Nikon announces new cameras!
D3000 Kit w/18-55 DX VR (2-lens kit also available)10.2-megapixel DX-format Imaging Sensor 3-inch Color LCD Monitor Nikon’s Smallest D-SLR Split-second Shutter Response Continuous Shooting at up to 3 fps
Click here to Pre-Order your D3000 outfit w/18-55
Click here to Pre-Order your D3000 outfit w/18-55 & 55-200 VR
D300S Body or Outfit w/18-200 DX VR II12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS Imaging SensorFaster Continuous Shooting at up to 7 fpsNew One-button Live ViewHandheld and Tripod Live View ModesBroader Low Noise ISO Sensitivity from 200 to 3200
Click here to Pre-Order your D300s Body
Click here to Pre-Order your D300s Outfit w/18-200 VRII
New Lenses too!
New AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR IIThe new AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II incorporates seven ED glass elements in a newly developed optical system and now features Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat to virtually eliminate internal reflections, enhancing saturation and overall image quality. Vibration Reduction II image stabilization allows photographers to shoot remarkably crisp images hand-held at as many as four shutter speeds slower than would be otherwise possible. Click here to Pre-Order your 70-200mm f2.8 VR II
New AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR IIThe new VR II technology gives photographers the ability to shoot in challenging conditions at as many as 4 shutter speeds slower than would normally be necessary. New to its design is a zoom lock, allowing users to apply specific resistance to the zoom mechanism to avoid unwanted changes in focal length. Tremendously versatile, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II is an ideal one-lens solution. Click here to Pre-Order your 18-200 DX VR II
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
2009 NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY FALL COLOR WORKSHOPS
About Workshops -- Summer Field Workshops -- Workshop Registration
2009 NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY FALL COLOR WORKSHOPS
In Michigan's Beautiful Upper Peninsula
Session #1 OCTOBER 4 - 10, 2009
Session #2 October 11 - 17, 2009
We're teaching two Fall Color nature photography workshops in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Hiawatha Forest during 2009. October is a magical time in the Upper Peninsula. Autumn is valiantly trying to hold on, but by late October, gradually loses out to "Old Man Winter." It's a fabulous time to enjoy the North Woods!Our fall color nature photography field workshops are designed to show you how to use high quality nature photography techniques to shoot spectacular nature images. Typical subjects that we photograph during the week include patterns of colorful leaves hanging from trees, floating in quiet ponds, and carpeting the forest floor. Beautiful backlit individual leaves, golden bracken ferns littered with brilliant red maple leaves, waterfalls encircled by autumn foliage, colorful rocks along Lake Superior, and sunrises/sunsets will keep your camera busy, too. With a bit of luck, we may have the opportunity to photograph gorgeous frosted autumn leaves. Perhaps a light snowfall may provide the chance to photograph autumn leaves amid the snow. When dawn is calm and clear, we'll be on location before sunrise to photograph spectacular autumn color and white birch trees perfectly reflected in the still water of small lakes. Since 1987, we have discovered many special places to share with you. We lived near the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for several years, so we know this area well. In addition, we have conducted dozens of autumn color workshops here over the years. No matter what the weather conditions, we know where to lead our students to make the most of their time in the field taking photos. We lead morning and afternoon field trips Monday through Friday morning. We also lead a Saturday morning trip for those who can stay with us a bit longer. We take you to places where you'll find exciting subjects to photograph. We carefully show you how to select excellent photo prospects from the chaos of nature. Then we demonstrate how to shoot the best images of nature with high quality techniques that anyone can learn and master. We spend 100% of our time while in the field helping you to capture images with your own equipment. We're always with you to suggest great photo possibilities and to solve any problems you may have. To ensure that instruction is complete, informative, and helpful; group size is limited to twenty participants (a 1:10 instructor/student ratio).About 20% of the workshop is spent viewing instructional programs that we have carefully put together to maximize learning. The materials contained in the programs are suitable for all skill levels. We critique your images during the week, too. On Friday night, we present a spirited showing of each participant's best images produced during the week.We present a program featuring our digital images that we have taken during the past year. This popular part of the workshop is a great way to show you the new things that we've discovered about nature photography and the new images that we've captured. We also ask each of you to bring some photos (digital images, slides, and/or prints) from home to share with the group. Although it's optional, it's a superb way to see where you've been and how well you're doing. If you would like a thoughtful critique of your images, just ask, we'll be glad to do this for you. At each workshop we eat, breathe, and sleep nature photography. But, that doesn't mean it's all work and no play. Since we take our field trips at a leisurely pace, there is time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. We may even get a little silly at times, but then laughter and humor add to the terrific workshop experience.Participating in our nature photography workshop is not only an effective way to improve your nature photography and to learn about nature, it's a wonderful "learning vacation" as well. It's always a pleasure to share experiences and knowledge with other nature photographers.Our workshops, however, are not for everyone. If you are looking for a workshop that takes you into the field from 9 to 5 when the weather conditions are less favorable for capturing exquisite images, our workshop is not appropriate for you. We believe in leading our field trips when we are normally out capturing images for our own personal files. Therefore, our field trips begin every morning 1/2 hour before sunrise, and we stay out until 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. Getting up for our early morning field trips isn't going to be as tough as it sounds. We are on the far western edge of the Eastern Time Zone and on daylight-savings time. One half-hour before sunrise is about 7:30 a.m. during autumn. Evening field trips begin about 3.5 hours before sunset. We always stay out for the sunset, if the weather allows.We'll conduct most of our instructional image