Welcome! This is a place where I (Lisa) can pass along information about photography -- photo ops, new products, reviews, workshops, articles, exhibitions, etc. etc. Enjoy!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
special field trips to Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station
Limited space is still available; the tour is limited to 25 people and strictly open only to U.S. Citizens with proper identification. Trip leaders are Pete Bacinski, Linda Mack, and Rick Radis. For more information and to register contact SHBO at shbo@njaudubon.org or 732-872-2500.
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NSN Photo Series with Greg Downing & Rick Sammon
Registration: 8:00AM
Greg Downing: 9:00AM - Noon
Lunch: Noon - 1:00PM
Rick Sammon: 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Q & A: 4:00PM - 5:00PM
Who?Naturescapes founder and world renowned wildlife photographer Greg Downing and Rick Sammon, author of 34 books, 30 Web/TV shows, and Photoshop Hall of Fame nominee.What?Two presentations: Greg shares his favorite wildlife photographs and tips in the morning. Rick follows with his best travel, nature and wildlife photos and Photoshop tips, tricks and techniques in the afternoon.Book signing before and after the event.
Where?George Mason University, Fairfax CampusStudent Union 1 4400 University DriveFairfax, Virginia 22030
Price:$99 in advance, $125 at the door ($10 discount for students with ID, Camera Club Members and NatureScapes.net paid Members)
SPACE IS LIMITED - CLICK TO REGISTER NOW!
Greg Downing's
"Digital Nature Photography Simplified"
During this educational and enjoyable presentation Greg will share images from around the world as he teaches you how to consistently create dynamic and moving images that inspire and spark an emotional connection with the viewer. From pre-visualization to predicting action and gaining ultimate control over the entire process, Greg will share his vast knowledge with good humor, unwavering patience and engaging teaching style.
Covering everything from designing the image and working with different lighting situations to digital darkroom techniques and optimizing the final result, Greg's will give you tips and valuable information that you can begin to use immediately. As he shares images from around the world, taking you to Iceland, Tanzania, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Alaska, and Antarctica you will instantly see the unique and creative vision that has earned Greg worldwide recognition and respect in the industry. From the first image to the last you will learn valuable techniques, tips and tricks and literally feel the passion behind the process.
"Every image Greg presents seems to have a little something "extra" about it that cannot be described in words. There is a true sense of love for his subjects and he captures that with each composition he creates."
About Greg
Greg has been traveling the world teaching professional and amateur photographers for more than a decade through his instructional workshops and seminars. Instructing photographers of all experience levels Greg has earned a reputation for his gracious and generous teaching style.
Greg's images are known for their unique style, exacting composition and strict attention to detail. As an internationally recognized photographer, his numerous publishing credits include books, advertising campaigns and editorial publications such as Birding Magazine, Outdoor Photographer Magazine, Birder's World, National Geographic and many others. Especially passionate about birds, his images can also be found in printed form in several Wildbird Centers on the east coast, as well as appearing in private art exhibitions.
In 2003 Greg founded www.NatureScapes.net - the world's most respected nature photography social networking community.
As Greg travels the world taking pictures he enjoys meeting others, teaching and sharing his passion while making new lifelong friends in the process.
To see more of Greg's work visit his website at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102606010288&s=10288&e=001nKPI-Yc5FVvWK8Fh_nu9oedTcJLK1YIQvcdrq74ojdbOxFD-nDXiiX9d77VZLJQLlfoxEy9Qxh8o9BvJ9jDYZ6GyIJlkfecglRxlCZv2G8tG51oWBLrscw==.
Rick Sammon's
"Exploring Digital Imaging"
In this informative and fun-filled presentation, Canon Explorer of Light Rick Sammon will begin by sharing his pictures from around the globe - some of which have appeared in his 34 books and thousands of newspaper and magazine articles. For every image, Rick will share a photographic technique, digital darkroom tip, or a photo philosophy.
After Rick "takes" us to Antarctica, the Arctic, Bhutan, Botswana, Cambodia, Costa Rica, India, Venice, Mexico, Nepal, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam, as well as to his favorite National Parks and wildlife centers here in the United States, he will share some of his favorite Photoshop CS4 enhancements.
