HDR Expose

Unified Color Technologies unveils HDR Expose

HDR software maker, Unified Color Technologies has unveiled the HDR Expose 32-bit HDR merge and editing software. It replaces the company's flagship HDR PhotoStudio software, but inherits its core features and technology. Headline features include the addition of de-ghosting algorithms and a Brightness Histogram to help maintain highlight and shadow details at lower bit-depths. It also includes new plug-ins allowing direct export from third party Raw conversion software. The software will be available from July 12, 2010 as a free upgrade to existing users of HDR PhotoStudio or for an introductory price of $99.00 for new users.

South San Francisco, Calif. – July 6, 2010 – Unified Color Technologies, the experts in high dynamic range imaging (HDR), today announced the launch of HDR Expose™, its next generation software for the creation and editing of HDR images. Replacing the company’s flagship product, HDR PhotoStudio, HDR Expose offers new features that include the addition of interactive HDR histogram, digital color readout, multiple ghost reduction options, plug-ins for Adobe Lightroom and Apple Aperture, and a sleek, intuitive user interface that enables photographers to create true-to-life HDR images Unified Color Technologies is the only company offering HDR solutions that provide full 32-bit color editing capabilities based on its patented Beyond RGB™ color space. HDR Expose will be available on for purchase starting July 12, 2010.

Developed with the input of the rapidly growing HDR photography community, Unified Color Technologies has significantly improved its software with the addition of new and enhanced features. Putting more control into the hands of the photographer, HDR Expose offers an interactive histogram with “Screen Zone” boundary markers that enable photographers to make necessary adjustments to ensure valuable highlight and shadow detail is maintained at lower resolutions. New de-ghosting algorithms provide more control over how the software will approach the initial multi-exposure merge process. Photographers can select from de-ghosting presets to quickly address large areas of movement such as waves or individual moving vehicles.

“Having received a tremendously positive response to our previous solution, we are thrilled to introduce HDR Expose to the photography community,” said Alfred Zee, CEO of Unified Color Technologies. “It’s clear that we hit the right notes with those photographers seeking an HDR solution that enables them to produce images as natural as what we see with our own eyes. With the expanded feature set of HDR Expose we have given them even more editing power to convey their unique perspectives. Each day, we continue to enhance our industry-leading color technology to deliver the most comprehensive 32-bit color editing capabilities and we are confident that as a result of those efforts, HDR Expose will quickly become the gold standard for experiencing HDR.”

HDR Expose includes a new user interface to improve workflow, plus a familiar layered adjustment panel to revisit previous adjustments. For a quick start to HDR newcomers, or to find a starting point to further edit an HDR image, a one-click Dynamic Range Mapping tool easily sets optimal image processing in one touch. HDR Expose also comes with import and export plug-ins for Adobe Lightroom, as well as Apple’s Aperture extending the workflow options of these programs to include HDR merge and processing. The plug-ins included with HDR Expose provide photographers with a seamless, round-trip export process, automatically sending selected images to HDR Expose for processing and returning the final HDR image back to the original library.

In addition to integrating new features, HDR Expose enhanced a variety of features found in its predecessor, including:

•Completely re-designed user interface
•Improved RAW image processing
•New Digital Readout that enables users to measure color values in RGB or Bch
•New editable recipe procedures to simplify batch processing and saving of “favorites”
•Enhanced performance using OpenCL GPU processing
•New halo reduction and local contrast tools to provide more precise control
HDR Expose continues the creative momentum of HDR PhotoStudio, retaining all the features photographers have depended on to create natural images: complete control of contrast, shadow and highlights while preserving the maximum color spectrum; a comprehensive toolbox that addresses some of the common difficulties in HDR photography like noise reduction and veiling glare adjustment; and best-in-class image compression with Unified Color’s native file format, .BEF. The software also includes a .BEF-converting plug-in to directly return the resulting images to Photoshop for additional editing.

All current HDR PhotoStudio customers are eligible for a free upgrade to HDR Expose. Starting July 12, 2010, HDR Expose will be available for purchase at http://www.unifiedcolor.com/ at a list price of $149. A special introductory launch price for HDR Expose of $99 is available through July 31, 2010 and a free 30-day trial version is also available.

HDR Expose will be a featured prize in the company’s True Vision HDR Photo Contest. Photographers of all levels are invited to submit their HDR images for a chance to win prizes including a grand prize of a photo adventure through National Geographic Expeditions and a 15-inch MacBook Pro. There is no fee or purchase required to enter. Phase two of the multi-phase contest closes July 24 and more details can be found at www.unifiedcolor.com/contest.

System Requirements
PC: Windows XP, Windows Vista (for 20 MP image or larger, 64-bit Windows version is recommended.) Unified Color recommends utilizing a quad-core processor. Minimum 2 GB RAM, recommended 3 GB.

Apple: Intel Macintosh 2.5 GHz dual core CPU with 2GB minimum RAM (4GB is recommended) running Mac OS 10.5.x (Leopard) or Mac OS 10.6.2 (Snow Leopard).

Beauty Box Photo

Beauty Box Photo is a new kind of digital retouching tool. The Adobe Photoshop plugin allows you to quickly and easily erase skin blemishes and even out skin tones – achieving a consistently professional result. Beauty Box Photo uses advanced skin smoothing techniques that enhance the work of photographers at all levels. Learn how it works or see before/after examples.

Free Lesson: Basic Food Photography

Free Lesson: Basic Food Photography

Along with covering a few of the many issues that can arise when photographing food, this lesson illustrates one of the many uses of the FirstStudio® Kit, as well as effective methods for using LitePanel reflectors.

With so many ways to light a plate of food, we invite you to learn a variety of lighting choices using a single kit. Multiple configurations and resulting effects will leave you drooling, so walk with us step by step as we show you how the different elements of the shot can be adjusted for professional and appetizing results.

Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 3 LIVE Tour

Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 3 LIVE Tour
Coming to New York, NY Monday, July 19, 2010

Get ready for the best Photoshop® Lightroom® training on the planet! You'll be taught by Scott Kelby or Matt Kloskowski, two of the world's top Lightroom experts. Sit tight as they show you an insider's view of Lightroom. From Start to Finish, from image capture to final print - you'll see it unfold right in front of you, as you learn step-by-step how to take control of your digital photography workflow.

This seminar will teach you how to take your photography to an amazing new level of productivity, efficiency, and fun with real world insider techniques that will make your life easier, and free your time so you can do what you really want with your photography.

The day begins by taking photos right into Lightroom so you see the entire process from beginning to end. You'll learn how to set up Lightroom the right way from the start, to save you hours of wasted time and frustration. You'll learn how to edit your RAW, TIFF, and JPEG images like a pro, and use Photoshop and Lightroom seamlessly to dramatically increase your productivity and enhance your workflow.

You'll be shown the step-by-step process for setting up and customizing a professional presentation of your photography for clients that highlights your creativity and the quality of your work. And, you will be taught exactly how to set up your system for printing success, and automate the whole process, so you can just sit back, print, and get amazing results that look exactly the way you wanted them to, plus much, much more.

From CreativeNews Daily

Free eSeminar: Professional Photographer Workflow

Create Diptychs and Triptychs on the iPhone and iPad

Wacky Web Site

Wacky Web Site...This site celebrates the special bond between people and their pets.

www.creativepro.com/article/creativeprose-wacky-web-site-week-archive

Epson 2200 printer for sale

A friend of Gary Prestash has just purchased a new inkjet printer and now has a used but in otherwise excellent condition Epson 2200 printer that he would like to sell. If you are getting started in printing your digital images, this Epson 2200 would be a fine first printer. It is capable of prints up to 13" X 19". The owner is local to Hamden and does not want to get involved in shipping, etc, so this would be for folks in and around the Hamden area who could come and see it and take it with them if interested. The printer was originally over $600.00 new but you can have it, the remaining inks, etc, for $50.00. If anyone is interested in this printer, email Gary at: gprestash28@comcast.net and he can set up a time for you to see the printer.

Eight Tips for Getting Pets to Stand Still For A Portrait

Eight Tips for Getting Pets to Stand Still For A Portrait

Read this post about photographing pets by Scott Bourne

Scott writes...

"I'm often asked: "How do I get my pets to stand still for a few moments so that I can take photos of them?" This can be challenging, especially if it is your pet, because many animals (especially dogs) want to express their love for their owners whenever they are together. The tips below are written with dogs in mind, but in many cases they can be applied to cats, ferrets, guinea pigs and even babies or small children. To encourage a dog to sit, stand still or lie down, there are a number of techniques that I use."

Here are a 8 tips:

3 Days Left to Save $20.00 on Bronx Zoo Membership

ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT TO SAVE $20!
Time’s running out! Purchase your Wildlife Conservation Society Family Premium Membership online by July 15th to take advantage of this special savings—just in time to meet our adorable new animal additions, including three playful lion cubs, Gertrude, the baby mandrill, our four rescued brown bear cubs, and much more!

http://e.wcs.org/site/R?i=61j9L6jsIgJjMLQyL9ECBg..

