Monday, February 28, 2011

Pat Brundage -- Artist Reception March 3rd

Please join Pat Brundage at her Artists' Reception March 3rd 5-7pm
Case Memorial Library
176 Tyler City Road
Orange, CT

Photographs by Denise Saldaña -- Art in the Hallway Gallery

I hope you can join me at an Opening Reception, on


Friday, March 4th, 5 to 7 pm, at Art in the Hallway Gallery,

300 George St., New Haven.

Flower

Photographs by Denise Saldaña

Welcome to denisesaldana.com http://www.denisesaldana.com/

March 4 to April 14

Denise Saldaña Photography

Website: http://www.denisesaldana.com/
 

Sunday, February 27, 2011

ToonIt!

ToonIt! Photo is a reliable, easy way to give photographs, still images and video frames that sought-after cartoon look. ToonIt for Photoshop uses advanced algorithms to process your image and create cartoon shading and outlines. ToonIt! excels at preserving the features and expressions in human faces and figures, including small details like hair, hands and clothing. This Photoshop cartooning plugin free you from time consuming techniques like hand painting, and allow precise control over styles, shading and outlines.


Learn more
Try Photoshop demo

ToonIt!™ Photo — Cartoon Effects Plugin for Photoshop.


Finally! An easy way to give your photos that sought-after cartoon look. ToonIt! Photo uses Toonamation technology to process your image and create cartoon effects like shading and lines. This Adobe Photoshop cartoon plugin frees you from time consuming techniques like rotoscoping and hand painting.
An easy-to-use interface and custom controls give you unlimited flexibility. Pre-made combinations of cartoon settings get you started quickly. No other cartooning solution produces such good results, especially with faces and figures. Let's see how it works.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

The clock's ticking - you now have 22 days left to enter the 2011 Competition!


• enter online - visit our website for rules, digital guidelines and categories

• entry fee for the Adult Competition is £20

• entry to the Young Competition is free

• the Competition closes on 18 March (00.00 GMT)

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Milford Fine Arts Council -- Photographic Expo 2011

Milford Fine Arts Council -- Photographic Expo 2011

A photo exhibit & sale

Milford, CT
Center for the Arts
40 Railroad Avenue South, Milford, CT 06460 878-6647

March 2 - March 25, 2011

Print Receiving -- Sat., Feb. 26 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Snow Date Feb. 27)

Viewing & Sale Hours

March 2 - March 25 -- Wed., Thurs. & Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Reception & Awards Ceremony -- Sat., March 12 7-9 p.m.

Print Pick Up -- Sat., March 26 10 a.m.-2 p.m.


Resting with Whip
Tom Cuchara
Photo Expo 2010 Best in Show

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Canon registered 2,543 new patents in 2010

Canon registered 2,543 new patents in 2010


This is a 15% increase from 2009, making Canon the fourth-largest US patent filer in the world. For 18 years, Canon has been in the top 5.

Gear Guard from Gary Fong

Gear Guard from Gary Fong

Gary Fong Inc. has entered a new photographic space with the launch of its GearGuard line. Known for its array of lighting accessories, Gary Fong designed the GearGuard line in response to an ongoing snatch-and-grab threat faced by professional and amateur photographers.


The GearGuard Lens Lock is the first-ever locking lens cap. Simply put the cap on your camera, rotate the outer knob so that the lock loops overlap, and the cap is secured. Run a cable or lock through it (not included, but sold separately by clicking here)

You can now secure many lenses and cameras together, and even lock the items to a sturdy object to deter theft. Our locking lens cap is similar in cost to a replacement lens cap. Order your Canon and Nikon gear guard at Gary Fong


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r1ym5p6ciQ&feature=player_embedded


Tuesday, February 22, 2011

The Histogram Is Your Best Friend

Perfect Exposure

The Histogram Is Your Best Friend

by Steve Bedell

There are three things that constitute a "perfect" digital file. Perfect exposure, accurate white balance, and a controlled brightness range. In this article, we're going to focus on the first—perfect exposure. And in the process, we're going to spend a lot of time giving you a much better understanding of just what those spiky graphs on the back of your camera mean.

