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Newsletter
#40 |
| THIS MONTH |
Hi!
Hope you had a good summer and you're enjoying the fall weather. It seems I took "summer vacation" literally; I haven't sent a newsletter in a while! But fall is a good time to gear it up because typically it's September and October when new digital imaging software is released. Also, several online photo processors are offering free shipping and other discounts as incentive to print and make photo gifts out of all those summer vacation photos. You can get more info on that in the digital photo sales section.
This month I'm profiling Roxio Easy Media Creator 2009, which was released in late August. Easy Media Creator is a must if you enjoy working with digital media like an ipod or digital camera or like to upload videos to YouTube. Next month I will review Adobe's latest release, Photoshop Elements 7, which will be available in October.
ROXIO EASY MEDIA CREATOR 2009 RELEASED
One of my favorite programs for creating, managing and enjoying digital images, videos and music is Roxio's Easy Media Creator. In Easy Media Creator 2009 there are some fun new features and improvements that make this a very worthwhile upgrade, or new purchase if you are looking for a good all-around digital media program.
Among the new features are:
- New icon-based interface with the most frequently used tools/projects on the home page, plus video tutorials and how-to articles.
- HD Video Support - Capture high-definition video and burn HD movies (up to 60 minutes) for play back on Playstation 3 or other Blu-Ray players.
- Free access to Roxio Online, where you can create slideshows from your photos and videos and share them on TVs, PCs, DVDs, handheld devices, or social networking sites on Roxio's private network.
- Audiobook Creator, which converts audiobook CDs and MP3 sources, including chapters and bookmarks, for playback on iPods® and other portable devices.
There's so much you can do with Easy Media Creator 2009 : You can edit and manage photos, capture and enhance images taken with your cell phone, capture and edit HD videos and write them to HD DVD and Blu-ray discs, and even upload them to YouTube with one click. You can also back up all digital media and data onto CDs, and even catalog your CDs and their content. You can read my full review of Roxio Easy Media Creator 2009 here. Also, check below for the current Roxio discounts.
PHOTO SALES
Be sure to check the sales at the online photo services below. Of special note: Get Free shipping from Kodak Gallery, Shutterfly and Photoworks this month. Also, Shutterfly is offering new members 50 free prints and a collage poster when you join (it's free to join).
PHOTO TIP OF THE MONTH: Using Multiply Blend to Enhance Color and Detail on Washed-out Images
It happens to all of us, sometimes it is hard to get the lighting right and our images are washed out. There are several solutions, but one of the easiest is to use Multiply to add more color and detail.
IMAGE #1 
IMAGE #
The image on the left (IMAGE #1) is washed out, see that there is little detail in the hat and the white in my dog's fur is a little too bright. There's no definition.
Look at IMAGE #2. It's much better. All I did was make a duplicate of the Background layer by dragging it to a New Layer in the layers palette of Photoshop Elements (it will work similarly in any photo editor that supports layers, like Corel Paint Shop Pro). Then click on the layer and change the Blend mode from Normal to Multiply. Presto, the detail in the hat becomes more visible and the colors richer. If you find the result is a little too rich or dark, just adjust the opacity to something less than 100%.
There are other ways of accomplishing the same thing, like using Curves, but that is much more labor-intensive. Give Multiply a shot on your washed out images and you'll be surprised how easy it is to rescue them.
| Digital Cameras & Software Sales |
Digital Cameras Halloween and the holiday season are fast approaching. If you're looking for a new camera to capture your little ghosts and goblins and other special occasions, check out this list of the top selling cameras at Amazon.com
Plus, here are Amazon's special promos and sales:
Software SalesACDSee15% off ACDSee Photo Editor 2008, your digital designer! Use coupon code 08PE15
ACDSee Photo Editor $34.99 for previous customers
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. Canon rules again. These prices are extremely competitive! Prices as of Sep 12, 2008. |
Go to Kodak
EasyShare Gallery |
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NEW: You can now upload your digital images to Shutterfly and pick up your 4x6 prints at your local Target store.
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Go to Photoworks.com
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Have a great weekend.
Valerie
www.digitalphotos101.com
How to get the best from your digital camera
To access prior newsletters: Click on this link.