Bonus Presentation "HDR"
HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a revolutionary technique that transforms traditional photographs into eye popping images, revealing a wide range of exposures and tones that bring a scene to life. Overcoming the challenge of photographing details in extreme highlights and shadows is possible through HDR processes such as tone mapping and bracketing exposures. Come discover the magic of HDR by joining the legendary Rick Sammon as he shares his favorite HDR images, and his personal techniques for creating them. Rick will provide a basic overview of HDR imaging, followed by a demonstration of programs and plug-ins, including Photomatix, Topaz Adjust and Luic. If you're new to HDR, or would like to hone your existing skills, then this is the perfect inspirational and instructional Sunday lecture for you.
About Rick
Rick Sammon has published 34 books, including his latest, Rick Sammon's Secrets to Digital Photography, Exploring the Light - Making the Very Best In-Camera Exposures, and Face to Face - The Complete Guide to Photographing People.
Rick, who has photographed in almost 100 countries around the world, gives more than two-dozen photography workshops (including private workshops) and presentations around the world each year. He also presents at Photoshop World, which Rick says is a "blast." Obviously, Rick loves teaching and sharing his knowledge of photography.
Rick is also the author of the Canon Digital Rebel XT lessons on the Canon Digital Learning Center. He is also a Canon Explorer of Light.
Rick also host five shows on kelbytraining.com. He's also been spotted giving presentations at Apple stores in New York City and in San Francisco.
When asked about his photo specialty, Rick says, "My specialty is not specializing."
See http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102606010288&s=10288&e=001nKPI-Yc5FVtVxM2YBnySgSsWb1l9dYPnP6SYP1Cr_qGmLTAx54I2OUIjToGdvsOk70hQ-dVMCNZBKeiacYh2tH5PoUiqRm9_UCdtFTfJX4zkR-HgcdadMQ== for more information.
LiabilityAll NSN Photography Series participants accept full responsibility for personal injury and/or personal losses during the period of the event, and are required to sign a waiver of responsibility. Refund/Cancellation PolicyIf you decide to withdraw from this NSN Photography Series, please inform us no later than October 15 - we will refund your registration fee, less a $25 withdrawal fee. Because of our obligations to presenting artists, no refund of any payments will be made for notification after October 15 and for no-shows or for withdrawal after NSN Photography Series begins.
Questions?Call us at 410-239-8025 or email us at mailto:tara@naturescapes.net.
SPACE IS LIMITED - CLICK TO REGISTER NOW!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Some free Photoshop alternatives...
From Weekly Photography Tips a site is dedicated to all photographers with the purpose of exposing you to cool and informative resources that could help make you a better photographer.
Not everyone is able to make the financial investment for Photoshop and there are others who do not need (or require) all the things that Photoshop can do.So here are some alternatives that will cost you nothing, nada, zip, zero, zilch, goose egg:
1. Gimp. "GIMP is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed program for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring." Here is an introduction page, and here is a tutorial page so you can take a look at what it can do.
2. Fotografix. "While graphic design professionals probably wouldn't be able to substitute Fotografix for Photoshop, it's certainly a capable free alternative for the average Joe."
3. Paint.NET. "Paint.NET is free image and photo editing software for computers that run Windows." You will find the features list here, and tutorials here.
4. Photoscape. "Photoscape is the fun and easy photo editing software that enables you to fix and enhance photos." You can take a look at some screenshots here.
5. Adobe Photoshop Online. The title pretty much says it all, and you can take a test drive here.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Remember Everything With Your Camera and Evernote
From Photojojo
Remember Everything With Your Camera and Evernote
Your camera can keep your mind from wandering off. Snap a picture of anything you want to remember and drop the photo into Evernote.
This clever little app turns your picture into a note (it can even read text in your photo) and creates a collection of little reminders.
Use tags to search for related notes, or add them to a to-do list. You can access the database from your smartphone, desktop, or the web, so it’s available wherever you go.
Take snapshots of places you want to explore, or ideas scribbled on napkins, and pretty soon you’ll remember everything!
Your mind may still wander, but at least you’ll know where it was.
Evernote: Use Your Camera to Remember Everything
Thanks to reader to Lindsay Leung for the tip!
p.s. Evernote works with your scanner too! (And screenshots, and your webcam, and Eye-Fi cards…) Check out their blog for ideas and tips on using the app.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
21 Brilliant Photos That Look Like They’re Photoshopped But Are Not
There are hundreds of posts available on the internet about photoshop and photo manipulation. You probably have also seen many photos or images that have been photoshopped and inspire others. Today, we are posting another post that probably will make you look twice. In this post we are listing 21 Brilliant Photos That Look Like They’re Photoshopped But Are Not.
