ACCESS TO CVU

ACCESS TO CVU

Enhance Digital Photographs

It's elemental, my dear. . .or is it?

GET TO KNOW YOUR TOOL-BOXES AND TOOLBARS

Let your mouse tame the lion of this software. Use tools on the palette to alter images with mouse motion. Steadying the mouse over a tool pops up a name. Use Toolbar menus like Windows > Help to guide your own experiments. Don't forget to look at the bottom row of your toolbar for each tool you are using.

CROP TOOL	Draw a rectangle with your mouse to determine the size of the crop. Use edges to adjust. Click in center to confirm. Don't forget to try out the Rule of Thirds. Use toolbar dimensions to fix a specific height to width ratio.
IMAGE MENU	Select Resize and explore different menu options. Don't forget to File > Save As (a different name) for each generation of composition.
QUICK SELECTION & MAGIC WAND TOOLS	Click on different pixel areas of an image. Use the Add to Selection button on the toolbar to add to previous selection. Warning: the magic wand does not always lead to magical results. Try the Brush or other marquee tools. Once a selection is made then revisit the Enhance menu and cook up your own strange brew.
RED EYE TOOL	First use the Zoom (magnifying glass) tool to zoom into the area of the eyes. Click on the red-eye tool and use the bottom row of the toolbar to adjust the size of the brush to within the diameter of the eye. Click on the Replacement Color swatch and use the color picker to select the correct color of the eye. Set the Sampling mode to First Click and click around the area of the red-eye.
BRUSH MARQUEE TOOL	Brush in areas of an image for a selection. Use the toolbar to adjust the brush type and size, May be used as a new selection or to add to an existing one. Ctrl+D will deselect entire selections. Use the Undo arrows to correct mistakes.
BURN & DODGE TOOL	Change the exposure of an image by click-dragging mouse over an area. Use toolbar to adjust size of brush and strength of exposure.

Compose your subject in any four "sweet spots" by the Rule of Thirds.

REVIEW COMPOSITION TIPS

Prioritize aspects of a photograph that are important to get on the camera. Practice using Elements to change size, brightness, contrast, saturation, and color cast.

TYPE	DESCRIPTION	TIPS
Formal Portraits	Pictures of a person willing to cooperate.	Scout out your setting and set up secondary lights and reflectors beforehand. Get your subject comfortable then test flash & exposure settings. Highlight a section of the face for focus. Take at least two photographs from different angles.
Group Portraits	We the people. . .	Let someone else arrange the group as you determine the best light angles. Ask yourself if there is a center of attention or a pattern to highlight. Take pictures before & after the actual "say cheese!" Shutter delays allow you to become a part of the picture.
Environmental	Put a person in their place.	Be a chameleon and don't hesitate to shoot with an unorthodox approach. Try to be sneaky & quick. Is there such a thing as a landscape portrait?
Candid	A blend of subject & setting.	Use the setting to dictate angles, depth of field, lighting. Increase the depth of field. Experiment with panning and a slow shutter speed. Be candid yourself.
Close-up	Capture a small subject with specific and life-size detail.	Utilize the Tulip icon on most digital cameras. Use a tripod, shutter delays, or other steadying techniques. Use light reflectors and wind barriers to optimize results.

HARVEST TIME

Use the multiple options under to File to create print or on-line documents. Sites such as PhotoGarden allow for easy storage, security, prints, and gifts.

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