Lighting for Portraiture Workshop for the photography enthusiast

Lighting for Portraiture Workshop for the photography enthusiast

Artcraft Camera & Digital is hosting "Lighting for Portraiture", a unique three-hour workshop that allows you to get up close and personal with the equipment used to capture award-winning images from the top pros.

Instructor and Westcott Technical Advisor David Piazza has over 30 years of experience in the photographic industry shooting weddings, portraits, events and managing color labs. He has also had the opportunity to work with the most renowned photographers in our industry today. David will walk you step by step through the basics of image capture and lighting into some of the most desired lighting techniques.
View Workshop Details

Portrait Lighting Workshop

Lighting Workshop Topics
Workshop Details
Date: Thursday, July 15, 2010
Location: Artcraft Camera/Kingston Plaza
Time: 6:00pm - 9:00 pm
Cost: $50/person* - Pre Registration Required
Instructor: David Piazza, Westcott Technical Advisor

*BONUS: Registration will be deducted off of any Westcott purchase at Artcraft within one month of workshop.
artcraft

Artcraft Camera-Kingston Plaza: 300 Plaza Road Kingston, NY 12401 Phone: (845) 331-3141
Artcraft Camera-Poughkeepsie: 2600 South Road Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Phone: (845) 471-5104

Arranging Multiple Images (Tim Grey)

Ask Tim Grey
eNewsletter
July 13, 2010
Learn more at www.timgrey.com

Today's Question:

When I use Photoshop CS3 I am able to view photos (2 or more) side by side. However, in CS5 I can only view one photo at a time. Is there a way to view multiple photos in CS5 as I can in CS3?

Tim's Answer:
You can indeed view images side-by-side in Photoshop CS5. The interface changes actually took effect in Photoshop CS4, and the default now is for images to open in tabs rather than floating windows. If you prefer to keep images in floating Windows you can turn off the use of tabs when you open images in Preferences. Choose Edit > Preferences > Interface (Photoshop > Preferences > Interface on Macintosh) and turn off the Open Documents as Tabs checkbox.

If you keep the tabs option turned on but periodically want to float open images to individual windows, you can choose Window > Arrange > Float All In Windows from the menu. If you just want to view two images beside each other but each in their own tab, you can use the Arrange Documents popup on the Application Bar (which is new as of Photoshop CS4). On Windows the Application Bar will generally appear to the right of the menu bar (if there's room there), or below it. On Macintosh the Application Bar will appear at the top of the main Photoshop window. To arrange the documents into a particular arrangement so you can view multiple images, click the Arrange Documents popup and click on the desired option. For example, the two-up option with an icon indicating two boxes side-by-side will cause the images to be arranged in separate tabs on the left and right. You can also have the images arranged above and below each other, as well as a variety of options for various numbers of images. Only those options that are applicable for the number of images you have open will be enabled on the popup.

If you want to consolidate floating windows into tabs you can choose the first button (Consolidate All) from the Arrange Documents popup, or choose Window > Arrange > Consolidate All to Tabs from the menu.

Become a Member

The Ask Tim Grey eNewsletter is free to receive, but paid Ask Tim Grey Members receive special benefits, including:

* Discounts on all purchases made through the Tim Grey online store
* Opportunity to submit questions to be considered for inclusion in the Ask Tim Grey eNewsletter.
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* The knowledge you are supporting this valuable service.
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Details on becoming a member can be found here:
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Create a ‘Written in the Sand’ Text Effect in Photoshop

Create a ‘Written in the Sand’ Text Effect in Photoshop

http://designtutr.com/create-a-written-in-the-sand-text-effect-in-photoshop/

Graduated Neutral Density filters with Darwin Wiggett.

Graduated Neutral Density filters with Darwin Wiggett.

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103529889073&s=3521&e=001S-Gu36mAhZhPVpBAb0NsCERanksfc4PBJk1doKVHxl0gccwe3eXdabAgY2myfNi7vhKLGnitoVlpd9gi-cJ6j-6QjN5HpAucRpuzTESBdIA-3qMb5IFPH8s6YAd8fIve

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103529889073&s=3521&e=001S-Gu36mAhZg6FbI6VFfEOHC3DEYmC2LzJ_p74ab607Lq2gSkc13Lp5c8wm_P8hOFVdMc2xkuEsCc5_yJu6qC4tIVY5FOHXXu9_XTh10xrrrIoAKHveOj-WsmfhUkBRAi

Click here to view the instruction video from Darwin Wiggett

Carl Heilman Email list - Book release / Holiday Events

From Carl...

I hope everyone is ready for a great holiday weekend coming up. It sure is looking like nice weather for the Adirondacks!

Contemporary Landscape Photography has arrived, and we can offer autographed copies for anyone who would like to purchase them through us. There's info on our website at http://www.carlheilman.com/contemporary.landscape.photography.html
it's also available of course through many regional book stores, as well as online purchasing sites. It's also been featured in Adirondack Life, the Adirondack Explorer, the Conservationist, and Shutterbug, as well as regional and national papers.

I also have a couple of events scheduled right after the holiday. First, I'll be doing a presentation of 'I Am the Adirondacks' at 4 PM for the grand opening celebration of the Adirondack Folk School in Lake Luzerne. http://www.adirondackfolkschool.org . The event begins at 2 PM with Adirondack folk musicians Chris Shaw and Dan Berggren, and others, followed by the AV show at 4 PM. I'll be signing books, posters, calendars, and DVD's after the show.

Also, on Wed. July 7, I'll be doing a photo techniques presentation - related to the new book, at 2 PM at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake. I'll be siging books both before and after the program. The program is free with admission to the museum. it's followed by a photo tour to nearby locations from 5 - 9 PM after the last book signing. Registration is required for the tour. There are only 3 spaces left right now. http://belong.wildcenter.org/site/Calendar/764534874?view=Detail&id=106002

We also have some spaces left for our summer full moon tour and August workshop. If you respond to this Email (please tell us), we'll hold the 'early bird' price for you for both events until July 15. Please contact us with any questions about the workshops!
Wishing you a very happy Fourth of July holiday!!

Best regards,
Carl
www.carlheilman.com
www.naturepanoramas.com
Phone / Fax (518)-494-3072
Mon. - Fri Eastern US

Makeup 101: A Makeup Artist Divulges Her Secrets

This came from digital anarchy, who make the green screen software that has been on my wishlist for many moons now.

While working on Beauty Box Photo, we discovered that a lot of photographers (especially those of the male persuasion) don't have a good understanding of how makeup is used and what it's really doing. Sure, most of us guys sort of understand what it does, but unless you spent your formative days stealing your sister's Seventeen and Cosmo magazines, most of us don't know exactly how makeup works. If you're doing retouching it's REALLY important that you know exactly what it's doing. After all, we're using Photoshop and Beauty Box to fake what a makeup artist would normally do. If we don't know what a makeup artists does… how good is our digital retouching going to be?

So, we had Esther Thai, a San Francisco based makeup artist, write an article for us… giving all of you some basic makeup tips and explaining how it works and what you're trying to achieve. Of course, she also gives you the Makeup Artist perspective on all this retouching stuff, which is... Hire a makeup artist!

It's a great 4 page article and well worth the read (especially if you can't hire a makeup artist).

You can download it here:
http://www.digitalanarchy.com/downloads/BasicsofMakeup.pdf

Of course, if you find it interesting and want to know more, click below for 5 tips on retouching:
http://www.digitalanarchy.com/beautyVID/five_tips.html

Zeiss DSLR Lenses

Driectly from Calumet...

It might seem like Zeiss lenses only work with mythical cameras, but now the legendary glass is available for everyday working DSLRs—allowing those cameras to do extraordinary things.
At Calumet, you'll find Zeiss lenses specifically designed for Canon and Nikon DSLRs. Zeiss' reputation among cinematographers cannot be understated, and the availability of comparable lenses for DSLRs is a godsend to seasoned veterans and aspiring videographers alike.
Providing pinpoint focus and smooth transition, the focus control on these Zeiss lenses has a wide rotation without play—all are engraved with precise guides in meters and feet. So, DSLR video now has a pro-grade ergonomics option to match its pro-grade performance.

Of course, a Zeiss lens' real value is in its glass. This series of fixed prime lenses boasts some of the best design and manufacture you can find, with exceptional clarity, distortion correction, and minimized reflection and fringing. Equip Your DSLR with a Zeiss Lens »

NY Botanical Water Gardens

Thanks Pat!

NY Botanical Water Gardens

In case anyone in the NY area is planning a trip to the NY Botanical Gardens to see their wonderful water gardens or the conservatory, they are CLOSED for renovations until November 17, 2010. The remainder of the outdoor gardens and buildings are open as usual.