Get The Full Story

Monday, February 21, 2011

Fall Colors with Adam Jones

White Mountains Fall Splendor, N.H.


October 5-9, 2011

Group Size: Limited to 12 (Two Instructors)

Workshop Fee: $900.00 per person

I know most of us our still in the icy grip of winter and fall colors seem far away. Once summer begins winding down, I immediately start thinking of fall colors, and my favorite location is the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This is an area I have explored several times with my good friend Robyn Bright. She is an excellent photographer/instructor who knows the area even better than I. We are teaming up to offer a great photo experience in one of the most beautiful locations in North America for autumn foliage. We’ll create stunning images along the Kancamagus Hwy, up north to Franconia Notch, and Conway, exploring our creativity among the leaves, rivers, waterfalls, ponds, and covered bridges. This workshop is for all skill levels and does require some light walking. Fall in the White Mountains is truly a photographer’s paradise, offering colorful landscapes and countless opportunities to explore small details. This workshop is scheduled to offer the best all around opportunities the fall season has to offer.

We’ll headquarter our workshop at the Kancamagus Motor Lodge, in Lincoln, N.H. We have a space large enough for critiques, reviewing new images, and lessons when the light is not suitable for great images.

This workshop features two instructors that know the White Mountains well and enjoy teaching: Adam Jones and Robyn Bright.

Tour Cost: $900.00 is for the workshop only. Food, lodging, and transportation is not included.

This workshop is expected to fill quickly, let us know immediately if you wish to confirm your reservation. A 500.00 deposit check payable to Adam Jones is required to confirm your reservation.

Deposit checks should be mailed to:
Adam Jones
6814 Clore Lake Road
Crestwood, KY 40014

Please e-mail for more information: adam@adamjonesphoto.com

Sunday, February 20, 2011

February 22nd Candlewood Camera Club photographing birds your backyard

The Candlewood Camera Club will host at its next meeting Steve Wronker. The meeting will be Tuesday, February 22nd beginning at 7:30. Steve is a successful entertainer and photographer. Steve has presented at many local camera clubs over the last few years, sharing his success in photographing birds in his back yard. In his program he promises to share many of his photographs as well as some of the secrets and techniques used in convincing birds to appear, pose and stay while he photographs them. This will be an excellent program.


All, members and visitors, are welcome to join us. Directions to the Club meeting venue can be found on the Candlewood Camera Club Blog.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

NECCC Honors

March 1st is fast approaching. This is the deadline for NECCC Honors which will be given out at this year's NECCC Conference, July 15-17, 2011.

Please visit the NECCC web at http://www.neccc.org/ for further information. All information should be sent to Olive Weingart, APSA, HonNEC, 130 Gillette Road, New Hartford, CT 06057-2822 or email omweingart@sbcglobal.net.

Thanks,
Ollie

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Courtesy Enrollment NECCC

Courtesy Enrollment

● Receive a complimentary conference registration!

The New England Camera Club Council, Inc. invites each NECCC member camera club to select one of their camera club members to receive free registration to the next annual NECCC conference, held at U-Mass, Amherst, Mass. on July 16-18, 2010. The complimentary registration gives the person submitted by your club all the learning experiences, photo opportunities and inspirational programs that go along with the conference. Please note that the enrollment covers only the registration fee. The recipient will be responsible for his or her own room, meals and transportation.

Rules governing the courtesy enrollment

1. Candidates must be at least eighteen years of age as of July 1, 2010

2. A candidate must be a member of an NECCC member club in good standing (i.e. club dues paid for the current year).

3. Candidates must have never attended a previous NECCC conference.

4. Selection of the candidates will be the responsibility of the individual clubs.

5. Applications may be made by email to the club president with the same information. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline April 15, 2010.

6. The application cannot be transferred to another person. Once someone has been submitted, accepted, and has received their key paper work, that person must register for the conference. If he or she cannot attend, another person cannot take his or her place. The club’s courtesy enrollment for that year will be forfeited.

7. NECCC’s decision in all matters relating to this courtesy enrollment will be final.

For 2010 we would like to receive all applications by email.

Simply email us: 1:The club name, city & state
2: President’s or Rep’s name, address, phone no. & email address
3: The candidate’s name, address, phone no. & email address

Email all information to s.jmosser@comcast.net by April 15, 2010. Accepted candidates will be contacted by May 1, 2010, with further registration information.

