In case you haven’t noticed, I like to demo Cool Tools.
Only my tutorials are pretty basic,
’cuz I’m one of those old people who grew up without a computer.
My advice is for other people who grew up without computers.
I figure if I can master a skill,
anybody can.
If your love language is html, then read along for fun.
Just don’t move your lips while you’re reading,
‘cuz that’s like really annoying.
Today I’m featuring a cool free feature from
(click to go to Microsoft for free download)
Microsoft’s Windows Photo Gallery,
panorama.
This was the early morning of our last day in Amsterdam in November 2012.
I wanted to capture the view I saw everyday,
but don’t own a wide angle lens.
But, I remembered this cool feature in my photo editing software,
panorama,
so I took three pictures in a row,
panning from left to right,
overlapping features just slightly.
1.
2.
3.
Oops, got the window sill.
It won’t matter. Just watch.
In Windows Live Photo Gallery environment, I highlighted the pics I wanted to use.
If you are frustrated because you can only highlight one at a time,
here’s the trick-
hold the CTRL key down and click on the pics.
Recognize the three pics from above?
Under the Create tab click on Panorama.
It gives you a polite message while it’s sewing them together.
Then you name it.
See how easy this is?
It turns out like this, then you crop it.
Because I am using Windows Live Writer,
why yes, thanks for asking, I did wrote tutorials on that product also,
I was able to give the Amsterdam Panorama
a black border and a watermark.
Beautiful.
Easy.
Old dog learned a new trick.
On a recent hike along Boulder Creek with my neighbor Kelly-Across-the-Street,
I tried my new skills again.
While watching the waterfall I had a moment of genius.
I’m not bragging, just thankful for a moment of it once in awhile.
Since Photo Gallery stitches pictures together
side to side,
not top to bottom,
I got creative.
I took three pictures to bottom.
I
I tipped them sideways using the the little arrows.
I stitched them together,
then tipped the finished Panorama right side up.
There ya’ go.
You now can fit an entire skyline
or a waterfall
in your camera.
You just have to
click,
click,
click,
stitch.
You don’t need an expensive lens,
just a free Cool Tool,
Microsoft Photo Gallery.
This is so cool!!! I have it in my computer without needing to download. Now I just have to find out if I can access it because I still can’t get Live Writer working. I was trying again yesterday. Thanks Mindy for a wonderful tutorial.
I’m so sad you can’t get Live Writer working. Wish I knew enough to help you. I just know enough to use it. 🙂
Whoa.
Anything for Mac? Thanks for posting this.
Thanks for reminding me I need to be aware that not everybody is a PC. I only have a parital answer….. here are the system requirements.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-essentials-2012-system-requirements
Thanks!
That is so cool! I’ve always wondered how people did that. Thanks for the tutorial!
What I love about these new products is that they are FREE and easy to use. I’m having a blast. Thanks for stopping by inbetween your life adventures of milking cows and making your own cough drops. 🙂
I majored in photography in college. Graduated in 19 aught 76, with a BFA. I own at least 6 film cameras and a digital point and shoot. I am one of those old dogs and I just plain don’t like the new tricks that don’t make you take a picture of what you want. But thank you for showing a new, old dog trick. Now, can you roll over and fetch?
Nope. You’re on your own for that! Yep, I also started out with film. I used to roll my own b/w film into cannisters and print my own pics for the newspaper. I didn’t have any lessons, though, they just kinda’ shoved me in there and gave me a few pointers.
SO, your comment accidentally got deleted on the ANNOYING HUSBAND post because I was having technical difficulties. Only the title was showing up. Anyhoo, would love if you went and reposted. It was humorous. Thanks, friend!