Now You See It, Now You Don’t – Photoshop CS5′s New Content Aware Fill

Probably one of the most frustrating aspects of photography is annoying distractions in your candid photos. How many times did you snap that perfect shot of your kids only to notice later that there was a pole, a miscellaneous person or some unsightly thing marring your masterpiece. Photoshop users had some decent tools to deal with these blemishes but they were by no means perfect..until now.

Photoshop CS5 features “content aware” fill technology. Content Aware Fill uses the image details to recreate areas that are removed to match its surroundings. For example, if you have a tree branch extending over the side of building, then you can select the tree branch and use the content aware fill feature to replace the tree branches with a pattern that matches the building’s bricks. This amazing feature lets you easily remove unwanted details from images such as wires, trees and even buildings without leaving a gaping hole where the object used to be. It virtually eliminates the time consuming touch up work required after removing items.
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Oreo Cookie Dream Cupcakes

Oreo Cookie Dream Cupcakes have long been a favorite of my kids and they ask for them every time we have a special occasion in school.  This year, I already made them for Ryan’s school birthday party and then for the Fifth Grade Car Wash & Bake Sale this past Saturday.  I have been promising… Continue Reading

Waiting for UPS Man to Deliver my iPad!

So my shipping status finally changed this morning from China to Jamaica, NY (although I have yet to see those magic words “Out for Delivery”) and I am anxiously waiting for that brown truck to pull up in front of my house.  I already informed my husband that I would not leave the house until… Continue Reading

Nor’easter of 2010: The Silver Lining

Yesterday’s storm was the worst storm I have ever experienced in my life. With gusts up to 70mph, trees fell, power lines came down, and roofs blew off. There were fires and people still without power and being told not to expect power to be restored until Tuesday or Wednesday. A tree fell in our… Continue Reading

Matty’s First Communion

Yesterday, we celebrated Matty’s first communion at St. Christopher’s RC Church in Baldwin. Although it was pouring the night before, the sun came out for us. While I wasn’t thrilled with the way the Religious Education department handled certain aspects of the program (didn’t allow the kids to walk up the aisle, communal banner instead… Continue Reading

Spring Break Part A: Easter

So this year, my kids have to spring breaks: Easter in March and Passover in April. Makes for a very strange Spring. They started their vacation on Wednesday and they are off through the Monday after Easter. I guess Danny decided he needed an Easter break also so he took vacation Thursday through Monday. The… Continue Reading

Our Lost Winter Recess

So my boys did not have a winter break. Or at least, not the way it was intended to be – with fun, playdates etc. Nope – we got the virus – not exactly the flu but close enough. Ryan brought it home from school (some other little kindergardener who refuses to cover his or… Continue Reading

Everyday Digital Scrapbooking: How to Create a Simple Gift that is Sure to Impress: Digital Tutorial

Everyday Digital Scrapbooking: How to Create a Simple Gift that is Sure to Impress: Digital Tutorial Scrapbook calling cards are such a cool gift to make! They are a definite necessity in this day and age and can be tailored to the recipient’s personality. How many times has someone asked you for your contact info… Continue Reading

The Magic of Miche