Friday, February 27, 2009

How to Photograph Hummingbirds

http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-photograph-hummingbirds

How to Photograph Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures. They’re the only birds capable of flying backwards, and their wings flap between 15-200 times per second! However, their incredible speed and small size make them extremely difficult to photograph.

There’s no one secret, but in order to photograph them, you’ll need to learn their habits, have a great deal of patience, and of course know what settings to use on your camera.
Here are a few tips for photographing these amazing little birds:

http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-photograph-hummingbirds

If you are really into getting a great Hummingbird photo then you will want to get this guide:
The Hummingbird Guide – How to Photograph Hummingbirds Using High-Speed Multiple Flash by LINDA ROBBINS with Arthur Morris http://www.birdsasart.com/hummingbirdguide.htm

Linda Robbins began work on this guide in late 2007 and promised that it would be finished by February 1, 2008… As you might guess, it turned out to be a lot more work than Linda envisioned. We now have the first 100 CDs burned and ready to ship, and believe me, the guide was well worth waiting for.

There is a smattering of information available on line and in various books and publications, but never before has everything that you need to know to get started in this highly specialized field of photography been assembled in one place in a pleasingly designed, easy-to-read format. The guide is comprehensive in its scope; among the topics covered are choosing cameras and lenses, suitable tripods and tripod heads, choosing and purchasing suitable flashes, the needed equipment (flash stands, articulated arms, mini ball heads, etc.), choosing and setting up your feeder(s), how to create your artificial backgrounds, detailed, step-by-step instructions on setting up including flash and background placement, determining the right exposure, an explanation of the flash theory involved in high speed flash hummingbird photography, helpful odds and ends, digital and Photoshop considerations, the best rechargeable batteries and battery chargers, dealing with ants, bees and wasps at the set-up, dealing with the guarding birds that keep all others away from the set-up, the best photographic strategies including focus-acquisition tips, introducing perches to the set-up, and selecting flowers and adding them to the set-up. In addition, Linda writes eloquently on the topic of becoming addicted to high speed flash hummingbird photography (consider yourself fore-warned). Also included is an informative section entitled “About Hummingbirds.” Photographing perched hummers, creating pleasingly blurred images, and using macro lenses for hummingbird head-portraits are dealt with in photo-illustrated gallery format.

The section on needed equipment is especially impressive as Linda does a thorough job of exploring the variously priced options and lets you know exactly what she is using at present. The book is lavishly illustrated with both of our images (most of them, and all of the very best, are Linda’s.)

In truth, I cannot say enough in praise of this great new work. Linda is a skilled photographer and her hummingbird images are among the best you will see anywhere. And Linda is a skilled writer. I enjoyed both editing her words and authoring a section or two for the guide. Your purchase will include periodic free updates via e-mail PDF files.

You can order your copy of “The Hummingbird Guide – How to Photograph Hummingbirds Using High-Speed Multiple Flash” (on CD only) today for $50 plus $3 shipping and handling ($53 total) in the US. Florida residents need to add 7% sales tax: $53.50 plus the $3 shipping and handling ($56.50 total). To Canada the cost is $50 plus $6 shipping ($56 total). For overseas customers the cost will be $50 plus $8 shipping and handling ($58 total). A check made out to “Arthur Morris” and sent to us at BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855 is fine. As is a Paypal payment. Or, call us at 863-692-0906 with credit card in hand.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Stop wishing for that Amazing Camera and Appreciate The One You’ve Got

http://digital-photography-school.com/stop-wishing-for-that-amazing-camera-and-appreciate-the-one-youve-got

Stop wishing for that Amazing Camera and Appreciate The One You’ve Got
by Guest Contributor

This photo was taken with a 2 megapixel Canon Powershot A60 at Cannon Beach, Oregon. I don't care what the readers think of this photo. I like it. I waited, concentrated and opened the shutter at just the right moment for this.

I know a lot of DPS readers are dreaming of and saving for that perfect digital camera - today Dan Dyer from Automatic Camera has a post for you with a good reminder.

All cameras have are essentially the same thing, a shutter that exposes light on a light-sensitive surface. Sure, there are differences in engineering tolerances and technical ranges and the latest technology. But Ansel Adams didn’t have today’s latest gadget. He had know-how, and practice.
The real difference between an average photo and an amazing photo, is the photographer, not the camera.

Here’s how you can make your camera amazing. It just takes a little bit of work...

Read the rest of the article here: http://digital-photography-school.com/stop-wishing-for-that-amazing-camera-and-appreciate-the-one-youve-got

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

So You Think You Know What An F-Number Is

http://blog.epicedits.com/2007/06/16/so-you-think-you-know-what-an-f-number-is/

So You Think You Know What An F-Number Is


By Brian Auer • June 16th, 2007
Most of us have heard, and probably used, the term f-number. Most of us have also probably used the term interchangeably with “f-stop” or “aperture”. What are all these things, really? Yes, they have to do with the size of the hole allowing light to pass through the lens, and they affect depth of field and light intensity. But I’m talking about what these things really are....

read the rest here http://blog.epicedits.com/2007/06/16/so-you-think-you-know-what-an-f-number-is/

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Definition Doctor for Photoshop

This is wonderful -- from ben Willmore

I hate technical mumbo jumbo! If words like gamut, vector, interpolation and dither drive you crazy, you've come to the right place. As the self-appointed 'Definition Doctor," I've taken the majority of Photoshop gibberish and translated it into plain-English terms that everyone can understand.

Browse through the terms here, or download the PDF to keep handy for whenever Photoshop tries to play "Boggle" with you.

If you'd like to see more words added to the list, we'd like to hear from you. Just send an email to Definitions@digitalmastery.com

Download the definition doctor http://www.digitalmastery.com/downloads/pdf/Definition-Doctor.pdf

CAP dinner on April 19th

Hi Lisa, Don't forget to mention soon the upcoming CAP dinner on April 19th -- the only time the TOPS in CT 2008 winners and acceptances will be shown (and with live commentary!). Details at CAPinCT.org Thanks! Hazel
Plan now to attend the next Semi-Annual Banquet on Sunday, April 19, 2009, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1284 Strongtown Road, Southbury, CT. The meeting will begin with cocktails at 5:00 p.m. followed by a short business meeting at 5:30, and then we will have dinner at 6:00 p.m. The program, a presentation of the accepted photographs from 25th Tops in Connecticut competition, will follow the dinner service.
Click to download a PDF documents with all the details and a sign up form.

Death Valley is blooming....

Greetings, Even though the rest of California is experiencing drought conditions, magic is happening in the Death Valley desert. In 2008, there were no wildflowers predicted and it turned out to be a very good flower year. This is what the park rangers have to say:

Feb. 16, 2009 Charlie Callagan DV ranger reports: A strong storm has brought one to two inches of rain and significant flooding throughout the park the last few days. This has greatly increased our prospects for spring wildflowers in Death Valley. Much of the park received an early rainfall in October and a parkwide rain, nearly one half inch, just before Thanksgiving. This early rain, followed by warm temperatures allowed a widespread sprouting of annual wildflowers seeds. Some of these such as Desert Gold, Brown-eyed Evening Primrose and Sand Verbena have already been observed blooming along park roadsides in the southern and northern ends of the park.

In Death Valley, the driest spot in North America, spring wildflowers are not a yearly event. It’s a rare treat for conditions to be just right. The bloom this spring may still be spotty, nothing like the huge blooms in 1998 and 2005, but still worth a viewing. The heavy rains were received late in the season, so the peak blooming period along the valley floor and up to 2,000 feet may be anywhere from mid-March to early April.

Feb. 8, 2009 Jordan DV ranger reports: Death Valley NP have recieved between 1 and 2" of rain parkwide in just the past few days. All park roads are currently flooded and closed! This spring should be a spectacular wildflower year!

Light Fantastic still has spaces available on the Death Valley tour on March 4-8th.

Click here for details: http://www.light-fantastic.com/html/death_valley.html

Death Valley images: http://www.light-fantastic.com/html/dvpix.html

Don’t miss out on this rare desert flower experience.

Please contact us for details. Gale Perry
Light Fantastic Photo Tours
www.light-fantastic.com
100 Lucky Drive, Suite 207
Corte Madera, Ca. 94925
415 927-1639 Fax:415 927-0720

NECCC activities

NECCC 2009 coming soon! You can go to the NECCC web site for a more detailed synopsys of the conference activities. Go to www.neccc.org and click on the 2009 conference preview. An 8 page pdf document will open. Jom Dionne

I’ve posted the NECCC 2009 Preview at http://www.neccc.org/NECCC%202009%20Preview.pdf. Rick Sereque

FREE 10 week internet course on Photoshop

Thanks Joan for passing this along!

