Featured Picniker – Carie Bauer
Carie Bauer, our seventh Featured Picniker, moved out of Kentucky looking for a place with amazing outdoors scenery with both mountains and ocean, but also with a thriving urban center that is both progressive and creative. So obviously she ended up in the Pacific Northwest, home as well to Picnik World Headquarters. A keen traveler, Carie has a photo stream on Flickr full of pictures of Mexico and the American Southwest, and would love to backpack across Europe and Latin America, and to visit Australia, Ireland and India, and travel through Japan, Prague, and Iceland. And maybe someday also Vietnam, Italy, Spain, Ethiopia and Dubai.
Arriving in Portland a few years ago to get her Master’s degree in Public Administration, Carie has focused her career on the nonprofit and public sector world, working with volunteers and interns in agencies primarily devoted to victims of crime and domestic violence. Keenly interested in leadership, advocacy, public policy design and civic engagement issues, Carie also volunteers herself at a local nonprofit agency where she offers her experience in program development to help begin a leadership academy for Latino youth.
Unless someday she decides to chuck it all in for a job working at Lonely Planet.
Picnik: How did you first hear about Picnik, and when was that?
Carie: I first heard about picnik when it was introduced on the Flickr blog. I rarely read the blog, but just happened to be surfing around the site and came across it. I immediately started using it, and pretty soon got addicted to it and had to get the premium package.
How has Picnik changed your life?
I made the big switch from PC to Mac last year, and also gave up some of my desktop publishing and photo-editing programs in the process since they were all PC-based. So I was really searching for great, simple software to use – software that I could use to make fast edits. I tried all different types of free programs online, but I really found picnik to be the best. It’s simple, easy to use, and I love that I can make simple edits within Flickr, or upload a whole set inside picnik. Unless I’m working on a graphic design project for work/volunteering projects, I don’t like to wade through all of those menus just to edit a photo. Too many photo editing softwares jam pack a lot of stuff in there that you will likely never use for simple editing. Picnik offers all the tools I need for simple editing, with a slick, easy-to-use interface.
What did you like the most about Picnik when you first started using it, and what do you like the most about it now?
At first, I really loved that I could edit within flickr. And the Orton and Boost tools are the ones I used the most. That made everything so easy. I like color and that glowy effect! Now that I have premium, it’s been really fun to explore other tools, like adding text and the new collage feature. In general, it’s just a really easy tool to use to give your photos that extra boost. And, I have to give a shout-out to the Picnikers group and Brenda…the homework and projects, and the general community established there, are really great and push you to explore new things. That Picnik provides that forum is awesome.
What do you use to shoot with?
I use a Canon Powershot G9.
Heroes or Lost?
Neither. So You Think You Can Dance all the way. Don’t even try to get me away from the TV when it is on.
What gets you to pull out your camera?
LOL. It doesn’t take much. I take it everywhere. I love taking photos of my friends, much to their annoyance, but don’t have the guts yet to take a lot of candids on the street. I’d like to do more of that. But right now, I think that interesting lines and angles mostly catch my eye. Really colorful settings. Strange patterns. Urban decay is a favorite subject. Anything rusty, decaying, falling apart is a favorite. Anything off-kilter. Old buildings and interesting architecture….um, anything, really.
You use a lot of colour in your pictures. What’s your favourite?
I didn’t really think about that until you pointed it out! Probably bright colors like orange, yellow and red. It rains 9 months out of the year in Oregon, you have to search out color for cheer.
What’s one new feature you wish Picnik could have?
At the top of my wish list was collage. I’m so excited it’s now available! Next on my wish list would be that more of the tools, such as Orton, cross-process, Boost would have selective tools…so that you could apply them to specific areas. I’d also love to see “perspective” tools in the Text features.
How’d you get interested in photography and art?
I’ve always been interested in art, and studied painting and drawing on the weekends at an exclusive arts school when I was a kid. I also have been doing some graphic design for many years. But it wasn’t really until a few years ago that I picked up photography. Traveling to Oaxaca really inspired me to pick up the camera….I was overwhelmed by the amazing scenery and color explosion you see there…I had to document it!
You’ve been around a fair number of sunny, tropical places (Oaxaca, etc), and you live in Portland. What photographs better?
