Pixlr First Exercise

The purpose of this exercise is to help you understand the power and ease of digital photo editing in this age.

Learning how to “photoshop” your image is only an added value!

In case the internet was down, use the Photoshop Elements application for this exercise.

OPEN image:
Select an appropriate image from Flickr creative commons: http://www.flickr.com/creativecommons
After you find the image you want, click on the arrow on the bottom right corner and select “View all sizes”
Select one of the “Large” photos (Large 600 is good)
Option 1 (preferred): right-click and copy the image URL. Then, in Pixlr, choose “Open image from URL” and paste the link.
Option 2: download image and open in Pixlr using “Open image from computer.”
ZOOM: Adjust your view of the image by changing the number in the bottom left corner. This will not change the image size. 100% is the actual view size of the image.
CROP: Use the “Crop Tool” (top left) to crop the image to highlight a certain focal point or adjust the size.
RESIZE: Use “Image >> Image Size” to change the size of the image to a width of 600 pixels. Remember: always make an image smaller, not larger (it will pixelate).
ADJUST BRIGHTNESS: Adjust the brightness of your image by using “Adjustment >> Auto Levels.” If you are not happy with the results, undo and use any of the manual options you have.
SHARPEN: When you make an image smaller, it usually becomes blurred. Use the “Filter >> Sharpen” menu to sharpen your image.
UNDO/HISTORY: To Undo one of more actions use the “ History” palette on the right
TEXT and MOVE: Use the Type Tool (A) to add a caption to the image. Make sure the caption text has enough contrast with the background, and it’s legible.
MOVE: When you added text, the program creates a new “layer”. Use the “Move” tool to move the text to wherever you want.
INCREASE CANVAS SIZE:
Image >> Canvas Size
Increase the width by 50 pixels and the Height by 50 pixels.
Click on the middle square.
OK
Add a second caption (text) in the bottom white strip of space.
FLATTEN: Because you now have more than one layer in the image, you need to “flatten” all layers before exporting the image for use in a browser or app.
Choose from the menu: Layer >> Flatten Image.
SAVE: Save the image to your computer and then upload it to Flickr:
File >> Save. Select the appropriate image format.
Upload your image to Flickr (you’ll need to create an account). Don’t forget to attribute the image when you upload to Flickr!
Add you Flickr feed to your Medium blog