Epson Artisan 50 new printer
From Red River
New Epson Printer for Greeting Cards
The Epson Artisan 50 looks to be a worthy printer for printing your custom photo note and greeting cards on Red River greeting card papers.With six colors and a rear feed tray, the Artisan 50 should be a dandy choice for any of Red River's glossy, matte, specialty, or fine art card stocks.A new Artisan 50 is on the way to RRP HQ today. We'll have a full review of this new machine shortly.
Check out the printer over at Amazon.com: Epson Artisan 50
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Control Canon Cameras with iPhones
http://www.creativepro.com/article/control-canon-cameras-iphones
onOne Software's new iPhone application, the "DSLR Camera Remote," lets you use the iPhone or iPod Touch to control a Canon EOS DSLR camera via a WiFi-enabled computer.
onOne Software, Inc., announced a new application to remotely control Canon EOS DSLR cameras using an iPhone or iPod Touch. The new DSLR Camera Remote for iPhone application allows photographers using a supported Canon EOS DSLR that is connected to a WiFi enabled computer to remotely control the settings of the camera, fire the shutter, review images, and even get a live viewfinder preview. This gives photographers a new level of freedom when shooting camera angles where it is difficult to see through the viewfinder, self-portraits, or events where multiple cameras are set up and the photographer just can’t be behind them all.
Key capabilities of the DSLR Camera Remote for iPhone:
• Remotely fire a supported Canon EOS DSLR over any WiFi network
• Remotely control camera settings like shutter-speed, aperture, white-balance, etc…
• Preview images on an iPhone or iPod Touch
• Look through the camera’s viewfinder remotely with Live View
• Built-in Intervalometer for advanced timer shooting
• Zero configuration Apple Bonjour networking finds the camera automatically
Availability and PricingDSLR Camera Remote for iPhone comes in two versions – the Professional edition, which is available for $19.99 with a limited time introductory price of $9.99; and the Lite edition, available for $1.99. After purchasing either edition from the iTunes App Store, users will need to download a free application that runs on their supported Mac or Windows computer. This free application is required to communicate between the iPhone and the supported Canon EOS DSLR, connected via USB or Firewire to a WiFi enabled computer.
There are no trial or demo versions of the DSLR Camera Remote for iPhone application.
Supported CamerasInitially, in version 1.0, the DSLR Camera Remote for iPhone application will only support selected Canon EOS DSLR cameras. However, an updated version that adds support for a wide variety of Nikon DSLR cameras is currently in development and is planned to be released as an update to the DSLR Camera Remote for iPhone application.
For the most complete list of supported cameras, visit the onOne Software Web site.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Photoshop CS4's Color Range tools
Learn how to use Photoshop CS4's Color Range tools to get more subtle, refined, and targeted selections when creating masks.
Written by Russell Brown
To create the best masks, you need to make the most accurate selections. Photoshop CS4's Color Range tools give you an easy way to create more subtle, refined, and targeted selections.
In this tutorial, you'll use the new Masks panel to choose one or more localized color clusters (there's a mouthful!); then adjust the sampled color range with a handy slider. While that may sound confusing, it's easy to follow along with this video how-to.
Stream the 10.6MB QuickTime tutorial in a separate window by clicking the image below.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
How to Convert a Digital Photo to a Polaroid
How to Convert a Digital Photo to a Polaroid
In it's day Polaroid was the fastest way to see you photo's. Today the polaroid format has all but gone but it's inconic frame lives on. This tutorial will show you how to make a polaroid frame from scratch and apply it to an image to make a mini montage.
http://www.picturesocial.com/video/how-to-convert-a-digital-photo
API TO ATTEND NEW ENGLAND CAMERA CLUB COUNCIL CONVENTION
API will be attending the 64th annual New England Camera Club Council (NECCC) Conference, July 10th thru 12th, on the campus of the University of Massachusetts. Please plan on stopping by our exhibit booth for the latest info, discount coupons and to meet API instructors Mark Bowie and Joe Lefevre. For details about the event visit the NECCC website.
We also recently announced a special 10% discount to all NECCC members. "In these tough economic times, we offer a variety of affordable workshops and photo tours in the Adirondacks. For the membership of the NECCC, our events are less than a tank full of gas away. Let us show you these incredible Adirondack locations for your next award winning shot!" said John Radigan, API Executive Director. This offer is good for any one 2009 ADKPI workshop and cannot be combined with any other discounts. Hurry! Workshops are filling up fast!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Make Your Camera Theft-Proof
Make Your Camera Theft-Proof: Harness the Power of Ugly!