Here is a 10 week free internet course on using Photoshop. Although developed for CS4 they say anyone using photoshop of any flavor can learn from it. I don't really know anything more about it but I did sign up for it.... hey... free is good!

Here's the link: http://creativetechs.com/tipsblog/free-10-week-photoshop-course/

Monday, February 23, 2009

Rick Sammon seminar April 19th

"EXPLORING THE LIGHT"
In this informative and fun-filled presentation, Rick Sammon will begin by sharing his pictures from around the globe – some of which have appeared in his 31 books and thousands of newspaper and magazine articles. For every image, Rick will share a photographic technique or his photo philosophy.After Rick “takes” us to Antarctica, the Arctic, Bhutan, Botswana, Cambodia, Costa Rica, India, Mexico, Nepal, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam, as well as to his favorite National Parks and wildlife centers here in the United States, Rick will share his favorite Photoshop CS4 enhancements.

AND:Thanks to CANON U.S.A. for sponsoring Rick and making this a great seminar at a very reasonable price!Check Canon U.S.A.'s Event Calendar to learn about other Canon sponsored events.This seminar would make a great bus trip event for a Photo Club!

DATE: Sunday April 19, 2009TIME: 9:00-3:00LOCATION: BISHOP CENTER - University of Connecticut

ADMISSION: $50 per person ($45 students & seniors)(Register before April 1st and get a FREE gift from Canon)

SCHEDULE: 8:00-9:00 Registration & Canon Demo9:00-10:30 Presentation10:30-10:45 Break10:45-12:15 Presentation12:15-1:15 Lunch & Canon Demo1:15-3:00 Presentation

Pre-register now!

PRICE OF ADMISSION ALSO INCLUDES:Coffee and DanishLunch: Sandwiches, chips, baked ziti, garden salad, beverages. AN EVENT YOU SURELY DO NOT WANT TO MISS!!

Comet Lulin tonight

Get ready for the night of the comet.
Comet Lulin, a strange, backward-traveling, greenish-hued ball of ice and gas, will make its closest approach to Earth on the evening of Monday, Feb. 23.

It'll still be 38 million miles away, but should be visible with the naked eye in dark locations, and with binoculars or a telescope in more lit-up locations. Skygazers in North America should look to the west-southwest, where Lulin will be just a bit to the right of Saturn, between the constellations of Virgo and Leo. This week will probably be humanity's only chance to see Lulin, which was discovered in 2007 by Chinese and Taiwanese astronomers. The comet appears to be on its way out of the solar system for good.

7 Bad Habits of Digital Photographers

7 Bad Habits of Digital Photographers

By Antoine Khater

I have been taking pictures seriously for about 5 years and been around major photography forums for about the same time. Here are, compiled in one post, the 7 bad habits of digital photographers…

http://blog.epicedits.com/2007/12/27/7-bad-habits-of-digital-photographers/

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Extinct Bird Seen, Photographed and then EATEN!


February 18, 2009—A rare quail from the Philippines was photographed for the first time before being sold as food at a poultry market, experts say.


Found only on the island of Luzon, Worcester's buttonquail was known solely through drawings based on dated museum specimens collected several decades ago. Scientists had suspected the species—listed as "data deficient" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's 2008 Red List—was extinct.


(See related bird photo: "Rare 'Smiling' Bird Photographed in Colombia.")
A TV crew documented the live bird in the market (above) before it was sold in January, according to the Agence France-Press news agency. Michael Lu, president of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, told AFP the bird's demise should inspire a "local consciousness" about the region's threatened wildlife.


"What if this was the last of its species?" Lu said. However, the buttonquail is from a "notoriously cryptic and unobtrusive family of birds," according to the nonprofit Birdlife International, so the species may survive undetected in other regions.

Photofinishing with Photoshop: Introduction to Photofinishing

Photofinishing with Photoshop: Introduction to Photofinishing
by John Watts

Printer Friendly Page

I want to share the effects of the digital realm on photofinishing from the perspective of 25 years of experience as a custom photofinisher. I define photofinishing as the art and science of making photographic prints. In this month’s column, I will be concentrating on Saturation, Sharpness, Cropping and Straightening the Horizon as few of the basic elements of a good color print using Photoshop as my "darkroom enlarger".

In my opinion, too much emphasis in the digital realm is placed on the “widgets & gadgets” available and not enough on what makes a good print.

The process always starts with a well-exposed and composed image. Remember, GIGO—garbage in, garbage out. Learn how to properly use your camera. While Photoshop is a great tool for enhancement, it is not a “miracle program” for correcting poor photography.

So what makes a good color print and how do we use the basics of Photoshop to achieve it? There are 8 basic elements....

READ the rest...http://www.apogeephoto.com/feb2009/watts22009.shtml

To purchase newly-released eBook on Photoshop, go to http://www.wattsdigital.com/blogshop/.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Free (NEW) Camera Strap!

I use smugmug and have always been very happy with it! Lisa

Free Camera Strap? Hard to Believe.

I know it's hard to believe, but SmugMug really is giving away a free DSLR camera strap to all listeners of Digital Photography Life who ask for one. They're even paying for the shipping! Really! All you have to do is ask. It's insane.

The strap is padded, it's comfortable, and it's a million times better than the instrument of decapitation that came with your DSLR. You even get the patented SmugMug smiley face on it, which will be sure to put a grin on your subject.

So, if you have DSLR or a high-end point and shoot that takes a standard strap, and want to stop feeling as if your camera is conspiring to cut off the circulation at your neck, please do yourself a favor and fill out this form.

Animalia Book By Henry Horenstein

Animalia Book By Henry Horenstein

This is a beautiful book filled with inspiring images of animals. Photographer Henry Horenstein used grainy black and white film, a macro lens, and printed in sepia to avoid documenting the animals. Instead, Horenstein says “I choose to look closely and abstractly—to see my subjects for their inherent beauty, oddness, mystery.” His success is shown with these sometimes hazy, sometimes very sharp images showing off the animals’ texture, patterns, and unique characteristics. The book is bound in a hard fabric cover with attached print of a ray, making it a perfect book to lay out on your coffee table.
Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: Pond Press (April 1, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0976195526

Text: A
Layout: A
Photography: A+
User: All Photographers (and non-photographers)

Strange Partners:Photographing Wading Birds

Strange Partners:Photographing Wading Birds
by Andy Long

http://www.apogeephoto.com/jan2009/along12009.shtml

An excellent article on photographing wading birds, covers some bird behaviors too (knowing what a bird will do is very important part of capturing the perfect photograph)

Would you like to learn more about becoming an even better wildlife photographer or learn how to use natural light? Be sure to join Andy in one of his online classes presented through Apogee Photo. To sign up click here.

First Light Photo Workshops offer workshops in prime photographic locations in the United States and abroad. Each year new locations as added as 26-year professional Andy Long travels the globe finding great spots. All trips are educational with hands-on help in the field and instructional slide programs. Visit www.firstlighttours.com for more information.

Friday, February 20, 2009

The Crop Factor…

The Crop Factor…
http://www.canonblogger.com/2009/02/06/the-crop-factor/

We have all experienced it at some point. We take a very well composed image and then we want to enlarge it to an 8x10 or a 11x14 and we can not because of the crop factor. 8x10's were created from the 4x5 camera and are not compatible with the 35mm camera unless you crop.

This is a good review of that 2x3 ratio present in our 35mm cameras. I should print this and save it for our clients. Ever try to explain to a bride why she cannot have a full frame 8x10 of her and hew new hubby? At the Javitts show there was a camera company that would engrave a little 8x10 grid on your viewfinder to help you compose -- I must admit -- it seemed tempting!

From the article...

See, most SLR cameras (non-full frame anyway) have roughly an aspect ratio of 2:3. This means that you can print at this ratio without losing anything in your image. But, if you want to print at a different aspect ratio, then something has to be cropped out.