Upon acceptance recipient will be supplied with a special registration form to complete and mail in, (do not use standard form).

We do not register the recipient

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Montana: The Photographic Beauty of Glacier National Park week long photography workshop

Hi Lisa,


Thank you again for posting my Acadia workshop on your blog last summer. There were at least two participants that signed up because they heard about it through your blog!

I will be working with John Galluzzo and the Mass Audubon Society again this summer. We will be headed to Glacier National Park in Montana for a week long photography tour! We will photograph the majestic Rocky Mountains, roaring waterfalls, glacial lakes, wildlife, and the famous Going to the Sun Road. We will also visit the Blackfeet Indian Reservation to learn about their culture and art. Even spending one night in a tipi!

I would be honored if you would post this workshop on your blog. I have attached a flyer that you may post or use for reference.

Thank you again for all of your help!

Sincerely,
Greg Lessard

Join my photography tour to Glacier National Park in Montana! http://greglessardphotography.com/-/greglessardphotography/wildcard2.asp
Visit my web site at http://greglessardphotography.com/-/greglessardphotography/
 
Glacier National Park July 30-August 6, 2011


Join me for a week long photography workshop to Glacier National Park in Montana from July 30- August 6. This tour is in conjunction with John Galluzzo and the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Glacier National Park is considered by many to be the crown jewel of the national park system. It has also been nicknamed as "The Alps of the West."

We will visit the true West, photographing the best of what this magnificent park has to offer: majestic mountains, rushing rivers, placid lakes, wildlife and awe inspiring scenery. Glacier is a photographer's paradise, with a variety of opportunities for creating beautiful images. In addition to being driven to many of the parks highlights, we will do some short and easy hikes that will reward your efforts with stunning scenery. Throughout the trip I will offer lots of photography advice and teach you how to make truly outstanding images of the park. John will help us spot wildlife and educate us about the natural history of Glacier. Some of the wildlife we may encounter include: mountain goats, marmots, Columbian ground squirrels and over 250 species of birds. Glacier is also home to more grizzly bears than any other place in the lower 48. (Hopefully we will be able to spot some grizzlies from a safe distance.)

In addition to enjoying the splendor of Glacier, we will travel to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, where we will learn about their art and culture. We will also spend a night camping in teepees on the Great Plains!

John Muir was in awe of Glacier and its beauty. He wrote "Wander here a whole summer, if you can. Thousands of God's wild blessings will search you and soak you as if you were a sponge, and the big days will go uncounted. If you are business-tangled, and so burdened with duty that only weeks can be got out of the heavy laden year, then go to the Flathead Reserve; for it is easily and quickly reached by the Great Northern Railroad. Get off the track at Belton Station (Glacier National Park), and in a few minutes you will find yourself in the midst of what you are sure to say is the best care-killing scenery on the continent - beautiful lakes derived straight from glaciers, lofty mountains steeped in lovely nemophila-blue skies and clad with forests and glaciers, mossy fern waterfalls in their hollows, nameless and numberless, and meadowy gardens abounding in the best of everything ...."

If you are ready for an unforgettable, once in a lifetime adventure, sign up for this outstanding photography trip today! You can call the Mass Audubon Society at (781) 837 9400. For more details, read the excerpt below from the Mass Audubon website.

Montana: The Photographic Beauty of Glacier National Park

Adult Trip

Program Location: Montana

Leaders: John Galluzzo, Adult Education Coordinator, South Shore Sanctuaries; Greg Lessard, Photographer

Fee: $1,575 m / $1,750 nm

Dates: July 30, 2011-August 6, 2011

Fresh from their triumphant journey to Cadillac Mountain, Otter Cliffs and the majesty of Maine's Acadia National Park, photographer Greg Lessard and our own John Galluzzo are set to move west, to capture the natural beauty of Glacier National Park. Our seven-day tour through the park will feature visits to Lake MacDonald and St. Mary's Falls, a run up the Going to the Sun Road and to the Blackfeet Tipi Village. We'll seek sunrises, sunsets, mountains, mustangs, the great wild mammals of the west and hundreds of species of birds and wildflowers. The trip price includes lodging, ground transportation, some meals, a boat trip on Swiftcurrent Lake and photography instruction from Greg. Contact us for a full itinerary!

