The camera has a new AF system with 9 cross-type sensors and the world’s first diagonal high-precision cross type AF at center point with f/2.8 and faster lenses.  The 3.o” LCD monitor with its live view function is convenient. The Canon 40D can shoot up to 6.5 frames per second. This camera provides superb image quality with outstanding color tones. I utilize a  Canon  EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM  ultra wide-angle zoom lens. I enjoy its extremely precise focusing. This lens has internal stabilization that makes it outstanding even in low light situations.

O.K. – That isn’t true.

 I do not own a Canon 40D. I do have a traditional 35 mm Canon Rebel from the “olden days”, but it sits in a drawer. It does sport a very nice Tamron Lens, but that sits in the drawer as well. You see, I now like digital photography . . . it’s so much more convenient.  I have a short attention-span and like seeing my photos right away. So, until I realize my dream of that Canon described above, I will continue to shoot my photos with my faithful Olympus C-740 Digital Camera.

Its compact body is convenient and it takes fairly high-quality pictures. The most important feature of this little number is  – it really does sit on my counter ready to be utilized at any moment.

“For his part, every beauty of art or nature made him thankful as well as happy, and that the pleasure to be had in listening to fine music, as in looking at the stars in the sky, or at a beautiful landscape or picture, was a benefit for which we might thank Heaven as sincerely as for any other worldly blessing.” – William Makepeace Thackeray

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My mother’s skills abound. She is an extraordinary cook, a charming hostess, and a tasteful decorator. However, I think the time has come for truth to prevail. Contrary to common misconception, domestic catastrophe is never far away.

For every Lucious Lemon Cake, there is a discarded disaster. To top this off, Mom holds tightly to an aggravating habit of remaining in sweats up until 30 minutes before guests are scheduled to arrive. I’ve tried to break this terrifying habit, but it’s hopeless.

Her taste is generally impeccable, but there was that time that she painted tiger stripes on the living room bookshelf. It was awful. Fortunately, my brother’s brutal honesty saved our reputation and decor.

Lately, she has, to the consternation of her already-intimidated friends and family, also discovered her love and talent for photography. However, the pictures which effortlessly grace the pages of Bona Vita, frankly, hide a dark secret.

Several dozen shots have been discarded for every lovely photo published. Mom, having never mastered the over-achiever within, is an obsessive editor. I have padded sleepily into the kitchen on many a dark and snowy morning to find Mom holding out a camera. “Emily, can you upload these really quickly?” Three hours later, we’re still tweaking.

Fortunately, what works for my mom is Paint.net. Paint.net was designed by some brilliant undergraduate students. These students will have my (and my mother’s) eternal gratitude. This program makes editing, tweaking, and enhancing photos enjoyable and simple. (For others, the process might even be faster). It  has several attractive aspects:

• It’s cheap. The suggested donation is $12.00
• It’s easy to use.
• It’s a simplistic copy-cat of Photoshop.

How, exactly, does Photo.net enhance Mom’s photography? The following is an example. Here is an unmodified picture, hot off the press:

And here is a modified version:

Here’s another example:

Here is the “Photo-netified” version:

You see? The originals are really quite . . . . normal. The magic lies in the editing.

For more tips, tricks, and secrets revealed, visit Works for Me Wednesday at Rocks in My Dryer.

“No legacy is so rich as honesty.” – William Shakespeare

Emily Adams is the oldest daughter of Kathy Adams and a 2007 graduate of  Belhaven College. She is a freelance writer and offers classes for homeschooled students through Alethea Academy when not uploading pictures for Bona Vita.