Oh my gosh. Hard decision. In Mexico, the cities are so vibrant and colorful. You can’t help but want to capture it. Oaxaca, specifically, is a thriving modern arts center, but also has the highest population of indigenous persons in Mexico. So, there’s a really diverse atmosphere there between old and new, poor and rich…and seeing those elements cross, you really feel touched and inspired and want to have something to remember that moment. But Portland is also a really fun place to photograph because it’s so quirky. “Keep Portland Weird” is our unofficial motto….it’s such a creative place to live, you’re never at a loss for unusual things or people to photograph. Art is everywhere.
September 30th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
omg! that is an amazing picture of the steps,with the leaves and all the colors…its jst brilliant!
September 30th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
i absolutely love the picture of the bike! they are all fabulous though!
September 30th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
wow. im amazed.. this is what i call TALENT!
and you’re amazingly full of it :)
great job !
October 7th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Hello
I am a regular user of picnik. Its a great tool which can “seriously” make the pictures look better.
Cheers to the picnik team!!
To the team: Please select featured users based on “how intelligently” they use the tool and not on “how much” they use it.
Looking at the photostream of the above user, I feel being bombarded by a sudden attack of harsh colors and effects in most pictures without a lot of creativity or imagination.
Most of the pictures look artificial with over processing.
I hope this will be taken as a positive criticism.
Thanks
Leige
October 9th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I totally disagree with Leige. Using tools like picnik are no use if they’re not making any difference! Sure, if you have a stunning photo very little pp is required, but if you want to create something out of the box, this is an extremely good example.. Perhaps the dull gray colors just isn’t as appealing to me as Leige, but I think the edit is very clever. Needless to say, one have to test the extremes of a tool before knowing it’s possibilities, and I bet that’s what Carie is doing. I praise her for daring that, instead of being dreary.
October 10th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
I love your pictures! :)
Just wondering- to be a featured Picniker, do you need to have premium?
October 29th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
i LOVE you picture of the steps its gorgeous
keep up your work its great!
December 18th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
woah, your really good.
i love that pictre of the leafs falling.
by far my favorite:)
December 18th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
these are fantastic!
especially the stairs, really eye catching
December 19th, 2008 at 3:08 am
Hi!
Your photos are amazing! Especially the leaves-bike one.
Good luck with photography! :)
December 19th, 2008 at 4:50 am
oh ma god yo potoz r cute!!
December 19th, 2008 at 7:08 am
I love you photos and the way you edited them!
December 19th, 2008 at 8:05 am
I lived in S.E. Portland for many years and Carie described it so well. Not only did I enjoy this interview for it’s photographic inspiration, but got warm fuzzies from hearing about a city I LOVE and miss dearly! Thanks to both Picnik & Carie!
December 19th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Your pics are fabulous,
i wish i was that good
peace out
mwahh
xx
December 19th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
It’s so beautifule…
December 20th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
some of them look a bit over-processed and less realistic. however, overall they form a strong portfolio.
December 20th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
wow i really like your photos!! they’re so cool!! i love them!! i would love to do pics like that….
excuse me for the bad english i’m venezuelan
December 20th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
cool!
brilliant!
your photos are absolutely amazing!
keep up the good works!
December 21st, 2008 at 7:02 am
wauw i’m kinda speechless
you’re photo’s are so beautiful
and you’re so talented
do you have soms tips maybe ?
and do you have a flickr account ?
December 22nd, 2008 at 9:31 am
wow…
you are really good at this. I love the stair one. By far, my favourite!
(:
December 22nd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
i love your picutres, :)
they are all really unique
i love the one of the stairs the best,
December 22nd, 2008 at 5:58 pm
wow your amazing :o
*jealous* lol
keep it up. You have amazing photo’s .
yes, I also agree your stair one is the best.
:)
December 23rd, 2008 at 5:49 am
i am so moved by that last quote on the stairs pic
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:39 am
i would kiss those hands which revealed the secret of these pictures .. extremely awesome work …
! Keep it uP !
December 23rd, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Hay que bueno! estan re buenas las pictures!
jaja
hay! I can’t speak english :S
Bye,
December 24th, 2008 at 7:15 am
i agreed with sophie.. and btw, the pictures are great! good girl:p
December 25th, 2008 at 10:27 am
WOW! is amazing! I can’t do it… :’(
December 28th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Mac user! AWESOME!
Canon user! AWESOME!
So You think you can dance! AWESOME!