Message posted by Patricia Brundage on 07/02/10 at 06:28 am EST

Up Close with Nikon’s AFS NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF ED

Up Close with Nikon’s AFS NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF ED

Nikon’s new AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm/f4G IF ED VRII is a quick performing, long-range zoom that incorporates a short list of pro-level features to ensure you nail a high level of “keepers” every time you head out on assignment.

http://link.bhphotovideo.com/r/9FHY7V/XJG2/OOC4R/9QMOW/UT96H/RP/h

Ilford Galerie Paper ON SALE

Ilford Galerie Paper ON SALE through 7/10/10 OR WHILE SUPPLIES LAST FEATURING:

$12.76 Galerie Smooth Fine Art Paper 8.5"x11" 10 sheets (1124558)

$79.28Galerie Smooth Pearl 280 gsm 24"x100' roll (1161731)

$35.60Galerie Smooth Pearl 8.5"x11" 100 sheets (1979239)

See MORE Ilford Deals at ATLEX.COM

NILMDTS

Pregnancy and birth are miraculous journeys. This amazing time of life is full of mystery, anticipation, joy, hope, and wonder. Feeling the powerful energy of birth and new life, watching as a new family is born unto each other. These things humble and amaze. These are the things that we celebrate when a baby is born.

But there is another aspect of pregnancy and birth. There is an unexpected place in this journey where some families may find themselves. When a baby dies, a world is turned upside down. There is confusion, sadness, fear, and uncertainty that cannot be explained. There is sorrow where there should have been joy. During this time, it might be impossible for families to know what they might need in order to heal in the future.

This is the place where the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation gently provides a helping hand and a healing heart. For families overcome by grief and pain, the idea of photographing their baby may not immediately occur to them. Offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization. The soft, gentle heirloom photographs of these beautiful babies are an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives. The NILMDTS mission statement is to introduce remembrance photography to parents suffering the loss of a baby with the gift of professional portraiture. We believe these images serve as an important step in the family's healing process by honoring their child's legacy.
The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation (NILMDTS) administers a network of more than 7,000 volunteer photographers in the United States and 25 countries. At a family's request, a NILMDTS Affiliated Photographer will come to your hospital or hospice location and conduct a sensitive and private portrait session. The portraits are then professionally retouched and presented to the families on an archival DVD or CD that can be used to print portraits of their cherished baby.

Our entire network of affiliated photographers graciously donate their time and talents to our families and we are proud to be able to offer our services at no cost. Your Donations are greatly needed and greatly appreciated.

Watch the coverage on the TODAY show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlKhrCORF8w&feature=player_embedded

This post is in honor of Bailey Anne Wills who would have been 13 today. She is waiting for us in Heaven, making the journey there ahead of us.

http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/home/

Maui Photo Festival: Learn And Shoot In Paradise.

Maui Photo Festival: Learn And Shoot In Paradise. Save $100

Maui is an amazingly beautiful place. I (Jim T.) spend about two months a year there, particularly during the winter when I'm photographing the humpback whales. The Maui Photo Festival started last year, and it's really a great event. There are soooo many beautiful areas to take a camera that it's really one of the most ideal places for a photography conference. I'll be there myself, so please come join us.

Here's more info:
The second Maui Photo Festival & Workshops, set for August 25-29, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Maui, will once again bring world-class digital photographers and instruction to one of the word's most photogenic places: Maui. With content from novice to professional — attendees will learn from classroom sessions, location shoots, and hands-on demo sessions led by pro photographers. Optional excursions include doors-off helicopter shoots or underwater photo tours to Turtle Town. In the evenings we'll gather in our outdoor theater on Kaanapali Beach to view the work of our presenting pros and see images shot that day. Space is limited. The cost is $595 but you can save $100 by entering in this code when you register: ANARCHY

For more information and online registration go to http://www.mauiphotofestival.com

Traveling tips:

From California you can usually get a economy airfare for about $400. Many airlines fly direct from LAX, and Hawaiian, Alaska, and United fly direct from SFO and Oakland. Use Tripadvisor.com or Yapta.com to track airfares and get notified when the price drops.

VRBO.com (Vacation Rental By Owner) is a good site to book condos through. The condos are usually considerably less than a comparable hotel, and in most cases are as nice or nicer (make sure you look at the photos and read the description).

In camera HDR!

Canon has detailed in camera HDR (high dynamic range) in a recently published patent application.

Canon's proposed method would alter exposure values at the individual pixel level, which should effectively emulate what's now possible but stitching together multiple photographs taken at different exposure settings -- and, for that matter, even open up some new possibilities since those single-pixel exposure values could be tweaked at will. Mapping out the exposure level by the pixel is far more detailed and if done correctly, has huge implications.

Macro Photography

From Shutterbug

Macro Photography
Picture A Small World
by Jim Zuckerman

Macro photography is a world unto itself. Filling the frame with small subjects opens up new and exciting creative possibilities for you, and if you haven’t delved into this realm of photography up to now, I encourage you to do so. I’m sure you’ll love it.

Read the rest here: http://www.shutterbug.com/newsletter/062910macro/

"Real New York" photo contest

"Datacolor's "Real New York" photo contest invites photographers to submit examples of their work capturing the essence of the city that never sleeps. Photographs should illustrate iconic images depicting the "real" New York.

The grand prize is a trip to Photokina 2010 in Cologne, Germany, this September."

Adobe MAX 2010

Register now and save
Adobe MAX 2010 comes at a time when designers are being challenged to create compelling interactive experiences across multiple types of media and screens.

Adobe MAX 2010 October 23–27Los Angeles Convention Center and Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE

At MAX 2010, you'll learn best practices for producing exceptional results in print, web, interactive, and mobile design and discover the latest tools and techniques at more than 300 sessions and labs. Explore the newest software tools in Adobe® Creative Suite® 5 and the latest technologies in the Adobe Flash® Platform and network with thousands of the industry's leading innovators at the Los Angeles Convention Center and Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE.

Register now ›

"MAX is the perfect place to get the creative juices flowing and improve your marketable skills while you rub shoulders with industry luminaries."Russell Brownsenior creative director, Adobe

At MAX 2010 you will:
• Sharpen your skills on the latest creative tools, plus get sneak peeks of upcoming products
• Learn best practices for expressing your ideas with precision as you work fluidly across media
• See how to design and deliver leading-edge websites, video, web applications, and interactive experiences across multiple screens
• Discover new ways your organization can monetize your digital content

Network with other designers who are already pushing the boundaries of what's possible
The dedicated Design track will help you dive into current trends in design including multiscreen design, digital publishing, HTML5 and web standards, online services, and online video. After these four unforgettable days in October, you'll have a clearer vision for how you can adapt your skills to the changing world of design and content delivery. Be a part of it.
http://direct.adobe.com/r?xPlHvWqEcnTHEPnHvlPJP

iPhone apps

Golden Hour
The Golden Hour is a magical time of day for photography and now you can keep track of it wherever you are in the world with our comprehensive and easy to use iPhone and iPod touch application that finally consigns boring lists of sunrise and sunset times to the trash. The web version of the Golden Hour was voted cool site of the day by America's Digital Goddess and has been featured by Canon Europe, PC World and a host of forums and blogs around the world. Now available for the iPhone and more detailed than ever.This application does not need access to the internet and is therefore great for iPod touch owners as well.

"Second Shootr is a revolutionary digital photography assistant for professional photographers. Use Second Shootr to help you plan every aspect of your photography beforehand, leaving you free on the day to get on with what you do best....taking awesome photos!" http://www.secondshootr.com/

Composition Workshop

Announcing a new Meetup for Photography Workshops!

What: Composition Workshop - When: Saturday, July 10, 2010 10:00 AM

Price: $35.00 per person

Where:South Station Atlantic Ave & Summer St Boston, MA 02108

Ever wanted to improve your composition skills?

Are you baffled by the rule of thirds?

Want to learn about framing your shot and object placement?

Want to make your shots more dynamic?

Then join this small group, limited to 10 for a relaxed walkabout and photo shoot focusing solely on composition. You can even leave your camera on automatic for this one. Workshop is suitable for all levels and camera types including point and shoots. Fee just $35 includes written handout covering the essentails of composition. We will shoot at various sites around the City of Boston from 10am m to 2pm under the expert guidance of professional photographer,Ian Murray. http://www.ianmurrayp...

Book early to ensure a place.

Here is what previous participants on this workshop had to say:

“ The workshop organization was great: three exercises in three locations, each one clearly spelled out in detail. I enjoyed Ian's laid-back manner of instruction that was as encouraging as it was informative. I was hoping for a workshop that would get me to see things beyond the way I usually see and think about them through the lens, and that is exactly what I got. I would recommend this workshop for anyone who is trying to get a good overview of what composition is all about, and for anyone who wants to challenge themselves to get outside of their compositional comfort zone. ”

"I really enjoyed the workshop a lot and learned a lot. I am slowly baginning to learn how to compose a picture much better than I was doing before. the difference between a snapshot and a good picture may be slight but but makes thi pic great. It's learning the how to take a better pic that makes it a lot of fun and interresting. I hope you have another workshop soon."

