Thursday, April 30, 2009

Montreal photo workshop

Montreal August 7-9, 2009 Mentors Rosanne Pennella & Mark Alberhasky

Travel with our mentors and try out all of the latest equipment from Nikon! Including world class digital SLRs, Nikkor lenses and the Coolpix line of Digital Cameras.

You may never have a greater opportunity to put a wild splash of color into your portfolio as when you visit the famous International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu. Hundreds of hot air balloons bursting with every hue and shade imaginable will take to the sky in a kaleidoscope of color that will be like eye candy to your camera. Photograph the balloons on the ground or in the air, in clusters or alone, soaring or sinking—every angle or moment that you choose at this festival is bound to be a winner.

You’ll get a true sense of Montreal’s roots when we visit the Vieux Port (also known as the Quays of the Old Port, or simply the Old Port of Montreal). French fur traders first used the locale as a trading post in 1611, and it has since become the social, economical and cultural heart of the city. The riverfront here is positively bustling with activities (cycling, rollerblading and boating) during the summer months, which makes for some great action photo ops against the city backdrop. The Montreal Clock Tower, built in 1919, is a remarkable structure and, if you’re willing to make the 192-step climb, it affords breathtaking views of the city.

Undoubtedly one of the city’s top attractions, the Montreal International Fireworks Competition pits countries from around the globe against each other in the largest pyrotechnics competition of its kind in the world. From a fantastic viewpoint in the city, your camera will witness all the exploding visuals caused by this event—fireworks unlike any you’ve seen before, all set against the backdrop of the bridges and buildings of Montreal.

The Montreal Botanical Garden, one of the world's largest and most renowned, will give you a chance to fill your flourishing summer season amid the Garden's collection of 22,000 plant species and cultivars, 10 exhibition greenhouses, and some thirty thematic gardens. You'll notice the reflection of the city's cultural diversity as you travel from the Chinese Garden to the heart of the Sonoran desert, then onto the tranquil oasis of the Japanese Garden to the classically landscaped French garden.What better way to get a “lensful” of Montreal than from aboard a boat cruise in the adjacent St. Lawrence River? You’ll be afforded magnificent views of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the city shoreline and the islands of Boucherville. Here is your chance to create stunning images of the Montreal skyline in all its glory.

Wrap up your journey at Mont Royal Park, Montreal’s most beloved park space that affords scenes of tranquil resident life and some of the best views of the city (its highest point is located here). By the time you leave Montreal, you’ll know you truly felt the “joie de vivre” of this vibrant metropolis, and the photos you take away will speak of the unique sights this amazing locale has to offer.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Japplis Photo Editor Offers More Than 100 Effects

From http://cameras.about.com/b/2009/04/21/japplis-photo-editor-offers-more-than-100-effects.htm A new Web-based Java software package from Japplis, called Japplis Online Effects, gives photographers an easy-to-use method for applying cool effects to their images for free.
The software gives photographers more than 100 effects, including blur, mirror (shown here), black and white, and superimposed text.

Bobbi Lane Workshops

To my friends who are members of the New England Camera Clubs, the Bobbi Lane Workshops grants a discount of 10% for any workshop!

Spring greetings! I hope you are all enjoying the beginning of spring flowers and warmer weather. Well, except those of you in So. Cal. with the 90+ degrees!

The Bobbi Lane Workshops are expanding to include some specially invited guest instructors. All of the teachers are professional photographers who are also excellent educators. Those of you who know me understand that I am only interested in providing the highest level of experience in the photo workshops, so I've hand-picked these people to lead workshops that will give you more options in photo education that just what I can teach!

The next one scheduled is Robert Meyer's Fashion and Beauty on May 2 and 3, at the Third Rail Studio in Fairfield, CT. http://www.bobbilane.com/Wrkshps_Fashion_and_Beauty.html
This exciting and highly energized workshop on fashion photography is a must have to refine your photographic vision. Robert will give you a solid foundation in lighting, enabling you to achieve your own style. He will show you lighting set-ups, styling tips and how to work to conceive the shot to help you accomplish the believable image. This information can easily be utilized in all your photographic endeavors. There is lots of shooting in this workshop with models in the studio and on location. Robert and I have taught together at UCLA Extension in LA, and here at ICP and he's a fantastic teacher.

Next up are two one day workshops with Carol Dragon.
Master Your Digital SLR May 9 in Wilton, CT.
http://www.bobbilane.com/Wrkshps_Mastering_Your_DSLR.html
Carol truly loves photography and she is great at inspiring and helping the emerging photographer grasp foundation skills and creativity, too! This one has lectures, demos and shooting time with her patient and caring supervision. Carol teaches at ICP, Gulf Photo Plus in Dubai, and in Italy.

Adobe Camera RAW is May 10 in Wilton, CT.
http://www.bobbilane.com/Wrkshps_Adobe_Camera_RAW.html
This workshop is for photographers at any level of experience and helps you find the power and depth of using ACR to process your images. RAW is far superior to JPEG and gives you a much greater control and quality to the digital file, so you can enhance the impact of your image!

The following weekend, May 16 and 17, there are two great instructors and workshops to pick from. First up is the talented and passionate photographer/educator David Wells with his incredible workshop, Light Studies, which explores the light and atmosphere of different places, held in Wilton, CT. http://www.bobbilane.com/Wrkshps_Light_Studies.html
The workshop consists of lectures, demos, lots of shooting time, critiques and examination of other Master Photographers' work. David has received Fulbright and other fellowships and is widely published and exhibited. David teaches everywhere! We met at the Maine Workshops and recognized each other's passion for education. Light Studies is his legendary class and this is a great opportunity to experience a fulfilling weekend with him.

The same weekend is the incredibly creative Pauline St. Denis teaching Wedding Photography at Third Rail Studios in Fairfield, CT.
http://www.bobbilane.com/Wrkshps_Wedding_Photography.html
Pauline shoots fashion and lifestyle for editorial, stock and advertising and brings all of those sensibilities to her wedding work. This workshop is about using all of your insight and techniques to tell the brilliant story of the wedding. She will show you a variety of lighting techniques, from studio to natural, portable flash to dragging the shutter, and how to capture the emotion and impact of a couple's magical day. The workshop will be lecture, demos and lots of shooting with models. Pauline and I worked together as portfolio reviewers at the Hallmark Institute of Photography and she's been teaching successful and fun one day workshops for B & H.

Next up is my all time favorite workshop, Portraits Unplugged, May 30 and 31 in Wilton, CT. (No, it's not Memorial Day, that's the weekend before!)
http://www.bobbilane.com/wkshop_bl_unplugged.html
We are learning to "see" the light,and how it defines and affects our subjects, using only natural light with windows, shade, backlighting and bounce. The only manipulation we do is with reflectors and diffusers, so this is not a "tech" class. It's about discovering the beauty of available light and how to place your subjects in it for the most flattering looks. I'll be showing images, doing demos and lots of shooting with models on both days. This is a great and fun workshop and the only other place I teach it is in Santa Fe as a week long. Don't miss it!

June 13 and 14 I'm proud to present the legendary Bill Sumner teaching Travel Photography in Wilton, CT. http://www.bobbilane.com/Wrkshps_Travel_Photography.html
Bill is one of the most brilliant photographers I know with a keen sense of color, design and story telling. This class is designed to help the photographer recreate the essence of visiting a new location with landscapes, people, and objects so that the visuals help bring the experience alive. Bill is a dynamic teacher and helps each individual find their personal voice and style in their photography. Bill was my mentor after photography school and has helped many emerging photographers on their path. This will truly be a memorable and rewarding weekend workshop!

