Monday, April 26, 2004

It is a challenge to try to consolidate what we learned today and report on just the highlights. I began Pixel This with a list of 22 questions about capturing and correcting digital images. After just the first day, I've learned the answers to 9 of them!

We toggled between sessions taught by Rowan Gillson and Peter Pallock, ranging from the fact that computers are made up of zeros and ones to the realization that a 3 megapixel camera uses 12 million microlenses. (That's a lot of microlenses…)

Many other topics were explored including:

• Factors to consider in selecting a digital camera.
• Differences between vector and raster images.
• Preserving image quality during resizing.
• Tools necessary for effective digital editing.
• Similarities and distinctions between film and digital photography.
• Review of the basic principles of photography: composition, exposure, lighting, etc.
• What you can and cannot fix in Photoshop.
• Color correction techniques.
• File management recommendations.

My favorite quote of the day came from Rowan, "LAB is perfect; it is like heaven for digital pictures." (LAB is a constant to which input and output devices (e.g., printers, monitors, and scanners) are compared in order to maintain consistent color.)

I came to Pixel This to learn skills that would make me a better servant of the Lord as I take photographs and edit images for use in Christian ministry. What I learned today definitely helps me in that endeavor. I really am delighted to be here and can't wait to find out what we are going to learn tomorrow!

A word to the wise, don't let Peter catch you using the brightness/contrast tool in Photoshop. I'm not exactly sure what would happen if you did, but I have a feeling it is not a pretty picture!

–Pixel This Student Mary Kay Del Mul