Jimmie went to a bad part of Rio. Jimmie’s nice shiny camera got stolen.
Jimmie uglified his next camera. 4000 photos later, Jimmie still has his camera.
The moral: an ugly camera attracts less attention when you’re shooting in a rough area.
How to uglify your camera:
http://photojojo.com/content/tips/theft-proof-uglified-camera/8 Great iPhone Apps for Photographers
PhotoCalc - This app has some super useful tools. There is a glossary of photography terms which will help beginning photographers and definitions of rules like the Sunny 16 rule. The best part is a depth of field calculator so that you know exactly how much margin you have for focusing when you enter a specific focal length, camera type, aperture, and subject distance. Oh, and if you LOVE to shoot just after sunrise or just before sunset, the app will find your location and tell you the time of sunrise and sunset.
SmugWallet - This is my new favorite app. You do need to have smugmug galleries set up to use this. Now instead of having to upload photos to the built in photo library, I can sync whichever smugmug galleries I desire. I hope in the future they have a way for me to set the photo as my screen saver/background. For now you can browse photos and email a link to a gallery or specific photo to others.
Camera Bag - This app will help you have fun with your built in iPhone camera. You can take or edit photos with fun tools like fisheye, helga, lomo, cinema, and much more. Just fun!
Photogene - If you miss photoshop and which they made it for your iPhone, try this app. No it will not replace Photoshop, but it is fun to play with and for quickly editing photos taken with the iPhone camera.
Tweetie - If you are one of the many photographers who love twitter, there are many apps available to help you tweet on the go. I have two, “twitterific” and “tweetie” - but find “Tweetie” much easier to use.
Facebook - If you are one of the many photographers on Facebook - this will make it much easier to check and reply to facebook on the go.
Cover Styler - So… This one is fun for photographers who have kids. My twins asked me to include this one and the next one. This app allows you to take photos in your library or camera roll and put them inside a variety of Disney Magazine covers ranging from Hannah Montana to Suite Life on Deck and Wizards of Waverly Place. This app may just give you leverage to “bribe” your kids into letting you take their pictures - if you agree to make them a movie star on your iPhone.
Face Melter - This app is fun for kids - they can use photos in the camera library or roll to melt and distort. Think of it as photoshop’s liquefy tool on steroids (though not quite as pleasing results). I have to say that even as an adult, it can be fun to play…
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
New ProShow Online Classes Announced
New ProShow Online Classes Announced
The June 2009 Class schedule has been announced so come check out what's new. Whether you need to brush up on the basics, or you're ready to dive into advanced effects keyframing, we've got an online class for you. Online classes are as little as $10 each, and are offered almost every day.
Upcoming Lecture: Linda Connor
Upcoming Lecture: Linda Connor
Saturday June 6, 8pm
CPW invites you to join us for an evening lecture with the revered photographer and educator, Linda Connor.
The most consistent element in Linda Connor's work is the making of photographs that are iconic and that honor her subject. Using tools reminiscent of 19th century landscape photography, Connor's images reflect the poetry and mystery of place and contemplate the relationship of the sacred to the natural world.
Connor's work has been internationally exhibited at venues including San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Center for Creative Photography in Tucson, National Gallery of Art, Haines Gallery and Paul Kopeikin Gallery. Her photographs are published in seven monographs including On the Music of the Spheres, Spiral Journey, and most recently Odyssey by Chronicle Books.
Linda is the recipient of three National Endowment for the Arts grants, as well as a Guggenheim Fellowship, and her work is included in collections at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Modern Art, the George Eastman House, the Getty, and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
Admission: $7 / $5 (members, students, & seniors)
Best wishes from all of us,
The Center for Photography at Woodstock
email: info@cpw.org
phone: (845) 679-9957
web: http://www.cpw.org
Invasive plant
From: http://scarthphoto.com/wordpress/
And interesting post about Garlic Mustard. I had a large one growing in my plant nursery (a little garden that I put my babies until they are large enough for the big garden). This monster showed up, kind of pretty with heart shpaed leaves and nice white flowers, but I just knew that it had to be a weed because it was waist high in my nursery garden. I inquired and was told to get it out and fast because they are toxic to other flowers and to trees.