So, what aspect ratio will work with the 2:3 proportions? Who all remembers their grade school math? All you have to do is multiply each side of the ratio by the same number. So, prints that work are …

2×3″ prints (2:3 x 1:1 = 2×3)
4×6″ prints (2:3 x 2:2 = 4:6)
6×9″ prints (2:3 x 3:3 = 6:9)
8×12″ prints (2:3 x 4:4 = 8:12)

You get the gist…but here’s the thing - the only “standard” print size that really fits our native camera aspect ratio is the 4×6″ print. What if we want an 8×10″ print? Well, cropping is required then. This means losing some of your image. So, this also means that you need to think about this during image composition in camera - if you like it - and want to print it - remember to frame things so that the crop won’t lose key elements of the picture. Here’s a perfect example...http://www.canonblogger.com/2009/02/06/the-crop-factor/

Thursday, February 19, 2009

The Photoshop Elements 7 Book for Digital Photographers

Scott and Matt do it again! If you're a digital photographer working in Photoshop® Elements and you wish you had some of the features from Photoshop CS4, have we got a book for you: The Photoshop Elements 7 Book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski. Scott and Matt have teamed up to give you some slick workarounds, cool cheats, and fairly ingenious ways to replicate many of those Photoshop CS4 features you want (like layer masking, Channel Mixer, etc.) from right within Elements! This book is specifically designed with photographers in mind so it doesn't waste your time talking about the standard photography stuff you already know (like how to frame a shot, setting your exposure, etc.) Nope! This one-of-a-kind guide is all Elements all the time, step-by-step, cover-to-cover!

Cover price: $49.99
Kelby price $39.99
NAPP Price $31.99
Join NAPP

Call 800-201-7323 or visit http://tr.subscribermail.com/cc.cfm?sendto=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ekelbytraining%2Ecom%3Flink%3D1%26source%3Dhtml%26code%3D%26trackingcode%3DKTElements7Ecard0209&tempid=d5321f355d1448b19a97f53c33025f7a&mailid=dbdc1b64b82a4b7b9d07f53c33025f7a

How a Baked Potato Can Extend Your Cameras Battery Life on a Cold Day

From: http://digital-photography-school.com/how-a-baked-potato-can-extend-your-cameras-battery-life-on-a-cold-day

How a Baked Potato Can Extend Your Cameras Battery Life on a Cold Day by Darren Rowse

Here’s a quick (and rather quirky/novel) tip for extending the life of your batteries in cold weather that we received via email this week:

“In cold temperatures batteries lose their power quickly so it’s a good idea to carry extra. In order to keep your spare[s] from draining in a cold camera bag, use an old trick for keeping warm in the cold. Put a hot foil-wrapped baked potato in your pocket. It will keep your spare batteries warm, give your trigger finger a place to warm up and after you’ve been out shooting in the cold for a while, you’ll have a nutritious snack.”

Thanks to Anne Williams for the tip!

Note: DPS will not be responsible for damage caused to the property of those introducing Baked Potatoes into their camera bags and advises against adding sour cream, butter or any other condiments to baked potatoes used in this way! :-)

A More Serious Note: another method that we know some DPS readers for warming their camera batteries is to keep a hand warmer in their pocket with their batteries.

15 Tips for Great Candlelight Photography

http://digital-photography-school.com/14-tips-for-great-candlelight-photography

15 Tips for Great Candlelight Photography
by Darren Rowse


Image by Sea Eye
http://digg.com/design/15_Tips_for_Great_Candlelight_Photography_2

Happy Valentines Day! In celebration we thought we’d publish this post on the romantic topic of Candlelight Photography!

Have you ever tried to photograph a candle lit scene with your digital camera?

The results can be stunning with the warm glow of flickering flames reflecting off your subjects face (can you feel the romance?) but the shooting in such a low light environment make it can make it a challenging situation.

Here are a few tips on how to get that perfect candle light portrait!

Read the article here: http://digital-photography-school.com/14-tips-for-great-candlelight-photography

February 20 marks the 107th anniversary of Ansel Adams' birth

Celebrate Landscape Photography

February 20 marks the 107th anniversary of Ansel Adams' birth. A seminal American landscape photographer, Adams' devotion to craft and conservation bolstered both the photographic art form and the nation's landscapes themselves. Ansel Adams is probably best known for his emotive landscapes but was also influential in developing the Zone system and as a tireless activist for national parks and the Wilderness Act. His life's work put him in an extremely exclusive club of photographers who have mountains named after them.25 years after Adams' passing, what is the status of the American landscape and the brand of photography he championed? Over the next week, we invite you to share a recent image that demonstrates your vision of the natural environment. Is it a bountiful expanse of preserved wilderness? Is it a pocket of land threatened by encroaching sprawl? Is it a place of meditation or a spot you often pass unseeingly?

Share one of your favorite images in the spirit of this monumental photographer, and we'll feature our favorites in the second edition of TimeFrames.

TimeFrames Guidelines

  • Send your image to timeframes@calumetphoto.com by February 17, 2009.
  • Photos should be taken by you and represent your vision of the American landscape Ansel Adams strove to capture and protect.
  • Please include name, title of photo, location of the image, and what gear you used to get the shot.
  • Size your image to between 600 and 1100 pixels on its longest side.
  • By submitting the image, you are granting Calumet Photographic unrestricted permission to publish the photograph in material related to TimeFrames. You still retain your copyright privileges, however you waive rights to further approval or royalties/compensation when published by Calumet Photographic.
  • We stamp any published instances with your name and a copyright seal that is legible in the size it appears, and as such prefer images without personal watermarks.

Photoshop free alternatives

This came from Digital Anarchy and I thought that it was interesting and I would pass it along...

http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Anarchyjim/~3/540769724/

Photoshop free alternatives
As a developer for Photoshop (and now Aperture) I rarely spend time in other host graphics apps. There are other purchasable ones, like the Corel Painter Suite, but they generally don’t publish a good API that plugin developers like Digital Anarchy (that’s us) can hook into.
There are also a bunch of free image editing apps. For our customer model, they simply fall short of what Photoshop can do and none are widespread enough for us to support. Which makes sense since these free apps are not trying to be Photoshop, just act as an alternative for folks who aren’t doing graphics for a living and don’t want to invest money into graphic manipulation.

Having said that, I occasionally run into a summary list of free Photoshop alternatives. Thought it would be interesting to post a list that I found on Downloadsquad.com through a friend’s blog, pirandello.wordpress.com.

The Downloadsquad article lists these free apps:

- Gimp

- Paint.net

- Artweaver

- Photofiltre

- VicMan’s Photo Editor

The one that looks the most interesting to me is Paint.net. The palettes and menu arrangement seem well designed (even, dare I say, Photoshop-esque), I love working with tabbed documents, and it’s great to support Open Source apps. One downside is that Paint.net is Windows only.
Of course, if you’re already familiar with the subject of free Photoshop alternatives, then Gimp is the topic that inspires philosophic debate. This is usually from folks who come from a programmer geek side of things. If you’re not familiar, than you’re probably a visual arteest who is happy with your app of choice, and I don’t suggest getting involved in this Pepsi-Coke debate.
If DO you want to know more about ‘Gimp vs Photoshop’, I find this article on Askreamoor.com website to be an interesting start.

Frankly though, my opinion is that the best alternative to Photoshop is Photoshop Elements. It is worth every cent of its maybe $100 price tag. If you look at dollars vs billable time — and I always do — it’s much cheaper to put out the bucks upfront and have an easy method of editing, rather than spending alotta down time trying to get something simple to work. For instance, many of the apps listed above don’t support layers, which can be a bit clunky if you are trying to do anything other than simple rotation and resizing.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

"Weekend with Wolves"

This workshop is unlike any other I've seen -- check it out!

"Weekend with Wolves"
March 13-15, 2009 - Chipley, Florida

November 13-15, 2009 - Chipley, Florida

Just around the corner is our next "Weekend with Wolves" workshop. If you have always wanted to photograph wolves up close and personal, there is no better place to do so! Think eye level, at waters edge, in with the wolf pack, gives me goose bumps of anticipation just thinking about it...

And remember we provide gift certificates, so if someone needs a gift suggestion for you, send them our way and we will help make sure you get a "Weekend with Wolves"!

The spring "Weekend with Wolves" will be chock full of great photo ops, loads of learning, and lots of fun. Each day is packed with opportunities to photograph and interact with the wolf packs at Seacrest Wolf Preserve, plus photo sessions with other small animals at the preserve such as foxes, raccoons, skunks, and much, much more! We will also get to photograph Seacrest's newest residents, a pair of Arctic Foxes in their winter coats. You won't want to miss this one!
Click here for more information or to register

NWF Photo Challenge

Do you enjoy spending time taking photos outdoors?
Want a chance to win fabulous prizes for your favorite images?
Would you like to share photos with other budding photographers?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, we have great news for you! Now, for the first time ever, the editors of National Wildlife® magazine invite you to join our exciting online community.

