3 Things : playing with printing + a giveaway

Couple of things I'd like to try - I want to use packing tape to transfer a picture. It looks easy, but I'm having trouble imagining the end result. I just need to do it! Secondly, I just purchased Adobe Photoshop Elements. I have tried using Photoshop before, but it really intimidated me (and I'm very computer literate). So I thought I would try this less complex version. I've played on it a bit, but want to definitely learn more. Thanks for the chance to win!

I love any photo that makes me feel an emotion, thats why I love your pictures of Simon, and why I love taking pitures of my son, children can express so many emotions with just there face. You dont even really need anything else, just a childs eyes or the way they tilt there heads, tell so much.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Christina

My favorite photo tip is take LOTS of photos. What I need to work on is learning my new camera (Cannon 40D) and learning photo shop.

I have taken photo classes for about 6 years now. Every time my professor stresses the positive effects of using a tripod. I'm not one for carrying a ton of stuff on my photo shots. I adore my gorilla pod for the DSLR size. I guess my photo tip is more of a suggestion. Thanks for testing these products out!

I'm not the greatest photographer and I'd really love to take a class or two to get better. One thing I have put into practise this year is taking pictures from different angles. High above, lying on the ground, tilted - lots of fun and different results.

Great stuff as always Ali. My tip that I've learned after becoming a scrapper and working with all my old film pics is GET CLOSER! Step up or zoom in or whatever works with your equipment, but get those faces or eyes or little fingers or whatever packs a punch on your subject. You'll be glad you did when it comes time to scrap. Thanks for offering a great prize pack. Would love to have it!
Amy K in FL

I love being able to print my photos at home most of the time. I have a Canon i9900 and I love it. I can print 12X12 too. It really helps to scrap those moments when they first happen.

Thank you so much for showing us a "trial and errOr" process! I'm all for seeing what could go wrong.
As far as my favorite photography trick, I'm kinda ashamed to say it's that I just started using all the settings on my point and shoot. Man--what a difference! I have also just started really getting to know my photoshop elements. I am playing around with all my photos--so happy to make good photos better!
Thanks for all your fantastic ideas.

I love your blog, and ideas!
My photo tip - since most of us "scrapbook" (and more) to keep our memories - remember arrchive quality! Not just acid free, etc, but that home burnt CD's to NOT last as long as film or prints. CD's only last 5-10 years on average. So - remember to back up your photo files, or fine alternate ways to store them, and make sure and make lots of prints!
My mom is a photographer, so she is always giving me tips on better photography - what I would like to learn is to use them once I have them!
Thanks,
Jessica

Thanks Ali for this chance!
#1 tip - back-up batteries
#2 tip - reading my manual and playing with manufacturers tips
Things I want to work on:
taking multiple shots so i have some images to do digital editing to (typing in white space specifically)
photo a day
not using the flash
using macro mode on my point and shoot
capturing catchlights http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/cg_display.asp?cmd=display&seed_id=14032

My tip is to take a lot of photos of what you're trying to capture. I used to think I should be able to get a good shot in one or two tries but really, it can take me dozens. This way, I find that I capture really great moments that I might have missed.

I love the idea of printing a photo onto vellum. Hmmm, think of the possibilities.
As far as a photo tip I just keep reading , (& re-reading), the manual that came with my camera. I find that it helps me because if I learn how to do something new & then don't try it again for a few months then I've forgotten.

i am new and learning in the photo department, so i am learing. but i always try to take lots of photos. i can always delete the ones i dont like. (thank you technology)
i also love to take candid pictures and not always have the subjects posing. it makes it so much more real and in the moment. and i am more likely to have more memories with a candid photo!

I love taking pictures at dusk, of the setting sun with my family silhouetted in the foreground...
I also like soft lines, not so "in focus" that the pictures look harsh.
Also, lots of pictures means more good shots, even if you have to weed through the bad to get to them.
Thanks,
Sonja

my photo tip is having your camera with you as much as you can, I also have a mobile-phone with great camera for those "can't miss moments" when I haven got my camera with me..

I want to work on capturing our real life instead of posed "Sunday dress" outfits. I want to be able to look thru my pictures and remember my real life, not a fake one I tried to create with perfect pictures. Thank you for your inspiration. I actually finished a page I was stuck on today by focusing on the words and what the real story was. Thannks!

Ooh! This would be a fun way to spend my post-grading weekend...(major scrapbooking essentially has to wait until after the 19th....)

I have played with printing a photo right onto a transparency, I used 3M multipurpose transparency film. Be sure to read the directions because it does depend what kind of printer you print with. Also, let the photo dry for 5 minutes or more before you handle it. After I had my photo on transparency I layered it on top of a sheet of card stock that had a poem on it. Very cool look.

I guess my favorite thing right now is backgrounds. I love to keep some of the background in my photos. I used to crop everything in very tight on my subject.....but for the moment, I'm really digging those cluttered backgrounds that really give a glimpse of our real life.
Rita in Texas

I have played with printing a photo right onto a transparency, I used 3M multipurpose transparency film. Be sure to read the directions because it does depend what kind of printer you print with. Also, let the photo dry for 5 minutes or more before you handle it. After I had my photo on transparency I layered it on top of a sheet of card stock that had a poem on it. Very cool look.