OK, easy enough. Then I went out back a couple of days ago and there were hundreds of them! I have never had any before (we have lived here for 5 years) but I spend hours pulling them. And they are a plant that you do NOT compost, etc. "When Garlic Mustard is pulled it should be bagged and removed rather than left on the ground. Plants have enough energy stores to produce fruits and seeds even after they are pulled. "
So today I came across this great blog -- and there is Garlic Mustard -- a photo and a description.
May is the time of Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata). This invasive is coming into full bloom and those combatting it are out in force pulling it. Heavy infestations are a threat to the woodland flowers (including rare and special ones) so enjoyed by people and needed by insects in their life cycles. It degrades woodlands as wildlife habitats and may shade out tree and shrub seedlings as well as flowers.
Hunt's NEW 800 phone number
A bazillion free Photoshop actions...
A bazillion free Photoshop actions...
If you head on over to Designer Today you will find a list 14 pages long of free Photoshop actions that are available from different websites (including Weekly Photo Tips).They also have other cool things like Photoshop tutorials, Paint Shop Pro Tutorials, and just about anything else you can imagine when it comes to graphic/web design.
From Weekly Photo Tips, asite is dedicated to all photographers with the purpose of exposing you to cool and informative resources that could help make you a better photographer.
How to test a lens for sharpness...
From Weekly Photography Tips
How to test a lens for sharpness...
Ever shoot with one of your lenses and think it doesn't look quite as sharp as it should?Ever buy a used lens and want to make sure it works like it should?Ever stand in front of a mirror in woman’s clothing and think you look pretty? ah... wait, strike that last one, I just meant to think it.;)Here's a great video tutorial on testing your lens sharpness.
http://weeklyphototips.blogspot.com/2009/05/how-to-test-lens-for-sharpness.html
Welcome to Weekly Photo Tips.
This site is dedicated to all photographers with the purpose of exposing you to cool and informative resources that could help make you a better photographer.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Free Denis Reggie Seminars
An Evening with Denis Reggie
Denis Reggie will be giving several free seminars on his renowned wedding photojournalism in June. These very special gatherings feature Denis Reggie up close and personal as he shares favorite images and stories from behind the scenes. He will detail his techniques, offer industry insights, and answer questions… all in a casual, living room style format.
This is a FREE Canon Explorer of Light event and is open to all photographers at any level. You do not have to be a Pictage user to attend these free seminars.
Click on your city for more details and to RSVP.
New York, NY June 3, 2009
Denver, CO June 10, 2009
Honolulu, HI June 23, 2009
Fit Image and Constrain Proportions
Tim Grey's DDQ Digital Darkroom Questions
Videos Books Digital Darkroom Quarterly Speaking Blog
Today's Question:
In reading your explanation about using Fit Image to resize images for a slideshow in a recent DDQ email, I am wondering what happens to the natural ratio of height to width if you automatically set the pixel dimensions as you propose. I currently simply go to Image > Image Size and resample to 768 on the longest side (which is the requirement of our Camera Club digital competition). Because the cropped image often varies in ratio of sides, we get different pixel dimensions for the shorter side. Wouldn't the procedures you outlined cause an image's size to be distorted?
Tim's Answer:
This is an excellent question, because the risk of having the aspect ratio of an image changed during resizing is something I think any photographer should be concerned about. While it is possible to slightly change the aspect ratio without adversely affecting the image (and in fact, in some cases altering the aspect ratio can actually improve the aesthetics of the image), I recommend that the aspect ratio of the image be maintained in most cases.
When using the Image Size command, the Constrain Proportions checkbox is turned on by default, and thus the aspect ratio of the image will be preserved. If you change the Width, for example, the Height will adjust in proportion as long as the Constrain Proportions checkbox is turned on. I recommend leaving this checkbox turned on at all times (except in the rare case where changing the aspect ratio slightly provides a benefit).
When it comes to the Fit Image command, there isn't a checkbox for Constrain Proportions, but that is because the Fit Image command always maintains the aspect ratio of your image. The key to realize here is that the Fit Image command doesn't actually resize the image to the exact dimensions you specify, but rather resizes the image to fit within a box with dimensions you specify. So for a given collection of images that all have slightly different aspect ratios, if you set Fit Image to a Width of 1024 and a Height of 768, all vertical images will be 768 pixels tall, but their widths will vary. No distortion will occur.
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