Here’s what you can look forward to:
Bimonthly photo challenge: Every other month, you can upload your favorite photos and compete for fabulous prizes. Each challenge will revolve around a different nature-related theme (see this month’s theme below!).

Photo sharing: View striking images from all across the country and vote for your favorites. Be sure to check back often to view the latest and greatest photos.
Click here to join our new photo community.
Click here to enter the photo challenge.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Bobbi Lane Workshops - Lightroom Workflow with Eduardo Angel

The Bobbi Lane Workshops provide high-quality photography weekend workshops in Fairfield County, Connecticut on a variety of photographic subjects. This year we are expanding our offerings to include select guest instructors. I'm really pleased to introduce the first one, Eduardo Angel, a fantastic photographer and digital guru, who will be teaching Lightroom Workflow: Shoot it, Work it, Back it up! Feb. 28 and March 1st at our studio in Wilton, Connecticut.

This is a workshop that every photographer needs! It covers capturing the image properly in RAW, importing and keywording images, using the image processing modules creatively and effectively, organizing your image libraries, exporting and printing images, and then properly storing and backing up your files.

Eduardo's workshop includes shooting assignments on both days, followed by hands-on experience using Lightroom II. His clear and intelligent instruction takes you through the entire process, step by step. For those that don't have it, there is a link on the workshop site that takes you to Adobe, where you can download a two-week trial version of Adobe Lightroom II.

For detailed information on the workshop, registration and Eduardo's bio, click here:
http://www.bobbilane.com/wkshop_eduardo_lightroom_wkflow.html

SPECIAL OFFER! If you are a member of a Camera Club, or you have previously taken a Bobbi Lane Workshop, sign up before Feb. 25 and get a 10% discount on this workshop!
You will get the refund from Paypal once you have signed up. If you pay by check, deduct $40 from the workshop fee.

The full schedule of the Bobbi Lane Workshops is coming soon!
Call me with any questions.

Bobbi
Bobbi Lane Photography
203-227-8482
www.bobbilane.com
APA, WIPI, EP, SPE

shortcut

From Ben Willmore (we saw his seminar on Sunday and he was very very good! Besides scott Kelby he was the best photoshop presenter I have ever seen!)

From: http://www.digitalmastery.com/content/view/112/75/

For folks who are shortcut-shy, and could use some encouragement, here's a shortlist you can practice with so you feel like you're really cooking at the keyboard.

I'll list all the ones I can think of in the off chance that at least a few of them will help you. Then in hopes of surprising you, I'll list in brackets (][) what happens if you add the Shift key to each command. Since I'm on a Mac you should know the Command key is the same as Control on Windows and Option is the same as Alt. If you happen to be one of those people who uses both operating systems, you're welcome to download the keyboard layout illustration, which shows the diffence between the two keyboards (Mac and Win).

DownloadKeyboard Layout (316K)

George Fellner @ EO Art Lab in Chester

To my Friends,
The EO Art Lab in Chester, CT has offered to add a collection of my Imaginary Realms photographs to their website gallery….as they wish to represent my work! Many of the pieces in this collection were part of a 3-person exhibition at this gallery back in March, 2008.
As described in EO Art Lab’s website, this gallery “….features mostly abstract work which span the realm of art and science to create evocative imagery…. As in many abstract works of art, we are allowed to not only see the simple beauty of the imagery itself, but also to interact with it in conscious and unconscious ways…. We can initiate a dialogue with the art. Sometimes the dialogue is universal and shared by many. Sometimes, however, the dialogue is personal, shaped by our own unique emotions, concerns, perceptions, and experiences.”
I am most certainly honored to be represented by this prestigious gallery of fine art…, as well as humbled to be included in their repertoire of distinguished artists.

Please check it out at: http://www.eoartlab.com/10025.html
George Fellner

Personalized One-on-OnePhotoshop Instruction

Personalized One-on-OnePhotoshop Instruction through the Web...

Have you ever wanted to be able to have a Photoshop expert personally show you how to make the program really work?

Are you Frustrated with not being able to find the answer you need in any of the Photoshop books or information on the web?

Do you just want to spend time with a Real Live Person who knows what they''re talking about?

Do YOU want to choose the subjects covered, and have them presented at YOUR skill level?

Then my One-on-One Photoshop Webinars are for you!

Imagine being able to sit in front of your computer, and, from the comfort of your home or office, spend time learning from me, John Watts - live, interactive and one-on-one with what YOU want to learn.

How It Works: On your Mac or PC, we'll agree on a time to meet. Shortly before the Webinar, you will receive by email a PDF with appropriate notes for the session, including simple instructions on how the webinar functions. The Webinar is "browser-based" on your computer. Once logged in, we will be able to share each others screens, as well as mouse and keyboard functions. You will also be able to hear me as I speak, and I will be able to hear you or chat with you, depending on your computer setup. Click Here to to see if you meet the Hardware Requirements.

Scheduling of your Webinar is flexible - - days, evenings, and weekends are available - - I'll fit it into YOUR schedule.

Pricing depends on the time needed to cover your chosen subject, and averages only $60 per hour.

Below are some sample subjects, and the cost of each:

"Getting Started in Photoshop" - This would be primarily for the novice. In this webinar, I'll show you the basics: How to open your image, use the basic tools to globally correct the contrast and color, then re-size it and crop it. 3 Hours, $180.

"Using Text and Creating Watermarks in Photoshop" - Want to be able to create a watermark to protect your images before sending them out on the web? Would you like to be able to create a digital signature, or put a title right on your image? 1.5 Hours, $90.

"The Power of Selections in Photoshop" - Learn the primary tools used to make selections, which will allow you to make local color, density and contrast corrections. 3 Hours, $180.

"Using the Retouching Tools in Photoshop" - Using the Cloning and Healing Brush Tool can be a challenge - let me show you how to get started. 2 Hours, $120.

The possibilities are Endless - - http://www.wattsdigital.com/oneononewebinars.html

Monday, February 16, 2009

Online Macro/Close-Up Nature Photography Course

Mike Moats Nature Photography
http://www.mikemoatsbooks.com/product.sc?categoryId=1&productId=2
Online Macro/Close-Up Nature Photography Course
A new online macro/close-up nature photography course. The course is designed as a personal one on one learning experience. It has no time limits so you can work at your own pace. Get it done quick or take your time. Information will be sent through emails in Microsoft word documents that you can either view on the computer or print them out. Course covers, 1)Equipment 2)Accessories 3)Camera Functions 4)Composition 5)Photoshop.

Shooting assignments will be given with no time limit, you can do them at your own pace. You submit your assignment images and I will critique them and help with any problems you are having. As I mentioned this is a personal one on one course and I will help with all your questions though out the course. Requirements, Digital SLR camera, Macro lens or regular lens with extension tubes, Tripod and head, Some working knowledge of the camera functions.

The Online Macro/Close-up Nature Photography Course cost, $189.00 Email me with any questions about the course. mgmoats@yahoo.com

50% OFF Carbon Fiber Tripods, Camera Cases, and Backpacks!

50% OFF Carbon Fiber Tripods, Camera Cases, and Backpacks!
The Denny Camera Cases, AC-1 (13”L x 10”W x 24”H) and AC-3 (19”L x 10”W x 25”H), are constructed of reinforced aluminum with sturdy, foam interior, combination locks, and wheels for convenient traveling.The Denny Carbon Fiber Tripod is long-lasting and lightweight with an adjustable 3-way panhead. It features adjustable height (reversible) center column, adjustable legs, spirit level, quick-release plate and carrying case.The WB1628 Deluxe Digital Pro Backpack (15”L x13.5”W x18.5”H) is built for Gear Protection and Comfort. Heavy-duty and spacious, this backpack allows for quick and easy access to your camera and all of it’s accessories. All-weather exterior with padded, customizable interior is perfect for on location photography. The WB1702 Backpack Camera Bag with Wheels (15.5”L x13” W x19.5”H) offers all of these same amenities plus it can be carried by the top, collapsible grab handle or with the included backpack straps.
List Price
SALE
Carbon Fiber Tripod
CFT-68
$499.00
$249.50
S-2
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AC-3
$399.00
$199.50
S-4
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AC-1
$349.95
$174.98
S-4
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Receive 50% off the purchase of Carbon Fiber Tripods, Camera Cases, and Backpacks! Limited time offer. Expires Midnight Monday 02/23/09 (CST). Click HERE to place your Online Order or call toll free 800-844-5616. Online coupon code for this offer- #net090223.* Offer only valid for purchase of CFT-68, AC-3, AC-1, WB1702, and WB1628. Limit Three per customer. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or product. Discount does not apply to Shipping cost & tax (applicable for Alabama residents). Certain Restrictions may apply. NOTE: Once we process your order, we will make the appropriate adjustment and notify you of your final total with shipping cost and tax (applicable for Alabama residents) with discount. If you have any question, please call 800-844-5616.