programs that cover exposure, light, and composition during the middle of the day when the light is unfavorable and the wind may be blowing. All mornings and evenings are reserved for field trips. On the other hand, if the weather is suitable for photography during the middle of the day, we will shoot images instead and conduct programs at night.About the Pictured Rocks AreaPictured Rocks National Lakeshore receives its name from the colorful rock formations along the southern shoreline of Lake Superior between Munising and Grand Marais. This whole region is a photographer's paradise. That's why we lived here for several years. The land features a mixture of beech-maple and conifer forests, clear meandering brooks, quiet beaver ponds, undeveloped Lake Superior shorelines, several spectacular waterfalls, and hundreds of small secluded wild lakes. Black bear, bald eagles, osprey, coyotes, and white-tailed deer are plentiful. Since very few people live here, it's a land of unspoiled beauty that abounds with wildlife and gorgous landscapes. The Munising and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore area is especially good for autumn photography for several reasons. First, the forest in northern Michigan features a beautiful mixture of beech-maple, conifer, white birch, and aspen woodlands. Since beech, aspen, birch, and several species of maple trees are abundant here, the forest becomes a riot of vibrant red, yellow, and orange color during the first three weeks of October. But, it doesn't last long. Fall color develops in earnest in late September and generally peaks between October 6 - 12. Second, nearby Lake Superior tends to stretch out the peak of fall color a bit. Fall color typically peaks away from the shoreline (10 miles inland) of Lake Superior 5-6 days before color peaks next to Lake Superior. Third, the vast majority of land is state and national forests--public land--so we can go just about anywhere. Access to land and stunning images is terrific!Field TripsField trips are 3-4 hours long so we can shoot as many wonderful images as possible. We'll visit gorgeous beaches, rocky Lake Superior shorelines, numerous waterfalls, and many secluded lakes full of autumn reflections where subjects abound. We'll car pool on each field trip. Since we know this gorgeous part of the world so well, we'll take you to many magical places.Digital PhotographyWe use a high quality digital projector for viewing your images. Just give us a copy of your images on a CD, jump drive, or CF card, so we can view them. Bringing a laptop computer is highly encouraged! MealsWe'll eat many meals as a group, but meal time is highly variable because our field trips are dictated by the weather. Since it is difficult to predict the weather, we'll just see what happens. Generally, we'll go to a restaurant in Munising after the morning field trip for breakfast. Lunch is the most unpredictable meal of all. If a restaurant is nearby when we feel like having lunch, we'll go to the restaurant. Dinner is eaten at restaurants, too. In all cases, when we go to restaurants, everyone orders off the menu and pays for his/her meal at that time. By the way, the lodge has a full kitchen for cooking. Each of the motel rooms have a microwave oven and refrigerator, so you can do some of your own cooking. Nobody has ever lost weight during our workshops, but we do work in meals around shooting fine images, not the other way around!Farewell Dinner After viewing the best images captured during the week on Friday night, we'll all go to a good restaurant at 8:30 p.m. for our farewell dinner. This is a great way to crown such a busy and productive week. And best of all, the Gerlachs are picking up the tab!Non-participating SpousesIf space permits, a few non-participating spouses, who don't shoot photos, may be allowed to attend part of the program for $150. Since the meeting room space is so limited, non-participating spouses are not allowed to attend any of the instructional programs conducted by the Gerlachs. However they are allowed to attend our images of the year program and the Friday night "best images of the week" program. They also can join field trips with their spouse. The $150 fee does include the farewell Friday night dinner.
Workshop Dates
Week #1. This week begins Sunday evening on October 4 and runs until Saturday morning after breakfast on October 10, 2009.
Week #2. This week begins Sunday evening on October 11 and runs until Saturday morning after breakfast on October 17, 2009.When the Workshop Starts and EndsThe workshop begins Sunday at 7:00 p.m. at the Timber Ridge Lodge. The program ends after breakfast on the following Saturday. TuitionTuition for the workshop is $650. A $100 deposit is required at this time to hold your space in the workshop. The deposit is refundable, less a $50 service fee, until June 1, 2009. The non-participating Spouse Fee is due June 1. After June 1, the $100 deposit becomes non-refundable, unless we are able to fill your space on such short notice (minus the $50 service fee).
Tuition includes all classroom and field instruction, detailed notes, National Park and Hiawatha National Forest user fees, and the farewell dinner Friday night. Meals, lodging, and items of a personal nature are not included.LodgingOur workshops are based at the Timber Ridge Motel and Lodge. These accommodations are nestled among the hills and lakes in the heart of the Hiawatha National Forest. The Timber Ridge Lodge borders Hovey Lake, and the Timber Ridge Motel overlooks nearby Hovey Lake. These two locales offer a perfect starting point for our field trips because they offer so many great nature photo opportunities.Timber Ridge Lodge: (Four Bedroom House)The fee for each person with no roommate is $44 per night, plus 6% tax. The fee for the room if sharing with a roommate is $49 per night, plus 6% tax. Each of the two large bedrooms is reserved for a non-smoking participant. There is a basement, but reserved for us (Barbara & John).Rooms are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. The four or five people staying here will share the two bathrooms. This house has a color TV, full kitchen facilities, fireplace, and is right on Hovey Lake. No smoking is permitted in this facility.
Timber Ridge MotelThis motel has nine units. Each unit has its own private bathroom. The motel is in excellent condition and well maintained. Each room has a color TV, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and an individual deck overlooking Hovey Lake. This is the best choice for those who wish to room together. The lodge accepts Visa, MasterCard, traveler's checks, and cash.Single Person: The fee for a single person is $54 per night, plus 6% tax. Two People one Bed: The fee is $59 per night, plus 6% tax.Two People two Beds: The fee is $59 per night, plus 6% tax.(Note: Since we are writing this so far ahead of time, it is possible that lodging at the Timber Ridge may increase slightly.)If you would like additional information regarding the Timber Ridge Motel and Lodge, please contact the owners.
