Picasa is My Friend
December 21, 2009
OK peeps, I think it’s time I spill the beans on how I take and manipulate my photos. Several of you have sent me emails asking me about the camera and the software I use on this site. I’m here to share. Sharing is what I do. I love to share, especially with those of you just starting out. Ha, that’s funny. “Just starting out.” That’s me, like, nine months ago. Strange, surreal, and completely true.
But first, before I share, I have a few confessions to make.
First confession: Believe me when I tell you I am a complete amateur when it comes to photography. (Some of you are saying, “Um, yes, we know that.”) In fact, if you said the word “aperture” to me a few months ago, I’d have looked at you cross-eyed.
Second confession: I have a really killer camera that does half the work for me. My weapon of choice is a Nikon D60 and it totally rocks. Mr. CG bought it for me two years ago when I complained about my flimsy digital never taking pictures when I wanted it to. You know that 3/4 second delay that misses the moment ? That fleeting precious moment when your kid is doing the cutest thing ever ? Then your camera never captures it ? Hated that. I complained constantly. Tears welled. I might have thrown my old camera a few times. Then hubby bought me my Nikon.
Yes, they’re expensive, but oh my goodness gracious darling, are they ever so worth it. Mine has paid for itself tenfold with the quality of pictures it has given me.
For example, take this most recent picture of chocolate covered biscotti from yesterday. My friends, I simply set the camera to “no flash” and shot this beauty. The camera did 80% of the work.
Third confession: I’ve learned to never ever ever use a flash. The flash is not your friend when taking up close and personal shots of your latest craft, project, recipe, or kid. Turn it off, that’s all I can say. Turn.Off.The.Flash. Light is your friend. The flash is not.
Fourth confession: I do not use Photoshop for my everyday blog editing. I don’t have the patience, time, or in depth knowledge of Photoshop to manipulate every single photo. Yes, I’m learning the program slowly, but I never turn to Photoshop for my everyday blog photos.
I use Picasa. Picasa is free.
Picasa is my friend !
And I’m not being paid to say this. When it comes to the basic manipulating and uploading of pictures for this blog? Picasa is where it’s at. At least for me.
Case in point.
Here’s a shot of a pair of platinum diamond rings taken at Tiffanys in San Francisco.
Dark, uninteresting. Not impressive.
With Picasa I change the tuning by adding light and enhancing shadow
Crop photo
Change temperature from warm to cooler, then pull saturation out
Crop some more
Sharpen picture
Now that’s worth looking at. And all in about 7 seconds with Picasa. Seriously.
You can also give it some glow too.
Or add a soft focus
That takes about 3 more seconds.
You go from this:
To this, in about 10 seconds (once you’re proficient)
And you’ll be proficient in no time because look how user friendly these tabs are:
How about when you take photos at night? First of all I must say I rarely take photos at night, because you always need good light to take a decent photo. Unless you’re taking one of those cool “look at my candlelight glow” shots for effect. But I hesitate to ever take a picture at night because the lighting simply stinks. And I refuse to use my flash.
See this cruddy picture of my holiday sideboard taken in the evening? It has far too many warm tones in my book, but its completely salvageable.
Increase light, enhance shadow, change temperature from warm to cool
Crop
Reduce saturation
Sharpen
Add glow
Before and After, in ten seconds:
Yes, yes, Photoshop could do a heck of a lot better, and you real photographers know it. But for everyday editing for this blog? I’ll stick with Picasa. That is, until I master Photoshop.
You can make collages for your blog, like the one above, or like this one below.
Purty huh ?
Many of you already use Picasa, know of its virtues, and have sung its praises, so much of this is very old news. But for those of you (like me) who are newer to this blogging thing, pay a visit to my friend Sarah over at Clover Lane for a brilliant tutorial on making a custom header for Blogger in Picasa.
And the best part ? Picasa is free. Free !
A couple more tips from this self proclaimed complete and total amateur.
If you have a PC, use Windows Live Writer for Blogger or WordPress to upload and publish your pictures. You can adjust them to your exact pixel width and make a better impression with a larger photo.
Because.I.Cannot.Stand.Uploading.In.Blogger.Or.WordPress.
It gives me nightmares.
And if you have a great camera where you can manipulate the settings, keep your resolution on medium, not small, experiment with your Aperture and Shutter Speed settings, try increasing your ISO sensitivity to 400 or 800, and try to use your “Vivid” or “Soften” settings to change the exposure of your pictures. It’s what I do, but I’m still learning.
But I’ve got nothing, and I mean nothing, on the Diva of Photography, Ms. PW. That’s the Pioneer Woman, for those of you who just landed from Mars. If you want a real lesson in photography, go visit, but beware, you’ll be lost in her tutorials for hours, they’re so good.
So you see? Picasa is your friend, especially for us beginners in photography! If you haven’t already, download it now and give it a try.
Happy shooting, cropping, and editing !
If you’re a blogger, or a gen-u-ine photographer, feel free to add your two cents on taking, editing, and uploading pictures. Feel free to mock me. Am I living in the dark ages ? Is there something better out there ? That’s free and user friendly ? What camera or software do you use ? Do share. Inquiring minds want to know.