Unlimited Undos in Lightroom by Matt Kloskowski

Tip - Unlimited Undos

by Matt Kloskowski

"How does Lightroom handle undos? Every single thing you do is tracked in the History panel (in the Develop module). Whether you’ve made 5 changes or 500 they’ll all be listed there. Even better, when you close Photoshop, all of our undos go away. But when you close Lightroom they stay put. Even if you opened Lightroom to work on a photo a year later, when you come back you’ll always be able to undo what you did in that History panel. "

read the full article here: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AdobeLightroomKillerTips/~3/527268507/

Sunday, February 15, 2009

ProShow Online Classes

ProShow Online Classes

Register for a ProShow Online Class and learn everything you want to know about ProShow from the comfort of your home or office computer. Choose from dozens of new classes, offered at different skill levels and taught by ProShow experts!

Live Online TrainingProShow Classes are brought to you live via the web. No travel time or extra expenses! Just sit down at your computer, connect to the class through your web browser and you're all set! Enjoy 60 minutes of live instruction plus a 30 minute Q&A session!

Bonus Class NotesWith each class you'll receive a PDF copy of the class notes. Use these notes to follow along during the class and to refresh your memory at a later date.

Buy More & SaveChoose to buy one class credit for $25 or a pack of classes to save money. Once you purchase a class credit it can be used towards any ProShow Class on the schedule. See the Class Schedule online.

A Few of the Upcoming ClassesBelow is a sample of some of the exciting new classes that are coming up. Each class is offered multiple tiimes per week and at different skill levels, so you can find a perfect fit. For a complete schedule of classes please see the Class Schedule.

Beginner Level Classes

ProShow FundamentalsBeginners start here. This class will walk you through each stage of the slide show creation process, providing an overview on planning, setup, working with layers, music and captions, creating special effects, and finally, how to best share your shows.
Introduction to LayersFind out what all the buzz is about with layers. You'll not only learn how to add, edit and move layers around in your show, but also how to use them to enhance the impact and visual appeal of your shows.

Intermediate Level Classes

Creating a Tri-Photo Collage in ProShow GoldYou know the basics, now it's time to start combining features like layers, transitions and motion to make an impressive collage effect.
Introduction to Keyframing - ProShow ProducerFrom the basics of keyframing to gaining complete control over every element in your show. Explore the fundamentals of the most powerful tool in ProShow Producer.

Advanced Level Classes

Pushing the Limits with ProShow GoldGet the absolute most out of ProShow Gold by discovering effects and slide compositions that you may never have considered.
Advanced Masking - ProShow ProducerBuilding on the fundamentals taught in the introduction course, you'll learn to integrate masks into your shows to produce advanced effects that leave a lasting impression.

More dates and classes online. Check the online scedule for updated listings.

Moose in NYC

Moose in NYC
No, not a moose, The Moose:

Moose Peterson is going to be at Adorama in NYC April 24th doing an all day walk through Central Park (rain or shine!) It’s pricey but not too expensive and I was putting myself on a budget starting this month but I think that’ll have to wait to March. Unfortunately since it’s a Friday Mike won’t be able to come with. I look at it as a good way to get me home for a family visit as well over the weekend. I may stay in NYC Thursday night since he’s giving a lecture Thursday evening and it’ll be a lot of driving to drive down from home to NYC, out to the Island and then back for 8:30 AM…maybe. Now it’s just time to start doing a nightly prayer for mostly clear skies and middle 60’s temps. Not unreasonable for April in NYC.

http://www.moosenewsblog.com/2009/02/its-officialyou-can-sign-up-now/

Your Complete Guide to Photo Backups

Your Complete Guide to Photo Backups
http://blog.epicedits.com/2009/02/09/your-complete-guide-to-photo-backups/

Backing up photos is one of the most critical (ongoing) tasks for photographers, both amateur and professional. The “computer age” has been a blessing, allowing us to store and share huge amounts of digital photos. But that blessing has created the need to protect those delicate digital files, and many people have learned the consequences of not doing so.

Here is a link to a PDF eBook http://blog.epicedits.com/wp-content/uploads/Your-Complete-Guide-to-Photo-Backups.pdf that covers the topic of photo backups.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Newsweek article: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

Tom and I are members of NILMDTS. To find out more visit their website. If you are interested in joining please visit: http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/

To make a donation please visit: http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/donate/

Family Portraits
A unique volunteer group helps parents preserve precious images of babies that are stillborn or expected to die soon after birth.

Claudia Kalb
Newsweek Web Exclusive
January 31, 2009

Cheryl Haggard and Sandy Puc' met in a neonatal intensive care unit at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Hospital in Denver on Feb. 10, 2005. Haggard's newborn son, Maddox Achilles, was near death. Puc' was a traditional portrait photographer. Two months later, the two women would become founding partners of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, an organization of volunteer photographers worldwide who take pictures of stillborn babies or babies who are expected to die shortly after birth.

For four years, Haggard and Puc' have recruited thousands of photographers who willingly enter a place most people cannot even fathom. A place where life's most joyful moments become the most heartbreaking. Where babies die and parents grieve.

Infants are usually the most lovely and endearing subjects, sweet and fresh, brimming with early hints of the people they will become. Until that night, Puc' had never photographed a baby after death. After she agreed to take pictures of Maddux Haggard on life support, Cheryl's husband, Mike, asked Puc' if she would consider waiting until the tubes were removed and Maddux took his last breath. Cheryl wanted to embrace her boy skin to skin, Mike explained. No wires, no breathing machine. Just baby. The idea was overwhelming, but Puc' agreed. "My head was telling me, 'You don't want to do that,' my heart was saying, 'Absolutely'," says Puc'. After he died, Cheryl picked up her baby and held him to her chest. "It was surreal. I walked in and there was this beautiful mother cradling what looked like a perfect sleeping baby," says Puc'.

The privilege and the burden—this would be the Haggards' last images of Maddux—left Puc' determined to create her best pictures ever. "Watching a parent say goodbye and capturing those moments, it was really intense for both of us," says Puc'. In a powerful black-and-white photograph, Cheryl Haggard holds her son to her chest, his arms folded one over the other, her lips gently touching the top of his head. "I photographed every part, body, hands, face, lips, ears," says Puc'. "I remember getting close to the end and thinking, 'Please, don't let me forget anything'." Two weeks later, Puc' sat the Haggards down for a slideshow of her images. "It was a powerful experience," says Cheryl. She played the DVD over and over again, admiring her son. Maddux had some of the physical traits of her three other children, Chase, Anna and Natalie. His "fat little piggy toes" were Chase's. He had dark brown hair like Anna's and a pointy little elf ear, just like Natalie. "I remember hugging Sandy and thanking her and telling her she's given my son back," says Cheryl. It was sweet, it was painful. "It was what I had of him," she says.

And what other parents should have, too, Cheryl thought. Since that night, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep has grown from Puc' alone to 7,000 photographers, most of them professionals—worldwide, all of whom are linked up to hospitals in their own cities and towns. Photographers often hear about the program through Puc', who gives talks about photography in general and always mentions Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, encouraging local photographers to get involved in their communities. Early on, photographers were sent off on their assignments without training. Today, Puc' and a team of 25 certified trainers lead workshops, preparing volunteers for the difficult physical conditions they might see—when babies die in the womb, their skin may be bruised, their lips dark—and giving them guidelines on how to interact with families.
Photographers are encouraged to take pictures in whatever style suits them, whether it's shooting portraits of parents and baby or taking a more documentary approach. And they are given guidance on how to retouch images. Physical anomalies are left as is—therapists made it clear that it would be important for families to see any problems that caused their children to die—but bruises can be removed and skin lightened.

