Filters

I had some fun trying out the different filters in Gimp. On the top photo with the tree, I combined two different filters using the drop shadow and the ripple filters. It was an interesting end result. Kind of cool looking.

I really like the second photo with the bridge. I ended up using the cubism filter. It added some texture and depth and I am pleased with the end result.

Dodge and Burn

Here is my dodge and burn image with the original photo above. I played around with the gradient button and chose the linear button to create the rainbow effect. I then used the ellipse select tool and created the round circle to highlight the orchid in the middle. I used the burn tool on the outside, in the highlights range at 50 exposure. After, I inverted the circle and used the dodge key to highlight certain areas in the flower. I tried to make the inner circle the main focal point. Finally, to add some artistic flare, I tried to make the outside of the circle look like flames to soften the effect.

Gimp Attempt # 1

Ok, so this is my first attempt at using Gimp. I changed the color of the sky and of the water, and then added my children snowmobiling and tubing. I am having so much fun using Gimp, but because I am new at this, I am experimenting with what works and what doesn't. I realize my son tubing isn't exactly proportionate, but it's ok for now. More pics to follow soon. :)

Landscape

Here are some photos I took this week. The top one is one I took today of my kids and I snowmobiling and sledding. I wanted to capture what landscape really means, "associating people and a place". I thought I was able to represent it well in this photo. The second photo was a picture of the Connecticut River along Route 12 in Charlestown, NH. It was taken around 5:30 in the evening just as the sun was going down. I really liked how the trees framed this photo and how the light hit the mountains and the water creating a soft, serene look. The bottom two photos are of the Springfield Dam overlooking Ascutney Mountain. I thought they were really pretty. I tried to apply the rule of thirds in the third photo so as to to make is more visually pleasing. I'm not sure how I did, but I think they captured the natural beauty of the mountains.

Rule of Thirds

Here are two pictures of a church in Bellows Falls, VT. The bottom one is supposed to be a centered shot from the bottom of the steps on the road. However, the top photo is angled to the right, adding a bit more dimension. I like the top photo better!

Framing Slideshow

Here is my framing slideshow. I admit these are not the greatest, but I think with a little more practice (and better weather), I could create something even better! Sorry for the delay this week...