The Novice Shutterbug

Paint.Net Effects Project 1: Images at Hotel Nikko Guam

2012-09-04T05:55:00.002-07:00

Photography is not only limited to the point and shoot results, there is a lot of post-processing to be done.

At first the very first thing I wanted to do before I share my images is to put a signature or watermark for two things: 1) promote your photography and 2) prevent people from using or claiming your photography and using it for personal gain, this is what we call copyright.

There are lots of editing software out there you might have tried using Microsoft's Paint and Publisher which comes with any Windows PC, the famous Adobe software like Lightroom and Photoshop, and others. Of those Photoshop is the well known and well use by professionals and it does have great editing capability but the downside is that it also cost a lot.

For hobbyist, enthusiast, and soon to be professional photographers it would be hard on the budget since we are still in the exploratory and developmental stage of our skills as a photographer. So why not use something that cost nothing but nearly works as good as Adobe Photoshop?

Yes there is such a thing and that one is software is called Paint.Net

Check my photos below and see what Paint.Net can do.

Adding signature or watermark made easy

Crop your images and show only the best parts

Effects made easy

An Apple A day

2012-08-22T06:30:00.003-07:00

Yes I have been, in a way, on apple diet for some time now. I bring to work about two medium size apples so that when I get hungry at work before lunch I can fill my stomach with a high fiber fruit.

But an apple just don't do only that, it became my subject as well.

I usually buy my fruits at the nearest Payless store located at MicronesiaMall

Could this be the apple that poison Snow White?

This one is the apple that I bite, see my name is on it!

Buy a framed version of the photo below at redbubble.com

Playing with my camera's creative filter

2012-08-08T05:59:00.000-07:00

Some of my latest photo shoots modified using my Canon T3i(600D) Creative filter effects. I know I have done the same with previous photos; will just add them here when I find them.

Black & White Experiment

2012-08-02T05:17:00.001-07:00

Tonight I tried taking black & white photos.

Some use Photoshop or Paint.net to convert a color photo into black & white but for me tonight it is a straight up Monochrome at B&W. After some few shots and adjusting my camera to Manual mode and increase ISO, wide Aperture and a slower shutter speed I got some pretty decent images.

COuld have use my tripod but my shutter speed is not that slow so I still get a clean shot with minimal noise.

Without further delays I present you my Black & White experiment:

I like this experiment; it made me kinda master of light and darkness specially in my room.

Children Portrait: My First Try

2012-07-29T15:24:00.000-07:00

Was learning children portraiture thru Canon Australia's videos below. One key lesson I learn when shooting children is to establish a connection with the subject. Kids are really hard to shoot and I have my first try last Sunday in Tiger Fisher's Christening Party.

But before that I just wanted to share the video I was watching to learn children's portraiture.

Check out my pictures below, comments are always welcome.

Self-portrait in Monochrome

2012-07-19T04:15:00.000-07:00

Tried again to take self-portrait using my tripod and setting my camera to Monochrome.

Shot some in Tungsten, B&W, and Sepia.

Check it out.

Got this idea of putting my signature where it can be easily seen in one of the photographers in Digitalrev.com and it turn out just right.

With flash on, I was able to get this Black & white shot. To add more light I left my room fluorescent light on(yes these images are shot in my room). My camera is set at Portrait and under Fluorescent

Set my camera on 10 sec timer and 3 shots and was able to get these two clear ones.

So far I like the outcome of my first monochrome self-portrait. Will experiment more on this style.

Self-portrait: Attempts

2012-07-14T23:19:00.002-07:00

If painters can easily do themselves a self-portrait, how much more photographers in the digital age. Well it proves that self-portrait is indeed not that easy to shoot.

Below are my attempts. Any advice in making a better one?

At Fujita beach

At the apartment using a tripod(And I 'm sporting my bloggershirt.com shirt given by my fiancee).

Any ideas or advice in getting better self-portrait photo? Please leave them in the comment box.

Support my photography by purchasing some of my images at RedBubble, click here to check my portfolio.

Post processing technique: Color Splash

2012-07-05T06:24:00.000-07:00

Been checking out some techniques done by photographers to make a subject in their photos stand out and this is called Color Splash.

It is basically either making the subject in focus in color while the background is in black & white or the other way around.

Below is my very first attempt. I know I need more practice.

I used a free software Paint.Net. What I did is made a black & white version of the original photo using LightRoom and adding it as a layer to the colored photo. Using my eraser tool in the layer with the black & white photo, I erased the area which I want to be in color which is the subject. Need patience to do such but would appreciate if someone can give us a better way of doing Color Splash.

What is the color of clouds at night?

2012-06-30T05:56:00.002-07:00

Been trying night photography and to tell you the truth I really don't know how it should be. I ordered a tripod to have my camera in "still mode" to prevent shakes and blurs associated with dim or night photography.

Enjoy!

BLUE

BLUEGREEN or GRAY?

SHADES of PINK?

Showcasing Your Photos

2012-06-30T04:04:00.000-07:00

A great way to showcase your photos is creating a slideshow or a video of your selected photos and share it as a video in social networks.

You can easily create one using whatever free software comes with your PC(Windows Movie Maker) and Mac(IMovie). Or you can use a free online slideshow maker like Flickr, Photobucket or an online free 30 sec movie maker Animoto.