******* UPDATE: I’ve downloaded Picnik based on all of your suggestions and like what I see ! Will report back in the New Year with its performance . . . .
Tags: photography, Picasa
I’ll give Picasa a try. I do upload my photos from the camera card to Photoshop. Still need to try Live Writer {although I did download it}. My problem is I’m a shaky person. When I shut the flash off on my camera {which I just figured out this month} the pictures are blurry. I don’t take enough to get something over my Canon Powershot, so I guess I still need to play with some settings. Thanks for the tips though!
Thank you for this, Kate. I’ve never used Picasa and will give it a try. I also have the D60, bought it last summer, but I’m so intimidated by it that I’m using my old little digital and my pictures frustrate me to no end. The Nikon just sits there….I’m going to pull it out during the next 2 weeks I have off from work and become familiar with it. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks for the info. I’ll have to try Picasa. Now, I want to know if you got one of those platinum and diamond rings!
I’ve been begging “Santa” (aka my husband) for a Nikon D40 for Christmas. Everything looks 100x better!
But don’t you think they SHOULD pay us? :) Thanks for the link…you know I’m a fan of yours and I have just as strong LOVE for Picasa as you. I don’t do as many edits because I’m lazy and not a perfect perfectionist like you, (but wish I was.) Now you’ve got me a little more motivated!
Thank you so much! I have been using Picasa to crop and store photos, but haven’t tried editing them yet. I just played around with it a little and am loving the effects! I also love the tutorial on Clover Lane to make a header- I am so excited! Thank you both! I do have one question, how did you get your corners round? Can you do that in Picasa?
this was great! I am new to blogging and shooting so this was really helpful! I’ll have to check out Picasa. Thanks!
My husband just bought me a Nikon camera this past weekend for my birthday! I absolutely love looking at your blog and all of your beautiful photography! I am so excited to hear about Picasa and trying it with my new Christmas pictures!
I also live in Northern California and really enjoy it when you highlight local spots! I keep telling my husband about visiting some of the wineries that you have shown on your blog!
Keep up the great blog! Merry Christmas!
P.S. I want to decorate my office just like yours! It is stunning!!!
This was perfect timing as the husband and I were going back and forth about Picasa versus Photoshop Elements. I am getting a new Digital SLR for Christmas and I want to be prepared. I had him sold last night on Photoshop, but now I am rethinking it. Thanks for the info!
Wow! Thank you for sharing some of your secrets! I use Photoshop because I have for about 15 years but I think I’m going to give Picasa a try. It seems like it’s a lot faster and user friendly. Sometimes I get too involved on Photoshop because of all the choices. Merry Christmas:)-Jennifer
Thanks for sharing your photo taking/editing experience. I haven’t used Picasa because they started off only supporting PC users. This Mac user took offense to that. :)
I use PS3, but when I want to edit something quickly I use Picnik. It is inexpensive and easy enough for my girls to use. They have a lot of fun features too (which the girls enjoy).
As for your warm tone pictures. Have you tried changing your white balance settings? I find that either using the custom WB or fluorescent setting can knock down the warmth out of your picture.
Happy Holidays!
Thank you for this post. I downloaded Picasa last night and started working on my banner. Not bad for my first one!
Oh my goodness – this was SOOOOO helpful! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I’m going to have to play with Picasa in 2010.
I also use a Nikon D60 and it’s perfect for me. I use Picnik which is online. There’s a free option, or you can upgrade for a low yearly price. I use it a ton now. I don’t have the time or energy for photoshop. I have some older photos in Picasa and love that too.
I just used your tutorial plus the one at Clover Lane. I am in love with the outcome. Please check it out if you have a chance. I can’t wait to play around some more now.
http://persnicketypeacock.blogspot.com/2009/12/peacock-christmas.html
I just got a D60 in August for my birthday from my wonderful husband and love it! Even though I have barely scratched the surface of learning how to use it! Thanks for the tips…I’ve never used Picasa because I have iPhoto, but will maybe give it a try so I can compare. (especially if it is easier when it comes to uploading!)
I sometimes have problems with Picasa, at least trying to get it to make a movie slideshow of pictures. The interface is very user-friendly, but sometimes it just doesn’t work.
One free program I do love is paint.net. It isn’t as user-friendly to learn, but I use it to make photos smaller so that they upload faster to Blogger. It’s good to know about the features of Picasa, though, for when I have a salvageable picture.
Thanks for the tips. Tried them out here (if you’re curious!): http://thelotustree.blogspot.com/2009/12/playing-with-picasa.html .
Using Live writer is much nicer than blogger for photo formatting! Blogging is going to be so much easier from now on in!
Thank-you for your tips Kate! I own that camera ( I have had my Nikon for 2 yrs now!) yet I still don’t know the word ” aperture” . Yes! that is me looking at YOU cross-eyed!? lol
Turning off the flash! That is a great start for me! haha! I will try that. I am off to a dinner party and that will be my assignment. Focus on things and see if I can finally get some nice shots. Like you said, the camera does a lot, but I still need to learn the different controls.
Wonderful advice! thanks again!
