Photo by Emilie/You & Picnik.com
{Dear Emilie and Picnik… I love you}
Before
Photo shot in “no flash” mode on my Cannon Rebel XTi.
What I used to use ALL the time, before I learned manual mode.

After Photo by You workshop,
by Emilie. (remember?)
Shot in manual mode ONLY.
NO EDITING, further then that. Cross my heart!

After Picnik.com:
– Photo brightened and contrasted
– Eyes brightened
– Eyelashes darkened
– Teeth whitened
– Scrape across forehead removed
– Cheeks pinked up
– Text added

To be honest… this picture turned out good enough, that I almost didn’t need to edit it… but it’s just fun ๐ Picnik is great for small touch ups. And for only about $25.00 a year, it’s fabulous for beginners!
But the obvious point here… is that, investing a little time, and money, into REALLY learning how to use your camera… is TOTALLY worth it.
๐
I know, this post was a bit random… but it was just something that was on my mind today, as I edited some pictures, and felt so happy to FINALLY know how to use my camera to get fabulous results.
The End.
ha!
.
.
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oh. and PS. YES. We are rockin’ a “side ponytail” LOL.
It was the first thing that Cason commented on, when he saw these pictures.
What? It’s making a come-back, right? heehee
Stephanie says
Beautiful girl and beautiful photo!!!
Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says
Yep, it's making a comeback! My oldest daughter (a 6th grader) wears one all the time.
I just have to tell you that, with every post, I just love your blog more and more. So real, so fun. And just a tad jealous at all your awesome freebie opportunities lately. ๐
Michell @ Girl In Air says
Awesome post! I LOVE Picnik! But NEED a lesson on how to use my camera….. Super Cute pictures!
Oh and well I'm on my fav blog…can I brag a little Home Depot named ME DIYer of the DAY !! WOOT! Sorry I just can't stop doing the happy dance:-)
Unknown says
I hear ya! I recently learned how to utilize my camera for different instances…. AND I love picnic.com although I use the free version right now.
Unknown says
She's a doll! Love the side ponytail and the cute earrings ๐ I need to start by buying a good camera! That photo is priceless!
Anonymous says
Picnik is so convenient, I use it all the time ๐
The Bee Family says
Just got a Nikon 3100 for mothers day! Definitely need some classes on how to use it but am SO EXCITED! And I hope side ponies are coming back, Sadie has one in just about every other day Haha! They are just to easy ๐
pebes2 says
My husband bought me a Rebel for Christmas and I have still yet to read the instructions. I need too since we are heading to Disneyland soon. I love your site. Keep up the good work.
Rosie says
LOL. The first thing I noticed is that she is a miniature Shelly ๐ What a cutie!
Simply LKJ says
Good to know. I have a "fancy" camera, all the lenses, and am still trying to learn how to use it!
Meg says
Love the picture! She is adorable, way to document this special occasion.
Racheal says
LOVED Emilie's photography class too!! I never shoot my pictures on "auto" anymore, always manual and I pretty much never use a flash anymore! ๐
Your pics look great!!!
Jenni says
i LOVE picnik and use it often for editing when i am not using photoshop! the text feature is my favorite part!
The Studes says
You did an fantastic job! shooting Manual isn't hard at all if you had the proper instruction and Emilie is so great for that!!
Ash says
Ha, am I one of the first comments again? Awesome. Dang cute smile she has! I do all three of my girls hair with side ponies nearly everyday. I think it looks way more girly than a back one. ๐
Photo By Emilie says
Dear Shelley, I love you too ๐
Way to go!!!
Emilie
photobyemilie.blogspot.com
Devonne says
I love picnik too, have told all my friends about it. You have such cute girls ๐
Maddie Kertay- The Domestic Anarchist says
The Side Pony is always in style.. even at 40…uhh something…
Adorable photo!
Maddie
Unknown says
we ALWAYS side ponytail. BTW, Love her earrings! I SELL those and have never put them on my kids. Great idea! also, great job on the photo…I'm still on "auto" and using Picasa to fix them! hahaha
Unknown says
Shelley what a great job and what a great picture or Aubrielle!! and i just have to say how much she looks like you here! hope she had a great dance class!!!
Reenie says
Oh gosh….she's adorable. ๐
Steph says
Oh how I love Emilie too! She is an old friend of ours, the little sister of one of my husband's good friends from childhood. She is the one that took my boys' pics in front of the yellow wall AND, I think she might have been the gal who told me about your blog!?!? I am DYING to get into one of her workshops. First, I need to buy a camera. Looks like you love your Rebel. Most people that have those do. Thanks for the inspiratuin AGAIN. That might be the way to go! Super cute pics of your girl:)
Megan {Splendid Design} says
I love Picnik. I have been using it for the past year and I love that I can edit my photos but also have fun with them. Now I just have to learn how to use my camera on manual again. I took a photography class in college but for some reason its all forgotten now.
By the way I love your photowall.
Ashley Nicole Designs says
She is darling! I love it! Thanks for sharing.
Unknown says
I just love picnic…I also have the same Rebel XTi with 3 different lenses and my bad I have no idea how to use it…I really wish I had the time and money to take a class…I am always playing with settings…I am by no means a photographer so I usually walk around with my Canon Powershot…I'm sad I know ๐
Your picture turned out great and not to mention that your lil subject is absolutely adorable!!!
Lisa says
Yep it is making a comeback! I put my girls hair in a side ponytail too! Love your blog! ๐
kelly says
Fantastic photo, Lovely natural shot. Wonderful smile. Yes , hair on the side is in. My daughter insists on having this way everyday for school.
Kelly
Mama Bear Smith says
Awesome blog! Feel free to stop by and follow me back at ageekswifeandherdog.com and also link up with Friendly Friday Follow
TLF says
Love me a side pony-tail!!
What a cutie!!
Unknown says
Very cute picture! How funny about the side pony because that is ALL my 10 year old wants to wear right now! I agree about learning your camera. Very cool stuff. I will check out that website. ๐
~Niki~ says
very sweet, such a smile!
Amie says
she is so pretty and can definitely rock the side ponytail!
1 Funky Woman says
She is darling in any photo and the side pony, you go girl!
Megan
Kim says
WOW, beautiful job!!
My 6 year old has been rocking the side pony, too!
Meredith says
Here is the problem I have had with picnik – it reduces the resolution, at least from what I can tell, so I have not always been able to print well. And it isn't with everything. I guess I need to play more and maybe go ahead and pay for the full version? It hasn't said that it is dependent on free or paid versions – it just says something like "quality will be reduced when it goes back to picasa…"
Allison {A Glimpse Inside} says
I LOVE picnik! It is absolutely fabulous! And the side pony IS making a come back! ๐