I also want to remind you that I teach at other places, too! I have a workshop this weekend in Los Angeles at the Julia Dean Workshop, April 24-26. Portrait Lighting Intensive http://www.ssreg.com/juliadean/classes/classes.asp?courseid=9732&catid=1803
This is all about using the strobe lights in the studio to create flattering and effective portraits. We cover lighting techniques, posing and making images with meaning. There are still spaces available!

This summer I will be teaching at the Maine Workshops for two weeks, both designed for those with little or no lighting experience.
Studio Fundamentals is June 21-27 http://www.theworkshops.com/catalog/courses/coursepage.asp?CourseID=2296&SchoolID=20&CatID=193
Intro to Portraits in June 28 to July 4. http://www.theworkshops.com/catalog/courses/coursepage.asp?CourseID=2328&SchoolID=20&CatID=193

Mid July is a new venture, The CT Photo Workshops in Tunxis, CT July 12-18. I'm teaching Portraits: Studio and Location
http://tunxis.commnet.edu/ctphoto/index/courses/id,Portraits-Studio-and-Location/
These new workshops have something different to offer. Although you have one primary focus and instructor for the week, you will also get to experience some time with the other teachers in related fields. For example, you may have some time in the computer lab learning about skin retouching while taking my portrait workshop.

The last week of July, I'm happy to back in Santa Fe teaching People and Places, July 26-August 1. http://www.santafeworkshops.com/workshops/calendar-detail.php?workshop=360
This is a new workshop and we'll cover both landscape photography and portraits on location. The scenery around Santa Fe is outstanding with so many different types of landscapes. The same can be said for the people, with a wide range of personalities and talents. We will explore the area finding great spots and interesting people.

Also with Santa Fe I will be going to San Miguel De Allende Oct. 25 -Nov. 1 for the Mexican version of Portraits Unplugged!
http://www.santafeworkshops.com/workshops/calendar-detail.php?workshop=408
I'm so excited about this, both for the beautiful location and also that we will be there for Halloween/Day of the Dead! This is sure to be a blast!

I have the info for the new weekend photo workshops listed on the website with full descriptions of each. http://www.bobbilane.com/workshops.html

Whew, that's all for now. I'm working on getting the schedule for the rest of the summer. If you have suggestions for workshops you would like, drop me a line.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Take care and happy shooting!
Bobbi

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

Sunday, April 26, 2009

For sale Canon EOS 5D Digital SLR Camera Body

Please note the following item for sale:

Canon EOS 5D Digital SLR Camera Body, 12.8 Megapixels, Interchangeable Lens Camera
Price: $1,100
Includes:
* Camera body
* (2) BP-511A Lithium-Ion Batteries
* Battery Charger
* USB Cable
* Video Cable
* Body Cap
* Neck Strap
* EOS Digital Solutions CD-ROM
* User's Guide

If anyone is interested in upgrading to a Canon SLR camera with a full-frame sensor, the Canon EOS 5D has a proven reputation for excellent performance. This is an amazing camera that I have thoroughly enjoyed using and it has given me great results... While most SLR cameras on the market have sensors with a 'crop-factor,' a full-frame sensor is the same size as 35mm film,
allowing one to thereby take full advantage of lens optics. For example, a 28mm wide angle lens will work as a full 28mm lens, taking total advantage of its wide reach. For landscapes, architecture, portraits, macro images, and many other types of photography, this is certainly an attribute.
This camera presently sells new at $1,999 by Adorama and Amazon. Used models generally sell for between $1,200 and $1,800. My camera is in excellent condition and I am selling it for $1,100. I am interested in upgrading to the 5D MkII, thus the sale of my present model will help me to spend the extra bucks for the new model ($2,700).

If anyone is interested, please contact me at fellnervisions@sbcglobal.net or call me at:
office: 860-345-7558 (day) home: 860-873-1474 (night) George Fellner
www.georgefellnerphotography.com

P.S. The Canon EOS 5D Camera has the following features:
Full frame CMOS sensor offering 1:1 lens conversion and capturing detailed 12.8 Megapixel images
DiG!C II image processor for lightening quick response, low image noise with natural color
High speed 9-point wide-area AF and 3 fps continuous shooting for up to 60 frames in a burst
Super tough and light weight magnesium alloy body providing exceptional durability
Compatible with the range of over 50 Canon EF lenses and EX-series Speedlites
Complete Creative Control
35-zone metering with options including Evaluative, Partial, Spot and Center-weighted Average
Selectable ISO from 100-1600 with ISO expansion to ISO 50-3,200 via Custom Function
White Balance control including Auto, Preset, Custom, Color Temperature, Correction and Bracketing
Picture Style settings for simpler image color control & consistency offering 6 preset looks including Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful & Monochrome plus 3 User Defined settings
Advanced features
High speed 9-point AF with 6 additional Assist Points for even
greater high speed focus accuracy
High speed shutter with 1/8000 sec shutter speed and 1/200 sec flash synchronization
Critically accurate E-TTL II flash metering for high flash exposure consistency and accuracy
21 Custom Functions with 57 settings
Large 2.5 inch LCD monitor and USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface enabling high speed image transfer
Huge Range of Standard Accessories

theMentorBlog.net (free)

Buckeye Color Lab launches new professional level learning portal at theMentorBlog.net.

Buckeye Color Lab expands its educational resources with their new professional level learning portal at www.theMentorBlog.net.

TheMentorBlog.net is a free website that features six of the country's top professional photographers who share new insights each week on what and how they are shooting client jobs to stay as profitable as possible.

This refreshing new resource is updated weekly and features fresh posts from an all-star team of photo talent including:
Children and family photographer AUDREY WOULARD,
Portrait, editorial, and wedding photographer TAMARA LACKEY,
Studio business and marketing expert ANN MONTEITH,
Wedding, family and seniors photographer GREG SCHRADER,
• Photo Marketing expert CAROL ANDREWS,
Successful studio management educator SUSAN ROWE,

Steve Troup, CEO of Buckeye Color and the creator of this new concept explains "Each author brings a variety of talents to the site and is encouraged to post an item of interest on whatever they happen to be doing that week. It's a great way to share how photographers of all disciplines are keeping their businesses growing no matter what the economic climate is."

theMentorBlog.net is online now, proving to be unusually popular with thousands of hits each day, and is open to everyone.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

photo ops for May and June

Wow, thanks Warren for compiling this!

Hi Everyone,
Here's a list of some photo ops for May and June. I'm going to try this format for a while, it seems if I get too far ahead, they get forgotten. As before, it's always a good idea to check ahead and make sure the event is going on.

May 2 Earth Day whale watch, Whale Center of New England, Gloucester, MA 8am-4pm
May 3 Milford Duck Race, Milford, CT
May 16 Antique Car Show, Shoreline Trolley Museum, East Haven, CT 10am-4pm
May 16-17 Annual Kite Festival, Hammonasset State Park hours?
May 16-17 St Gregory's Medieval Festival featuring Paragon Jousting, Danbury, CT 12-6pm
June 7 4-C's Car Show, New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks, CT 10am-4pm
June 13 Comvec military vehicle collectors show, Chester, CT
June 13 5th Annual CT Open House Day Various events across the state
June 20 White Farm Open House, Litchfield, CT
June 20-21 Annual Elizabeth Park Rose Weekend Festival, Hartford, CT
June 21 Open Cockpit Day, New England Air Museum
June 27 Pageant of Trolley Cars, Shoreline Trolley Museum, East Haven, CT
June 27-28 Quonset point Airshow featuring both the Blue Angels and the Snowbirds, Quonset, RI

That should keep folks busy......
Warren Disbrow

Save 30% on Lightroom when Purchased with Photoshop »

Whether you run your own studio and/or lab, freelance, or just experiment in your free hours... time is money. It's why Adobe has made an already efficient system even more efficient in integrating Lightroom and Photoshop.