Jan or Mary Sue NolanTimber Ridge Motel HCR 1, Box 52 Munising, MI 49862(906) 387-3790
You also have some camping options, if you prefer. Otter Lake CampgroundOtter Lake Campground is the best choice for those who wish to camp or stay in their recreational vehicle. Cost is approximately $17/night. The nearby Otter Lake campground is wonderful. It's right on Otter Lake and only a few miles from the Timber Ridge Lodge. Although the campground is seldom busy, do make advance reservations. Call (906) 553-4921.Hovey Lake CampgroundHovey Lake Campground is a tiny, nearby campground on Hovey Lake, but with few facilities. It has pit toilets, great northern pike fishing, and a wonderful view. It isn't much, but the price is right. No charge!Travel and Equipment InformationAfter making a reservation, we'll send you pre-departure information describing the photographic equipment and clothing that is most suitable for the workshop. We'll also send you a detailed map showing you exactly how to get to the Timber Ridge Lodge and Motel. How to Get to the Pictured Rocks AreaSince most of our workshop participants drive to our workshop, we always rely on car pooling to get everyone to the field trip sites. But, you may prefer to fly in to K.I. Sawyer Airport, which is only about 40 miles from the Timber Ridge Lodge. There are a few car rental companies at the small airport. We recommend renting a car because it's convenient to have your own wheels. If you wish to rely on car pooling, you can get a taxi at the airport. The fee for a taxi ride to the Timber Ridge in 2005 was about $85 one-way. If you would like to share a rented car with another participant, let us know, we'll connect all interested parties.
About Workshops -- Summer Field Workshops --Workshop Registration
The 23rd Annual Simsbury Fly-In
The 23rd Annual Simsbury Fly-In is September 20, 2009 Rain Date: September 27, 2009
"The largest event of its kind in New England"
The Annual Simsbury Fly-In is the largest event of its kind in New England. Co-Sponsored by EAA Chapter 324 and the Valley Classic Wheels Car Club, the 2008 event was held on Sunday, Sept 21. The weather was clear and beautiful, with warm temperatures.
It was a wonderful event, with the largest number of spectators yet - estimated to be over 10,000. We attracted 160 airplanes of all kinds, and the car show featured hundreds of antique and classic autos. We featured two exhibitions of skydiving, a demonstration of formation flying by the Yankee Clippers RV squadron, live music by The Clams, and many vendor displays. A large number of aircraft dealers displayed new models, including some of the latest Light Sport airplanes.
Click here to see an article about our 2007 Fly-In.Click here to read story about 2007 Simsbury Fly-In in February 2008 issue of Sport Aviation magazine.Click here for photos from our 2008 event, orclick here to download the 2008 program brochure (about 2.5Megs). Click here to see an enthusiastic review of the 2007 FlyIn by our friends at the Shoreline Auto Connection.Click here for info about Valley Classic Wheels car club. Click here for the 2008 fly-in arrival procedures.Click here for the 2008 fly-in departure procedures.Click here for the 2008 Fly-in's scedule of events.Click here for an airport fly-in layout.
The 2009 Fly-In will be held on Sept 20th, with a rain date of Sept 29. Watch this space for detailed info as we get closer to that date.
The Fly-In is a great opportunity to market your product or service. If you wish to be a sponsor or advertiser or exhibitor, or for general info about the Fly-In, contact Event Chairman Joe Bellino at 860-408-0040 or jbellino@snet.net
"The largest event of its kind in New England"
The Annual Simsbury Fly-In is the largest event of its kind in New England. Co-Sponsored by EAA Chapter 324 and the Valley Classic Wheels Car Club, the 2008 event was held on Sunday, Sept 21. The weather was clear and beautiful, with warm temperatures.
It was a wonderful event, with the largest number of spectators yet - estimated to be over 10,000. We attracted 160 airplanes of all kinds, and the car show featured hundreds of antique and classic autos. We featured two exhibitions of skydiving, a demonstration of formation flying by the Yankee Clippers RV squadron, live music by The Clams, and many vendor displays. A large number of aircraft dealers displayed new models, including some of the latest Light Sport airplanes.
Click here to see an article about our 2007 Fly-In.Click here to read story about 2007 Simsbury Fly-In in February 2008 issue of Sport Aviation magazine.Click here for photos from our 2008 event, orclick here to download the 2008 program brochure (about 2.5Megs). Click here to see an enthusiastic review of the 2007 FlyIn by our friends at the Shoreline Auto Connection.Click here for info about Valley Classic Wheels car club. Click here for the 2008 fly-in arrival procedures.Click here for the 2008 fly-in departure procedures.Click here for the 2008 Fly-in's scedule of events.Click here for an airport fly-in layout.
The 2009 Fly-In will be held on Sept 20th, with a rain date of Sept 29. Watch this space for detailed info as we get closer to that date.
The Fly-In is a great opportunity to market your product or service. If you wish to be a sponsor or advertiser or exhibitor, or for general info about the Fly-In, contact Event Chairman Joe Bellino at 860-408-0040 or jbellino@snet.net
CAP Field trip to Mohonk August 23rd
I hope that everyone that wants to go has signed up and has emailed me. Good food and a very interesting place with lots of different subjects, something for everyone -- stay on the porch, photograph the grounds, photograph the flowers, photograph the lake, photograph the gazebos, walk to the tower, etc. I have also put some photos in the field trip announcement: http://capinct.org/Events.aspx. To see some photos of Mohonk you can visit their website: http://www.mohonk.com/index.cfm.
CAP Field trip to Mohonk August 23rd
Field Trip to Mohonk Mountain House. Led by Lisa Cuchara. Join CAP on an exciting day-long field trip to Monhonk Mountain House near New Paltz, NY, on Sunday, August 23, 2009. You will enjoy a great Sunday Brunch Buffet and have the opportunity to photograph their extensive buildings, grounds, gardens, etc. Something for everyone!
Click for all the details including a description of the location, directions, and photos.
Important Notes:
You MUST be a CAP member to attend this (or any) field trip. Membership is only $8 per year. One of the main functions of CAP is field trips.
