Posting better pictures for blogs / editing

[PDQuilt]

http://nonniequiltingdreams.wordpress.com/

So far the pictures I selected are pretty easy to see on my blog. I think that is why they got picked in the first place. I have noted on some blogs the pictures are so dark that they are hard to see what the pictures are about.

Anyone know of any ways to improve my pictures? I can not spend alot of money on ADOBE PHOTO SHOP but there has to be other good software available. I played with a free trial version of PAINTSHOP PRO I kinda like it but I think there might be some better software available... I want to spend less than $100 if possible.

Any recommendations?

Any ideas on how pictures can be improved so they are easier to see on a blog?

Please post ideas/ tips here...

[kathyst2]

Photoshop Elements is pretty cheap and easy to use. It has functions to change the brightness and contrast of photos. When your camera picks the exposure, sometimes it doesn't pick correctly, so you can fix it in the program. Their help files are pretty good and there must be dozens of books on using photoshop elements, that don't ask a person to become a power user.

Also, when you submit photos to, say "the quilt show" website, the website automatically reduces the size of your photo file to make it usable on the website. Photoshop Elements can let *you* control how your photo is downsized, to preserve maximum quality.

Kathy

[kathyst2]

If you don't want to buy any software you could try http://www.picnik.com I find it great and simple to use for basic tweaking of photos.

To make photos lighter you need to adjust the 'exposure' to lighten them, easily do-able at picnik, I've 'adjusted' quite a few of my photos there and am pretty happy with the results possible for a complete amateur to achieve.

Just don't forget to re-number the photo when you save the altered picture back to your hard drive, or you will lose the original! :cry:

[Lorchen]

I actually re-save a picture with a new name BEFORE I alter it. The reason: I sometimes forget it afterwards, and then I'm really cross with myself. Saving with a new name first works best for me.

Lorchen