And right now when you purchase Lightroom 2 and Photoshop CS4 together (complete or upgrade versions), Adobe is taking 30% off your Lightroom purchase instantly.
From LightroomUse Lightroom as your command center and manage thousands of images simply and efficiently. Apply as many (or few) searchable organization methods as you want (flagging, color-coding, rating, keywords, collections). Precisely control printing, web gallery creation, and file exporting. Within the intuitive Develop module, apply non-destructive color corrections and selective editing.

To PhotoshopWhen a photo needs intensive care, send it directly into the Photoshop CS4 interface. There, utilize impressive tools to perfect your images: combine images into panoramas, merge them for High Dynamic Range, use Content Aware Scaling to automatically recompose photos as you resize them. CS4 also offers a streamlined, manipulable workspace and is optimized for speedy operation.

And BackComplete your editing and seamlessly place your work back into the Lightroom workflow, where you'll be able to tweak the final image for production or simply stow for easy access later.
Save 30% on Lightroom when Purchased with Photoshop »

Friday, April 24, 2009

Bosque New Mexico, Sandhill Cranes and White Sands

Bosque New Mexico, Sandhill Cranes and White Sands

This year I will leading two Photography and two APTATS Photoshop Workshops at Bosque. With 5 years of experience leading and co-leading workshops at Bosque, I can make sure that you maximize your opportunities in the field and then learn to produce high quality image files in Photoshop.

Bosque Photography Workshop 1: December 4-6, 2009 Bosque Del Apache New Mexico 3 days, $999, limit 6.

Bosque Photography Workshop 2: December 7-9, 2009 Bosque Del Apache New Mexico 3 days, $999, limit 6.

Please follow the links above for more information.

Photography topics will include flight photography techniques, how to maximize sharpness in your images, techniques to minimize digital noise in your images, lighting, creative imaging, equipment set up, and in the field long lens techniques and more. The workshop includes one classroom session daily.

White Sands Photography Workshop: December 10-11, 2009 White Sands NM, New Mexico 2 days, $599, limit 6.

This landscape workshop will cover wide angle, normal and short telephoto landscape techniques in depth. We will be entering White Sands NM early and will be leaving later with special permission. This workshop starts directly after the Bosque workshop on the 7-9 of December.

Please follow this link for a more available workshop information: 2009 workshop schedule available here

Email me for more information at http://us.mc539.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Robert@RobertOToolePhotography.com or call 310.619.8017.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

New Pano Greeting Card


New Pano Greeting Card
53lb. Premium Gloss is now available in Red River's unique Pano Greeting Card size. Turn your favorite landscape and wide angle shots into custom note card creations for under $1.00 each. Have a unique vertical shot? Make it into a attention getting vertical pano card.


photo scavenger hunt April 25th

What is Film Speed?

Film Speed is an unusual photo scavenger hunt. Players are given a list of topics, a disposable camera and a map of Westville Village in New Haven. You have up to four hours to creatively interpret the topics and return your camera to complete your entry.How does it work?In the gallery you will receive your camera, map, location of the meeting points and first twelve of the twenty four topics! The topics remain secret until you receive them at each of the meeting points! April 25th

Meeting points are located within the Village area and are easy to get to on bike or by foot. One exposure per topic, presented in the order listed must be turned in at the last meeting point by 4pm that day.

Points are given for the most creative interpretation of the topics, shooting all of the topics and in the order they are given, over-all interpretation of the 24 topics and speed of getting to the meeting points, checking in, and reaching the finish line to complete your entry.Who may play?Photography enthusiasts, pros and all are welcome!Individual player, $25

Groups of one adult and child under 10, $25 Additional children may join your team for $5 each

Groups of two adults is $30

The entry fee covers one disposable camera, map, developing and 4x6 prints and negatives that are yours to keep and lunch courtesy of Jennifer Jane Gallery 838 Whalley AveSuite B, West Rock Ave EntranceWestville Village, New Haven 06515http://www.JenniferJaneGallery.com

iPhone apps for photographers

Jennifer Wills on http://www.creativepro.com/ compiled a handy list of iPhone apps for photographers. Check out the complete story here: creativepro.com/article/iphone-apps-photographers

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Wind Over Wings Spring Aviary Tours this weekend

Dear Friends, This is a reminder for our Spring Aviary Tours this weekend. The weather is forecast to be beautiful both days. We're looking forward to seeing you there!

Wind Over Wings is delighted to announce our upcoming Spring Open House and Aviary Tours.
Please mark your calendars to visit Wind Over Wings April 25th or 26th! Looking forward to seeing you once again this year.

Wind Over Wings

Spring Open House & Aviary Tours! Don't miss this year's Spring Aviary Tours!
Stop by to meet Sassy our Screech Owl, visit your favorite raptor, and enjoy some light refreshments. No reservations needed.

Tours this year are at the following times:
Saturday, April 25th and Sunday, April 26th from 1-4pm

Tour donations this year are: Adults $7.00 Children 2-18 years $5.00
Proceeds are used for the care and feeding of the birds

Directions to Wind Over Wings for Aviary Tours

Coming on I-95:
Take exit 64 (Horse Hill Road/Route 145).If you are coming from the New Haven direction, turn right at the end of the exit. If you are coming from the New London direction, turn left at the end of the exit. Directly ahead of you will be a blinking, red light. Turn right (Route 145 turns with you.) Go 1.5 miles. On your right will be a sign reading, "Shoreline Gardens". *Turn DIRECTLY INTO their driveway. We share their driveway. Go up the hill, into the private drive. Pass a house with a long fence. You will see Hope Douglas' log cabin and the Wind Over Wings' sign as well as the aviaries.
Coming from Route 9:
Take exit 9 (Route 81) and turn right. Continue for about 15 miles, passing over I-95 to the light at Routes 81 and Route 1 (Main Street). Turn left. Pass the light at the Clinton Post Office. At the second light (Route 145) turn left. Go .25 of a mile. On your left will be a sign reading "Shoreline Gardens". See * above.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Rotate your Brushes in Photoshop

From: http://best-photoshop-tutorials.blogspot.com/

Rotate your Brushes in Photoshop
This post will enlighten you on how to change the angle of any brush in the Brushes palette quickly and easily in Photoshop. Before I discovered this method, I used to rotate my layer to get the desired effect of some designed-for-corner brushes in Photoshop. For instance, the brush below is designed for the lower right corner of your canvas.

Rad the rest, with photos, here: http://best-photoshop-tutorials.blogspot.com/2009/04/rotate-your-brushes-in-photoshop.html

How To Read An Image Histogram In Photoshop

From http://www.photoshoproadmap.com/

How To Read An Image Histogram In Photoshop
Histograms are one of the most valuable tools we have when editing or restoring images, and knowing how to read a histogram is an essential skill for anyone who's serious about the quality of their photos. Learn what histograms can tell us about our images and how to use them to easily spot potential problems.