Learn more here:http://www.meetup.com/Photoworks/calendar/13970351/

Doing Black & White Right: 3 Methods

From Digital Photography school

Doing Black & White Right: 3 Methods: While there are probably dozens of different ways to convert colour photos to black and white, OsmosisStudios has shared a great tutorial with 3 of the most common ways to convert to B&W. If you’ve ever wondered how to get better black and white photos, this thread will be a wealth of information for you.

SANDISK’S WRITE ONCE READ MANY “WORM” SD CARD

Press Release:
SANDISK’S WRITE ONCE READ MANY “WORM” SD CARD STORES IMAGES FOR UP TO 100 YEARS

SanDisk SD WORM Cards Ship In Volume To Japan's Police Force-IdealFor Capturing and Archiving Forensic Images

Milpitas, Calif., June 23, 2010 - SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), the global leader in flash memory cards, today announced that it is shipping in volume its 1 gigabyte (GB)1 SanDisk® SD™ "write once read many" (WORM) cards to Japan's police force. Police in Japan have implemented the SanDisk SD WORM card as the storage media of choice for tamper-proof forensic image archiving.

Tamper-proof image capture and archiving assures the accuracy and legitimacy of forensic evidence

Stores data files safely for up to 100 years*

Obsoletes need for film and enhances digital photography for evidence collection and other applications

Using the SanDisk SD WORM card, law enforcement officers can create unalterable, permanent photographic records that serve as resources during investigations or as potential evidence during trials. Officers simply insert the card into an SD WORM-compatible digital camera and begin capturing images. Later, they can transfer the images to a computer while maintaining unchangeable originals on the WORM card - ensuring that the justice system has access to evidence of indisputable accuracy.

"Japan's police force is one of the world's largest and most respected law enforcement agencies, and a leading adopter of cutting-edge technologies," said Christopher Moore, director, product marketing, SanDisk. "Working closely with police around the world and our partner camera vendors, we have created a one-step system for tamper-proof data acquisition and archiving. This essential memory solution greatly simplifies the digital evidence handling process while exceeding the government's requirements for data integrity and longevity."

Traditionally, forensic images have been stored on 35mm film, which degrades over time, is slow, inconvenient and increasingly difficult to procure. In Japan, where there is no statute of limitations for certain serious crimes, the ability to retain evidence for many decades is a must. In comparison, digital storage on the SanDisk SD WORM card offers a fast, convenient and readily available alternative.

The SanDisk SD WORM card meets the new archival demands for mobility, long-term preservation, data integrity and ease of use. SanDisk's proprietary SD WORM controller technology instantly protects any files written to the device, preventing the alteration or deletion of stored data. The card stores files safely for up to 100 years*, as shown by accelerated data retention internal testing, and delivers a lower total cost of ownership compared to other archival media.

Ideal for Law Enforcement Agencies Worldwide
Japan's police force is one of the first major agencies to adopt this solution, and other law enforcement organizations around the world are qualifying the product as its features are universally valued for securing digital evidence.

"Tamper-proof storage protects law enforcement officers by guaranteeing the legitimacy of evidence that we collect and deliver to the district attorney," said Jim Shirk, Captain, Twin Cities Police Authority, Larkspur, California. "An unalterable and highly reliable archive eliminates the chance of accidentally deleting a crucial file, and ensures that evidence is accessible over a long period of time. Adopting this type of storage as our standard archiving media is a necessary step in maintaining a modern and effective police force."

Any SD-compatible device can read SD WORM cards, but only hosts with SD WORM-compatible interfaces can write to the card. SanDisk continues to work with leading makers of imaging, audio and video recording devices to implement SD WORM compatibility.

The SanDisk SD WORM card is available worldwide in a 1GB** capacity, with pricing dependent upon the quantity ordered. The cards can be purchased through SanDisk's network of OEM distributors and representatives, or by contacting OEMSales@sandisk.com.

Beyond forensic image archiving, SanDisk expects its SD WORM technology to be widely adopted in crucial applications such as audio recording and long-term retention of legal documents and medical files. For more information, visit www.sandisk.com/sdworm.

Flash of the Titans

What: Flash of the Titans!

When: Saturday, October 2, 2010 9:00 AM

Price: $45.00 per person

Where:Howard Johnson Milford1052 Boston Post Rd I-95 exit 39AMilford, CT 06460203-878-4611

Join me, Perseus, demigod of Off Camera Flash, as I battle to the death Jesse Thompson, otherwise known as Zeus, God of the lightning bolt, purveyor of the Studio Strobe in an epic contest of wills. Who will win? Who will destroy the Kracken, gain Andromeda's undying love, and who will be left standing among the rubble known as the Milford Howard Johnson's event space. Will the studio strobe, known for its power and prowess, defeat the small flashes wielded by me, Perseus, or will the small flash defeat the overpowering strobe light with its nimble agility? Join us and find out for yourself!!!l Witness this epic, larger-than-life duel to the death, see the battle unfold as mortal combat ensues, and see who triumphs!!! Who will be left standing, who will win??????

Jesse and I are co-hosting this event at the Miford Howard Johnson's on Rte 1, just off of I-95. This will be a great event with two models and two lighting stations. If you've never used studio strobe lighting before this is a fantastic opportunity to do just that.

The event is being run through Milford Photo, please register for it through them. Jesse Thompson: 203-882-3415 www.milfordphoto.com

We are running a morning and afternoon session: 9-12 and 1-4.

Come join the fun and watch the contest unfold!!

Learn more here:http://www.meetup.com/Photography-Workshops-and-Off-Camera-Flash/calendar/13640647/

Canon EXPO 2010 New York

Canon has announced its Canon EXPO 2010 New York, that will take place September 2-3, 2010 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City. The Canon EXPO 2010 New York is a gathering of the extended Canon community, customers, business partners and thousands of imaging professionals from around the world. Much more than an exhibition, it’s a total experience unlike any other to explore new products and technologies, celebrate the ongoing innovation of Canon and experience the infinite possibilities of imaging.

At Canon EXPO 2010, you will:

• Discover great new Canon products and technologies
• Learn about solutions, best practices and techniques that will enhance your knowledge and expand your capabilities
• Get recommendations and answers from industry experts and choose from a wide range of insightful seminars relevant to you
• Experience Canon’s vision of the future of imaging, including Canon technologies that can have a profound effect on your life and work

For more information and to register, visit the Canon EXPO 2010 New York Web Site.

Lexar Media introduces Multi-Card 24-in-1 USB reader

PRESS SUMMARY -- Lexar Media introduces Multi-Card 24-in-1 USB reader

All-in-One Solution Enables Concurrent Downloads and Card-to-Card Transfer of Multimedia FilesLexar Media, a leading global provider of memory products for digital media, today introduced the Lexar® Multi-Card 24-in-1 USB Reader. Featuring five slots and supporting 24 popular memory card formats, the newest reader is an all-in-one solution enabling concurrent downloads and card-to-card file transfer. The highly versatile card reader was developed with a unique pop-up design, which allows the card slots to be protected when not in use, and comes equipped with a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 cable. The reader makes it easy to quickly download photo, video, music, and other files from nearly any memory card to a host computer. For additional information about the Lexar Multi-Card 24-in-1 USB Reader, visit www.lexar.com."From cameras and camcorders to mobile phones and GPS units, so many of today's devices rely on memory cards, and not all of them use the same format. Managing these various cards can be cumbersome and confusing for consumers, causing them to mistakenly think they need to purchase multiple card readers," said Jim Chan, product marketing manager, Lexar Media. "The Lexar Multi-Card 24-in-1 USB Reader simplifies this process, eliminating the need for different readers and providing the ability to transfer important files and memories from nearly any memory card format."

The Lexar Multi-Card 24-in-1 USB Reader supports the following memory cards formats:

• CompactFlash slot: CompactFlash® Type I and Type II • Secure Digital slot: SD™, SDHC™, miniSD™, miniSDHC™, MMC™, MMCplus™, and RS-MMC™

• Mobile slot: microSD™, microSDHC™, and M2™

• Memory Stick slot: Memory Stick™, Memory Stick (with MagicGate™), Memory Stick PRO™, Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Memory Stick Duo (with MagicGate), Memory Stick PRO Duo Mark 2, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™, and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo "HX"

• xD-Picture Card slot: xD-Picture Card™, xD-Picture Card Type-M, xD-Picture Card Type-M+, and xD-Picture Card Type-H

In addition to ease-of-use and reliable performance, the Lexar Multi-Card 24-in-1 USB Reader provides consumers with the reliability they have come to expect from Lexar Media. All Lexar memory card and card reader designs are tested in the Lexar Quality Labs, acilities with more than 800 digital cameras and memory card devices, to ensure performance, quality, compatibility, and reliability. Lexar performs this extensive testing in an effort to provide customers with the highest level of confidence. The Lexar Multi-Card 24-in-1 USB Reader includes a one-year limited warranty. The reader is available for purchase through B&H, Adorama, J&R, Future Shop, Best Buy Canada, and on Lexar.com. The Lexar Multi-Card 24-in-1 USB Reader includes a one-year limited warranty.

