Go, Go, Gadgets !!

 Presentation for Rincon Country West Computer Club in Tucson, AZ. Live links will be available shortly.  Love those gadgets!

Smilebox and Scrapbook Flair

Smilebox and Scrapbook Flair 

Two Creative Options for Photos

SmileBox

Want to do something with all those photos that you can save, share and use to enjoy the memories?  Smilebox is a simple, free software that allows you to create a quick video using still photos.  With this software you can also create collages, invitations, scrapbooks and other items.   To use this software you will need to download the software either for your laptop or for your Iphone or Ipad. The laptop version is different and more robust than the IPhone/IPad version which is quick and simple but limited.  At this time I could not find an app for the Android  tablets.   This is free software for the basic package.  You will not need  to join Club Smilebox until you try it out…then, you may like it so much you will.

Information page  http://www.smilebox.com/learn-more.html

Smilebox for PC  http://www.smilebox.com/
This version will do much, much more than the IPad version.  Consider it for more serious projects. 

I phone  

This version is limited to combining pictures and special picture effects.
https://itunes.apple.com/app/id452830319?&referrer=click%3D8ff62d2f-0d93-4422-a96f-215c03e122e5

Don’t forget to check the blog for updates
http://www.traveling-with-technology.blogspot.com/

Look at an example here of a movie created by Smilebox on a PC
http://www.traveling-with-technology.blogspot.com/2013_06_01_archive.html

Scrapbook Flair

This is another free to download software that you can use to create scrapbook pages.  These scrapbook pages can then be saved a JPGs, taken to a local print outlet such as Walgreens, Staples or Wal-Mart to be printed.  Scrapbook Flair also has a printing service that will print 12x12 scrapbook pages and often for a very good price.  You upload your page to the Internet service and receive the prints in the mail. 

In addition, the free software web page offers free downloads of new backgrounds and embellishments to use on your pages.  When you see a free Designer Page set, be sure to download it then, as the "free" time is limited.  You can also subscribe for more services if you chose but the basic service is free.  I like to download the backgrounds to use with other projects such as PowerPoints since they are so elegant.

Scrapbook Flairhttp://scrapbookflair.com/

Download Scrapbook Flair Software (free)http://scrapbookflair.com/downloadsoftware.aspx

Basic Membership (free)  -- Sign in here so you can download free software and more scrapbook elementshttp://scrapbookflair.com/register.aspx  

Free Designer collections to download are available on this page, usually on the right side.http://scrapbookflair.com/

Advanced Photo Tips from PC Magazine

Digital photography can be an addicting hobby. The medium offers instant feedback that you didn't get with film (unless you were shooting Polaroid), and large memory cards allow you to experiment with angles and lighting to your heart's content. If you're beyond the beginner stage, photography is your passion, and you're looking for some new ideas to help improve your shooting experience, check out these 10 advanced tips for some inspiration from PC MAG article  Sign up for their newsletter.  It is an excellent resource.

1. Shoot in Raw. 
2. Consider Off-Camera Lighting. 
3. Try Some Different Lenses.
4. Keep Your Sensor Clean. 
5. Zoom During Exposure.6. Replace Your Strap. 
7. Invest in a Workflow Application.
8. Experiment With Post-Processing.
9. Print Your Work. 
10. Upgrade Your Camera for the Right Reasons. 
Read the reason for these tips at PC MAG article