Asking hospitals to consider offering devastated parents a reference for a stillbirth photographer isn't always easy. Early on, Puc' and Haggard had to bang on a lot of doors to publicize their efforts and "the word 'morbid' was used all the time," says Puc'. Some hospitals were concerned the group was going to take advantage of bereaved parents. Others questioned how healthy it was for parents to pose with their babies, put photographs up in their homes and continue to remind themselves of a painful loss. But as the group grew, photographers and families began having more luck convincing hospitals how important the images were to families—a simple Polaroid in a memory box wasn't enough.

Though there will always be plenty of squeamishness and judgment when it comes to death and how people grieve, clinicians and therapists say acknowledging babies who die, bonding with them and remembering them is healthy, not harmful. Memories do matter. In a study published in 2007, Katherine Gold, a researcher at the University of Michigan, found that parents overwhelmingly report that photos were important to them and many wished they had more. Jeff and Lori Tieger have only a handful of treasured snapshots of their baby, Daniel, who was stillborn on Feb. 8, 2007. "If I had to do it all over again," says Jeff, "I would have 1,000 pictures of every square inch of his body." Photography creates a relationship between parent and child "as opposed to the harsh reality of a deceased child," says Puc'.

Since the group was launched, Puc' says she has seen a huge change in the way people relate to their work. Hospitals are now contacting the foundation directly, looking for names of photographers in their area. Parents who may be skeptical early on embrace the images as an irreplaceable gift once they've left the hospital and gone home without their babies. "We can't change what's happening to these people," says Puc', "but we can change the way they heal for the rest of their lives."

To learn more about Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, visit their Web site . For additional information on stillbirth and to find support resources for families, visit the M.I.S.S. Foundation and First Candle . And for more on research conducted by the National Institute of Child Health and Development, you can visit their site, www.nichd.nih.gov .

Friday, February 13, 2009

Looking for a Canon 5D

What a great place to post this. Gary sold his tripod via this Blog -- to someone in Texas. Want to sell some camera gear? Looking to buy some camera gear. Email me and I will post it here for all to read.

Would it be possible to ask on the Blog whether anyone knows of or is selling a Canon 5D in good condition, second hand? I am looking around but unfortunately am not proficient in bidding on e-bay, and I'd prefer to know even second-hand who owned the camera and that it was well cared for. Thanks! Barbara

Kirk FREE* Shipping Weekend

Gear up for Spring with a Kirk FREE* Shipping Weekend! Spring is just around the corner! Get the gear you need to make the most of it and take advantage of our FREE Ground Shipping weekend! Just visit KirkPhoto.com and place your order of $50 or more between 5pm February 13 and 5pm February 16 to receive free ground shipping to continental US destinations. See complete details below. Don't miss out!

Maine Coast & Lighthouses Photo Workshop

http://www.bcphotoadventures.com/MaineCoastPhotoWorkshop.php
Maine Coast & Lighthouses Photo Workshop
May 21-24, 2009
Thursday noon through Sunday afternoon at 2:00 $850 (discounts available)
Limit 12 with 2 instructors (maximum 6:1 student-to-instructor ratio)
Click here for more information about accommodations, nearest airport, etc.

For photos from our 2008 workshop students, click here!

Join our photography workshop in "Down East" Maine, an area known for its dramatic rocky coast, pounding surf, wonderful lighthouses, and charming fishing harbors and coves. We will photograph in areas where Winslow Homer, Andy Wyeth, and other artists have painted for centuries. And we'll head to our favorite fish shack for the famous Maine lobster. The Barefoot Contessa grew up sailing this area, so knows it well and looks forward to introducing you to her special haunts where you'll be able to celebrate your passion for photography, hone your seeing and imaging skills, and learn about the magic of light to make wonderful photographs.

We will be based in charming New Harbor in the heart of Margo's oft-visited locations, subjects of many of her shots published in calendars, travel magazines, and coffee-table books. Margo knows this area intimately. She spent her childhood Down East sailing in her dad's classic wooden yawl; in later years, she got to know the back roads of Maine by land. Margo and her husband/partner and fellow pro instructor, Arnie, will show you special haunts where you can take advantage of the magic of light. You will see their favorite lighthouses, charming fishing villages, and a stunning coastline punctuated by rocky outcroppings, cozy harbors sprinkled with lobster boats, and the famous Maine fir trees.

We start out with some technical information before heading out for our first afternoon of photography. Our workshops include the following:

Maximum 6-to-1 ratio students to instructors
Opening wine-and-pizza reception;
Primer booklet to help you get started;
Early-morning and late-afternoon shoots;
Mid-day downloading of your images and processing with the latest version of Lightroom 2;
Printing element with step-by-step instructions for printing straight from Lightroom 2;
Lots of individual instruction in both the field and classroom;
Critiques, both individual and group;
Discussions on various aspects of photography, including digital workflow;
Final group critique and show on last day;
A large, archival Epson print to either take home with you or to be mailed to you; and

Lots of fun and frivolity throughout! If you have not already done so, be sure to check our FAQs for questions you may have as well as equipment and installed downloads you need to bring to the workshop including, if necessary, the free, 30-day, trial versions of Adobe products. In our print element, our instructors will give you the ins and outs of successfully and easily turning your favorite digital images into beautiful prints straight out of the latest version of Lightroom 2. In fact, in all our domestic workshops, you will end up taking home a lovely, large, archival print of one of your workshop photographs made with Epson paper and inks.Cost: $850 To sign up, fill out the Application Form, and for the answers to most questions you might have, including what to expect and what to bring, go to our FAQs page.

Click here for more information about accommodations, discounts, PayPal payments, trip insurance, closest airport, etc. The Maine Coast is always popular, so at the very least, reserve your room; you can always cancel later.

Eagle-Viewing Boat Tours

Eagle-Viewing Boat Tours - February 7, 2009 - March 22, 2009 - See these breathtaking birds in their natural habitat. These guided boat tours, part of The Connecticut Audubon Society's EcoTravel Program, depart from Essex and travel along the Connecticut River. Trips depart Saturdays and Sundays at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. and, starting Feb. 19, on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Tickets are $40 and must be reserved in advance. Call (860) 767-0660.READ MORE >>

Thursday, February 12, 2009

ADVICE “What is the Focal Point in this Picture?”

From http://digital-photography-school.com/

Using Focal Points in Photography
Posted: 01 Feb 2009 01:07 PM PST

Next time you take your digital camera out and line it up for a shot pause before you press the shutter button and ask yourself:

“What is the Focal Point in this Picture?”

Some other ways to ask the same question might include - What is the central point of interest? What will draw the eye of the viewers of this picture? What in this image will make it stand out from others? What is my subject?

The reason a focal point is important is that when you look at an image your eye will generally need a ‘resting place’ or something of interest to really hold it. Without it you’ll find people will simply glance at your shots and then move on to the next one.

Once you’ve identified a point of interest or focal point you then should ask yourself how you can enhance it.

6 Techniques to Enhance the Focal Point in an Image

A focal point can be virtually anything ranging from a person, to a building, to a mountain, to a flower etc.
Obviously the more interesting the focal point the better - but there are other things you can do to enhance it’s power including:

Position - Place it in a prominent position - you might want to start with the rule of thirds for some ideas.

Focus - Learn to use Depth of Field to blur out other aspects in front or behind your focal point.

Blur - If you really want to get tricky you might want to play with slower shutter speeds if your main subject is still and things around it are moving.

Size - making your focal point large is not the only way to make it prominent - but it definitely can help.

Color - using contrasting colors can also be a way of setting your point of interest apart from it’s surroundings.
Shape - similarly contrasting shapes and textures can make a subject stand out - especially patterns that are repeated around a subject.

Keep in mind that a combination of above elements can work well together.

Lastly - don’t confuse the viewer with too many competing focal points which might overwhelm the main focal point. Secondary points of interest can be helpful to lead the eye but too many strong ones will just clutter and confuse.

