Real Review: Picnik...photo editing for everyone

Hi there everyone!  One of the most frequent emails I receive from lovely readers like you, is in regards to my photo collages or image editing.  I used Photoshop for all my layouts, but the program is expensive and can be hard to learn.  So as an alternative I wanted to share a great online program with you, called Picnik.  I've blogged about them before, but since then they have added so many cool new features (collages for example) that it's worth repeating.

A basic version of Picnik is available for free (great for testing it out) and for 24.95 a year you get full access to all of Picnik's awesome features including (but not limited to):

• Photo editing (adjusting exposure, coloring, red-eye, etc.)
• Special editing features such as contrast, texture, black & white, etc.
• Frames and border, "Polaroid" effects, drop shadows, cropping, and simple rounded corners.
• Fun tools such as the ability to ad text on an image (kind of like my quote of the week images).
• Shape tools that can be used as labels and tags for your images (such as the circle shown above)
• Collage settings that allow you to upload and play around with multiple images, plus tilt them (like my image above) so that they have a fun layered effect).
• No downloading neccessary
• Picnik works on Mac, Windows, and Linux

I subscribe to Picnik as a backup in case I'm ever without access to Photoshop... and have been very pleased with their features whenever I've used them.  They can take a little while to get the hang of, but with a little practice you should be Picniking with ease.  If adding a little extra something to your photos or blog posts is something you've been wanting to do, then be sure to check them out right here.  xox Ez

*As with all of my "Real Reviews" I have not received any compensation (monetary or otherwise) for my opinions.  : )

Comments

[LayneStreet]

I L-O-V-E LOVE Picnik. All my photos go through the free version before I post them. They are AMAZING.

[Leila]

I use this too and I love it! Very useful tool

[maria]

Thanks so much!! I've been looking for a better way to do collages.

[Michelle]

Wow! I think this is totally what I've been looking for - thank you SO much! :)

[Rachel B.]

I totally agree Ez. I also keep an account with Picnik just in case my photoshop is down for some reason. I also think Picnik is a great opportunity for people who have neither the time nor inclination to learn a program such as photoshop to get super creative and have fun with their photos. Yay for Picnik

[Sarah]

Thanks so much for the great review! This is exactly what I've been thinking of doing! You just pushed me to actually do it!

[Nuit]

THis is wonderful Ez, and you are the best for always sharing your pretty great little secrets.

Nuit

[Michelle | When I Grow Up Coac]

I love Picnik too! As someone with NO Photoshop or photography experience, I can attest that Picnik is super easy to use. I've only used the free version, but will definitely buy the premium features if I get the itch to start collaging for my blog.

[Creategirl]

Ez, you're so thoughtful to share! I have been using Picasa but have always liked Picnik...and to now know they do collages well I think I might just convert back : )Thanks!

[Amanda]

Thank you, thank you. I immediately went over and tried out this site after reading your post. (and set up my own account) What a find!:)

[chelseybell.]

I love the entire look and feel of your blog--a beautiful kind of cluttered (something perfect for the sometimes organized, mostly messy person like me). The colors, text, and, of course, your posts, are just divine.

[Tamar]

Dearest Ez, thank you so much for sharing this!! I've been using Picknik on Flickr and never even noticed I ca do all these things with it!! I even just twittered with a new photo!!!Love it!

[lml]

i am loving your blog! its so pretty and inspiring :)

[tifanie]

hi there. i love picnik. i found photoshop so frustrating and didn't want to put the time into a class. you really need to know what you're doing in there. but picnik? ahhh. the bees knees. love. beautiful collage, btw.

[Heather]

Great post! Thanks so much! I'm a Photoshop novice and get a bit frustrated at times. I'm definitely going to try out Picnik!

[puglyfeet]

I use Picnik, too. All my photos with rounded corners are done via Picnik. Thanks for your list of other suggestions.

[Ez]

So great to read all your comments everyone! Have fun picniking... and of course, I'd love to see your results!xoxEz

[jolene]

thanks for the tip, ez! so good of you to share, as always!

[Jenya]

Picnik is great but I recently discovered FotoFlexer and LOVE it. What do you think about it?

Jenya

[suzanne : : S.HOPtalk]

I have photoshop but love Picnik for it's ease of use. I did NOT know about the collage option. Just might need to upgrade to the $25.95 version :) Thanks Ez!

[Jen]

i love picnik too! all of my photos go through picnik before i post them and, truly, i don't think i could be blogging without picnik. i don't have photoshop and honestly don't think my churning laptop could handle that big of a program — nor do i have the patience to learn how to use photoshop. picnik has been the best solution for me — love the collages and i love even the simple edit fixes, like taking the yellow glare from fluorescent lights off my photos. great post, ez!