Instructions and Directions: Single supplement available for $390.

For more information: Please contact North River Audubon Sanctuary, Marshfield, MA at 781-837-9400 or e-mail southshore@massaudubon.org

Monday, February 14, 2011

Chester 21st Annual Winter Carnivale

Chester 21st Annual Winter Carnivale


Feb 20
Sun 10:00 AM Description

WHEN: Sunday,February 20th, snow or shine

TIME: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Downtown Chester

ADMISSION: Free.

Street performers, chili cookoff, tractor parade.

Ice carving competition will take place from 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

in the parking lot behind 4 Water Street with judging shortly after. Spectators may vote for their favorite sculpture to win the  "People's Choice Award."

It's a pretty little town nestled in hills with cute shops and a waterfall. Nice photo ops.

Spring arrives on March 20th, that is only 34 days away!

Spring arrives on March 20th -- only 34 days to go!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

“CAPTURING THE WORLD IN MOTION” FREE

THE PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB OF LOWER FAIRFIELD COUNTY

Presents

Dan Burns

“CAPTURING THE WORLD IN MOTION”

The Photography Club of Lower Fairfield County invites you to hear renowned photographer Dan Burns share his love of photography through stories behind his stunning work.

Dan Burns is probably most well known for his successful career as a sports photographer including shooting for the National Football League and capturing the on-field play of the New York Giants. However, in his extensive work he has also photographed car races, dancers, athletes, and actors. Most recently his focus has turned to nature and wildlife photography. Seems like an unusually diverse career? Not so, says Dan, because photographing all of these subjects has one thing in common: they are all subjects in motion. In his words below:

“Most would call me a sports photographer but that would be unfair to aviators, wildlife, dancers and actors I’ve worked with over the years. Sports represents only about 50% of my work. It is the movement of an athlete, a racecar traveling at close to 200 mph, a military aircraft traveling at the speed of sound, an eagle soaring in search of food, or a shuttle traveling at a few thousand miles per hour that captivates my interest. How do I tell a compelling story with just one image? That is always the quest. So I define my professional self as someone whose interest is in motion and how to tell a story in one frame. Most folk’s nerves become unraveled when they’re asked to photograph anything that is moving. I guess I’ve always been a bit odd in that way. For me it’s just the opposite…the faster something moves the calmer I become.”

Free, Open to the Public

Wednesday, February 16th, 7:30pm

Stamford Government Center

Franklin Auditorium, 2nd Floor

888 Washington Blvd.

Stamford, CT 06901

For more information visit our website at www.pclfc.com or contact David Henkel DHFore@hotmail.com

GREATER LYNN INTERNATIONAL COLOR DUAL PROJECTION EXHIBITION.

Greater Lynn Photographic Association


YOU ARE INVITED

The Greater Lynn Photographic Association
invites all photographers everywhere
to submit color slides or digital images to the

GREATER LYNN INTERNATIONAL COLOR DUAL PROJECTION EXHIBITION.

All phases of the exhibition will be conducted in accordance with the recommended practices of
• PSA The Photographic Society of America
• FIAP Federation Internationale de l'Art Photographique 2011/029
• CAPA Canadian Association for Photographic Art
• IIWF Interessengemeinschaft Internationaler Wettbewerbs-Fotografen 2011/20

There is no restriction on subject matter.

For instructions and entry form, please click to visit our website

Closing Date is February 17, 2011

Susan Mosser, Chairman s.jmosser@comcast.net

Saturday, February 12, 2011

50 Amazing Photoshop Blogs

50 Amazing Photoshop Blogs

We're living in a brand new, Photoshopped world. Visit a checkout aisle in any grocery store in the country, and you'll find a wealth of magazine cover shots that seem a bit too primped, too thin, and too bronzed to be believed. Our obsession with perfecting reality has led to a boom in the usage of the Photoshop technology everywhere; but there's a good deal of fun and artistry to be had with the software as well. Here are the best fifty blogs on the subject that we've culled from the Web. Click around, and magnify your favorites.