YOUR EDITS! AAWWEESSOOMME!
December 29th, 2008 at 10:40 am
I love how you can use Picnik on a Mac or a PC, its awesome! So simple to use..and fun. Picnik is unique because almost anyone with access to a computer can use it. Plus, its quick and free!
December 29th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Oh,wow.
You’re good.
I love the last pic, of the steps.
Excellent!!
Congrats.
=)
<3
December 29th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Estos picniks me causan un gran sentimiento de inutilidad :)
.. no me agrada verlos, porq me doy mas cuenta qe los mios son un verdadero ASKO :D .. asi qe, fucking tipa qe nacio con un don para hacer fuckings picniks ps la felicito.. es un don con el qe yo no naci :) y estoy orgullosa por esto, somos como unos insectos aplastados en el parabrisas (en una esquina) haciendo picniks frente a ella .. asi qe no tengo ningun interes en verlos en otra oportunidad.
Saludos a tu familia rara, mandale saludos a Yuleisi
Se despide. Kiwa (:
December 29th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
qe pajo aka , aqi yege llo ..
esa tipa pinikia bulda e lo calideichon panita
ratica pelua ute qe tiene cn migo
a vaina perra
je espie la mami seisi del barrio .. la rrica , la vuena
December 29th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Qe te pasa a ti piaso e INCULTA! es LLEGUE .. OISTE?
Jajajaja! cariño.. tu nombre no es muy favoritivo para la humanidad
te mataron oyo? no kiero saber cual es tu segundo nombre mi amor
qiere verselas CONMIGO? USEAA.. yo si q soy la MAMI SECSI DE MI BARRIO
vete pa mi jaifay o metroflo pa q vea las JOTOS!
ahora si qe hablamos el mismo idioma no?
Pipol (q no conosco) se le ama<3 menos a la incultik de yuleisi la chik NO secsi :)
December 29th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
q te paja a ti moldizco e rrata
no te metas cn nobia perra maldita
tu komo q kieres pelea
Nadie se mete cn jeba
ay papa .. tomeje un gueytore y se me carma
nada e incurto ese es el talento del varrio bro
pa q seais serio
asi q se me caya hijueputa
*******ER BROER DESIADO POL TOOS******
“”"”"”"*****”"”"”"*****!!!!!!!!YONAIKER”"”"”"”*****”"”"”"*****!!!!!!!!
December 29th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
MAGINATE!
la mamitik tiene BOIFREN
asi debe se de secsi .. vueno, boy a sak mi palte escondia
enpesando pol: me llamo dirivitaysa, lo ame oqei?
vueno al parecel descuvrieronq estava uzando un dipsionario
se les quiere
(jonaiker y yuleisi van a arruga?)
^^^^^^^&&&&&& LA MAMI SECSI HOT PIKNTE &&&&&&^^^^^^^
December 30th, 2008 at 7:46 am
omigd!!!!!!!
woooowwww!!!! u’re sOo TALENTED!!!!
i like ur picture specially the last one..the step one…is amazingggg…
xoxo,debbie <3
December 30th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
I love the way you edit pictures. Good Job :)
December 30th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
OmG!! your photos are beautifuls!!!
December 31st, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Omg. I Love That Photo Of the Man In the red Tie.
Ever Since i Saw It Im obsessed With doing black and white photos With One Colored Part.
Amazing Photography
♥
January 1st, 2009 at 11:51 am
nice pictures i like it!!=))
January 1st, 2009 at 11:52 am
you camera is expncive?
January 1st, 2009 at 2:12 pm
not bad stuff :D
i enjoy editing my pics on this website but i find the featured abit alot of money for a kid to pay :/
January 2nd, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Carie you make very beatifull Pictures ! You Pictures-Perfekt;Briallant;Pratty ! :D
January 4th, 2009 at 7:32 am
Hello.Please i want have blue eyes on your page in my photos and i don´t see here.Please help me.Thank you
January 4th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
I am 15 and started taking a photography class this past semester. I am done with the semester now, but photography has kept its own spot in my life. I am now doing weddings, senior pictures, family portraits, ect. I usually use picnik for everything, but it’s easiest for sure. My question would be about the quality of picnik. Does it decrease quality from your pictures? I’m considering buying CS3….
Suggestions?