You MUST make your own reservation. You will need to call Mohonk Dining Reservations at 845-256-2056 and provide them with your credit card number, asking to be added to the Cuchara party”. Please email me, Lisa Cuchara, photographer67@comcast.net after you have called in your reservation.
For the handout please view here: http://capinct.org/Events.aspx
The Mohonk Mountain House, a 2,200-acre resort, is a nineteenth-century, Victorian-style castle, towering over a sparkling “lake in the sky,” featuring 251 spacious rooms of varying styles set in the heart of a natural preserve in the Hudson Valley. The Mohonk Mountain House is a about 90miles from Hamden CT (Rt 84 to I-87, exit 18 to New Paltz, 2 miles thru town and then 4 miles up the mountain).The entire Shawangunk region was awarded the distinction of being named "one of Earth's "Last Great Places" by the Nature Conservancy. The Shawangunk Ridge supports a multitude of forests, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and rare plant and animal species. Over one hundred small rustic gazebos are dotted along their trails. Sky Top Tower has panoramic views of the Rondout and Wallkill Valleys and the Catskill Mountains; and Mohonk's award-winning show gardens have inspired photographers for more than 100 years. http://www.mohonk.com/index.cfm
Gardening has been a cornerstone of Mohonk since the land was purchased in 1869. Since then, Mohonk has maintained and added to its award-winning gardens, which reflect French and Italian influences, but focus mainly on mid-19th century picturesque landscaping. Founder Albert K. Smiley's original design has been maintained as the gardens have matured and evolved. They offer glimpses of the past, allowing guests to enjoy large masses of flowering annuals, perennials, and tropical plants, set against magnificent vistas and views. The Mohonk Greenhouse is home to outstanding collections of orchids, begonias, and fuchsias. You will find beautiful gardens throughout the Mountain House grounds, including ornamental grasses, herb collections, peonies, rock gardens, container gardens, and a butterfly garden. We have coordinated our trip to a time when the Mohonk gardens are resplendent in peak bloom.
Explore rose and herb gardens, wildflower and fern trails, rare trees, heirloom plants, Victorian maze, and awardwinning formal gardens, the mountain house itself, and even a leisurely walk up to the Sky Top Tower.
The prepaid cost is $64 which includes your day pass, use of the grounds for the entire day, plus the SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET (Offering the best of breakfast and lunch buffet selections, including: Omeletes made to order, Soup and Salad Bar, Carving Stations, Shrimp, Assorted Bagels and Lox, along with a Bountiful Dessert Buffet featuring our Chocolate Fountain! http://www.mohonk.com/dining/new_sunday_brunch.cfm.
Most people have decided to meet us there, but are going to We will leave from the Derby Rt 34 (exit 57 Rt 15) commuter parking lot at 8:00am. It takes about two hours to get there. People that want to leave earlier to get there sooner (or later and meet us at 11:15) are free to do so, just let me know.
Self-parking is available on the grounds; valet parking is provided for an additional fee of $3.00 per car. We will all meet inside at the lobby 11:15 and eat at 11:30. You can arrive any time and you can photograph before and/or after we eat as your day pass is good for the entire day.
You will need to call Mohonk Dining Reservations at 845-256-2056 and provide them with your credit card number, asking to be added to the Cuchara party”. Please email Lisa Cuchara, photographer67@comcast.net after you have called in your reservation.
CAP Field trip to Mohonk August 23rd
Field Trip to Mohonk Mountain House. Led by Lisa Cuchara. Join CAP on an exciting day-long field trip to Monhonk Mountain House near New Paltz, NY, on Sunday, August 23, 2009. You will enjoy a great Sunday Brunch Buffet and have the opportunity to photograph their extensive buildings, grounds, gardens, etc. Something for everyone!
Click for all the details including a description of the location, directions, and photos.
Important Notes:
You MUST be a CAP member to attend this (or any) field trip. Membership is only $8 per year. One of the main functions of CAP is field trips.
You MUST make your own reservation. You will need to call Mohonk Dining Reservations at 845-256-2056 and provide them with your credit card number, asking to be added to the Cuchara party”. Please email me, Lisa Cuchara, photographer67@comcast.net after you have called in your reservation.
For the handout please view here: http://capinct.org/Events.aspx
The Mohonk Mountain House, a 2,200-acre resort, is a nineteenth-century, Victorian-style castle, towering over a sparkling “lake in the sky,” featuring 251 spacious rooms of varying styles set in the heart of a natural preserve in the Hudson Valley. The Mohonk Mountain House is a about 90miles from Hamden CT (Rt 84 to I-87, exit 18 to New Paltz, 2 miles thru town and then 4 miles up the mountain).The entire Shawangunk region was awarded the distinction of being named "one of Earth's "Last Great Places" by the Nature Conservancy. The Shawangunk Ridge supports a multitude of forests, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and rare plant and animal species. Over one hundred small rustic gazebos are dotted along their trails. Sky Top Tower has panoramic views of the Rondout and Wallkill Valleys and the Catskill Mountains; and Mohonk's award-winning show gardens have inspired photographers for more than 100 years. http://www.mohonk.com/index.cfm
Gardening has been a cornerstone of Mohonk since the land was purchased in 1869. Since then, Mohonk has maintained and added to its award-winning gardens, which reflect French and Italian influences, but focus mainly on mid-19th century picturesque landscaping. Founder Albert K. Smiley's original design has been maintained as the gardens have matured and evolved. They offer glimpses of the past, allowing guests to enjoy large masses of flowering annuals, perennials, and tropical plants, set against magnificent vistas and views. The Mohonk Greenhouse is home to outstanding collections of orchids, begonias, and fuchsias. You will find beautiful gardens throughout the Mountain House grounds, including ornamental grasses, herb collections, peonies, rock gardens, container gardens, and a butterfly garden. We have coordinated our trip to a time when the Mohonk gardens are resplendent in peak bloom.
