June 3, 2011

photo assignment: do you duo~tone?

Last week's assignment brought in creative pics and awesome feedback.  I'm so glad you're having fun with this!
Let's work on adding a little antique flair to our photos this week by using the free features on picnik.com (my favorite online photo editor).


For the last couple of weeks I've been obsessed with the duo-tone effect -- which, can I just say that the avatar does the effect zero justice?  Who duo-tones in navy blue and fluorescent yellow?  That avatar is not easy on the eyes which is why I've passed on using it for close to two years.  But one day while editing pictures, I decided to give it a chance hoping it would give me a black and white without a lavender tone.  Instant love.


*Take a photo from your files and upload it into picnik.  From there, head on over to the create tab, then choose effects.  Slide down the left column until you find duo-tone.  (Get ready to have fun).

I started with this photo of a rose taken yesterday from my garden.

Now, you'll see that you get to choose your two colors.  I would encourage you to play ~ play ~ play until you find a set of colors that you're happy with:

I stopped when I felt I got the soft, vintage-y effect I wanted.

Adjust the brightness, contrast, and fade:

This is right before I clicked "apply".

After you click 'Apply', go into 'Frames' and round up your edges to take away the harshness of the square frame:

The finished product will A-maze you.  

Your assignment is to trick up one of your pictures using duo-tone.  Come back to this post and leave a link to your creation in the comments.

I will be sending out the weekly newsletter tomorrow.  If you haven't signed up yet, you can do that by clicking here.

Also, there will be an exiting summer photo project coming up {a project within a project?}.  Watch this space.

13 comments:

urban muser said...

cool. i love picnik and will have to give this a try.

Amanda said...

I've always passed on this feature for the same reasons. I can't wait to try this one out, now!

deb did it said...

Great assignment Bella! I am not a fan of Duo-Tone, but LOVE me a Picnik and new challenge! http://www.flickr.com/photos/debdidit/5793514052/in/photostream

Amanda said...

I liked it so much, I did two photos!

http://bluelareve.blogspot.com/2011/06/duo-tone.html

Thanks for the challenge.

Amanda

Gill said...

i heart picnik! you can layer effects skillfully to achieve masterful results...one of my faves for years now.

will try duo tone. i usually use curves because it gives tons of control....!

love your vintagey shot Bella. xo!

Cheryl said...

I did it!
http://mysticmissive.blogspot.com/2011/06/duo-tone.html

Karen D said...

can't believe this is the first time I am using Picknic..here is mine.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41584693@N02/5807225882/

xo
Karen

Kirsten said...

I struggled with this one. I think the hardest part was finding a photo that worked with this challenge.

I afraid that I did not come up with anything this time. But, I will keep trying!

I love your blog and the inspiration that it gives me.
Thanks
Kirsten

Anonymous said...

I did it!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/evaflow/5810695388/

Anonymous said...

One more duo one. http://www.flickr.com/photos/evaflow/5810129659/in/photostream

mandy l. smith said...

A little late, but here is my duo-tone. I love Picnik!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mandylinnsmith/5825950363/in/photostream

Kirsten said...

It's never too late Mandy :)
I finally got it too! I wasn't even trying anymore. This photo popped up while I was looking through my archives for a photo for Bella's latest challenge. I knew right away this one was meant to be duotoned!
The original photo is about 1.5 x 0.75 inches and a very stark black and white.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kirsten013/5830386937/in/photostream/lightbox/

Janet said...

I loved this exercise! I am addicted now!! I did several but could only narrow it down to two final choices...I need to learn to be more decisive!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32355978@N03/6371017355/in/photostream

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32355978@N03/6371020743/in/photostream