So the ants have marched and Picknik is gone. When news of the web-editor’s demise first dropped into my inbox I ignored it. For months. But then about a month ago, with time running out, I started looking for a replacement. Picknik replica programs like ipiccy yielded disappointing results and at this point I don’t have the time, money, or inclination to learn photoshop. But I have discovered a middle way that I’d like to share with all you bloggers who find yourselves in the same technologically semi-savvy boat.
My new blog photo editing suite is Lightroom + Snagit. These programs are a fair step up from Picknik both in their technical sophistication and cost, but I figure you might as well stretch to the next level when forced from a comfortable routine. Am I right? It only took me 2 hours in front of how-to videos and exploring on my own to feel reasonably comfortable with Lightroom; it doesn’t look super intuitive at first, but really it is. Snagit replaces Picknik’s screen capture function and learning to use it’s a cinch. I haven’t found a great video tutorial on how to create blog collages with Snagit yet although I know it’s a popular bit of software for doing so. If anyone’s found good instructions please share!
This photo was taken when the sun went behind a cloud, so the colours weren’t a rich as the others in the series. Using this video tutorial on correcting lighting, touching-up subjects and blurring/de-emphasising backgrounds in Lightroom I created the desired ‘golden hour’ effect.
This screenshot of The Spring Blog’s Tumblr was taken with Snaggit and resized in its editing suite. Anyone who collects images from the web for their own blog or tumblr will love the program.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
These look great, thank you for sharing!! x
I have been finding my way around Lightroom for a while now – and I agree it is a lot more useable than it first appears!
Happy to hear any tricks/tips you might have
Hope you’re well & settled into Sydney town. Brisbane misses you.
Jas xx