can link to one or all of your other blogs as well :). The labels for your first post should include your title name, location choice and the word "members".
Now to share a little bit about me, seeing that this is also my bio page :).................
My name is Heather. I'm from a very small town, within the Northeastern Green Mountain State of Vermont, United States. You may define me as spiritual, devoted, loving and faith-filled; in love with God and not religion. I am a wife, mother to three boys and one who appreciates the goodness of life. I am known for being silly, friendly but very much introverted, indecisive at times and a lover of change. I tend to be overly creative and sometimes a little too focused, other times a little to distracted.
If you'd like to learn more, just peek in at my profile or visit my blog at A Vermont Girl.Com.
Dan Felstead
Heather had asked us to post a bit about ourselves. I have done many things but first and foremost I am a freelance photographer working out of Southern Indiana. I have been blogging for about 8 months now and still learning my way around the blog world and enjoying every minute of it. My favorites are nature, and images connected with some type of history or backstory.My style has developed over the years into images in which I use creative license and many times heavily post process them. My intent is to often create a mood or elicit an emotion when viewing my photos. I love the High Dynamic Range technique and I use that now for the majority of my shots. I will however post non HDR as well.
I have traveled a lot and that is where I have picked up so many images...my camera has been with me since 1968...probably years before most of you were born...yes they actually make cameras then! I have a photoblog which described my photos in more depth and also a site where I sell my images:
Shop: http://www.woodandpixels.etsy.com/
Blog: http://www.woodandpixels.blogspot.com/
I am looking forward to the opportunity to interact with others who post here as well...Thanks Heather.
Dan Felstead
Monday, June 1, 2009
Posting Larger Photos
Because so many are interested in enlarging their own photos, I've taken a few minutes to type this up for you. I hope that you can find it useful.
Blogger Layout: Before you can actually use enlarged photos on your blog, you will have to change your layout to the stretch format. You can do this easily, without losing any of your information.
Go to your dashboard and click on the "layouts" button. Then you will be on the "add and arrange page elements" screen. Once there, look up to the top at the right of the labels and you'll see "pick new template". Click on that. This will show you a whole new world of layouts for your blog. The one that you want is the "Minima Stretch". It is in the first box of the second row and is the second one down. (You can also use the lefty stretch, if you like the looks.)
Blogger Layout: Before you can actually use enlarged photos on your blog, you will have to change your layout to the stretch format. You can do this easily, without losing any of your information.
Go to your dashboard and click on the "layouts" button. Then you will be on the "add and arrange page elements" screen. Once there, look up to the top at the right of the labels and you'll see "pick new template". Click on that. This will show you a whole new world of layouts for your blog. The one that you want is the "Minima Stretch". It is in the first box of the second row and is the second one down. (You can also use the lefty stretch, if you like the looks.)
Picasa Web Album:
Did you realize that when you upload photos through "create" posts, that all of your photos are stored into an online album through Picasa? Yup. I have found out that it takes less time to upload my photos into Picasa, first, than it does to wait for blogger to load them into my post. Either way you upload, you can still change the size but it will have to be done by retrieving the code in Picasa. When you go into Picasa, to the right of your photo it will show "Link to this photo"; choose "embed image" and underneath, there is a little box to choose the size that you want. After that, just copy/paste that code into the "Edit Html" box next to the "Compose" box in the "create" blogger posting page.
Did you realize that when you upload photos through "create" posts, that all of your photos are stored into an online album through Picasa? Yup. I have found out that it takes less time to upload my photos into Picasa, first, than it does to wait for blogger to load them into my post. Either way you upload, you can still change the size but it will have to be done by retrieving the code in Picasa. When you go into Picasa, to the right of your photo it will show "Link to this photo"; choose "embed image" and underneath, there is a little box to choose the size that you want. After that, just copy/paste that code into the "Edit Html" box next to the "Compose" box in the "create" blogger posting page.
It's really pretty simple, especially once you've done it for the first time.