Source: http://www.guidetoartschools.com/library/best-photoshop-blogs#ixzz1BdQKqxWe

Friday, February 11, 2011

Break the Rules, Break Your Rules

From John Paul Caponigro


Free Yourself

Break the Rules, Break Your Rules

Free yourself. List all of the rules of photography. And break them - systematically. If you do this, you’ll develop a better understanding of the medium. Then, list all of your rules of photography. And break them - systematically. You’ll find either confirmation that what you’re doing is right for you or you’ll make new breakthroughs.

Start breaking the rules now! Read my PDF Breaking the Rules here.

Awareness brings choice. More choices leads to better choices. Better choices leads to better results.

Be Versatile
Try New Things, Learn New Skills

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Artist Talk for Imaginary Realms

To My Friends & Colleagues,


We had a fantastic Opening Reception on Friday night for my Imaginary Realms show at eo art lab. I'm estimating that well over 60 people attended. Many thanks to everyone who came to the gallery and shared in the experience. I know that some of you came from Massachusetts and from throughout Connecticut. I certainly appreciate everyone’s interest, support, and enthusiasm.

I also do realize that not everyone can make it to these events. And…., some of you live quite distant in places such as Canada, Arizona, Alaska, California, Florida, Hawaii, and numerous other far-off places…

So…., my wife Heidi wound up using her little video camera for my artist talk. She missed the first 2 minutes…but got the rest of it. Please don’t mind her occasional humorous comments (she was responding to questions from friends next to her…). Anyway, I hope that this home grown YouTube video will amuse you…!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQksVXePWfs

The exhibition at eo art lab, 69 Main St., Chester, CT will run thru March 27.
See: http://eoartlab.com/

Best to All,
George Fellner
http://www.georgefellnerphotography.com/

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Lyman's 39th Annual Winterfest! Rescheduled! Sat/Sun, Feb. 26 & 27, 2011

Lyman's 39th Annual Winterfest!


Rescheduled! Sat/Sun, Feb. 26 & 27, 2011

Ironically, due to TOO MUCH snow, we are rescheduling our Winterfest! Over the next several weeks, we will be working hard managing the tremendous volume of snow on the Apple Barrel grounds and parking areas, and using the time to make the necessary preparations to the grounds for our outdoor activities.

Event hours, and all indoor and outdoor activities remain unchanged.

Lyman's 39th Annual Winterfest Sat. & Sun Feb. 12 & 13, 2011

Lyman's 39th Annual Winterfest


Sat. & Sun., Feb. 12 & 13, 2011 at Lyman's Apple Barrel


WHERE: Lyman Orchards, Middlefield, CT

TIME: 10:00 - 3:00

ICE WARS: Five Carvers...Five Blocks...Five Hours!
Professional ice carving competition.
Mushing demonstrations by the Connecticut Valley Siberian Husky Club, free food sampling in the Apple Barrel, Fruit-tree Pruning demonstrations in the orchard, free raffles, and horsedrawn wagon rides with Foxglove Farm.

Food offerings include Breakfast in the Eatery, Clam Chowder, Chili, Hot Apple Crisp, hamburgers, hotdogs, and more, from the Outdoor Grill.

www.lymanorchards.com/events/winterfest.shtml

Fine Arts Photo Expo help

Hi Sue, Lisa, Suzanne:


I need help. Could you please send out to the Camera Clubs that I could use help with the Fine Arts Photo Expo. I could use help on Feb. 26th and March 1st. If anyone can help anytime during the day on Feb. 26th and the evening of March 1st, Please e-mail at tiffany24k@optonline.net. Thanks.

Edie

The alphabet soup of file extensions is confusing.

Hi-Tech Studio: File Format Decoder Ring


The alphabet soup of file extensions is confusing. In this brief article, we show you the differences and similarities of the most common formats.

RAW

CR2, CRW
NEF
ORF
RW2
SR2, SRF, ARW
X3F
DNG

Various Compressed And Uncompressed Formats

GIF
JPEG
JPEG 2000
PNG
PSD
PSB
TIFF

In addition to the variety of image file formats photographers may have to contend with, there’s an entire category of “files about files” that you may run across. Here are some of the more common among them:


XMP. "An eXtensible Metadata Platform (XMP) file contains metadata information about a RAW capture and generally is referred to as a “sidecar” file because it has the same base filename as the RAW capture and sits beside that file. Photographers generally will experience an XMP file as containing RAW conversion information about the RAW capture."