Explore rose and herb gardens, wildflower and fern trails, rare trees, heirloom plants, Victorian maze, and awardwinning formal gardens, the mountain house itself, and even a leisurely walk up to the Sky Top Tower.
The prepaid cost is $64 which includes your day pass, use of the grounds for the entire day, plus the SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET (Offering the best of breakfast and lunch buffet selections, including: Omeletes made to order, Soup and Salad Bar, Carving Stations, Shrimp, Assorted Bagels and Lox, along with a Bountiful Dessert Buffet featuring our Chocolate Fountain! http://www.mohonk.com/dining/new_sunday_brunch.cfm.
Most people have decided to meet us there, but are going to We will leave from the Derby Rt 34 (exit 57 Rt 15) commuter parking lot at 8:00am. It takes about two hours to get there. People that want to leave earlier to get there sooner (or later and meet us at 11:15) are free to do so, just let me know.
Self-parking is available on the grounds; valet parking is provided for an additional fee of $3.00 per car. We will all meet inside at the lobby 11:15 and eat at 11:30. You can arrive any time and you can photograph before and/or after we eat as your day pass is good for the entire day.
You will need to call Mohonk Dining Reservations at 845-256-2056 and provide them with your credit card number, asking to be added to the Cuchara party”. Please email Lisa Cuchara, photographer67@comcast.net after you have called in your reservation.
28 Online Photo Editing Websites To have Fun With
28 Online Photo Editing Websites To have Fun With From http://www.1stwebdesigner.com/resources/28-online-photo-editing-websites-to-have-fun-with/
1. BeFunky
BeFunky Photo Effects allow everyday people to easily create photographically rich and artistic results from their digital images without the need for any technical knowledge. These “one-click” photo effect options produce desired results effortlessly and each effect comes with the option to make simple adjustments.
2.FunPhotoBox
The FunPhotoBox site is a place where you can create funny pictures from your photos. FunPhotoBox is a free photo editing online service. FunPhotoBox allows you to add special effects to your photos.
3.PhotoFunia
PhotoFunia is an online photo editing tool that gives you a fun filled experience. You upload any photo and just wait to see the magic. Our proprietary technology automatically identifies the face in the photo and let’s you add cool photo effects and create funny face photo montages.
PhotoFunia is free and very easy to use. Just select an effect you like from over 100 different effects, upload your photo, and PhotoFunia will handle the rest for you.
4.PicArtia
Create photo mosaic Online and Free! A powerful photo collage maker in 3 easy steps. Get your photo montage in less than 2 minutes!
5.Photo 505
Huge collection of photo templates, which will keep You busy for quite a while.
6.Loonapix
In a few words – Loonapix is going to beautify your life. A lot more photo templates.
7.Funny Photo
Even more photo templates – just upload Your images and choose one of funny effects available!
8.Dumpr
While not all of templates are free, still there are enough to choose from.
9.WriteOnIt
Here you can easily create your fake pictures, captions and fake magazines (Wired, Playboy, Playgirl, Glamour, Time) and other funny jokes for you and your friends.
10.MagMyPic
There are 30 different magazines to choose from for now. You can select any of them and make an impressive, unique, custom fake magazine with ease and Your own picture – it’s simple as that!
11.Hollywood Hair Virtual Makeover
Try on the hottest celebrity hair and makeup looks!
12.Hairmixer
Lovely tool and it does exatcly what it says in the image below.
13.BigHugeLabs Flickr
Have fun with Your photos, a lot of photo editing tools available here, You don’t need any knowledge of professional photo editing programs.
14.FaceInHole
With FACEinHOLE.com you can easily and in a matter of seconds create a totally “new look” for you and your friends. You just have to select a scenario, upload and adjust a photo (or use your webcam) and there you have it; a great FACEinHOLE that you can send to your friends, post in your blog or make available to the world.
15.Personalized money
Create your own personalized money bill with Your own picther with just a click of a mouse button.
16.Fake Magazine Cover
Here you can personalize magazine covers online (no software applications to install, just use your web browser) by uploading digital photos you have on your computer.
17.My Heritage Face Recognition
MyHeritage.com is one of the world’s first services to apply advanced face recognition technology to personal photos and family history; and it’s free!
18.Poladroid – The easiest and funiest polaroid maker
Easy way how to create high resolution – polaroid like images.
19.FotoTrix – Image Generator
Upload a digital photo to add fun effects and novelty layouts. FotoTrix have over 2,500 templates for your digital photographs! Make it look like you had your photograph taken with a celebrity or add some goofy props to spice up your photos.
20. Picnik
Picnik makes your photos fabulous with easy to use yet powerful editing tools. Tweak to your heart’s content, then get creative with oodles of effects, fonts, shapes, and frames. It’s fast, easy, and fun.
21. JpgFun
Jpgfun is an easy-to-use free online service to edit Your photos! You can improve Your photo with different interesting and funny effects or put Your photo on a magazine cover. Mention that it is ABSOLUTELY FREE and easy as one, two, three! One more photo template resource.
22.Dynamic Einstein picture
You can change the text on this image to whatever you like. Change the text in the form below, then click on “preview image”. The text in the image will change accordingly. You can align the text with spaces and enters.
23. Photovisi
Choose from 18 photo templates and create collages from Your photos as wallpapers and more.
24. PixiSnap
Pixisnap allows you to create your own pixisnap photos in 3 easy steps: choose a mosaic type, upload your photo and customize your mosaic art.
25. Fotocrib
Fotocrib is a web based photo editing service. Fotocrib currently allows users to:
* Create montages
* Add 3D effects
* Encrypt photos
* Create rounded corners
* Convert between jpeg, png, gif, pdf and postscript formats
* Send photos to email recipients and lots more.
26.Create Your Own Wired Cover
Ever wanted to be on Wired magazine cover? This is Your chance! You can customize cover headlines, borders, color palette, background – fully customizable!