Read the article here: How To Read An Image Histogram In Photoshop

Monday, April 20, 2009

Smush Those Images for the Web

Smush Those Images
Even in the world of broadband, images online should be as small in file size as possible. They mean faster page loading for your visitors -- and thus less chance they'll get impatient and leave -- and less bandwidth used by your site -- which equates to lower hosting bills. Photoshop, Illustrator, and Fireworks can all compress images during export to Web formats JPG, GIF, and PNG. However, Smush.It can really downsize things. Stoyan Stefanov and Nicole Sullivan of the Exceptional Performance team at Yahoo! created this Web-based, open-source image optimizer.
Upload your Web-ready images and watch as Smush.It wrings every last drop of space from them, or use a browser bookmarklet to send an entire page of images to Smush.It. Seconds later you'll be presented with the results of the compression, showing how many unneeded bytes were wrung out, and given the chance to download all the newly compressed images in a ZIP archive. Watch out for file format changes, though; Smush.It likes to change GIF to PNG when doing so can save space. http://smushit.com/

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Wireless flash tutorials with Scott Kelby...

download a pdf from Nikon called "Fast Track to Wireless Speedlights".

Taken from: http://weeklyphototips.blogspot.com/

Wireless flash tutorials with Scott Kelby...
Actually it's with Scott Kelby AND Matt Kloskowski as well as guest appearances in all three episodes by Joe McNally.
Over on DtownTV they recently did a 3 part series on wireless flash using the Nikon SB-600, SB-800, and the new SB-900.
In Part one they cover how to set up a flash for wireless operation, tips from Joe, and how to trigger a wireless flash with your camera.
Part two goes over setting up channels on your SB800 and SB900 flashes, Joe’s SB900 tip is on using the flash zoom, and a demo on using flash groups with multiple flashes.
In the final episode (aka part 3) wraps up the series with SB800 and SB900 accessories, Joe’s tip on using IC Filters, and extending your flash use with battery packs.

Free Laptop Skin! with canvas purchase

Free Laptop Skin!Just order a 16 x 20 canvas or larger and get a free skin with a photo of your choice printed on it.

Free Laptop Skin at Picture It On Canvas with order! We're offering a couple of sweet deals over the next few days.Everybody that orders a 16 x 20 canvas print or larger will get a free, repositionable laptop skin at no charge. Some may not be familiar with this term 'skin.' A laptop skin is vinyl or paper sticker that goes on the cover of your laptop. These skins come in two popular sizes and we'll contact you to determine the size you want and the picture you want printed. The picture on the skin does NOT have to be the same image used on the canvas.These skins will retail for $25 so this is a terrific deal.To make the deal a little sweeter, all those that order prior to Midnight Sunday March 15th, we'll take 15% off your entire order. This 15% is in addition to any other coupon you may use. Professional Photographers get 25% off our already low prices so with this added 15%, you're getting 40% off!Please see the fine print below.

To order, go to www.pictureitoncanvas.com and checkout. During checkout, enter your dealer coupon code to get the 25% off. If you don't have one, write us at
custserv@pictureitoncanvas.com and we'll set you up (if qualified). Enter a second coupon code of "skin" (without the quotes) and we'll subtract another 15% plus send you a free skin printed with a picture of your choice.After Sunday night, entering "skin" will get you a free skin but it won't get you the additional 15% discount.Here's the fine print:1. Laptop skins come in two popular sizes and may not fit your laptop perfectly. You may have to cut/trim the edges.2. Laptop skins may ship separately.3. Laptop skins are sent free on all orders for a 16 x 20 canvas or larger.4. Gift certificates (the ones you paid money to receive) may be used on this offer but canvas credit gift certificates (the ones we sent you for free) cannot be used.5. Additional 15% discount will be given through Midnight, Sunday March 15th, 2009. The 15% discount will not apply to canvas prints larger than 750 square inches.6. After Sunday, March 15th, free skins will continue to be sent upon entering coupon code "skin." The promotion will end at some point but that date has not yet been set.

Thanks!
Bob McKeonPicture It On Canvas

Saturday, April 18, 2009

2 Day Lighting Workshop + From RAW to WOW!

Red River is please to again be a sponsor for: 2 Day Lighting Workshop + From RAW to WOW! 1 Day WorkshopStart your new season with a hands-on Workshop!JVS & Anne's 2 Day Lighting Workshop will show you how to make small strobes look big along with hands-on shooting (yes, you will be shooting) in 10+ lighting scenarios!Explore the world of artificial light with JVS through multiple demonstrations and in studio learning. You will learn how to effectively use your own strobes, modify your strobes and have the chance to shoot with AlienBees monolights.New for 2009 is the From RAW to WOW! 1 Day Workshop on April 16th.From RAW to WOW! will teach you the importance of a calibrated monitor and color managed workflow, RAW conversion and working with the Totally Rad actions. JVS and Anne will also present live printing demonstrations with Red River inkjet papers.JVS Workshops are open to all professional photographer’s, including studios in the DFW area.For more information please visit http://www.jvspictures.com/2day

Workshop Light Studies: The Light and Atmosphere of Place

http://www.rmsp.com/
Light Studies: The Light and Atmosphere of Place
6/20/2009-6/26/2009

Where We Go: As a photographer, light can be both friend and foe. It can make an ordinary scene extraordinary. Light can also change without warning, and take the mood of the moment with it. David teaches you to manage and manipulate light so you can use it to your advantage in any situation. For six days in June, you explore the town of Missoula, Montana and create powerful images of everyday scenes that transform as the surrounding light changes. You photograph unique window displays in downtown Missoula, learn to emphasize shadows while at Caras Park on the banks of the Clark Fork River, and heighten your awareness of reflections in order to add dimension to your photographs.

What You Learn: David begins by using his own body of work to illustrate how light can be manipulated to achieve a desired effect. Midday lectures cover topics such as how to gauge the quality and direction of light, color temperature and how it affects your camera settings, and how to accentuate an object with flash. During daily field assignments when the light is at its best, you practice the topics covered in class and receive one-on-one attention from David. Critique sessions provide valuable feedback, allowing you to refine your technique and hone your awareness of light.

Who Should Attend: You should be comfortable with the manual exposure operation of your camera. Both digital images and 35 mm slides can be critiqued.

This workshop begins Saturday at 7 p.m. and ends Friday at noon.

see more workshops: http://www.rmsp.com/

Friday, April 17, 2009

Making sharp images of birds in flight

Taken from Robert@RobertOToolePhotography.com
Making sharp images of birds in flight

Sharpness is one of the main topics that I cover in my photography workshops. There are many factors that will effect sharpness but I teach that none is as important as a proper shutter speed. For the best and most consistently sharp images I teach workshop participants to use manual metering mode for consistency. Then when setting shutter speed and aperture I teach an unusual but extremely effective method. This is that you set your shutter speed and aperture as required first (in manual mode) then you use your ISO settings to give you the proper exposure based on the camera meter. Shutter speed requirements really depend on many factors but I recommend at least 1/1250th or a second for a Bald Eagle in flight and 1/1600 to 1/2000th as optimum. For a smaller flying bird such as a duck I recommend at least 1/2000 and up depending on the situation. There are many factors that effect sharpness but space is too limited here to go into more detail. Attending a workshop is the perfect place to learn and improve your photography since you have the chance to apply new techniques in the field and see the results right away. One of my main goals in leading workshops is for my participants to leave with new skills and fine tuned techniques for making consistently sharper images.

please send an Email or Phone: (+1) 310.619.8017 or visit my Website: RobertOToolePhotography.com for more information.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

St Augustine Alligator Farm Photography Workshop

St Augustine Alligator Farm Photography Workshop May 2009
If you have never been to the Alligator Farm you wont believe what you are missing. If you have been there before a workshop at SAAF is the perfect place to fine tune your bird photography skills. The SAAF is one of my favorite places in Florida for bird photography especially birds nesting, birds with young and birds in flight. You wont believe the opportunities here and can seem unreal for the first time visitor so don't miss out. This place is the perfect location for a workshop due to the amount of tame birds, a great location and very helpful and friendly park staff. This workshop will have two leaders to provide plenty of personal instruction for all participants. I am leading this joint workshop with Robert Amoruso. Please see the updated links below for more information.

