Crop Corner

Why not join over 270,000 monthly unique visitors and 37,000 registered members in our ePHOTOzine community, which has been awarded a `Gold Award' by Web User Magazine for best "One-stop-shop online do-everything" photographic site! "A veritable Swiss Army Knife of a site, ePHOTOzine has everything a photographer could wish for". Gary Wolstenholme takes a look at some of the common misconceptions someone converting to Apple may have. Apple Macintosh computers have long been used extensively in creative industries such as publishing, photo-editing and video-editing. Many photographers, both amateur and professional, may begin to consider switching to a Mac as they begin to look for a platform to aid the ease of working with their images. This article takes a look at how different a Mac is to use, so that anyone considering this switch will know what pitfalls to expect, if any, before taking the plunge.

Come discuss Scrapbooking Retreats on the Forum. Location and Amenities: Crop Utopia is located on Pickeral Lake in Newago County, Michigan (about 45 minutes north of Grand Rapids). In Spring of 2000, Sandi and Meredyth Parrish partnered together to renovate a lodge on the lake with the express purpose of creating a scrapbooking haven. They, along with family and friends, transformed the home into a beautiful vacation retreat. Each of the spacious bedrooms in the lodge has been lovingly decorated by theme. One of the scrapbookers who attended the same weekend that I did said it best, "The lodge has a wonderful 'Up North' cottage feel with the comfort and cleanliness of a nice hotel."

Products Used: Layout design based on Becky Higgins Sketch, The Slab patterned paper, page pebbles, Sizzix die cuts, solid cardstock.

These easy border ideas for your scrapbook use only pens and stickers.

First, not all mulberry paper on the market is acid-free. You may want to test it with an acid-testing pen before you use it. If you happen to own a can of Archival Mist deacidification spray you can use that to neutralize the paper before you use it in your albums. Or simply buy the paper from a manufacturer that you trust and states that the paper is indeed acid-free. Second, mulberry paper is not meant to be cut. It is to be torn. There are two basic tearing methods. The first is the ol' lick and tear technique. You fold the paper where you want to tear it. Lick along this edge and then the paper will tear nicely leaving a beautiful fuzzy edge. This works really well for straight edges. If you are not fond of putting items of an unknown origin in your mouth, a damp sponge that you can slide the edge of the paper along will work just as well. The second technique can be used for tearing curves, or shapes. In this case, you simply use a cotton swab that has been dipped in water to "draw" the shape onto the paper, wetting and loosening the fibers. Once you have used either of these methods to wet the paper, the material will be ready for tearing. As you pull the paper apart along the wet tear line, you will need a small pair of sharp scissors to cut any thick fibers that do not want to break apart on their own.

Document your excursions with this recycled travel journal! Project by Carol Lynn Benoit from Madison, Wis. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Carol Lynn Benoit majored in environmental studies and now works as a designer. As a proud, active member of the Women Mountain Climber Club, she loves the outdoors and kayaks and canoes in the nearby river whenever she gets the chance. One holiday season, she combined her passion for design and the environment to create beautiful gifts made from recycled products. After receiving encouraging feedback, she now makes all her gifts from recycled materials such as this compass journal.

Ok, you've decided to take the plunge and buy a digital camera. Or perhaps you already own one and are considering upgrading to a better model. Either way, you may be intimidated by the bewildering array of choices out there. So what do you do? Canon Digital Cameras First of all, keep in mind there are two basic types of digital -- Digital Single Lens Reflexes (DSLR's for short) and smaller compact models, commonly referred to as "point-and-shoots". DSLR's offer interchangeable lens capability, true through-the-lens viewfinders, fast operation, and generally low digital noise. If you currently own a 35mm SLR you'll find the transition to a DSLR relatively painless and in fact you may be able to use lenses you already have. Canon EF lenses will work just fine on any Canon digital, ditto for Nikon, Minolta, and Pentax lenses originally designed for their 35mm models. However, some lenses may not have full functionality on the digital body.

Here are some ideas to help you take pictures that capture the essence of the current season - winter, spring, summer, or fall. Even if you're in a different latitude and your climate is considerably different from ours in New York, you may still find valuable tips here. Our discussion of a particular picture that we think captures the essence of the current season often involves a photographic technique that is basic to good photography in general. So, whether you live in Australia or Oahu, Beijing or Boston, check out this page for ideas you may be able to use now or later.

Supplies Used: K & Company Paper and Stickers.

Remember when? Create a one-of-a-kind book to preserve favorite memories - in a protective, yet decorative, tin. Great gift idea for reunions or longtime friends! Skill Level: Some scrapbook experience helpful.