I've been silent lately, mostly out of exhaustion. I miss it here, though, and I'm hoping to come back soon. Meanwhile, I've just started another class with the lovely Vivienne McMaster. (And there may still be time to join, if anyone out there is interested! You all know I can't say enough about how much I love Viv and her online photography classes, right?)
Anyway, this is a photo I took a week or so ago, but just got around to editing today--in the playful, and hopefully messy, manner of our current assignment. Which is to say--a bit on the over edited side, but totally fun in its over-the-topness!
The dip in the hills (also seen at a distance here) is called the Berryessa Gap. Through it and into the hills a bit lies Lake Berryessa, and around the lake and over the hills and some very beautiful and windy roads you eventually get to Napa and Sonoma, set in their own little valleys in the hills. It's a beautiful place, this place I live.
For those of you who are concerned about Picnik closing this month, do you know about PicMonkey, Pixlr, and Pixlr Express? PicMonkey is the most like Picnik, which makes sense, as it seems to have been developed by the same folks. Pixlr Express is easy and straightforward--I'm having some trouble understanding the main Pixlr program, which is apparently a bit more like Photoshop? Which would explain my confusion. But they're all very, very useful to know about as free online photo editing options. That don't force you to join Google+.
UPDATE: After I posted this, I found this incredibly helpful link to a (rather large) collection of short, easy to follow videos all about using Pixlr! It's a wonderful resource--many, many thanks to whoever is behind this little labor of love.
Thanks, Amy, for these recommendations. Your photo makes me feel like sitting in the center of that field with my arms in the air! Hope all is well in CA.
ReplyDeleteBarb, when you're next in the neighborhood, drop me a line--I'll happily take you out to one of these fields and worship the mountains with you. xo
DeleteAmy, as always, I love your photos. I need to spend some time playing with some of these photo editing sites. Hope another photo class gives you some energy.
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you Sigrid--that's just what I'm hoping as well. (And definitely check out the link I just posted on the Pixlr video tutorials.) xo
DeleteAlways love seeing what you photograph and write, welcome back! Definitely with you on the exhaustion piece ... I keep wondering if it is a delayed hibernation effect of the strange winter weather? The pohtographs you've put up this week are lovely and inspiring --- think I will treat myself to one of her classes after seeing what you've been doing!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jessica! My own exhaustion is partly new job related--though I really, really like the job, so that's lovely. As for Viv's classes--I'm taking another self portrait class with her in May. It's called Rewriting the Story, and just because of things I've read on your blog, and comments you've made on some of my self-portrait posts in the past, it occurs to me that you might be interested in that one--check it out. (And I would be SO EXCITED to take a class with you!)
DeleteHEy Amy, saw this photo on the blog yesterday & found myself thinking about it as I was falling asleep. Knew I needed to let you know! I really enjoy all the views you make of that coast range view. (And others, too, of course.)
ReplyDeleteHope to see you soon!
PS I'm fixin' to try a chicken salad recipe this weeks that you had in the Vine ages ago...
Andrea, thank you for telling me! I'm glad the photo moved you, and I know you have a pretty strong attachment to this landscape as well. (Chicken salad sounds like a very good idea. It goes well on this week's matzoh! Oh, you've inspired me...)
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