SAAF Photography workshop, May 7-10, 2009 3 1/2 DAYS: $999. Limit 13

Please following the links above for more information, or email: Robert@RobertOToolePhotography.com

Download the Workshop Brochure: http://www.wildscapeimages.biz/storage/PIW/2009-SAAF-PIW.pdf.

Download the 5-page Workshop FAQ: http://www.wildscapeimages.biz/storage/PIW/2009-SAAF-PIW-FAQ.pdf.

Don't be disappointed, contact me ASAP by phone or email if you would like to secure a spot.
Also see my 2009 workshop schedule available here
e-mail: Robert@RobertOToolePhotography.com Phone: 310 619 8017

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Free Automatic Photo Collage Maker

Shape Collage -- Free Automatic Photo Collage Maker

I found out about this collage maker from Jodi Friedman from MCP Actions (which are awesome).

Shape Collage Features
Automatic, fast, and easy
Create picture collages in less than a minute with just a few mouse clicks
Photos are automatically and intelligently placed using a machine learning algorithm
Use photos on your computer or from the web to make collages


Any shape
Make collages in any imaginable shape or form. Rectangle, heart, circle, letters, or even draw your own shape! More examples

You're in control
Adjust the collage size, size of the photos, number of photos, and spacing between photos
Change the background, the colour of the border, and more
Save as JPEG, PNG, or Photoshop PSD

If you don't like the collage, save it as a PSD and edit it yourself in Adobe Photoshop or GIMP!

Free with no catches

Cross-platform and free for personal use with no ads, viruses, spyware, stds, trial periods, or watermarks.
Download Free Automatic Photo Collage Maker here: Shape Collage

www.carlheilman.com workshops and tours

This is just a quick note to let everyone know I now have full information up for all of the new workshops and photo tours we scheduled for 2009 - and have also revsied the previous listings to reflect the current class structure. Also since we have not had response to the 5 day Acadia workshop, we have cancelled that for this year and will look forward to presenting that again in 2010.
Please check out the new and revised listings at http://www.carlheilman.com/photo-workshops.html .
Feel free to contact us with any questions! www.carlheilman.com
Thanks!
Carl
www.carlheilman.com
www.naturepanoramas.com
Phone (518)-494-3072
Mon - Fri 9 - 5 Eastern Time

Monday, April 13, 2009

Sale on Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 Ultimate

From: http://weeklyphototips.blogspot.com/

Best Buy is having a big sale on Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 Ultimate this week (ending Saturday April 18th), you can get it for only $49 (instead of the regular price of $99).Not only do you get it at a great price, they are also throwing in a 2GB thumb drive.

Follow this link to find a BestBuy near you.

35 Free Photo Podcasts

From http://www.redriverpaper.com/blog/2009/04/35-free-photo-podcasts.html

35 Free Photo Podcasts

The Ultimate List of Free Photography PodcastsThese podcasts are not numbered as they are not in any particular order. The list only contains currently active photography podcasts that I listen to through iTunes or on my iPhone - and some that have just come to my attention
Click here- From cameratown.com via imaginginsider.com

PHOTOSHOP CS4 Basics & Beyond

Jonathan Kingston -- Photoshop CS4, Bridge, ACR 5!
PHOTOSHOP CS4 Basics & Beyond

Jonathan will show you Photoshop CS4 from the ground up with a professional photographer's perspective. Perfect for beginners to pros who need an in-depth knowledge of CS4. This unique training begins with an explanation of light and digital sensors, and how these affect your images. Then, learn methods for sorting and archiving your images that are best practices, taught in an easy to follow style. Optimize your images in Bridge, Camera Raw and Photoshop quickly and efficiently. Finally, process and print your images with predictability and control.
More info and purchase >>

Introducing Meeting in a Box

Calling ALL Camera Clubs - PPA Guilds - Photo Groups
Introducing Meeting in a Box

Add something special to an upcoming meeting by requesting the Red River Paper MEETING IN A BOX. This new program is designed to provide your club or group with resources, meeting content, and even door prizes!

What's in the Box?
Your members will have a chance to pass around prints on different types of photo inkjet paper, learn more about the media and printing techniques, and receive a special offer from Red River Paper.
Sample prints and greeting cards
Door prizes - boxes of paper and gift certificates
A copy of Inkjet Essentials info handout
A flyer with a special offer for each attendee
Meeting guide for the presiding officer

Request Your Meeting In a Box (M.I.B.)
Please ask your group PRESIDENT or MEETING COORDINATOR to fill out this form. We will contact them to schedule delivery of your M.I.B.

The Meeting In a Box is available for any camera club, PPA guild, or other organized photo enthusiast group. One M.I.B per group per year. More details will be sent to your group representative upon signup.

M.I.B. is currently scheduling meetings starting in June and will put your group on the calendar on a first come first serve basis. Details on the M.I.B. web page.

My name is Jillian Reynolds and I am the lab manager at Ross Imaging Center in Hamden, CT. I was contacting you in hopes of establishing a partenership with your camera club. We have had New Haven Camera Club members visit our shop in the past and would like to invite more of you to do so, now that we have recently remodeled our location. We would like to offer members a discounted rate on all of our in-house work. I'm hoping that an announcement could be made online and/or in your meetings, including a link on your club webpage. We have a state-wide customer base and would be happy to assist as a valuable local resource. You can visit us at www.ctprints.com and please feel free to contact me with any further questions, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (203)281-6996. We look forwad to working with you. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Jillian Reynolds
Lab Manager
Ross Imaging Center
3000 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
(203)281-6996
www.ctprints.com

Up to 83% Off Photography Magazines

Amazon is offering Up to 83% Off Photography Magazines

Outdoor Photographer Reg price $65.89 Amazon $10.98
Popular Photography & Imaging Reg price $54.00 Amazon $14.00
Shutterbug Reg price $47.88 Amazon $12.00
American Photo Reg price $29.94 Amazon $12.95
PCPhoto Reg price $44.91 Amazon $11.97
Digital Photo Pro Reg price $35.94 Amazon $24.97
B&W: Black & White Magazine Reg price $63.60 Amazon $35.00
Photo Techniques Reg price $41.93 Amazon $27.99

Shop all magazine subscription deals

ActionFx

For a limited time you may join ActionFx for a full year (new memberships, extensions and renewals) with a 20% discount. Simply click the banner above and enter the following Coupon Code at the bottom of the order form:CD82569CBC

Enter this code on the bottom of the Order page after you click the banner above.

New LEPP web seminars

Can't travel to Ca, try these...

Essentials Adobe Camera RAW2 part session25 students per session
Session 1: Monday April 13, 2009
Session 2: Wednesday April 15th
4-6pm and then again at 7-9pm
$39.95 for both sessionsRegister

Adobe® Photoshop Lightroom™ Library Module 2 part session25 students per session
Session 1: Tuesday April 14th
Session 2: Thursday April 16th4-6pm and then again at 7-9pm
$39.95 for both sessions Register

Adobe® Photoshop Lightroom™ Develop Module 2 part session25 students per session
Session 1: Monday April 20th
Session 2: Tuesday April 21th 4-6pm and then again at 7-9pm
$39.95 for both sessions Register

Adobe™ Photoshop Output Sharpening
Monday April 27th4-6pm and then again at 7-9pm $19.95 Register

The above sessions will have 2 times available per day. These times are to accomodate West Coast and East Coast participants.