Additional information: Check-out the full line of Lexar Card Readers at the Lexar website

New England Photography Network Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory

Meetup Sunday, July 11, 2010 10:00 AM

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory

Sunday, July 11, 2010 10:00 AM

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens281 Greenfield Rd South Deerfield MA 01373413-665-2805

How Much: Price: $12.00 per person

http://www.meetup.com/newenglandphotographynetwork/calendar/13834655/t/cv1c_grp/?rv=cv1c

Puffer - Pop-Up Flash Diffuser

I have never tried this particular diffuser, but I DO own many other Gary Fong diffusers for my Canon Flash. They are great!

Puffer - Pop-Up Flash Diffuser $21.55

The Puffer is great for portraits, grabshots of people and closeups of objects (great for eBay photos!) It packs completely flat for convenient storage in your camera bag (or pocket!) and has eight different mounting positions for the perfect fit for any popup flash camera.

http://www.garyfongestore.com/flash-accessories/puffer-pop-up-flash-diffuser.html

This Weekend Only” Killer Deal from Artistic Photo Canvas

This Weekend Only” Killer Deal from Artistic Photo Canvas

From Scott Kelby

APC gives NAPP members 10% off all of their stuff all year round, and APC has told us directly that they know a number of NAPP members who cover their annual membership dues just with the money they are saving at APC.

Join NAPP

how to prep your prints for framing

From Scott Kelby -- he ran across a free PDF from Epson on how to prep your prints for framing.

Steven Wright

Why are the pictures square if the lens is round? - Steven Wright

Photographer's Guide to American Lighthouses

Photographer's Guide to American Lighthouses
Photographer Chris Nicholson

Photographer's Guide to American Middle Atlantic Coast Lighthouses

Photographer's Guideto American Southern Atlantic Coast Lighthouses

Photographer's Guideto New England Lighthouses

Photography Location: Mountain Laurel Sanctuary, Connecticut

Peak blooming season is in June.

Of the blooms, 99 percent in the sanctuary are pink or white.

Photography Location: Mountain Laurel Sanctuary, Connecticut by Chris Nicholson

Part of Nipmuck State Forest in Northeast Connecticut. Just south of the junction of Routes 190 and 89 in Union, Connecticut. Take exit 72 off I-84 and head north to Route 190, then turn left. Mountain Laurel Sanctuary entrance is on the left, on Snow Hill Road.

http://www.nicholsonprints.com/Locations/mountainlaurel.htm

Photography Location: Chatfield Hollow State Park, Connecticut by Chris Nicholson

Photography Location: Chatfield Hollow State Park, Connecticut by Chris Nicholson

http://www.nicholsonprints.com/Locations/chatfield.htm

He includes: Places to photograph, best time of day/year to shoot, tips about shooting there, etc.

He also has other Photography Travel Locations on his website
One of the most time-consuming aspects of travel photography is researching the locations. To help other photographers — whether professional or amateur — in that regard, I've compiled notes about some places that I've photographed.

refurbished 8.8 x 5.5" Wacom Intuos4 Medium tablets.

From Calumet -- I LOVE my Wacom!! Lisa

It only takes a couple hours in Photoshop before you realize a standard computer mouse is less-than-perfect for photo editing. Chances are, you've adjusted your expectations over time and settled for your mouse's tedious and clumsy control. But there's an alternative that many digital artists and photographs are already using: the tablet.

For your photo editing pleasure, our product team has procured a limited supply of gorgeous, refurbished 8.8 x 5.5" Wacom Intuos4 Medium tablets. All the same sophisticated Intuos4 features are here, but the price is $55 less than usual.

This newest series of Wacom Intuos tablets impresses digital artists of all shades with its sophisticated design and exquisite control, proving its advantage over rudimentary mouse-work for critical image editing.

The Intuos4's pen-based control allows for pinpoint selections and 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity when applying effects. On its ambidextrous hotkey palette, the Intuos4 sports customizable OLED-display function keys and a finger-sensitive touch ring for adjustments like zooming, scrolling, brush size, and canvas rotation.

In the sum of its parts, the Intuos4 connects you more intuitively and accurately to your photo editing software. And at just $269.99, these refurbished tablets provide you a great deal too.
Pick-up a Refurbished Intuos4 and Save $55 »

Photographing people with glasses...

Photographing people with glasses...

cool trick!

Looking for Photographers who are interested in the Art & Photography Festival

This was posted on Nature photographers network...

Looking for Photographers who are interested in the Art & Photography Festival in Easton, Connecticut on Sat. October 2, 2010 from 10am to 6pm.

50 photographers and Artist will be allowed to sell their works for the day. Easton, CT. is a affluent town within Fairfield County Connecticut where people are very interested in purchasing photography and paintings. One 10' x 10' Space among the fifty open cost $100 for the day. You can set up a Tent and sell your works. This will marketed heavily within Fairfield County so a great turn out of qualified buys will be available.

If interested in an application and more information please email me at mark@markedwardphoto.com spaces are going fast.

Thanks, Mark

Successful wildflower photography

Successful wildflower photography, Part 2: Ideas to improve your wildflower images

Successful wildflower photography, Part 1: Start by choosing and using the right filter

Hand-holding Graduated ND filters works for a photographer who's always on the go

Read the entire article here:

Hand-holding Graduated ND filters works for a photographer who's always on the go

Why do I hand hold my filters? There are several reasons....
How do I hand hold my filters?
Watch this quick video demonstration

Adirondack Photography Weekend August 27-29

Adirondack Photography Weekend

August 27-29

Lake Placid, New York

in partnership with Adirondack Life Magazine

Overview
API and Adirondack Life magazine are teaming-up to bring you a fun and informative weekend — a celebration of photography — in the Olympic Village! This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the unique beauty of the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks and learn first-hand from leaders in nature photography and regional publishing the latest tips, techniques and guidelines.

This one-of-a-kind weekend will include:
Field trips to spectacular photo locations selected for their image-making possibilities, where API staff instructors will be on-hand to give advice, demonstrate techniques and answer your questions.

Entertaining, informative presentations by Adirondack Life staff members, including long-time creative director Elizabeth Folwell and the art/editorial team. The magazine has won dozens of international awards for design and photography; you'll learn about specific pictures that have been chosen by the judges over the years. Discussion of how to submit images for the wall calendar and eight issues of the magazine, what kinds of material they love to see (and are tired of seeing too), their in-house processes for digital correction and proofing, plus insight on regional publications overall as outlets for fine photography.

Power-packed presentations by API staff instructors about the latest technologies and techniques for photographing landscapes, creating high-dynamic range (HDR) images, capturing and assembling panoramic images, night and low-light photography, expressionist possibilities with the digital camera, digital image processing, and more.

Informal meals shared with API and Adirondack Life staff, giving you another opportunity to learn from the pros.

A group show-and-tell multimedia slideshow, highlighting participants’ unique experiences over the weekend.

We are excited to have as our host the historic Northwoods Inn, in the heart of the village of Lake Placid. This is an ideal location for our meetings, meals and accommodations, with convenient access to field trip sites.

Don’t miss out on this special opportunity to be inspired by, and work with, some of the most influential nature photographers and publishers in the Adirondacks today!

Instructor
API staff instructors and members of the Adironack Life staff

Who Should Attend
Anyone interested in experiencing some of the photo possibilites of the Adirondacks, while learning about new technologies.

All skill levels welcome.

Amateur
You can find your way around the camera, but there are features you don't understand or know how to use. You don't feel that you can adequately capture what you see. You're hoping that the instructor can give you guidance on the when and how of using specific camera features, while also helping you to understand how to compose a good photograph.

Beginner
You are new to photography and have so many questions you're not even sure where to start. You are not comfortable with your camera. You're not sure what makes some photographs look great and others not so great. You're looking to the instructor to help bring some order to the confusion and set you on a path.

Amateur
You can find your way around the camera, but there are features you don't understand or know how to use. You don't feel that you can adequately capture what you see. You're hoping that the instructor can give you guidance on the when and how of using specific camera features, while also helping you to understand how to compose a good photograph.

Intermediate
You feel pretty comfortable with most of your camera features, although you may have questions about some of the details. You've taken some photos that you're quite pleased with. You are mostly looking to the instructor for new ideas and constructive help with your compositions.

Advanced
You know how and when to use your camera features. You are pleased with many of your images. You might be looking to work in some new locations. Or maybe you’d like to tap the energy of a group of talented people to add to your creative toolbox.