January 5th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
woww
you are incredible
you have a surprising talent
your photos are cool
well
good bye
maybe someday you can teach me
well i wait it :)
January 5th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
great pictures! glad you made the featured piniker!!!! im jelouse!!! lol…..jk!!!
January 6th, 2009 at 9:59 am
How did you get the colors in the steps photo?
January 6th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
I was so amazed with these. It reminded me of a class descution, artistic or athletic? and you’re artistic all the way…!
My favorite is the steps photo, and the text that rides along is cute! I love it when things just make sense! (But scattered is okay sometimes!)
-Jessica :P
PS. please visit my website with amazing graphics and photos(coming weekend10-11):
http://www.fun-key219.piczo.com
Byebye :)
January 7th, 2009 at 4:42 am
hi, ur edits are AWSOME !! :D
i was wondering, what effect is layering? :s
January 7th, 2009 at 6:38 am
oh my gosh1 they are all nice! keep it up!
January 7th, 2009 at 9:32 am
não entendo ingles :/ mais gostei das fotos :)
January 9th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Wonderfull photographs! :)
I love it ( L )
January 9th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
the photos are awesome!
i love them! (L
you’re a wonderful picniker :D
January 10th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
regalame un codigo premium plis :’(
January 10th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
hey. . i love your edited pics. especially the pic on the stairway.”the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step”. really nice!!
January 11th, 2009 at 10:53 am
lina:
The layering is shown here:
http://blog.picnik.com/2008/10/how-to-3-layering/
Doug
January 11th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
I absolutley love all of your artwork but especially the one edit of the stairs. One of my favrouites. You are definatley a very talented photographer and editor. Well done and keep up the good work.
=)
January 12th, 2009 at 8:34 am
you are so talented :) one thing i have a question about is, how did you focus the tie on the picture of the black and white man? i’ve tried that so many times, but i can never do it. please do help me out :)
you are really really good at all this.the steps are my fav. its so meanigful, and full of life :)
January 12th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Amazing stuff i loooove the one step at a time thing u made its great i looooove all of this keep up the great work
January 12th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
You are an extremely talented photographer! (As many have told you already.)
I’m kind of new to photography, but I really like it so far, it becomes an addiction!
I was also wondering if all of the featured picnikers are premium members?
(someone asked that previously, and I was wondering the same myself)
Great job with your blog/photos! Keep it up!
January 16th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Hi, i love your pics, i was just wondering though it says on here that your fave editing thing is layering, unless im not looking properly i cant seem to find it on picnik, ive got the premium package so its not because i cant do it on basic. Its one of te things i would most like to try so if it is on here please could you let me know where!!?? Thanks nic = D
January 17th, 2009 at 8:20 am
thanks Doug :)
January 17th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
You’ve caught some great moments in these pics!
…and old decaying buildings? it’s so cool to take pictures of stuff like that since it probably wont be there for much longer. Love photography ♥
and picnik gives you so many options for creativity. Great work!
January 19th, 2009 at 3:42 am
i absolutely love your editing :)
how do you edit them?
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:16 pm
ok so like im not as old as u guys but one day like when i grow up and im out of julliard, i want to become a photographer and i was wondering if u have to become a premium member in the long run or if u can point me to a more proffessional program. Photoshop just does like not work for me so yeah and keep in mind that im like still in high school, or going in to high school in a year or two ok! thanks, alex
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:52 pm
very very good pictures you have there. i’m a big fan. love the colors and the way you highlight the details.. i hope i could make one like that my self..
January 24th, 2009 at 10:49 am
i love the last picture with the stairs. it’s so amazing and very quaint.
the one with the bike is also very gorgeous. i love your work :)
January 27th, 2009 at 9:51 am
wow,
these pictures are really amazing!
My personal favourite is the one with the red tie.
Very well done to you!
X X X
January 27th, 2009 at 11:14 am
wow the stairs are eye catching………………
January 27th, 2009 at 11:15 am
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox………………………………………………………………………………………………..keep up the good work…
January 27th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
your pictures are amazing!
i like the step one.
and i must disagree with you… Heroes is the greatest show alive, Dancing la da is bleh :P
:D
January 29th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Wow…
I love the picture about the steps…
The color,the sentences…all of them are amazing…!
January 30th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
your pics r amazing!! omee they r soo good!! maybe you should try doing one of the twilight quotes like the lion fell in love with lamb what a stupid lamb what a sick masochistic lion!!