Each seminar is from 4-6pm and then again at 7-9pm. These times are Pacific Daylight Times. We suggest that West Coast participants take the later times to help accomodate the Eastern and international participants.

David Ziser Digital Wake Up Call 2009

Wedding Photographer David Ziser is conducting a new seminar “Digital Wake Up Call 2009 - A New Dawn” in 58 locations this year. One will be held in Hartford Oct. 6, 2009 from 6 to 10 pm. A mini trade show will begin at 5 pm. Normally $79, NECCC members can use the discount code DWCAFF09 to receive a $20 discount. However, readers of the publication Professional Photographer can use the discount code DWCPPA09 to get $30 off. Note that there is a misprint in PP magazine that shows the cost as being $40 less than it actually is. Register at http://www.digitalwakeupcall.com. Included are door prizes, a two-hour DVD, a one-year membership to WPPI, and more.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

homemade ring flash

Lisa, check out this neat homemade ring flash… cool stuff! I want to try this…

http://www.fring.we.bs/

Michael Landry

Interesting this same concept was on a Blog that I follow: Raid the Kitchen to Build a DIY Ring Flash

A ring flash can be a very useful piece of kit. The light is flat and even, and beloved of fashion and portrait photographers alike. The problem is that, like all photographic equipment, they cost a fortune. Even an adapter, essentially a light-bending tube with no electronics, will cost around $300. So, why not make your own? That’s what Manzin of the Digital Photography School forums did, and the result is above. Essentially free (if you raid the kitchen), the adapter is made of two plastic bowls, one big and one small. The gap between them is filled with aluminum foil and the flash is fired in from the side. You won’t get the efficiency of a dedicated adapter — that foil will eat some of the light — but for a quick and dirty projects it’s perfect. Just make sure you don’t use mom’s favorite Tupperware. How to Make a DIY Ring Flash [Digital Photography School]

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Photographer's Photoshop CS4 Companion eBook

The complete Photographer's Photoshop CS4 Companion eBook is here (remarkably ahead of schedule)! I thoroughly enjoyed creating this 839-page eBook and hope that it inspires you with countless ideas and techniques for crafting your photographic masterpieces. Experience 75 extraordinary topics (13 or which are brand new) designed exclusively for photographers. The Photoshop CS4 Companion is completely printable and compatible with both Macs and PCs. In addition to the eBook, you receive 96 colorful sample images and three extremely valuable actions.

To purchase your copy or download a free PDF excerpt, please visit http://www.msjphotography.com/.
Three Compelling Reasons to Purchase the Photographer's Photoshop CS4 Companion

1. This eBook is a tremendous opportunity to get your hands on all of my best Photoshop tips and techniques in one place. It's quite possible that this is the finest collection of Photoshop techniques for photographers on the planet.

2. Twenty percent of the eBook material is brand new. All other topics are completely updated for Photoshop CS4.

3. Unlike other Photoshop books for photographers, the Photoshop CS4 Companion includes an approachable, comprehensive, easy-to-understand Workflow that provides a framework for all of the other content. In addition, there are 74 illustrated topics that demonstrate techniques ranging from practical (writing an action, understanding Smart Objects, combining exposures to extend tonal latitude) to creative (fine art black and white, soft-glow montage, simulating a Lensbaby) to brand new (improving a landscape with Content-Aware Scaling, focus blending, painting with light, multiple-exposure impressionism). For a complete list of the eBook contents, visit my bookstore.

Still not convinced?
Why not download one of my free PDF excerpts and see for yourself? Consider your purchase a contribution to help support all of the outstanding free educational content available on my site.
With gratitude!
Mark

Introduction to Lightroom

Digital Darkroom"Introduction to Lightroom (Lesson 1, Part 2b)" by Marti JeffersContinuing with the First Introduction to Lightroom Lesson One, Part 2, Marti Jeffers takes the viewer through the process of importing images into Lightroom from a travel hard... [Read More]

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Have you ever reated a sleeveface photo????

http://www.sleeveface.com/

Sleeveface -- one or more persons obscuring or augmenting any part of their body or bodies with record sleeve(s) causing an illusion...

There is even a book...The Sleeveface book is jampacked with over 200 Sleeveface images picked from around the world.

Watch How To Sleeveface, the instructional video.

Silver Efex Pro for Lightroom 2.3.

The free update to Silver Efex Pro installs as a plug-in for Lightroom 2.3.
Nik Software announced that Silver Efex Pro, its popular digital photographic plug-in offering the most advanced, complete, and straightforward black-and-white solution, is now available for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.3 and higher. The update is available now as a free download to current owners of Silver Efex Pro. Silver Efex Pro installs as a plug-in for Lightroom 2.3, itself a free update from earlier versions and available for download.

Photoshop Templates & Design Essentials

We'd like to offer you the opportunity for two promotions:30% off any product of your choice.....

Log on to GraphicAuthority.com

Add any product to the shipping cart
Enter coupon code april30 at checkout
Finish the checkout process
Sale ends Saturday 4-29-09 at midnight EST.

50% off Seniors Sports & Portraits template set for books, cards and marketing pieces
Log on to http://graphicauthority.com/products/senior-templates-one.html
Add Seniors Sports and Portraits to your cart
Enter april50 at check out
Sale ends Saturday 4-29-09 at midnight EST.

CS4 eSeminar Series for Professional Photographers

This series is designed for professional photographers and photography enthusiasts. Join one of these free eSeminars. Adobe software experts will demonstrate and explore the new Adobe® Photoshop® CS4 and Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 2. This free eSeminar series is specifically designed to help professionals who use photography and digital imaging in their work.

Getting started with Adobe® Photoshop Lightroom® 2

Thursday, April 9, 2009 10:00 A.M. PT Thursday, May 7, 2009 10:00 A.M. PT Learn more ways to pursue your passion for Photography with Lightroom 2 software. In this demonstration you’ll how to use Lightroom to create amazing results from every shot and also import, manage and share your photographs using a simple, intuitive and yet powerful tool

Adobe® Photoshop® CS4 for photography

Thursday, April 23, 2009 10:00 A.M. PT Learn about the top 10 NEW features relevant to Photographers in Adobe® Photoshop® CS4 software. This demonstration will highlight the more intuitive user experience, greater editing freedom, and significant productivity enhancements included in Photoshop® CS4 that help you achieve desired effects more efficiently.

Adobe Photoshop CS4 + Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 – The pro photo solution

Thursday, May 14, 2009 10:00 A.M. PT Learn how Adobe® Photoshop® CS4 and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom® 2 software work together so you can efficiently manage thousands of images. In this session discover how using Lightroom 2 for developing images, together with Adobe Photoshop CS4 for retouching, provide digital photographers with the complete and essential photography software toolkit. Adobe’s product experts will showcase a complete software solution for importing, processing, managing, and showcasing your images, as well as pixel-level editing and compositing. Register now.