Check my photos below using Windows Movie Maker

This is is made using Animoto

The PussyCato

2012-06-27T15:02:00.001-07:00

Just one of my figurine photographs. Hope you like it.

Real-like orchids

2012-06-27T06:31:00.002-07:00

No particular project today. Spotted this plastic flower in a glass vase in one of my co-worker's desk and I took photos of it practicing in adjusting ISO and other stuff.

Enjoy!!!

Featured Photographer: Natsumi Hayashi

2012-06-23T04:41:00.005-07:00

source: http://yowayowacamera.com

This will be my first featured photographer. I discovered Natsumi Hayashi's work in her blog yowayowa camera woman diary.

Her work is primarily a photo of her levitating(some on the famous jump shot style). Some of her work are really great that it looks like she is naturally floating while her background seems in the normal mode.

Source: http://yowayowacamera.com she is the one with a red plastic bag

To view more of her work check her blog Yowayowa Camera Woman Diary at http://yowayowacamera.com

source: http://yowayowacamera.com

My Animoto Video Project Flower Photography

2012-06-21T05:42:00.001-07:00

I discovered Animoto and made my first Animoto video showcasing some of my flower photographs. Click the link below and enjoy.

My Animoto Video

Mural Project And Some Photos Aside

2012-06-16T23:20:00.000-07:00

Have been planning this project.

Taking a photo of the three wall murals I see every weekend. These murals along Lower Tumon here in Guam are a reflection of Guam's culture. I prayed for a sunny day and this morning it was indeed sunny but with some drizzle here and there, well that is how Guam is at times it rains on the other side of the road while its sunny on the other side.

Hope you like my photos.

This mural is right across Guam Visitor's Bureau.

The below mural is found in the 4 way intersection right in front of Hilton Resort & Spa.

I was only able to get one picture of the mural in the road going up to Kmart due to the drizzle on a sunny morning.

While walking and shooting the murals I got some other eye catching imagery.

Model: Fire tree and other trees

2012-06-09T15:24:00.001-07:00

After many postponement I finally have the time to photograph the fire trees in Lower Tumon and even able to get other photos of other subjects.

I had a hard time getting a clear shot at the fire tree in Hyatt. Any advice on how to reduce noise or how to shoot at a bright sun at my back?

Closeup Photo Shots During my Pangasinan VAcation

2012-06-04T04:11:00.002-07:00

Was in the Philippines for a vacation and while at our home in Dulag Binmaley, Pangasinan was able to take these photos.

An unknown ornamental plant probably planted by our youngest brother or my mom.

Our dog named Purina

An unusual fruit from a tree my brother planted

Mushrooms anyone? These aren't edible though.

Even AngryBirds invaded my place already

And finally flowers, wild grass, and a coconut

Notice: The words "Purina" and "AngryBirds" are copyrighted and trademarks of their respective owners.

Lunch at Alize Restaurant in Reef Hotel

2012-06-02T23:50:00.000-07:00

We had lunch at Reef Hotel's Alize Restaurant and can't help but get some images.

Some of the good shots are below. Hope you like them!

2012-05-30T05:23:00.001-07:00

Was on my way home from my usual coffee and was in this exact moment to catch this picturesque dusk moment.

This was taken at Micronesia Mall's Macy's Men side parking.

Any comments or tip on how to better get a night or dusk photo? Please share in the comments below.

Rice: Up close and personal

2012-05-28T05:56:00.001-07:00

Made some closeup shots on the rice in my apartment, what do you think?

Do you have an idea on how to make a better close up shot? Please share in the comment box.

Experimental Urban Photography

2012-05-15T02:15:00.000-07:00

Was able to have a chance to try Urban photography.

Woke up early to get images of the early and the morning stuff of my area but it kinda ended into a blue sky and street photography.

Hope you get to check my images, would like to hear your comments and suggestions.

I found Nemo?

2012-05-10T02:11:00.001-07:00

Everyday while waiting for our office server to backup I go around to take some practice photo shoot just as my "Kabalens" Ian Rayray said "Picture lng ng picture!"

Well in the office guess what I found?

Yup its Nemo or is it Nemo? Not sure I just practice taking closeup pictures and with varying settings and adjustments.

Check them out.

Any advice on closeup photography? Please leave yours in the comment box.

Practice shoots in the office and my room

2012-05-05T03:00:00.000-07:00

While waiting for the office server to finish backup took some pictures in and outside the office. Check them out:

Here are some photo shots in my room:

Picture of a Heart

2012-05-04T18:08:00.000-07:00

My beloved girl friend gave me a pillow heart and its in my bed here in Guam were I work.

Was thinking of a subject for my first object shot and there it is. Thanks Mommy Krissy I love you and will see you soon mwah!

My Once Upon A Time Dream

2012-05-04T05:27:00.000-07:00

Yes having a DSLR camera was a dream.

Back then it was impossible for me to buy one but after years I finally have my own.

And since I am new to it let me share my experiment shots... would appreciate your comments and suggestion to improve my photography skills.

This is the very first photo shoot I made. I also bought a new laptop and I placed it side by side with my old laptop as a remembrance. Will give the old laptop to my little brother in the next couple of days.