I didn’t even know Picasa had all of those neat editing features. Thanks for sharing this information in such a user friendly way.
Thanks for your information. I have a Nikon D40 and have had it a year. I love it but I can’t get it to stay in the center for the focus. Can anyone out there help me? I took a one day workshop with the fabulous Karen Russell and learned a lot so now I am signed up to take her online class. I can’t wait. I have PS Elements 6 and I don’t know how to use it. I have Picasa but haven’t played around with it. I will check out the blogger who has a tutorial on it.
I cannot thank you enough! Absolutely fabulous!!
Cat
I will try Picasa as I’m not very good with Photoshop and have ended up not editing my photos at all. Thanks for the info!!! I shoot with a Canon D10 and love it.
Thank you for this! Recently my computer died on me and they had to wipe out all the programs. Thankfully my files were saved but all my photoshop and other programs had been wiped out. This will come in SO handy!
HI Kate! Just found my way over to you from Tales of an OC cottage. How fun to find you! I am so inspired re. this article. I am a novice to digital photography and will be trying out Picasa as well as checking out the tutorials you mentioned! Love the office remodel as well! Glad to have found you. Happy New Year.
Easily, this article is really the most informative on this deserving topic. I agree with your conclusions and am eagerly look forward to your future updates. Just saying thanks will not just be enough, for the extraordinary clarity in your views and writing. I’m signing up to
Forget the Photography lesson Kate!!!
WHERE DO WE GET A HUSBAND TO BUY US THE CAMERA ?? :]
Wonderful job as always lady,
I love people like you :0)
I just signed up for Picasa because of this post. And I love it. Me! One of the most tech-challenged people ever. So, thank you!!!
Kate, you just keep getting better and better! Love this tut and your organization series is perfect for this time of year. I have a house in Cali on my blog today~anywhere near you?? :) Have a great weekend~
I have a Nikon D5000 and Love it so much. I read and followed what you said and now I love Picasa! Thanks. 2 quick questions. How do YOU upload more than 4 pictures? It seems like it will only let me do no more than 4. Also, how do you get the great rounded edges on your photos? Any tips will help. Thanks for your blog…I Love it, am inspired by it and I am attempting to do alot of your projects…so thanks for the step by steps. Thanks!
[...] I was answering a question about what kind of camera and photo editing software I use. In that post, I shared that I use a Nikon D60 and also declared Picasa to be my friend. Several friends [...]
Wow, I think I need to use Picasa. I am so glad I didn’t bother investing in Photoshop yet. I am going to check it out. I take pics without the flash with my rebel, but they are looking a little yellow. Iphoto wasn’t helping enough.
Thanks!
[...] spoken before of my love for Picasa. It’s my go-to editing software for most of my pictures. [...]
I love Picasa!! I just discovered it at work (I think that I actually downloaded it to my computer by accident, and then every time I plugged in my camera, up popped Picasa!) I am still learning, but so far I’m loving it.
Thank you so much for posting the tip about Windows Live Writer…I’m a new blogger and I’m always frustrated with trying to insert photos. What a pain it is on Blogger! Thanks!!!
I have a Cannon Rebel XTi and I also use Picasa for most of my editing. It’s just so user-friendly, and it gives me the results I want! If I take the time to use another program (such as photoscape), I can sometimes get the pics to look even better, but it usually doesn’t seem worth the time.
I’m a huge fan of Picasa as well. And a new fan of your blog. Lovely!
Thanks! I am loving your blog and I thought I was the only one who didn’t use Photoshop. (photoshop scares me!) Love your pictures and your tips. Can’t wait to read more!
You are amazing! How do you get those great rounded corners on your images? Thx!
How do you get all of your photos with the rounded edges? Do you manually do all of them?
I’m a fan of your blog; you and others inspired me to make my own blog! :) The info/tips are truely helpful for beginners like me! I currently use picnik, but I will be downloading picasa now too! Thank you so much!
Hi Kate, first of all thank you for sharing the above. I have a question about the above camera. What is the difference between Nikon D90 and D80. It is quite expensive to get a camera for beginners like myself. You are absolutely correct ! That common digital camera ; I have just like that it delays before it captures the picture and by then your arm moves so well…, you what I mean you have to have steady arms….I hate my camera but that is what I have now. Can you suggest if you happen to know similar camera to the one you own that is not so costly but does the job beautifully. Thank you so much Kate…..!! If all failed to get better camera I will also beg my husband to get me that Nikon D80/90..Hahahaa…oh well..!! Thank you so much Kate ?
i had no idea that the sharpen tool made such a big difference. thanks for the mini tut
Kate,
I read your suggestion of turning off the flash. I have the Canon Rebel. Do you have any idea how to do this?
thx
Hi Alison, you can shoot in manual or look for the symbol of the zig zag arrow with a line through it… that’s what it looks like on a Nikon, that’s the automatic no flash setting.
Kate
Hey! These are the pictures that I’ve taken! It is so much better!!
http://hollywood-cerise.blogspot.com/2012/02/amigurumi-mario-star.html
http://hollywood-cerise.blogspot.com/search/label/Tutorials
Thank you SO much for the tips!!!! XXX