This document provides tips for taking, editing, organizing, and sharing digital photos. It discusses choosing a focal point when taking photos and offers advice on getting close to the subject. It also recommends taking multiple shots and outlines the basic equipment and software needed for editing photos on a computer. Finally, it assigns teachers the challenge of taking technology-focused photos of students by a certain deadline to share on the school district website.

1. By Julie Putnam
IT Coordinator/Webmaster, KCSD
julie.putnam@kcsdschools.net

2. Topics we’ll discuss today
1. Taking a good photo
2. Transferring the photo
to your computer
3. Editing your photos
4. Emailing your photos
5. Time for questions!

4. Find a Focal Point
“Look where the action is!”

19. Pay attention to the background
Too much clutter can be a distraction

29. Don’t be afraid to get CLOSE!
It really makes a huge difference.

36. Get on level with your subject
Kneel on the floor or
climb on a table...it’s fun!

41. Take multiple shots
With a digital camera, it’s FREE…it
just takes a little patience and time to
get a great shot.

47. You can always break the rules
Sometimes, you need to capture a
large group, or all you can get is a
“okay” picture – and that’s okay!

52. What you need:
• Digital camera
• Camera cable or photo card
• Computer or laptop with
USB or card ports

53. Plan & organize your photos
• Create a folder on your
computer for your photos
• Have a naming system
• School Photos (2008-10-01_Photography_Tips)
– 2006-07 School Year • Keep photos in folders by
• 2006-08-21 First Day
• 2007-04-10 Artist Visit
date, then event or topic
– 2007-08 School Year • Back up photos to a hard
• 2007-11-07 Fall Play drive, CD or DVD
• 2008-03-01 Teachers
– 2008-09 School Year
• 2007-10-03 Technology

55. A note about software
• You can use your
camera’s software
OR
• You can use the
“Microsoft Scanner and
Camera Wizard”

56. MS Scanner & Camera Wizard

59. Two key elements
Photo selection Editing software
• Make sure the subject • Brighten or darken
of the photo is obvious • Crop or resize
• Select flattering images • Rotate or turn
• Make sure photos are in • Red-eye removal
focus • Adjust color (especially
• Pay attention to your with florescent lights)
background – odd or • Limited focusing
inappropriate items can
distract

60. Select photos carefully
Choose pictures that are in focus,
flatter the subject, and that convey
the right message.

71. http://picasa.google.com

72. Picasa finds all your photos

73. Edit each individual image

74. Make sure to save your changes

76. In new email, click the paperclip

77. Browse your computer for photos

78. Send up to 3 images per email

79. Ready to send!

80. For the best high-quality photos
Please do not:
• Paste into Word or
other text documents
• Paste into email
• Reduce or resize the
photo
• Scan photos
All these things lower
the image’s quality!

82. Your Challenge:
Assignment: Dr. Morgan has asked that
we have pictures of students using
technology on our district’s website.
Requirements: Horizontal images,
emailed to webmaster@kcsdschools.net
Due date: Friday, October 10th