27. Pizap
Pizap is a fun free photo editor that lets people easily create wacky images with their digital pictures. PiZap was created as a tool primarily for social networking users who want to post their images to their favorite social networking sites
28.Blingee
Add Glitter, Graphics, and Comments to personalize your images, then share with your friends!
1. BeFunky
BeFunky Photo Effects allow everyday people to easily create photographically rich and artistic results from their digital images without the need for any technical knowledge. These “one-click” photo effect options produce desired results effortlessly and each effect comes with the option to make simple adjustments.
2.FunPhotoBox
The FunPhotoBox site is a place where you can create funny pictures from your photos. FunPhotoBox is a free photo editing online service. FunPhotoBox allows you to add special effects to your photos.
3.PhotoFunia
PhotoFunia is an online photo editing tool that gives you a fun filled experience. You upload any photo and just wait to see the magic. Our proprietary technology automatically identifies the face in the photo and let’s you add cool photo effects and create funny face photo montages.
PhotoFunia is free and very easy to use. Just select an effect you like from over 100 different effects, upload your photo, and PhotoFunia will handle the rest for you.
4.PicArtia
Create photo mosaic Online and Free! A powerful photo collage maker in 3 easy steps. Get your photo montage in less than 2 minutes!
5.Photo 505
Huge collection of photo templates, which will keep You busy for quite a while.
6.Loonapix
In a few words – Loonapix is going to beautify your life. A lot more photo templates.
7.Funny Photo
Even more photo templates – just upload Your images and choose one of funny effects available!
8.Dumpr
While not all of templates are free, still there are enough to choose from.
9.WriteOnIt
Here you can easily create your fake pictures, captions and fake magazines (Wired, Playboy, Playgirl, Glamour, Time) and other funny jokes for you and your friends.
10.MagMyPic
There are 30 different magazines to choose from for now. You can select any of them and make an impressive, unique, custom fake magazine with ease and Your own picture – it’s simple as that!
11.Hollywood Hair Virtual Makeover
Try on the hottest celebrity hair and makeup looks!
12.Hairmixer
Lovely tool and it does exatcly what it says in the image below.
13.BigHugeLabs Flickr
Have fun with Your photos, a lot of photo editing tools available here, You don’t need any knowledge of professional photo editing programs.
14.FaceInHole
With FACEinHOLE.com you can easily and in a matter of seconds create a totally “new look” for you and your friends. You just have to select a scenario, upload and adjust a photo (or use your webcam) and there you have it; a great FACEinHOLE that you can send to your friends, post in your blog or make available to the world.
15.Personalized money
Create your own personalized money bill with Your own picther with just a click of a mouse button.
16.Fake Magazine Cover
Here you can personalize magazine covers online (no software applications to install, just use your web browser) by uploading digital photos you have on your computer.
17.My Heritage Face Recognition
MyHeritage.com is one of the world’s first services to apply advanced face recognition technology to personal photos and family history; and it’s free!
18.Poladroid – The easiest and funiest polaroid maker
Easy way how to create high resolution – polaroid like images.
19.FotoTrix – Image Generator
Upload a digital photo to add fun effects and novelty layouts. FotoTrix have over 2,500 templates for your digital photographs! Make it look like you had your photograph taken with a celebrity or add some goofy props to spice up your photos.
20. Picnik
Picnik makes your photos fabulous with easy to use yet powerful editing tools. Tweak to your heart’s content, then get creative with oodles of effects, fonts, shapes, and frames. It’s fast, easy, and fun.
21. JpgFun
Jpgfun is an easy-to-use free online service to edit Your photos! You can improve Your photo with different interesting and funny effects or put Your photo on a magazine cover. Mention that it is ABSOLUTELY FREE and easy as one, two, three! One more photo template resource.
22.Dynamic Einstein picture
You can change the text on this image to whatever you like. Change the text in the form below, then click on “preview image”. The text in the image will change accordingly. You can align the text with spaces and enters.
23. Photovisi
Choose from 18 photo templates and create collages from Your photos as wallpapers and more.
24. PixiSnap
Pixisnap allows you to create your own pixisnap photos in 3 easy steps: choose a mosaic type, upload your photo and customize your mosaic art.
25. Fotocrib
Fotocrib is a web based photo editing service. Fotocrib currently allows users to:
* Create montages
* Add 3D effects
* Encrypt photos
* Create rounded corners
* Convert between jpeg, png, gif, pdf and postscript formats
* Send photos to email recipients and lots more.
26.Create Your Own Wired Cover
Ever wanted to be on Wired magazine cover? This is Your chance! You can customize cover headlines, borders, color palette, background – fully customizable!
27. Pizap
Pizap is a fun free photo editor that lets people easily create wacky images with their digital pictures. PiZap was created as a tool primarily for social networking users who want to post their images to their favorite social networking sites
28.Blingee
Add Glitter, Graphics, and Comments to personalize your images, then share with your friends!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
First annual Nature Photographers Day
To further promote the appreciation of our natural world among the general public, the Nature Photographers Network will be conducting its first annual Nature Photographers Day (NPD) on Sunday, October 4, 2009.
The theme of this year’s NPD is "What Nature Photography Means to Me" - why we enjoy nature photography and how focusing on the beauty of nature through the camera's viewfinder provides an escape from the stress of daily living.
On that day, members of NPN should plan to go afield to capture photos of nature subjects and post their best shots of the day in a special gallery on the NPN website. The gallery, which will appear in the Gallery menu as "NPD 2009" will be open from October 4 through October 18 for members to post their photos. The gallery will remain open permanently for viewing and comment. In keeping with the 2009 NPD theme, when posting photos in the gallery members should explain in their own words how being out in nature to capture this specific photo provided an escape from the stress of daily living. For example, the description can include the enjoyment of being in a particular location, the joy of observing the subject or scene through the viewfinder, the satisfaction of printing the photo or sharing it with others on the NPN site, etc.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Digital Photography Book, Vol. 3
Scott Kelby's new book, “The Digital Photography Book, Vol. 3″ is in stock at Amazon.com (only $14.99!)