Computer Skills: No special computer skills are required for this workshop.

Other Considerations: Locations visited during this workshop are easily accessible and do not require any strenuous hiking or climbing.

Group Size: 50 max.

Registration Fees
$495 includes tuition and all meals beginning with dinner on the first evening. There is a $100 discount for registering prior to June 15.Payment in-full is required at time of registration. (No other discounts are applicable to this event.)

Itinerary

Day 1
The first evening participants will get to know each other during a wine & cheese reception and welcome dinner, followed by an opening presentation and Q&A session. Participants will have the choice of attending one of several after-dinner sessions.

Day 2
Weather-permitting, the day will begin and end with a "magic light" field trip, chosen by the participants from several options. During the day, particpants will have the choice of presentations to attend.

Day 3
Weather-permitting, the day begins with a sunrise field trip to a location chosen by the participants from several options. Following breakfast, time will be set aside so that participants may download and select images captured during the fields trips, which will be presented during a group show-and-tell session, moderated by Adirondack Life contributor Mark Bowie and art director Kelly Hofschneider.

The workshop will end with an optional fun trip to one of the local sights, to be announced at the workshop. (The cost of this trip, if any, is included in the workshop registration fee.)

Note - The actual itinerary may vary considerably from this due to weather and other conditions that cannot be anticipated.

Nik Software Announces New Academic Program

Nik Software Announces New Academic Program

Lower product prices and expanded distribution broaden reach to the academic community in North America

San Diego, CA (June 3, 2010) — Nik Software announces today a new academic program designed to make its award-winning digital imaging software products accessible to more students and faculty located in the U.S. and Canada at more affordable prices. The program includes broader academic distribution through channels serviced by The Douglas Stewart Company and pricing up to 50% off standard retail prices for all students and educators at any accredited educational institution.

“We have been committed to the academic market for over a decade and have always seen the importance of supporting the next generation of aspiring photographers,” said Michael Slater, president and CEO of Nik Software. “This distribution partnership with The Douglas Stewart Company now enables us to offer academic pricing on a much broader scale and reach virtually every student and educator in North America.”

The Douglas Stewart Company is the leading distributor and marketer of computer products, consumer electronics and school supplies exclusively serving the education market. By partnering with The Douglas Stewart Company, academic versions of all Nik Software products will be available through thousands of new stores, including traditional college bookstores.
In addition, educational retailers like Journey Education and Academic Superstore, as well as traditional Nik Software retailers such as Amazon, B&H Photo and others, will also sell boxed academic versions. Eligibility for students and faculty is provided by a simple third-party verification service.

Discounted pricing for Academic versions of Nik Software products are as follows:
· Dfine 2.0 – $49.99
· Viveza 2 – $99.99
· Color Efex Pro 3.0 Complete – $149.99
· Silver Efex Pro – $99.99
· Sharpener Pro 3.0 – $99.99
· Complete Collection for Lightroom and Aperture – $149.99
· Complete Collection Ultimate Edition for Photoshop, Lightroom, and Aperture – $299.99

Free fully functional 15-day trial software, live online training, and over 80 training videos are available for all Nik Software products at: http://www.niksoftware.com/.

About Nik Software

Nik Software, Inc. is a privately held company that develops software solutions and provides award-winning educational programs for the digital imaging and photography markets. Established in 1995, Nik Software has become the recognized leader in digital photographic filter development and produces award-winning technology and software products for digital photography and imaging professionals including U Point® technology (http://www.upoint.com/), Dfine® 2.0, Viveza® 2, Color Efex Pro™ 3.0, Silver Efex Pro™, and Sharpener Pro™ 3.0 software.

For more information visit http://www.niksoftware.com/ .

Ask Tim Grey - 4x6 to Poster

Very interesting. We are all so concerned about size and megapixels

Ask Tim Grey -- eNewsletter -- Learn more at www.timgrey.com

Today's Question:
I have two 4 x 6 pictures of my daughters and would like to make them into 16 x 20 posters for our wall. I own an Epson flat bed scanner (4490) and am wondering if I can scan them and then send them out to be printed.

Tim's Answer:
In theory this would most certainly work. If you scan the 4x6 prints at the maximum optical resolution of your scanner (in this case 4800 dpi) you'll end up with an image that is approximately 19,200 pixels by 28,800 pixels. If you assume the image will be printed at an output resolution of 300 dpi, that means you'd be able to produce a print of about 64x96 based on the amount of information you have, which far exceeds the size you're looking for.
Unfortunately, reality isn't always that friendly. In this case the biggest factor working against you is that you're starting from a print. So while you could produce a relatively huge number of pixels by scanning that print, they're not exactly going to be pixels of the highest quality. The print lacks detail and tonal range by its nature, and scanning that to a huge size won't magically create information where it doesn't exist. What that really means is that you could indeed produce the posters you're looking to create, but they will look obviously soft. Think of taking a low-resolution image on your monitor and resizing it by a huge amount, and then examining the fine details. As you can imagine, the results won't be great. If all you have is that 4x6 print though, it is really your only option. The poster won't look like a sharp photographic image, but in this case perhaps the aim is more for a fun piece to hang on the wall than it is to have a print of the highest quality.

If you happen to have the transparency (presumably a negative), you'll be able to get much better results. The transparency contains much more information than the 4x6 print could possibly contain, so it is always a better starting point. In this case, with the maximum resolution of your scanner you'd be able to produce a scanned image of about 4800x7200 pixels. While this is fewer pixels than the scan of the 4x6 print would yield, they are higher quality pixels. Also, this scan would still produce output at 300 dpi of about 16x24, so it would be more than adequate for your needs. The quality with such a flatbed scan would still not be as good as that from a dedicated film scanner, but it would still be more than adequate for this purpose, assuming the original capture was of good quality.

Become a Member
The Ask Tim Grey eNewsletter is free to receive, but paid Ask Tim Grey Members receive special benefits, including:
Discounts on all purchases made through the Tim Grey online store
Opportunity to submit questions to be considered for inclusion in the Ask Tim Grey eNewsletter.
Discounts and special offers available only to Members.
Access to the full archive of previous emails (going back over eight years) with search capability.
The knowledge you are supporting this valuable service.
Much more!
Details on becoming a member can be found here:www.timgrey.com/asktimgrey/

Digital Darkroom Quarterly in the Mail
As I've mentioned a couple of times, the Spring 2010 issue of Digital Darkroom Quarterly had to be delayed because it contained information about Photoshop CS5 that could not be released until the product was publicly available. That issue is now back from the printer, and will be going out in today's mail to all current subscribers.If you're not a current subscriber and are interested in receiving this and future issues, you can sign up through my online store here:http://www.timgrey.com/store/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=DigitalDarkroomQuarterly

B&H Photo announces the B&H insights blog

B&H Photo announces the B&H insights blog

The B&H insights blog includes:

• Featured B&H hands on reviews, tutorials and new products announcements
• Past B&H Insights Newsletter articles are archived and easily accessible
• Discussions with B&H professionals in your specific field of interest
• The opportunity to suggest topics or products you would like us to cover

Why AWB Is Not A Good Choice For Nature Photographers

Rob Sheppard talks about AWB (auto white balance) on the Outdoor photographer Blog

Read the entire article here

"If you consistently want the best color in your images, I suggest you never use auto white balance outdoors and use a specific white balance instead."

"And there are other problems, such as sunrise and sunset. In those conditions, you want a “color cast” because that is what is normal. AWB doesn’t know that and will try to remove some of that color cast, exactly the wrong thing to do, so you end up with less than the best color for those conditions."

June 19 2010 Cape May HARBOR FEST

On Saturday, June 19, 2010, the City of Cape May will host HARBOR FEST, 2010. While Cape May’s beautiful harbor provides the overall setting for Harbor Fest, the Nature Center of Cape May, at 1600Delaware Ave., is the focal point of the event.

Highlights include:
Harbor Fest begins with a Friday evening (June 18th) artists’ reception for New Jersey Artist Rick Bogert and young, local artists at 5:00 p.m., followed by the “Blessing of the Waters” ceremony at 7:00 p.m. at the Cape May Fisherman’s Memorial. The evening ends with a campfire, music, storytelling and snacks back at the nature center.

Saturday’s street festival features fresh seafood, a beer garden, street vendors, live music by BLUEBONE, educational displays, arts and crafts and the “Scallop Challenge Cook-Off” featuring Cape May’s finest chefs.

The “Paddle for a Purpose Kayak & Canoe Regatta” at 1:00 p.m. is a fundraiser for local Coast Guard children led by Ocean Activist Margo Pellegrino.

The “Pirate Palooza Kids’ Party” will take place all day long with pirate games and eco-crafts.Spanish and English bilingual “Birding from the Deck” birding programs will take place all day long to commemorate International Migratory Bird Day.

Other activities include “Explore the Shore” programs, a Beach and Marsh Marine Debris Clean-up, Wharf Tours at the Lobster House Restaurant and Fish Company, a Coast Guard Search and Rescue demonstration and kayak eco-tours.