Mersad Donko
I was born in Capljina, Bosnia and Herzegowina, a wonderful and small town in South Europe on 7.6.1987. I moved to Germany in 1992 where i learned the language and started school. A few years later my family moved back to our country. Right now I'm attending law-school, following my fathers footsteps in becoming a lawyer. In my free time, I like everything related to film and photography. I created many documentaries and a couple of short films. Photography is my other love. After getting a dslr camera two years ago I haven't let it out of my sight. I own over 1000 DVDs which can be categorized with my love for film.
I have two blogs:
A photography blog: mersad-photography.blogspot.com
A Movie and DVD Review Blog: movieworld-mersad.blogspot.com
So that's it for now. If you have anymore questions feel free to e-mail me.
9/2/09
Photo Places 2See
I thought it might be nice to share some of my finds with everyone; places I've looked at to edit, keep, share and post our photos:
First of all, I get a lot of questions regarding PHOTO ENLARGEMENT. If you're interested in making your photos on your blog larger, like you see them here, please visit SIMPLY JOYFUL PHOTOS. I have a post listing easy to understand details on how to make your photos large.
EDITING:
Picnik (my favorite) is an online editor that will allow you to use and save your photos almost anywhere, including back to your own computer.
Picasa is another nice editing software and can also be downloaded to your computer, keep your photos in albums and post directly to your blog. The trouble? It limits every album to 500 pics. and will eventually run out of space; therefor, leaving you with a decision to purchase more.
BigHugeLabs has a whole entire assortment of things you can do with your photos. I haven't researched it much yet, but wanted to share it with you all anyway...you can peek in to see what it's all about :)
GIMP is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed program for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. It has many capabilities. It can be used as a simple paint program, an expert quality photo retouching program, an online batch processing system, a mass production image renderer, an image format converter, etc. GIMP is expandable and extensible. It is designed to be augmented with plug-ins and extensions to do just about anything. The advanced scripting interface allows everything from the simplest task to the most complex image manipulation procedures to be easily scripted.
ALBUM KEEPERS and SHARING:
Bubbleshare
Shutterfly
Picasa
Flickr (my choice) - pay just $20 a year for unlimited storage, edit with picnik and post your photos at any size you desire.
Tinypic
Photobucket (my first online album storage place)
Webshots
BLOGS THAT SHARE SPACE:
Friday "My Town" Shootouts (the main location to enter)
Lens.Us.Together
First of all, I get a lot of questions regarding PHOTO ENLARGEMENT. If you're interested in making your photos on your blog larger, like you see them here, please visit SIMPLY JOYFUL PHOTOS. I have a post listing easy to understand details on how to make your photos large.
EDITING:
Picnik (my favorite) is an online editor that will allow you to use and save your photos almost anywhere, including back to your own computer.
Picasa is another nice editing software and can also be downloaded to your computer, keep your photos in albums and post directly to your blog. The trouble? It limits every album to 500 pics. and will eventually run out of space; therefor, leaving you with a decision to purchase more.
BigHugeLabs has a whole entire assortment of things you can do with your photos. I haven't researched it much yet, but wanted to share it with you all anyway...you can peek in to see what it's all about :)
GIMP is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed program for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. It has many capabilities. It can be used as a simple paint program, an expert quality photo retouching program, an online batch processing system, a mass production image renderer, an image format converter, etc. GIMP is expandable and extensible. It is designed to be augmented with plug-ins and extensions to do just about anything. The advanced scripting interface allows everything from the simplest task to the most complex image manipulation procedures to be easily scripted.
ALBUM KEEPERS and SHARING:
Bubbleshare
Shutterfly
Picasa
Flickr (my choice) - pay just $20 a year for unlimited storage, edit with picnik and post your photos at any size you desire.
Tinypic
Photobucket (my first online album storage place)
Webshots
BLOGS THAT SHARE SPACE:
Friday "My Town" Shootouts (the main location to enter)
Lens.Us.Together