Upcoming Art Exhibition
Please note the following upcoming art exhibition...
EO Art Lab 69 Main Street, Chester, CT
Push and Pull
Opening Reception and Artist Walk & Talk
Friday, August 7, 2009 6 - 9 pm
An evening with Thaddeus Beal, George Fellner, Charlie Goodwin, Elizabeth Gourlay, Julie Gross, Sarah Gustafson, Vaune Hatch, Janet Lage, Willie Little, Mitch Lyons, Pamela Marks, Kelly Jean Ohl, Meg Brown Payson, Debra Ramsay, Evelyn Rydz, Thomas Stavovy, Leah Tinari, Malcom Wright
EO Art Lab's Gallery Theme:
EO Art Lab seeks to explore the vast realm between art and science through highly original works of profound reach. The ever-changing collections represent both emerging and established artists from across the nation. The works are often layered with dualities (simplicity and complexity, boldness and subtlety, micro and macro, purpose and chance). Experimentation with tools, materials, and processes; intuitive and flexible methodologies; and fortuitous occurrences are the shared originators of form and structure.
Deep passion, intellect, and rare talent are responsible for the infinite, timeless quality of the work. As in many abstract works of art, we are allowed to not only see the simple beauty of the imagery itself, but also to interact with it in conscious and unconscious ways. We can slow our life
down and look deeper. We can initiate a dialogue with the art. Sometimes the dialogue is universal and shared by many. Sometimes, however, the dialogue is personal, shaped by our own unique emotions, concerns, perceptions, and experiences.
You are all invited to share in the experience! George Fellner
EO Art Lab 69 Main Street, Chester, CT
Push and Pull
Opening Reception and Artist Walk & Talk
Friday, August 7, 2009 6 - 9 pm
An evening with Thaddeus Beal, George Fellner, Charlie Goodwin, Elizabeth Gourlay, Julie Gross, Sarah Gustafson, Vaune Hatch, Janet Lage, Willie Little, Mitch Lyons, Pamela Marks, Kelly Jean Ohl, Meg Brown Payson, Debra Ramsay, Evelyn Rydz, Thomas Stavovy, Leah Tinari, Malcom Wright
EO Art Lab's Gallery Theme:
EO Art Lab seeks to explore the vast realm between art and science through highly original works of profound reach. The ever-changing collections represent both emerging and established artists from across the nation. The works are often layered with dualities (simplicity and complexity, boldness and subtlety, micro and macro, purpose and chance). Experimentation with tools, materials, and processes; intuitive and flexible methodologies; and fortuitous occurrences are the shared originators of form and structure.
Deep passion, intellect, and rare talent are responsible for the infinite, timeless quality of the work. As in many abstract works of art, we are allowed to not only see the simple beauty of the imagery itself, but also to interact with it in conscious and unconscious ways. We can slow our life
down and look deeper. We can initiate a dialogue with the art. Sometimes the dialogue is universal and shared by many. Sometimes, however, the dialogue is personal, shaped by our own unique emotions, concerns, perceptions, and experiences.
You are all invited to share in the experience! George Fellner
the PEN Story in stop motion
This is the PEN Story in stop motion. We shot 60.000 pictures, developed 9.600 prints and shot over 1.800 pictures again. No post production! Thanks to all the stop motion artists who inspired us... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9Et7UQh1tg
http://www.olympus-europa.com/consumer/pen_start.htm?olycmp=736122
http://www.olympus-europa.com/consumer/pen_start.htm?olycmp=736122
Monday, July 27, 2009
Roger Williams Zoo
Ice Safari Days August 7 & August 20
Summer has finally arrived, and we're celebrating with "Ice Safari Days!" Come watch as professional carvers from Art in Ice create wildlife-inspired ice sculptures. The sculptures will then be filled with treats and given to select animals as their enrichment for the day, providing yet another novel sight for you, as you watch the animals partake in their special summer treat!
And on August 7, there will even be some treats for you too, thanks to a visit by the "got milk?" Milk Mustache Mobile Drink Well, Live Well Tour , from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
See the full schedule of carving demonstrations & ice enrichment
PLUS - Something Special Every DayYou already know that each visit to the Zoo offers a unique experience, just in watching the different behaviors of the animals. But now you can look forward to a little something extra special every day, with our new daily programming.
Through Labor Day, each day at the Zoo will feature a different schedule of activities:
- storytimes with the Zoo’s resident performance group, The Wild Bunch
- Animal Tales, where Zoo docents share fun facts about a particular animal and their exhibit
- Creature Features, where The Wild Bunch narrates an animal enrichment demonstration or feeding- Nature Tales, talks focused on the natural world from animals to the environment
- Education Stations where visitors can learn more through interactive displays and activities
72 HOUR SALE Premium Polar Satin
72 HOUR SALE
Premium Polar Satin 8.5x11 100 Sheets $30.00 Regular $54.95
Premium Polar Satin is one of the best photo satin inkjet papers on the market. Compatible with any inkjet printer, your images will be bright, bold, and sharp. The surface of Premium Polar Satin is similar to Epson Premium SemiGloss, and other shallow finish satin papers.
Normally $54.95 per box, Red River is offering this 72 HOUR SALE so you can stock up on great photo inkjet paper AND save money at the same time!ORDER your Premium Polar Satin boxes today click here!
Sale ends Wednesday July 29 at Midnight Central Time.
Premium Polar Satin 8.5x11 100 Sheets $30.00 Regular $54.95
Premium Polar Satin is one of the best photo satin inkjet papers on the market. Compatible with any inkjet printer, your images will be bright, bold, and sharp. The surface of Premium Polar Satin is similar to Epson Premium SemiGloss, and other shallow finish satin papers.