Steven Colbert 'Nails' Amtrak on Air Over Photographer Arrest

Lisa – in case you could you use this on your Blog. – Rick

Steven Colbert 'Nails' Amtrak on Air Over Photographer Arrest

“Feb. 3, 2009 (Gothamist delivered by Newstex) -- Tackling an issue near and dear to photographers' hearts, Steven Colbert ran a segment (click here for video) last night about photographers getting "nailed" for the (non)crime of taking pictures in train stations. He follows the story of a deeply scary, cat-walking photographer who was arrested after shooting some "shiny" trains in New York's Penn Station. For his terrorist plot? No, for the Amtrak photography contest, of course. We're quite familiar with the story here in D.C., having covered in depth the confusion over which photography rules can be enforced and how at Union Station. We saw Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton hold a Congressional hearing on the unconstitutionality of those rules, and continued to watch as, unsurprisingly, nothing was done about it. Fox 5 got the irony award for getting hassled while reporting on illegal Hassling. For their part, Amtrak has somewhat toothlessly responded to stories like Duane Kerzic's arrest by promising to develop "new photography guidelines that will be posted on the carrier's Web site" and that "existing Amtrak police department guidelines are being reviewed and updated." Photography rights’ advocates should get a good chuckle over Colbert's piece. Maybe we should invite him to speak before Congress next time? Assuming congress members would, you know, get the joke.”

Thank you Rick for passing this along!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Highlight/Shadow Test

Ben Willmore's Highlight/Shadow Test

If you're looking for the Minimum Highlight and Maximum Shadow test mentioned in Photoshop User magazine, then you've come to the right place.
Click here to down load the 24K test image

If the image doesn't download from just clicking on the link above, then try Option-clicking the link if you're on a Mac, or right-clicking on it in Windows. In windows you should be presented with a menu that includes a choice that would download the image (but it might not be labeled download so experiment).

Once you've downloaded the test image, open it in Photoshop. If you're prompted with a Missing Profile dialog box, then choose the Assign working gray choice and click ok. If you do not get a Missing Profile warning, then choose Image>Mode>Assign Profile right after opening the file, choose the Working Gray option and click ok.

Next, print the file on the printer you'd like to test using the same printer settings that you use for all your grayscale images. Once it's printed look very closely at the result.

You're looking for the any hint of information showing up below the 1-10% gray markers. The lightest shade of gray that actually shows up on your printer is your minimum highlight dot.
Next, look at the dark areas below the 99-90% areas and look for the darkest area where you can see the slightest hint of a horizontal black line. That will indicate your maximum shadow dot for your printer and paper combination.

LIGHT ON THE EARTH

One of the best ways to improve as a nature photographer is to look at as many great images as you can; “Light on the Earth” is a great place to start studying.

LIGHT ON THE EARTH IN STOCK
After being back-ordered for a month, "Light on the Earth" is now back in stock. The book features winning images from 20 years of the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition. Art Morris' “Fire in the Mist” graces the book as the wrap-around cover art. I will gladly inscribe a copy for you. See here for details: http://www.birdsasart.com/books.html#Light%20on%20the%20Earth%20(Book).


How to Photograph Coastlines

from http://digital-photography-school.com/

How to Photograph Coastlines

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DigitalPhotographySchool/~3/ZwRt64mgnXo/photographing-coastlines

There are some great tips and some really inspiring photographs in this article!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

From Hunts

Hello Camera Club Friends,

We are certainly aware that the country is in a recession. Assuredly, Hunt’s is not! You may want to consider the following exciting upcoming events:

The Boston Travel Show February 21st & 22nd is being held at The World Trade Center in Boston.

For your purchases, Hunt’s will have on hand product from Sandisk, Canon, Sony, Olympus,
Casio, Walkstool, Hyperdrive, Pelican, LowePro, and Nikon. Visit boston.com/travelshow, click on “get tickets” and enter promotional code “HUNTS2009” to receive your free ticket, or contact Maria at extension 2340 to have your free ticket mailed to you.

Epson Print Academy February 28th will be in Boston. Currently seating is limited.
To sign up, go to the Hunt’s website. You will receive a 20% discount on your registration.
Hunt’s will be exhibiting and we look forward to you coming by. Products will be available for purchase.

John Shaw is coming to Boston March 14 & 15th where Hunt’s will be an exhibitor.
Go to www.photosafaris.com to sign up or call Debbie Richardson at 206.463.5383.

Hunt’s is exhibiting at PhotoShop World March 25-27th at the Hynes convention center in Boston. If you register prior to February 20th, Hunt’s is offering a $50.00 coupon toward the registration. Those members who have yet to receive this coupon should contact Maria at extension 2340 here at our flagship location.

SONY Digital Days on April 18-19th at the Hyatt Regency Suites in Boston is being held. Sony is offering a 25% discount when you visit www.DigitalDaysPhoto.com and enter the code HUNTS25 at checkout toward your registration. Hunt’s will be there selling Sony products!

Hunt’s has now partnered with BetterPhoto. Browse the website at www.betterphoto.com. Use the code BPHUNTSEVNT to receive a $20.00 discount. If you are interested in attending a class, contact Karen Orr at telephone 425.208.9367, Email Karen@betterphoto.com.

Hunt’s offers classes here at our flagship location. Hunt’s website will keep you informed of the current topics. Call 800-221-1830 extension 2360 for a Hunt’s associate to assist you with the details.
Should a specific classroom subject be of interest to you that Hunt’s has yet to conduct, please contact me directly.
When the Hunt’s classroom is not conducting a session, camera club members are welcome to use the classroom for their photo shoot and/or social meetings. Feel free to contact me with your request.

Regards,
Gary
Contact: Gary Farber, Vice President
Tel 800-221-1830 or 800-924-8682 ext. 2332 Fax 800-336-3841
Email digitalguygary@wbhunt.com

12 Tips for Photographing Stunning Sunsets

12 Tips for Photographing Stunning Sunsets

From: http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-photograph-sunrises-and-sunsets

No good travel photo album is complete without the token sunrise or sunset picture!’
Many travelers seem to live by this mantra - however most sunset and sunrise photographs that I see are quite disappointing.

They need not be - sunsets and sunrises are not that difficult to photograph!

Tips for Photographing Stunning Sunrises and Sunsets: read here http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-photograph-sunrises-and-sunsets

Think Ahead

Composition Techniques

Exposure Techniques

Other Sunset and Sunrise Tips

A Birthday Party for Charles Darwin

A Birthday Party for Charles Darwin
Thursday, February 12, at 4:45 pm
Yale Peabody Museum
FREE Admission

The Yale Peabody Museum’s celebration of the life and legacy of Charles Darwin begins on the 200th anniversary of his birth, and you’re invited! Birthday cake will be served.
Nature’s Narrators
The 2008–2009 John H. Ostrom Program Series
The “Discovery” of the Gorilla and How It Shook the World
By Robert McCracken Peck
Thursday, February 12 at 5:30 pm
Yale Peabody Museum
FREE Admission

In 1859, the very year Charles Darwin first published On the Origin of Species, a young French–American explorer named Paul Du Chaillu emerged from the jungles of Gabon, West Africa, with breathtaking accounts of large, ferocious primates. While the gorilla had been described scientifically in 1847, Du Chaillu provided the western world with the first descriptions of living gorillas in the wild.
In this fully illustrated lecture, naturalist and historian Robert McCracken Peck, Senior Fellow of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, will tell the fascinating story of the flamboyant and enigmatic Du Chaillu and the evolutionary firestorm his “discovery” ignited, tracing its enormous social repercussions from the 19th century to today. Peck will examine the explorer’s influence on Edgar Rice Burroughs (the creator of Tarzan), the propaganda campaigns of the First World War, and the making of the 1933 film King Kong and its later versions. Booksigning to follow.

Photo Safari at Lakota Wolf Preserve



Photo Safari at Lakota Wolf Preserve

When: Sat, March 28, 5:00am – 1:30pm

Where: 89 Mt. Pleasant rd. Columbia, NJ 07832 (map)

Description: Join us in the opportunity to view and photograph wolves of the Tundra, Arctic and Timber variety, up close and personal in their natural environment! Experience beautiful shots of not only wolves, but also bobcats and foxes. Don't forget about the breathtaking fall foliage! Tamron Lens Company will lend out long lenses for you to try out and shoot with. Other manufacturers will be there to let you try the latest equipment that is great for nature photography. Only $300/person, includes 2 hours of photography at Lakota Wolf Preserve. We will be meeting at the Syosset store at 5am in the morning on Saturday. There will be a few drivers that will be carpooling everyone there. You are more than welcome to meet us at Lakota Wolf Preserve but you must meet us there by 7:30am.

Monday, February 9, 2009

For Sale: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens

For Sale:
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras
Mint condition. The lens is only 2 1/2 months old. Comes with box, caps, and manual. Razor sharp. $435
If interested, contact Joan Balen at beadnik@yahoo.com, or call at 203-288-7065.