Transportation between key locations, via trolley and a hay ride is furnished as well as a water taxi which connects the key points around the harbor.

Since its inception as a whaling village in the 17th Century, Cape May’s economy and culture have been linked to the sea. But with the promise comes a challenge. Harbor Fest is intended to heighten awareness and appreciation of this fragile resource. In order to highlight this challenge, this year, Harbor Fest will, in large part, focus on the prevention and recovery of marine related debris. Additional information about Harbor Fest is available on the web at http://ga1.org/ct/2pe9LKS1xXb-/ or by contacting the Greater Cape May Chamber of Commerce, 609-884-5508.

ADMISSION IS FREE!

20% Off Nik Software Products

20% Off Nik Software Products

Delkin has teamed up with Nik Software to offer you an exclusive 20% off coupon code for the month of June. Enter DELKIN20E at checkout to save big!

Nik Software offers a wide range of innovative easy-to-use plug-in filters relied on to save time and deliver incredible results with virtually endless creative possibilities.

Learn More

Backdrop Outlet's Summer Photo Event and Warehouse Sale

Thanks Hazel for passing this along!

Backdrop Outlet's Summer Photo Event and Warehouse Sale is June 11th - 13th and is one event you can't miss. Every item we carry will be on sale including Muslins from $19, Close out props from $5, Canvases 80% off, Lights, stands, and reflectors 75% off. Toll-Free 800-466-1755.

NY One-Day Lighting Workshops with Joe McNally

NY One-Day Lighting Workshops with Joe McNally

"Once again, we’re going down to the Hudson, to that old, ramshackle building, filled with photo possibilities. Back to an 8000 square foot room, with high ceilings, western light, white walls, decrepit hallways, and the Harlem-Hudson line running by, on a sort of semi-regular basis. We’ll be running them again in mid-July. This year, we’re trying something new, in that we do a series of “regular” lighting workshops, soup to nuts, small flash, big flash, but then at the end, we do 3 straight days of advanced one-day lighting workshops. Hi speed flash, double exposure, flash and blur, and the like."

To find out more info, or to register, CLICK HERE.

Join NEW HAVEN for a Scott Kelby Photo Walk

http://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/new-haven-ct-united-states-yale-science-hill/

Dear Lisa,

I found out about you from the New Haven Camera Club website. I am emailing to let you know about the Photo Walk to be held in New Haven on 24th July 2010. Would you let your Camera Club members know about the Photo Walk? Some of them might be interested in joining. When I found out about the photo walk which was going to take place all over the world, I was a little disappointed to see that there was no such walk in New Haven. I have volunteered to get one going here. I am an amateur photographer and I would welcome any comments or suggestions that you might have about the Photo Walk (like place - as long as it is in New Haven, time of the day, etc). To register google "photo walk" and search for New Haven.

Thank You for your help
Nivedita

http://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/new-haven-ct-united-states-yale-science-hill/

A little bit about me….I am a researcher at Yale University. I started to take an active interest in photography in 2008 and have been trying to learn about the process ever since.
Now, a little bit about the walk…..If you need to drive to the starting point, you could park at the peabody museum parking lot (parking area access is at the intersection of Whitney Ave and Humphrey St) or any Yale parking lot. Parking in Yale lots is free on weekends.

We will meet at Sachem St. and Hillhouse Ave., more specifically at the steps going up to science hill. There will be a large statue that looks like a face on your right. We will start the walk down Hillhouse Ave. For a description of Hillhouse ave you could see its wikipedia page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillhouse_Avenue . It is full of old beautiful buildings and is very green. We will also spend some time at the Yale Cross Campus, which will give us an opportunity to look at some more fantastic architecture. I will add in more details of the walk in a couple of weeks.

Third Annual Worldwide Photo Walk is July 24th!

You’re Invited to Walk

Scott has announced that his Third Annual Worldwide Photo Walk is July 24th!

“Last year we had over 900 walks with over 32,000 photographers participating. We did the math...your average photographer will take upwards of 300 photos during a walk. That means that nearly 10 million pictures were taken in that one single day that may never had happened otherwise. "

Tamron Launches Second How-to Video Series

This was on the PPA website...

Tamron Launches Second How-to Video Series
By PPA Staff

Tamron USA, Inc. has just announced the second series of its free learning program that's specifically targeted at first-time Digital SLR owners, but also likely to appeal to a broad spectrum of shooters including experienced enthusiasts, and those who simply want to continue learning techniques to take better photos. Starting on June 7, 2010, and every Monday for 12 weeks, Tamron will release an entertaining and informative one-minute episode of "DSLR Know-How with Tamron: Series 201" on YouTube that's designed to bring picture-takers to a higher level of photographic expression. "In just one minute per week you can learn important tips to making excellent pictures at no cost," notes John VanSteenberg, Tamron's Senior Education Manager. "Each of these one-minute video demonstrations is designed to take the viewers of the first series and newcomers to a higher comfort level with their equipment and photographic techniques."

The lighthearted, fact-filled video episodes, presented by professional photographer and instructor Ken Hubbard, who also manages Tamron's seminar and workshop events, cover essential topics such as composition, macro, polarizer use, night photography and much more. All contain a wealth of solid, useful information, and presented in straightforward, easy-to-understand language. The goal is to expand the viewers' knowledge base as quickly as possible while providing a fun learning experience. We believe that followers who watch the entire series will be able to take their creative DSLR skill sets to a whole new level of picture-taking success.

"The 101 series was wildly popular, and we're now following it up with this '201' series to cover more sophisticated techniques, creating, in effect, a unique easy learning center," says VanSteenberg. "The release schedule of weekly introductions allows viewers to try out the techniques and build a base of knowledge that creates a foundation for success. Tamron is acclaimed as a manufacturer of innovative high-performance camera lenses, but we also want to position ourselves as a leader in photo education. That helps raise the bar for everyone, including, of course, our valued customers."

The Tamron YouTube videos can be found on the TamronVids Channel at www.youtube.com/TamronVids, and there will be weekly links posted on the Tamron website as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

To access the series, followers can subscribe to the Tamron YouTube Channel and/or follow it on Twitter and Facebook to find out when the videos are posted. The evolving Tamron Teachable Moments video learning series is ultimately targeted at anyone with a passion for DSLR photography. That includes shooters who feel challenged by the awesome capabilities of their new cameras, old hands who want to take a refresher course, and anyone who wants to enhance their skills and have a more rewarding picture-taking experience. Fortunately this is the Digital Era, so empowerment is only a click away!

Going to Prison for Creative Lighting

Going to Prison for Creative Lighting

With Nancy Ori, Tamron and Unique Photo

Some seats are still available! Great Value.....Register Today at REGISTER ON-LINE

www.Unique-University.com or call Pamela at 973-377-6454

JUNE 15th (6:00pm - 8:00pm) Lecture: Unique Photo (123 US Highway 46 West, Fairfield, NJ 07004) This session is geared to get you totally ready with the lighting and exposure expertise necessary to successfully capture some great images within this challenging shooting environment. Painting with light and high dynamic range (HDR) photographywill also be discussed.

JUNE 16th (8:00am - 4:00pm): EXCURSION to ESPBus leaves promptly from Unique Photo at 8am. Box Lunch included.Set in the moody and creepy atmosphere of the vacant Eastern State Penitentiary, the excursion will provide artistic insight into capturing the moods and essence of this unique location in the heart of Philadelphia. This was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, just the way we love it! It is a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks, pealing paint and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world's first true "penitentiary," a prison designed to inspire penitence or true regret in the hearts of convicts. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America's most notorious criminals, including bank robber "Slick Willie" Sutton and Al Capone. To photographers, this location presents incredibly graphic, creative and exciting photo opportunities. Spots are limited, so be sure to sign up soon!Cost is $150Entry fees, lunch, loaner lenses, on-site instruction, discount rebate certificates for lenses and bus are all included.

Equipment: You may bring a tripod or monopod. Box lunches and transportation will be provided. Free loaner Tamron lenses will also be available for use. Nancy Ori, owner of New Jersey Media Center, LLC in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, is respected internationally as an industrial photographer and video producer for over 30 years. She has been involved with several organizations and in 1995, she established the New Jersey Photography Forum, which is a group of professional and semi-professional photographers who meet regularly to discuss their work, as well as exhibit within the state. Since inception, the Forum has grown under Nancy's direction to become the largest group of exhibiting fine art photographers in the state and has now expanded to include the new Digital Arts Group of the New Jersey Photography Forum.

Register Today at www.Unique-University.com or call Pamela at 973-377-6454

Carl Heilman

From Carl Heilman

It's early summer here in the Adirondack mountains. Snow is all gone and it's green the whole way to the top of the peaks. Tomorrow they are saying highs only in the 50's - but then back to the 70's next week.

