While attending this class we learned how to use a scanner and a digital camera. We also learned how to obtain photos or graphics from the internet and as I said before, create graphics in Fireworks.

A scanner is a very useful tool because it allows you to scan pictures or graphics that you already have and store them on your computer to use for future reference. Now a digital camera on the other hand, in my opinion, is way better than a scanner! It allows you to view, adjust, and upload pictures that you took without having to go to the store and develop them! Pretty nifty, huh?

Even though it's easy to obtain photos and graphics off the internet, have you ever been concerned about copyright issues? Until I had this class I never understood why I couldn't just copy pictures off of any website and use them as I wanted. So the question is, do you really know how to obtain photos and graphics off the internet? I do!

Creating graphics in Fireworks at first was very hard and confusing. Now it's pretty easy, but don't get me wrong it can still be confusing. If you ever get the chance to learn how to use the program I recommend that you atleast try it. It'll be very rewarding in the future!

This is a picture that I scanned using a scanner.

When using a scanner you should place the picture in a corner, face down. Once the picture or graphic is scanned you can edit the photo on the computer to your likings.

• Dodge, Andrea E. Brandi and Courtney at Homecoming 2006. 2006. 21 Feb. 2007.

This is a picture that I took using a digital camera.

When taking pictures with a digital camera there is a lot of different techniques you can use. While taking this photo I got down at the subjects level and zoomed close in to make your eyes look at the people in the picture, and not the background.

Some things to remember is that you should avoid distracting backrounds, be at your subjects level, and don't take a picture dead center... it's better if you put them off to the side a little. It makes the picture more interesting!

• Carr, Brandi L. Shannon and Kole. 2006. 21 Feb. 2007.

This is a graphic that I created using Fireworks.

While making this graphic I used non-copyrighted photos of cities and started modifying them to make them look how I wanted. I used drop shadows, glow, bevels, blurs, and more.

• Carr, Brandi L. Cities At Night. 2006. Fireworks. 21 Feb. 2007.

This is a photo that I found on the internet using copyright rules.

Please remember that when you are taking photos off the internet that you just can't take any photo you like. You must either have permission to use the photo or make sure that the photo isn't copyrighted.

• Eden Pomeranians. Eds. Bonnie Owen and Schuyler Mcllvaine. www.google.com. 15 Feb. 2007 <http://www.edenpomeranians.com/index_eden_pox.html>.

This page was last updated on Thursday, February 22, 2007 .

© Brandi Lynn Carr.