Digital Days photography classes

Upcoming Workshops

Boston, MA April 18 & 19
New York, NY May 16 & 17

Pricing: Saturday$69; Sunday$99; Both days$139

Learn the Basics Pricing: $69 1:00-5:00pm

Inspiration, Fun, Cool things you can do with Photography

Digital Fundamentals

  • Learn about all the necessary digital photography techniques and terms, from scene modes, manual modes, ISO and depth of field, and everything in-between
  • Learn how the fundamental settings affect the shot you want to get
  • This session builds a strong foundation of digital photo knowledge
  • Taking Better Pictures
  • Explore composition and subject
  • Different shooting styles from landscape to macro
  • After the shot
  • Get familiar with a basic digital workflow
  • Learn some editing tricks
  • Printing and sharing options!
  • Create calendars and postcards. And so much more!
  • Plus a Live Q&A!

Beyond the Basics Pricing: $99 9:00-5:00pm

Here’s how to make great pictures, and what to do with them

Expanding the Fundamentals

  • Brief review from Day 1
  • Examine light & composition, subject, color & movement
  • Advanced camera functions
  • Exposure modes
  • Analyzing the histogram
  • Live Shooting
  • Live model shoot! Lighting is set up and we have several model stations
  • Our instructors are available throughout the shoot to answer your questions
  • Image Critique
  • Various attendee images from the model shoot are critiqued live by our instructors
  • Digital Workstation/Workflow
  • How to organize your workstation/color calibration
  • Build a foundation of digital organizational techniques
  • Tagging, metadata, etc...
  • Advanced Editing
  • Color Management
  • Skin Tone
  • Digital Darkroom
  • Plus a Live Q & A!

How to Remove Haze from Landscape Photos

How to Remove Haze from Landscape Photos
This photoshop tutorial will show you how to remove that annoying haze that usually occurs in long distance landscape photos. This will help improve the clarity of your photos.

Out of bounds photo effect in Photoshop

Out of bounds photo effect in Photoshop
Learn how to create the cool Out of Bounds Photo effect with this beginner friendly Adobe Photoshop tutorial.

Paint a sky with fluffy clouds and sunrays

The Photoshop Roadmap News
Paint a sky with fluffy clouds and sunrays
learn how to create an illustration of a sky with fluffy clouds and sunrays in Adobe Photoshop

REGISTER 64th annual NECCC Photography Conference


The 64th annual NECCC Photography Conference will be held on the campus of the University of Massachusetts on Friday through Sunday, July 10 - 12, 2009. UMass is located in Amherst, MA conveniently off I-91.
► The 2009 Conference Preview is here!
Register Online at the Univ. of Mass. website
► See the list of of area hotels

Yale Peabody Museum

Wednesday, April 15 at 7:00 PM “Voices For The Birds”
With Scott Weidensaul Free Admission, refreshments servedYale Peabody Museum Auditorium
This renowned naturalist and researcher has authored more than two dozen books on natural history, including the Pulitzer Prize-nominated ‘Living on the Wind’, ‘Return to Wild America: A Yearlong Search for the Continent's Natural Soul’ and his newest book, ‘Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding’.

Weidensaul bands hawks each fall and directs a major effort to study the movements of northern saw-whet owls, one of the smallest and least-understood raptors in North America. Most recently, he has joined a continental effort to understand the rapid evolution, by several species of western hummingbirds, of a new migratory route and wintering range in the East.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Nikon D90 DSLR [REVIEW]

Nikon D90 DSLR [REVIEW]
by Barrie Smith

Read more: Nikon D90 DSLR [REVIEW]

Oregon Coast

Oregon Coast June 4-7, 2009 Mentors Reed Hoffmann & Steve Simon View trek PDF

Travel with our mentors and try out all of the latest equipment from Nikon! Including world class digital SLRs, Nikkor lenses and the Coolpix line of Digital Cameras.

Follow Nikon professional photographers Reed Hoffmann and Steve Simon as they lead you along Oregon’s rich and rugged coastline, a remarkable stretch of terrain ranging from rocky cliffs to evergreen woods to desert-like dunes and sandy beaches. A slice of America truly unique in its offering of dynamic landscapes and wildlife, the Oregon Coast will allow you to capture stunning scenery that will enhance your portfolio beyond measure.

After meeting with your mentors in Portland, we’ll depart for the coast and start near Cannon Beach, a locale renowned for its forested headlands and soaring monoliths. Traversing through Ecola State Park, you’ll photograph picturesque vistas, the Tillamook Lighthouse and surfers along Indian Beach. Arcadia Beach and Hug Point offer such photos ops as tide pools, majestic sand and rock structures. At sunset, photograph Haystack Rock, the 235-ft famous landmark home to an abundance of marine life.

Let the morning light enhance your photos of Cape Meares State Park. Walk along the ocean bluffs to the Lighthouse for a fantastic lookout. Whether the waves are dramatically crashing or softly lapping against the cliffside, you are sure to capture a gorgeous portrait of this quaint edifice. Travel on the nearby paths for another unique photo op—the eerily shaped “Octopus Tree”, a giant spruce with tentacle-like branches reaching toward the sky. Indian lore has it that the tree was morphed into this unlikely shape during its youth when it was used to hold the chief family’s canoes. Enormous Sea Stacks, rocky coves and waterfalls are just a few of the other sights you will want to fill your frame with while in this area.

Next head to Tillamook Bay. Visit the harbor where fishing boats launch and the rugged mountains meet the coastal plains. Experience this scenic sandy peninsula to photograph the many birds that frequent the estuary. Experience the late afternoon light on the famous Three Arch Rocks near Oceanside. To finish up a day of spectacular sights, stop along the coast to capture the sunset along the miles of sandy beachscape. Capture a silhouette of the horseback rider as the sun goes below the horizon.

Start your next day photographing from the overlook on Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain, which juts 1600 feet above the beach and provides magnificent views of Manzanita Beach, the Nehalem Bay Area and - on a clear day - all the way to Rockaway Beach. Point your zoom lens out towards the sea and you may even capture seals, egrets and heron among the jetty in their natural habitat.

Everywhere you turn along the Oregon Coastline is a breathtaking viewpoint and impressive sight to see. Sign up today for a trek that is sure to open your lens to an array of unforgettable photo ops!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

20 DSLR Questions You Were Afraid to Ask

20 DSLR Questions You Were Afraid to Ask

PopPhoto.com
We answer your most burning photo queries, once and for all
By Popular Photography Staff Posted March 23, 2009

questions like...
Sensor size or number of megapixels—which matters more?
What’s better, digital or optical image stabilization?
What’s the difference between Automatic and Program mode?
What’s with “equivalent” focal lengths?
Why do you sometimes call a 50mm lens a 75mm equivalent?
What makes one lens “faster” than another?
Why should I buy a telephoto lens when I can just put a teleconverter on my kit zoom?
What’s the difference between evaluative, centerweighted, and spotmetering?
How do I tell how far my flash will reach?
Does it harm flash cards to reformat them frequently?
Why would I need a monitor calibrator?

Read the answers to these and more here: 20 DSLR Questions You Were Afraid to Ask

Monday, April 6, 2009

Perspective by Guy Tal

This article reminds me of a recent motivation by another photographer Rod Evans "Photography is more than a two dimensional media to me, if done well you can capture a beautiful part of a persons soul." . I was at a PPSNYS photo conference this past weekend, and he had us do an exercise. He had us spend 15 seconds looking all around the room noticing and memorizing everything brown. Then he had us close our eyes and asked us to recall everything green that we saw in the room. His point, if you only pay attention to the brown "doodoo" then that is all that you will notice, not the wonderful green all around. Even in this present economy he said, if we fester on the 8% unemployment rather than the 92% employment then that is all we will see and it will bring us down. This article by Guy Tal sends a similar message.