Bridge Cache
Catalog. Adobe Lightroom and Apple Aperture

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Tim Grey 's Digital Darkroom Quarterly

As a reader of the Ask Tim Grey eNewsletter, you may have already heard about Digital Darkroom Quarterly, my print publication that provides in-depth information about issues of greatest interest to photographers. I have recently made an electronic edition of Digital Darkroom Quarterly available, and I would like to offer you a special opportunity to see for yourself just what a great resource this publication can be.

To encourage you to give Digital Darkroom Quarterly PDF Edition a try, I'd like to make an offer that I think is very generous: If you sign up now for a subscription to Digital Darkroom Quarterly PDF Edition, you will receive a 15% discount off the already low PDF Edition pricing. You will also receive the Back Issue Bundle at no additional charge, which includes all prior issues of Digital Darkroom Quarterly. You'll have the full archive of previous issues and be able to look forward to future issues, all for a very low price.

The PDF Edition of Digital Darkroom Quarterly is delivered each quarter to your email inbox. With this electronic version of the publication you can copy each issue to multiple computers, print the issue in full or in part, search within each issue, and otherwise take advantage of all the benefits of a PDF document. All this for only $25 for a one-year (four issue) subscription, with discounts for multi-year subscriptions.

If you'd like to take advantage of this very special offer, please use my online store to sign up for a subscription, and be sure to enter the code PAPERLESS in the Discount Code field during checkout. You can go directly to the product page for Digital Darkroom Quarterly PDF Edition here:
http://www.timgrey.com/store/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=DDQPDF
I hope you'll consider taking advantage of this special offer. I would love to have you as a subscriber.

Thank you,
Tim
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Tim Grey
Author, Educator, and Photographer
http://www.timgrey.com/
tim@timgrey.com

Monday, February 7, 2011

10 Things You Can Do To Make Sharper Photos & Improve Focus

10 Things You Can Do To Make Sharper Photos & Improve Focus
By Scot Bbourne
http://wp.me/pu7xa-3OT
 
It's the biggest problem amateurs and even some pros face. Sharpness/focus issues dog everyone from the rank beginner to the seasoned pro. So once in a while I like to share some tips for making sharper images. These aren't the only tips I have on the subject, but they are a good starting point.
 
Read the whole article here

Sunday, February 6, 2011

The Fine Art of Digital Printing

Saturday, February 26

The Fine Art of Digital Printing

Led by the principal of Woodstock Graphics Studio and CPW's own Salon mdoerator, Richard Edelman, will introduce you to the realm of the digital darkroom and elevate your printing strategies and skills. This intensive, one-day seminar will allow you to experience some advanced methods for controlling how your work appears in a finished print, using CPW's alrge format pigment printers.
For more information click here!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Milford Fine Arts Council -- Photographic Expo 2011

Milford Fine Arts Council -- Photographic Expo 2011

A photo exhibit & sale

Milford, CT

Center for the Arts
40 Railroad Avenue South, Milford, CT 06460 878-6647

March 2 - March 25, 2011

Print Receiving --  Sat., Feb. 26 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Snow Date Feb. 27)

Viewing & Sale Hours

March 2 - March 25 -- Wed., Thurs. & Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Reception & Awards Ceremony -- Sat., March 12 7-9 p.m.

Print Pick Up -- Sat., March 26 10 a.m.-2 p.m.




Resting with Whip
Tom Cuchara
Photo Expo 2010 Best in Show

55 Breathtaking Examples of High Speed Photography

55 Breathtaking Examples of High Speed Photography

High Speed Photography is getting very popular day by day. High speed photography produces awesome results because of a relatively faster shutter speed. This form of photography comes into play when we want to capture those scenes which cannot be witnessed with bare eyes.


By Lee Delaunay




Friday, February 4, 2011

12th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival

12th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival


Sun 11:30 AM

WHERE: Canal Street South, Chinatown, New York City

WHEN: Sunday, February 6

TIME: 11:30 - 4:00

(The parade ends at 3:00 and the festival continues.)

