Get Creative with Your Computer

by Michelle Josie

My computer has always been a favorite companion when scrapbooking. I am particularly fond of using it to design and print custom titles and journaling blocks that I can incorporate into my layouts--as I am sure most of you do. But if you really want to get creative with your computer, there is so much more you can do. I love to crop, color and re-create my everyday photographs into professional quality works of art.

Let me start by saying that I am not a photographer. I have had no experience or training in taking photos unless being the scrapbook loving, mother of three qualifies me. Some of my photographs turn out better than others. While they may not be perfect, I think they are still adequate to fill the pages of my children’s albums. That was until I started to play around with the photo editing program and discovered a few simple tricks that would kick my run-of-the-mill photos up an artistic notch or two.

Begin the first technique by zooming in on the image. Don’t be afraid to get up close and focus on the subject, such as a child’s face. I try to cut out as much of the background as possible. Also, the subject does not have to be centered. Crop the photograph with the subject slightly off to one side. Then, complete the design process by turning the photographs into black and white. If necessary, you can play with the brightness and contrast of the photos to achieve the desired effect.

The second technique uses the same elements as the first to start. Once the photo has been cropped to the desired placement I save it as is. I then eliminate the color to black and white and use a special effect from the editing program to soften the edges around the photo. This gently blends away the background.

Next, I go back to the original photograph and crop it down to just the area I want to highlight. When the crop is complete I insert the still colored version directly over the top of the black and white picture. Once again, the feature is used to soften the edges of the colored photo and the colors blend out. Text can then be written over the photograph as well for a very graphic image.

I have to say that I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I print the photographs that I have redesigned. I am proud to say they are my creation and not the work of an expensive professional..