Stack the Odds in your Favor

On any day one may be discouraged by any number of things. Worries about the future, known or unknown may chase away sleep and comfort and peace of mind. Time may be consumed by earning a living, raising a family, or wasted away in wait. But, the bare essentials of life are there to behold. Always.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

NAPP Releases New CS4 Watermark Panel

Not a NAPP member, you should be! Join here http://www.photoshopuser.com/?aid=wjqany

NAPP Releases New CS4 Watermark Panel

During yesterday’s opening keynote, we released a special CS4 Watermark Panel created just for NAPP members (shown above) that lets you add a custom watermark to your photos automatically, and it even includes a batch processing option that lets you apply a watermark to an entire folder of images automatically. If you’re a NAPP member, you can download this free Member Exclusive panel from the member’s website. Not a NAPP member, you should be! Join here http://www.photoshopuser.com/?aid=wjqany

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Read Blog within CS4

From Scott Kelby...

OK gang, as promised, here’s the cool secret thing: Today I’m releasing a free custom Photoshop CS4 panel that lets you get the RSS feed for this blog, “The Photoshop Insider” right inside Photoshop CS4 in its own separate panel (so it’s just like any other panel [formerly known as palettes], inside Photoshop).

http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2009/archives/3879

The ability to add your own custom panels to Photoshop is new in CS4, and it came in the form of a free utility called “The Configurator” which lets you customize and extend Photoshop in some amazing ways.

To read the rest and get the download visit http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2009/archives/3879

Friday, April 3, 2009

Rick Sammon's new plugin website

Rick Sammon has a new website with plugin examples, photographer portfolios using plugins, etc. Check it out: http://www.pluginexperience.com/Home.html

Special Discounts!
  • Nik Software: 15% off (standard products) if you use this code: RSAMMON
  • onOne software: 15% off if you use this code upon checkout: ricksammon
  • HDRsoft: 15% off if you use this code upon checkout: ricksammon
  • Lucis Art3: $50 off if you use this code upon checkout: ricksammon
  • Lucis Pro 6.0: $70 off if you use this code upon checkout: ricksammon

Free Lessons from onOnesoftware

Free Lessons from Nik Software

Free Lessons from Topaz Adjust

Free Lessons from Alien Skin Software

Nik color efex for lightroom (free upgrade)

Each of the Nik plug-ins is being updated to support Adobe® Lightroom™ 2. Color Efex Pro™ 3.0 Complete Edition for Lightroom is our latest. If you already own Color Efex Pro, it's a FREE update.

We're also pleased to announce a special, limited time price reduction on Viveza, now $100 off - just $149.95! Viveza supports Photoshop, Elements, Lightroom, and Aperture for one low price.

Lastly, if you're looking for tips about how to use Nik Software products, sign up for our new educational webinars. Plus, check out the fine Portrait Lighting on Location DVD from Tony Corbell and several professional photography workshops coming to a city near you.

OPW "Caution: Photographer at Work" Tshirt

OPW Wear! OPW "Caution: Photographer at Work" T- Shirt


Don't get us wrong, we love to talk to people about our photography gear and the wildlife and scenery we photograph. But for some reason, the big lenses seem to draw out the same comments and questions time and again. So we put our heads together and put the answers to all those questions on a t-shirt. The back features our FAQ, the front left breast features the OPW logo. Stone washed green, Preshrunk 50/50 cotton/poly.Perfect for in the field, or as a gift for your favorite photographer! Click here for more information or to purchase

Lensbaby Composer

We’ve been trying out the Lensbaby Composer lately: it’s an odd little lens that gives you a moveable area of sharp focus, surrounded by a dreamy halo of blurriness.

We put our test shots up here in case you guys wanna see ‘em.

After knocking around with it for a few weeks, here’s what we think:

To read the The Good and The Bad: http://photojojo.com/content/buy-this/lensbaby-composer-review/

Conclusion: If we got stranded on a desert island with only one lens, we might make it this one. It’s light, versatile, sharp (when you want it to be) and really fun to use.

The Lensbaby Composer
http://www.lensbaby.com/lenses-composer.php

Thursday, April 2, 2009

photo ops

THANKS Warren for compiling this and sending it along!

I'm going to try this for a while, if no one likes it, let me know so I don't waste alot of time. I've compiled a list of possible photo ops from various sources. Before you go, you would be advised to check and see if these are really happening. I assume no responsibility for accuracy of the list.

April
25-26 Meriden Daffodil Festival
25-26 Wind Over Wings Spring open house

May
2 Earth Day Whale Watch- All day trip from Gloucester Ma, contact Whale Center of New England for details and reservations
16 Shoreline Trolley Museum Antique Car Show
16-17 Hammonasset Kite Festival

More coming for June and the rest of the summer/fall...Warren Disbrow

Mimicking a Polarizing Filter in Photoshop

Not a NAPP member? Join here: http://www.photoshopuser.com/?aid=wjqany
There are MANY perks! including FREE shipping at B&H

http://www.photoshopuser.com/members/?page=view&id=mimicking-a-polarizing-filter

By Mark S. Johnson

This technique is written for Photoshop CS4, but can easily be accomplished in prior versions using a few workarounds.

A polarizing filter is used in the field to darken blue skies and reduce glare and reflections on subjects. By reducing glare and reflections, subjects appear more saturated. A polarizing filter performs best when the sun is directly to the right or left of the photographer—in other words, when the sun is at a 90-degree angle to the subject. Whenever possible, use one of these filters in the field and don’t rely on Photoshop to darken blue skies and remove glare and reflections.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to use Photoshop to mimic a polarizing filter, fortunately there’s a quick and simple Selective Color adjustment layer solution that does a great job of darkening and saturating blue skies. This method also makes it possible to darken and saturate water, which gives the appearance of reduced glare. The same principle that applies to skies and water also applies to darkening and saturating subjects such as damp autumn foliage. When it comes to removing actual reflections (rather than just glare), you enter the realm of retouching in Photoshop. I’ll save that tutorial for another day. Better still, if your goal is to make a reflection disappear, break out that polarizing filter while you’re in the field.

http://www.photoshopuser.com/members/?page=view&id=mimicking-a-polarizing-filter

Not a NAPP member? Join here: http://www.photoshopuser.com/?aid=wjqany
There are MANY perks! including FREE shipping at B&H

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Excellent photographer MIGUEL LASA

Check these out...Gary


For those who think they can fish, here's a real fisherman. click on the link below, sit back, and enjoy the slide show. http://www.miguellasa.com/photos/sspopup.mg?AlbumID=1001578

Winner of Creative Visions of Nature of the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year 08.
On the cover of the BBC Wildlife Magazine Porfolio of the exhibition.
His awards: http://www.miguellasa.com/gallery/694632_bhTbM#407867901_5o2Yx
His website: http://www.miguellasa.com/
His Blog: http://miguellasa.blogspot.com/

FREE SHIPPING on all Wacom Intuos4 Tablets!

Lisa's note: If you use photoshop and do not own a Wacom GET ONE! They are awesome!!

New Wacom Intuos4 Professional Pen Tablet!
Breakthrough Design Improves Workflow, Boosts Productivity!

"Wacom totally nailed it with the Intuos4 and it has already changed the way I work in Adobe Photoshop," said Scott Kelby

$199 ~ SMALL 24 sq/in
$349 ~ MEDIUM 48.5 sq/in
$469 ~ LARGE 102.5 sq/in
$789 ~ X LARGE 218.4 sq/in

For A Limited Time - FREE SHIPPING on all Wacom Intuos4 Tablets!*
*through 4/15/09 via ground service