The parade usually winds throughout Chinatown along Mott, Canal, and Bayard streets, and along East Broadway.

The spectacle features elaborate floats, marching bands, lion and dragon dances galore, Asian musicians, magicians, acrobats and procession by local organizations. Over 5,000 people are expected to march in the parade, which will start at Mott Street and promenade through practically every street in of Chinatown, finally dispersing at Worth Street. The parade is expected to conclude at 3 pm, at which time an outdoor cultural festival will take place on Bayard Street featuring more performances by musicians, dancers and martial artists.

HDR for free?

From here: http://forensicphotoshop.blogspot.com/2010/12/hdr-for-free.html

This just in: "Atlantic Light Works and Reindeer Graphics announce the release of FreeHDRTM a free Photoshop add-on that performs High Dynamic Range (HDR) alignment and blending on digital photographs. Compatible with both Windows and Mac platforms in 32- and 64-bit processing, it operates in Photoshop CS4 and CS5 (Photoshop Extended required for 32-bits/channel images). FreeHDRTM works with both B&W and Color images in 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit modes.


FreeHDRTM may be downloaded FREE by clicking here.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Taking and Making GREAT Photographs! In Camera and Post-Processing (Editing) for Beginners & Intermediates Lisa, Tom & Hazel

The Image Enhancement Series: Taking and Making GREAT Photographs!
In Camera and Post-Processing (Editing) for Beginners & Intermediates

Get ready to learn how to make your “pictures perfect”!

From taking better photographs with your camera to importing them into your computer and editing them -- make your pictures look the best they can be!

Sunday, March 20, 2011 9:30-3:30 (lunch 12:30-1:30)
at the Milford Fine Arts building 40 Railroad Avenue, Milford, CT
$89 per person (includes lunch)
Register online at http://www.meetup.com/Image-Enhancement/

Class sizes are limited (Camera 12 people, Editing 20 people)

Bring your camera or your laptop* – these are “hands-on” classes!
*If you do not have a laptop and are comfortable with listening to the instruction, you are also welcome to attend. You may also share a laptop with a friend if you wish.

Instructors:
Photoshop (CS4/CS5) - Lisa Cuchara, MNEC
Camera – Tom Cuchara, MNEC
Elements (9) - Hazel Meredith, MNEC

Camera: Got a new camera for the Holidays? Always wanted to learn how to take better photographs? Want to improve your photographs for camera club competition? Want to learn how to use some of those great features in your camera? Want to learn how to take better photographs of your kids? Then this workshop is for you! This workshop is designed to help you improve your SOOC (straight out of the camera) photographs.  Learn about composition and the “rule of thirds”. Learn how to adjust depth of field even if you are “program mode” and learn how to preview your depth of field. Tom will show you how to take photographs using assorted camera settings (shutter speed, depth of field, etc.) and creating better compositions of landscapes, people, etc. After lunch some of the images taken by the workshop attendees will be viewed and discussed with regards to things that could have been done IN the camera to improve the image. Bring your camera and your lens/lenses and your camera manual. Tom will show you how to take better photographs.

Photoshop CS4/CS5: In this Photoshop workshop for the Beginner and Intermediate user Lisa will demonstrate “non-destructive” editing techniques which will enable you to make your "good" photograph "better". She will walk you thru layers and adjustment layers, show you some of the most often used filters and demonstrate some popular editing tools, such as crop, clone, patch, heal. In addition, the workshop will cover how to sharpen an image, how to create black and white and color images, and how to apply an effect to a selected area of your photograph via the use of layers and masks. Attendees must bring a laptop pre-loaded with Photoshop.

Photoshop Elements 9: For the Beginner and Intermediate Elements user. Begin with downloading your photos from your memory card to the Organizer in Elements. Hazel will review the workflow of your image, beginning with Layers - why they are important and what they do. She will demonstrate basic editing techniques - cropping, resizing, straightening; fixing color and lighting; fixing "problem" areas; a few basic filters; and finally, sharpening. If time allows we will move in to some of the more "creative" techniques. Detailed notes and sample photos will be supplied so you can also practice at home. Attendees must provide their own laptop pre-loaded with Adobe Photoshop Elements.