January 31st, 2009 at 12:03 pm
hiyaa
your pic’s are amazing
is the photography yours?
xx
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:25 pm
what kind of camra do you have??
an if you have you can
can you send me a pic of it an tell me where you got it
i am looking for something that takes good pic
February 5th, 2009 at 7:33 am
this is so inspiring! I love photography! especially nature, or right after it rains/snows. I love the Single step photo!
February 15th, 2009 at 7:42 am
COOL but i dont like that be plus inspired like paysage and that bird animals ect.. continue =)
February 15th, 2009 at 8:35 am
Whoaaa!<3
I love these pictures sooo much do you mind if i use them?
Theyre Grrrrrreat!(:
February 16th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Oh my goodness your pictures are truely inspiring :)
They are amazing :) !!!!! I personally LOVE the one with the stairs !
The saying just fits perfectly :) !!!!!
Keep up the good work !!!!!
Carleigh
February 16th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Now this is what i call talent! so unique and amazing! Very inspiring, keep it up!! :-)
February 19th, 2009 at 8:39 am
wow. thats all i can say. she is SO taented. i especially love the one of the steps!
February 20th, 2009 at 9:07 am
You have a great eye for photography <=
February 20th, 2009 at 9:27 am
I fully agree with Leige Horowitz October 7 2008; it’s a bit of triumph of effect over taste and decency. Still; a lot of people seem to be easily impressed. I like Picnik though. Keep building.
February 22nd, 2009 at 3:19 am
You’re one of the best yeah.
keep it up.
Saw your picture makes me feel better. (:
February 22nd, 2009 at 11:23 am
your pictures are amazing
they are beautiful
i loved :P
February 23rd, 2009 at 4:17 am
you’r photos are really amazing!
…Well done!*
….=)
February 25th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
=)
February 27th, 2009 at 3:43 am
wow…that beautiful photo, thats really amazing. Now im interesting with photograph, try to learn with everybody
March 1st, 2009 at 6:40 am
hey i am german but i can speak english:
The pictures are fantasic i love them really very much!!!♥
March 8th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Hi!!!
I liked your photos. They´re so lovely!
I´d like to be as good as you, congratulations!!! ;)
Makolo are you crazy?
March 11th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
i love your pictures (=
March 12th, 2009 at 7:58 am
OH WOU! IS GREAT!
March 18th, 2009 at 6:10 am
Amei seu blog… as fotos são lindas !!!
March 26th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
That’s so pretty. Nice job!!
March 29th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Your photos are great! I’m a photographer too and I like to see different ideas. You really do capture color well!
Great job!
April 4th, 2009 at 11:30 am
like your photos
April 8th, 2009 at 5:48 am
i love the one of the steps how did you do it what colour thingy did you use ?
April 11th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
me gusta esta cuenta para hacer mi foto mas sexy…!
April 14th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Omg! Those are cute! I love the one of the steps, I did one sort of like that. I wish you could teach me how to make mine look as good as yours… I’m only 12.
April 28th, 2009 at 8:34 am
I love the one in purple n black!
and the onde of the steps!!
really nice…
April 28th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
hmm..
Hello! Nice photos You have..
Can you make me one?
Can I?..
If it is ukie..
Thanks! :D
April 30th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
i love your photos. there’s something about them that make them uninque. i really enjoy scroling through them all and looking at them. just felt like congratulating you, thanx :)
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:18 am
I would love to see more nature inspired work! But great pics anyway……
May 4th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
nice pick!
May 6th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
these photos are so artistic :)
May 7th, 2009 at 8:27 am
Great Pictures! I would love to be as good as you with your photography skills. When I’m older I want to be a photographer so I will look up to you and how great your pictures are!
May 16th, 2009 at 7:05 am
You are amazing!!!!!
May 16th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
cool pic!! i love it!!
May 16th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
absolutly cool!!
May 21st, 2009 at 11:03 am
hi carie , well let me tell you that your photos are great , yu have a big imagination and thats is good.
well carie i want to know if yu can edit me some photos , cuz i really like edit , but im not so good with edit photos , so i dont know if i could give me your e mail to send my photos , so let me know from here ok .
thank yu bye bye
May 25th, 2009 at 7:08 am
wow, you are AMAZING! Very inspiring…
Keep up the FABULOUS work!! x
May 28th, 2009 at 9:00 am
MAGIC!