Butterfly Photographer's Handbook

Butterfly Photographer's Handbook
by William B. Folsom
Taking stunning photographs of butterflies involves an understanding of the butterfly and its behavior, technical knowledge of photography, good camera equipment, patience, and lots of practice. Fortunately, author and photographer William Folsom has done a lot of the hard work for you. http://www.amherstmedia.com/

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Gary W. Stanley -- One Day Workshop for Camera Clubs

One Day Workshop for Camera Clubs
Lead by: professional photographer Gary W. Stanley

Because so many of you have had me lecture at your photographic club or organization, I wish to extend to you an invitation to participate in an all-day outdoor photographic workshop designed specifically for your own camera club.

My proposal to you is this: when you schedule me for a typical one-hour slide-lecture program at your club, I will offer an all-day photographic workshop that following Saturday (any suitable date is also possible).

The advantage to you and your club is simple: You will have experienced one of my specialized teaching programs and will now have the opportunity to get hands-on instruction in the field with a working professional photographer. I won’t just show up and photograph, but instead, I will work with your people one-on-one sharing tips, advice and answering any questions that participants may have.

This workshop will help to instill the thoughts and ideas that I express in my lectures, so that folks will more likely retain the information that we talk about by experiencing things first-hand. This should prove to be even more beneficial than a standard club outing because of the professional help that I offer. I also believe that this would be a great aid in attracting the newer members of your club to get more actively involved.

With the economical limitations of money and time, these day-long programs make sense. Together we can arrange a location that is within a reasonable drive. It might be a favorite club location with photographic possibilities or one of mine.

My fee for a workshop of this nature is $100 per person up to ten, $85 a piece for ten or more. If you have ten or more sign-ups I will waive my lecture fee of $150 that I normally get for camera club one-hour lectures. I would like to keep the maximum number of sign-ups to fifteen as that keeps my assistant and me from being stretched too thin.

If you already have me on your schedule or are thinking of inviting me to your club to lecture, think about adding a day long workshop. You may also wish to organize a separate workshop at another time of the year. Why not give it a try!

Thanks
Gary
Gary W. Stanley
gary@light-chasers.com
www.light-chasers.com
781-599-0819
cell 781-249-3248

Lensbaby Composer Giveaway

A new post has just been made to PixelatedImage Blog:
http://www.pixelatedimage.com/blog/2009/02/lensbaby-composer-giveaway/
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Lensbaby Composer Giveaway
------------------
We're having so much fun with this whole "give stuff to my readers" thing that
we're doing it again. And by "we" I mean my sponsors because it's their
generosity that's behind this. All I do is beg them on your behalf. Lensbaby has
been chomping at the bit to do this with me but [...]
http://www.pixelatedimage.com/blog/2009/02/lensbaby-composer-giveaway/

Saturday, February 7, 2009

CPPA Convention Trade Show - Sunday, February 8th

CPPA Convention Trade Show - Sunday, February 8th

We have a great trade show coming on February 8th at The Crown Plaza in Cromwell….
We hope to see all of you there to support our vendors...Door Prizes during the trade show…Food will be available...You must be present to win!!!

For those who wish to sell old equipment and receive money for it…

You can see Used Camera Buyers...

Also a new vendor, Ken Supplies.


Hunts will be showing off their new products and The Mac Group, plus Liberty Photo Produces and Pro Photo Gear

Our labs - Natural Color Lab, White House Custom Colour, Lenzart, Century, LustreColor, Millers, Hallmark, Print Makers

Our Album Companies: Album Inc., Art Leather, Albums by Design

Pro Photo Connect (backgrounds) NEW: Virtual Backgrounds

Used Camera Buyer at CTPPA Sunday 2-8

Used Camera Buyer would like to welcome everyone to the CTPPA Trade Show! Turn your used camera gear into cash! Used Camera Buyer will be attending your CTPPA trade show on Feb. 8th, 2008 with our checkbook. Bring us your used or unwanted camera equipment and we will convert it to CASH.

We make selling it easy. We can also answer any questions that you may have toll free at 866-735-5444 x218 or email richard@usedcamerabuyer.com.

Used camera buyer will purchase all format film cameras, digital cameras, lenses, flash equipment and more. There's no need to bring backdrops, props, long roll cameras and darkroom equipment, regrettably we can not purchase these.

This is a perfect opportunity to get the NEW items you want at the show; we can write the check to your vendor. So dust off your Hasselblad, Mamiya, Canon, Nikon and Bronica and bring it to us, UsedCameraBuyer.Com at the show - see ya there!

Sell your used camera gear on Sunday 2-8

KEH.com will be attending the 2009 Connecticut PPA Trade Show on February 8th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell.

They will be buying Your Used Photographic Equipment On-Site !! They are currently paying top market prices on thousands of high-demand items. Cash in with KEH, then shop at the show !!

Friday, February 6, 2009

Epson 9800 printer For Sale

John Hill is selling an Epson 9800 44" printer. The printer is in full working condition and produced fabulous prints using Epson's K3 inkset. Included will be two extra high tension spindles for holding paper roles ($300 value) and the printer is loaded with nearly full 220 ml ink cartridges containing about $700 worth of ink. This printer regularly sells on ebay for between $3,000 and $3,700.

John is asking $2,200 for the printer, spindles and ink. Buyer would need to pick up the printer and transport it to their location.

John will include services to help the buyer set up the printer and will include 2-3 hours of custom training on fine art printing for the buyer at their location with the printer installed. Please call John at 203-545-6060 if interested.

John is also selling an Epson 4000 17" printer also full of about $500 worth of ink and will consider offers over $300.

How to Photograph a Sunrise

From http://digital-photography-school.com/

Read the article here: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DigitalPhotographySchool/~3/-Yc9wFzVyfw/how-to-photograph-a-sunrise



All from here:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DigitalPhotographySchool/~3/-Yc9wFzVyfw/how-to-photograph-a-sunrise

The alarm clock buzzes.
You crack an eye open and see the light blinking at you. 4:45am.

After a few moments, your groggy mind remembers why you set your alarm in the first place. You groan, and after another minute, roll out of bed.

You take a quick peek out the window. Still dark out. But it won’t be for long. You quickly dress in multiple layers, pulling out a pair of fingerless gloves and beanie cap. You pack a breakfast bar and thermos full of coffee. Then you double-check your equipment list:

By 5:00am, you are on your way out the door and headed out your driveway.

You know exactly where you are headed; peak about 20 minutes from your home. After unpacking your equipment, you face the Eastern horizon. Already the golden glow of the sun is beginning to appear. The fog is swirling around the base of the rolling green hills. You smile. It’s going to be a beautiful sunrise.

You place your camera on the tripod. Pause to confirm your settings:
read about the settings here: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DigitalPhotographySchool/~3/-Yc9wFzVyfw/how-to-photograph-a-sunrise

You start shooting into the sunrise, pressing the shutter every 30 seconds or so after evaluating your image. The colors begin to intensify. You like what you are getting, but soon, the sun has crested the hill on the horizon, and you stop. There has got to be something cooler to shoot.

You turn and look to the left, your breath catching in your throat. The sun is lighting the surrounding hills perfectly, and the fog is illuminated by the intense highlights. Quickly, you adjust your shutter speed and fire off a few shots. In just a few moments, you stare at your LCD screen. A smile spreads across your face. Got it.

Satisfied with the results of your sunrise shoot, you head back home. After a mid morning nap, you take the time to upload your pictures. Just as you hoped, that last shot fulfills all your expectations.

Buy a Canon 40D or 50D get a free printer

FREE is always good, but getting a high quality item for FREE is great. When you purchase a Canon EOS 40D or 50D DSLR this February, you can also purchase a Canon PIXMA MP980 printer FREE after mail-in rebates (a $300 value).

You know about the 40D and 50D, DSLRs with the speed and quality of high-end cameras—but at a price point that makes them accessible to everyone. Canon's PIXMA MP980 multi-function printer, however, is likely more unfamiliar. With a ChromaLife100+ 6-color ink system, the printer produces superb monochrome and color photographs. The MP980's high-resolution CCD scanner provides stunning digitization and reproduction.
To guarantee your MP980 is always available to print, built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity allows you to access the printer from anywhere in your home. Or plug your camera's memory card directly into the printer and edit on its 3.5" LCD display.
(If the printer is enticing but you're set on a DSLR, pick one up and you'll still get $100 back via mail-in rebate.)