INSTRUCTOR BIOS:

Hazel Meredith, MNEC: Hazel is currently president of the Huntington Photographic Society; immediate past-president and current treasurer of the Greater Bridgeport Camera Club; president of the Connecticut Association of Photographers; and a member of the New Haven Camera Club and the Photographic Society of America – of which she is also the PSA “Journal” Camera Club Columnist. Her photos have won many awards and competitions in the past few years in both local club competitions and international salons. She is a multi-star exhibitor in PSA, where she has also received four bronze stars and one silver star for her journalistic efforts. In 2008 she received an honors distinction of Master Member of the New England Camera Club Council (MNEC). Hazel has had several exhibits of her photographs at local libraries, restaurants and businesses throughout Connecticut and also enjoys teaching classes and seminars on Photoshop Elements and Pro Show Gold. She has taught for the Bridgeport Adult Education department as well as local camera clubs. She enjoys being active in the photographic community and helping others find the joy and satisfaction in taking beautiful images.

Lisa and Tom Cuchara, MNEC: Lisa and Tom are passionate about photography, both behind the lens and in the digital darkroom. They love to photograph nature, but find capturing the essence of people equally intriguing. From moose to birds, flowers to landscapes and brides to babies, they appreciate the world around them and embrace the challenge of interpreting what their eyes see and their hearts feel via the camera lens. Tom & Lisa are both very active in many local, national and international photography organizations. Both Tom and Lisa have the honors distinction of Master Members of the New England Camera Club Council (MNEC) They enjoy presenting a wide variety of photo presentations, instructional programs and workshops. They have been photographing weddings, babies, parties, portraits, etc. professionally for over 14 years and have their own Photography Studio. Their portrait philosophy is based on “We do not remember days, we remember moments” and they are honored to be able to create lasting memories at each step of your life. They have had many successful gallery exhibitions and their photographs have appeared in Adirondack Life, Wild Bird, Birder’s World, in calendars, on the cover of the Wolf Conservation Calendar and on the cover of paperback novel.

Register online at http://www.meetup.com/Image-Enhancement/

Joe McNally -- NYC -- Ride with Linda!

Hi Lisa


http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=WS_JoeMcNally_2011-02-17

Can you forward this to NHCC blog?

I have room in my car for 3 more people.
Will leave Fairfield Commuter Lot at Merritt exit 44 around 3:00/3:30 so we get good seats.

Joe McNally is the most entertaining photography lecturer I have ever seen.
Funny, articulate and an amazing shooter.

And $25 with a $25 gift certificate makes this lecture free!

Linda Brinckerhoff

Find Photographs that Look Similar To Yours with BYO Image Search

Find Photographs that Look Similar To Yours with BYO Image Search



Did you know that Idée Inc., the company behind reverse-image search engine TinEye, also has a web app called BYO Image Search Lab that can take any photo you provide it and find photographs that look similar to it? It’s a neat way to be inspired by how other photographers approached shooting similar scenes.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

The Audubon Guide to Cameras

The Audubon Guide to Cameras


When it comes to nature photography, your equipment is everything. We give you the keys to getting that money shot.

By David Schloss
Illustrations by Serge Bloch

"A quality pair of binoculars or a spotting scope will give you a closer view of an animal in the wild, but you can’t share it with your friends back home. A good camera and lens combination, on the other hand, will help make your memories last forever, whether you’re observing alligators in a bayou or watching condors from a mountaintop."

Here’s a sampling of tried-and-true gear that will virtually guarantee you both appreciate nature and document it.


http://audubonmagazine.org/cameraguide/

Tripod guide Audubon Guide -- Legs to Stand On

Audubon Guide -- Legs to Stand On

Photographing wildlife and landscapes without a tripod is like hiking without a good walking stick. Sure you can do it, but why not take off some of the load? With hundreds of tripod models available, these are just some of my favorite “sticks” and accessories.

By David Schloss

Better Birding -- The Audubon Guide to Spotting Scopes

Better Birding -- The Audubon Guide to Spotting Scopes
Buying this must-have tool may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here’s how to do it right.
By Wayne Mones