First, for those in the Capital District area of NY, our recent AV show, 'I Am The Adirondacks' will be broadcast on WMHT twice in the next week at 5 PM on Sunday June 6, and again at 10 PM on Friday, June 11. This is our most recent program on the Adirondacks, with a narrative based on a poem by Miriam Kashiwa, that offers an 'Adirondacks' perspective.

Second, we're just a couple of weeks away from the pub date for my new book, Contemporary Landscape Photography on June 22. We have scheduled a 'Book Release Day' with The Wild Center in Tupper Lake on Wed. July 7. I'll be doing a 1 1/2 hour public presentation at 2 PM in the Flammer Theater, 'Outdoor Photography: Tips, Techniques, and Creative Effects. I'll be available to sign books before and after the presentation, and then am doing a 4 hour photo tour at 5 PM (reservation only). I look forward to seeing you there!

I also wanted to mention the wonderful new Adirondack Folk School in Lake Luzerne and their full schedule for teaching all kinds of crafts related to the Adirondack region. They have a good strong vision, and I look forward to working with them on workshops in the future. They are having a grand opening on July 5th, when I'll be doing a presentation, along with Chris Shaw and other regional artists. Have a look at http://www.adirondackfolkschool.org/ .

And please pass the address along to anyone you think might be interested!

Best regards,
Carl
www.carlheilman.com
www.naturepanoramas.com
Phone / Fax (518)-494-3072
Mon. - Fri Eastern US

Tim Grey's "Bridge CS5 Deep Dive" DVD

Ask Tim Grey
eNewsletter June 2, 2010 Learn more at www.timgrey.com
"Bridge CS5 Deep Dive" DVD

I'm happy to announce I have gone into production on a new video tutorial DVD, "Bridge CS5 Deep Dive". The video tutorials on this DVD will cover all of the many facets of Adobe Bridge, which serves as a file-management tool included with Photoshop. Aimed directly at the photographer, this DVD will show you how to take advantage of everything Bridge has to offer to maximize the efficiency of your workflow.

Whether you've decided that Lightroom isn't quite the right product for you, or you simply want to utilize Bridge from time to time outside the context of Lightroom, this DVD will teach you all you need to know to put Bridge to use in your workflow.

The "Bridge CS5 Deep Dive" DVD will ship later this month, but if you order now before it ships you will receive a special discounted price of $20 (and paid Ask Tim Grey Members still get their normal 10% discount beyond that).

To place your pre-order for this DVD so you'll be among the first to receive it, visit my online store here:
http://www.timgrey.com/store/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=DVDBridgeCS5

National Wildlife Magazine photo contest

Give Us Your Best Shot(s)!

Winning photos appear in National Wildlife Magazine and more than $30,000 in cash prizes!Our 40th annual photo competition is our biggest ever!

We are now accepting entries to the 2010 National Wildlife Photo Contest. Cash prizes of more than $30,000 plus other gifts will be awarded to the winners in seven categories in three separate divisions. Go to the entry page for more details and the complete rules.

Two $5,000 Grand Prizes

Winning images will be published on our website and a selection will appear in our December 2010 issue

Pro, Amateur and Youth divisions

For your $20 entry fee, you can submit up to 25 images in 7 categories: Birds, Mammals, Other Wildlife, Landscapes/Plants, Connecting People and Nature, Backyard Habitat and Global Warming

A reminder not to wait for the perfect time!

A reminder not to wait for the perfect time!

I read a wonderful article on another photographer's blog -- wow! I just had to post it to remind everyone of the importance of family photographs -- do not wait for the perfect time for photos.

it’s so easy to say
–i’m too fat.
i have too much going on.
we’re too busy.
maybe next year.

but I just want to say STOP IT!

We need to take the time to appreciate the value of family photos, if not for ourselves (because we’re too fat or whatever), then for our children. In 20 years, your children are not going to say,i really love this photo of my family but i wish my mom had waited until she lost some weight.

Please just get a family portrait done because these photographs are so important to those who love you!

http://www.debsphotographs.com/photoblog/?p=957

We never know what tomorrow will bring our way.
and life is quickly racing by; before we know it, our kids will be grown and leaving the house.

NO, THERE IS NO PERFECT TIME.

I hope that this will inspire someone, who might be waiting for that perfect time or to lose a couple of pounds, to book a photographer…today!

From RAW to Print: The Summer Digital Boot Camp

From RAW to Print: The Summer Digital Boot Camp

July 12-16, 2010Pacifica, CAImmerse yourself in digital photography. This full-week photography workshop is an intense and extensive. In days you will go from perhaps not even understanding what a RAW file is, to making well-crafted and thoughtful prints.

Learn more

Canon Days

Canon Days is taking place at all Calumet retail locations on June 11 and 12.

Free seminars, printer demonstrations, tech advice, generous rebates and a few surprises that we can’t reveal until right before the event!

Be sure to register for the free seminars in advance because they will fill up quickly. To see what’s being offered near you view our retail event calendars. http://news.calumetphoto.com/a/hBMB-XYBSY4otB8K6rXB8esleBj/cal118

Berkshire County Area Visit two of the best private gardens in the area!

Berkshire County Area Visit two of the best private gardens in the area!

Sunday, June 6th10 am to 4 pmAdmission to each garden is $5.00

Black Barn Farm, 937 Summit Road, Richmond, MA
Apple Hill, 12 Red Rock Road, West Stockbridge, MA

for details and directions visit gardenconservancy.org

Adobe Announces Release of Camera Raw 6.1

Adobe Announces Release of Camera Raw 6.1

Adobe today announced the immediate availability of the Photoshop Camera Raw 6.1 plug-in on Adobe.com.

Originally posted on Adobe Labs for community testing, the final release of Camera Raw 6.1 brings new lens correction functionality and adds raw file support for 10 new popular camera models for Photoshop CS5 customers. New lens correction features allow photographers to automatically apply profiles that correct for geometric distortions, chromatic aberration and lens vignette effects as well as manually make vertical and horizontal perspective transforms. Customized lens profiles can also be created with the newly released Lens Profile Creator, available now on Adobe Labs. Newly Supported Camera Models: Canon EOS 550D (Digital Rebel T2i/ EOS Kiss X4 Digital); Kodak Z981; Leaf Aptus-II 8; Leaf Aptus-II 10R; Mamiya DM40; Olympus E-PL1; Olympus E-600; Panasonic G2; Panasonic G10; Sony A450

Availability

Photoshop Camera Raw 6.1 is available as a free download for Photoshop CS5, Photoshop Elements 8 (Win/Mac) and Premiere Elements 8 customers. For more information and to download the updates visit: http://www.adobe.com/downloads/updates/.

The Adobe Lens Profile Creator is available on Adobe Labs: http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lensprofile_creator/.

The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 Book for Digital Photographers

The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 Book for Digital Photographers

Special Bonus Offer: Pre-order The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 Book for Digital Photographers from Kelby Training and get The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 Killer Presets CD with Matt Kloskowski (a $39.99 value) absolutely FREE!

Pre-order it now

Sussex County Bird and Nature Fest

Sussex County Bird and Nature Fest

Click here for a detailed schedule and to register online.

WCC's Apache

I know that many of you photographed Apache so I thought that I would pass this along (taken straight from the WCC website). Lisa

March 10, 2010 - Apache, the twelve-year-old alpha wolf of the Center’s “ambassador” pack, died after a short battle with cancer. Born in captivity, Apache spent his entire life at the WCC, giving visitors the rare opportunity to learn about wolf behavior by watching him interact with his pack mates. His distinctive howl thrilled tens of thousands of people who were always happy to howl along with him and laugh at Apache’s habit of continuing to howl when WCC staff tried to speak. With one perpetually floppy ear thanks to some less-than-tender discipline from Eno, the German Shepherd that helped raise him as a pup, Apache sported a jaunty look that perfectly complemented his disposition. He was a benevolent pack leader with a personality that charmed staff, volunteer, and visitor alike.

Throughout the WCC’s growth from its modest beginnings as home to three wolves to its present role as a leader in wolf conservation and environmental education (and home to 29 critically endangered Mexican gray wolves and red wolves), Apache was always the soul of the Center.
Like the king he was, he could usually be found perched on his favorite rock den, which afforded him a view of his pack’s spacious enclosure as well as the visitor path. While his throne may now be empty, his howl will forever resonate in the lives of those privileged to have heard it. Apache truly left his mark on the world, literally and figuratively. We hope those he touched will be inspired to improve the world by leaving their marks as well.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO TRIBUTE TO APACHE

Please feel free to share your feelings, memories and photos of Apache on the WCC’s Facebook page

THE AMBASSADOR PACKThe WCC is home to an Ambassador pack of three Gray wolves that help us fulfill our education mission. They are very special, and they accomplish this mission with great enthusiasm.

Secret Gardens Tour Tickets

Secret Gardens Tour Tickets
New Canaan Nature Center June 4th