Normally $54.95 per box, Red River is offering this 72 HOUR SALE so you can stock up on great photo inkjet paper AND save money at the same time!ORDER your Premium Polar Satin boxes today click here!
Sale ends Wednesday July 29 at Midnight Central Time.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
NEW NPN forums
The NPN Bird Photography Forum was been such a hit that they have now created a similar discussion forum for landscape photography.
Info on the new forum can be found here and the new forum is now listed in the Forums menu at the top of the screen.
Info on the new forum can be found here and the new forum is now listed in the Forums menu at the top of the screen.
Canon Conference Canon Live Learning EOS Essentials
Our good friends at Canon have asked that we spread the word on a mini-conference they are holding in Boston on August 1st, with an in the fields workshop to follow on the 2nd. They are extending a special discount to all NECCC club members for the August 1st conference. Please send this offer out to your club members via your email list. All they need to do it click the link and then click on Calendar to find the registration form.
Thank you Jacob Mosser Chairman of the NECCC board
Canon Conference Canon Live Learning EOS Essentials is a two day program that delivers lots of great technical information along with creative inspiration from some of the best photographers in the country. Saturday is the mini-conference covering four essential topics:
Maximize Your EOS, Creative Lighting with EOS Speedlites, Basics of HD Video with EOS, and Landscape and Nature with EOS. In Boston we have two of our Explorers of Light teaching, Bruce Dorn and Darrell Gulin, along with a local photographer/teacher Stephen Ostrowski and Canon Pro Rep Carl Peer.
Sunday we offer two dynamic, hands-on, intimate workshops: Creating HD video with the Canon EOS System led by EOL Bruce Dorn and Landscapes that Captivate with the EOS System led by EOL Darrell Gulin. http://www.usa.canon.com/canonlivelearning
They have set- up a unique code for NECCC members that allows for $40 off the regular price of $150.00. Members just need to enter NECC40 upon check-out to receive the discount.
Thank you Jacob Mosser Chairman of the NECCC board
Canon Conference Canon Live Learning EOS Essentials is a two day program that delivers lots of great technical information along with creative inspiration from some of the best photographers in the country. Saturday is the mini-conference covering four essential topics:
Maximize Your EOS, Creative Lighting with EOS Speedlites, Basics of HD Video with EOS, and Landscape and Nature with EOS. In Boston we have two of our Explorers of Light teaching, Bruce Dorn and Darrell Gulin, along with a local photographer/teacher Stephen Ostrowski and Canon Pro Rep Carl Peer.
Sunday we offer two dynamic, hands-on, intimate workshops: Creating HD video with the Canon EOS System led by EOL Bruce Dorn and Landscapes that Captivate with the EOS System led by EOL Darrell Gulin. http://www.usa.canon.com/canonlivelearning
They have set- up a unique code for NECCC members that allows for $40 off the regular price of $150.00. Members just need to enter NECC40 upon check-out to receive the discount.
photography quotes
From: http://www.quotegarden.com/photography.html
Photograph: a picture painted by the sun without instruction in art. ~Ambrose Bierce
You don't take a photograph. You ask, quietly, to borrow it. ~Author Unknown
Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter. ~Ansel Adams
No place is boring, if you've had a good night's sleep and have a pocket full of unexposed film. ~Robert Adams, Darkroom & Creative Camera Techniques, May 1995
It's weird that photographers spend years or even a whole lifetime, trying to capture moments that added together, don't even amount to a couple of hours. ~James Lalropui Keivom
When you photograph people in colour you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in B&W, you photograph their souls! ~Ted Grant
While there is perhaps a province in which the photograph can tell us nothing more than what we see with our own eyes, there is another in which it proves to us how little our eyes permit us to see. ~Dorothea Lange
Often while traveling with a camera we arrive just as the sun slips over the horizon of a moment, too late to expose film, only time enough to expose our hearts. ~Minor White
A photograph is usually looked at - seldom looked into. ~Ansel Adams
There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer. ~Ansel Adams
The world just does not fit conveniently into the format of a 35mm camera. ~W. Eugene Smith
Dodging and burning are steps to take care of mistakes God made in establishing tonal relationships. ~Ansel Adams
I think a photography class should be a requirement in all educational programs because it makes you see the world rather than just look at it. ~Author Unknown
A good snapshot stops a moment from running away. ~Eudora Welty
The camera can photograph thought. ~Dirk Bogarde
I think the best pictures are often on the edges of any situation, I don't find photographing the situation nearly as interesting as photographing the edges. ~William Albert Allard, "The Photographic Essay"
There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs. ~Ansel Adams
No photographer is as good as the simplest camera. ~Edward Steichen
Every time someone tells me how sharp my photos are, I assume that it isn't a very interesting photograph. If it were, they would have more to say. ~Author Unknown
Perishability in a photograph is important in a picture. If a photograph looks perishable we say, "Gee, I'm glad I have that moment." ~John Loengard, "Pictures Under Discussion"
When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence. ~Ansel Adams
My portraits are more about me than they are about the people I photograph. ~Richard Avedon
I hate cameras. They are so much more sure than I am about everything. ~John Steinbeck
The departure of our boys to foreign parts with the ever-present possibility that they might never return, taught the real value of photography to every father and mother. To many a mother the photograph of her boy in his country's uniform was the one never-failing consolation. ~Louis Fabian Bachrach
The goal is not to change your subjects, but for the subject to change the photographer. ~Author Unknown
A photograph is memory in the raw. ~Carrie Latet
Actually, I'm not all that interested in the subject of photography. Once the picture is in the box, I'm not all that interested in what happens next. Hunters, after all, aren't cooks. ~Henri Cartier-Bresson
There will be times when you will be in the field without a camera. And, you will see the most glorious sunset or the most beautiful scene that you have ever witnessed. Don't be bitter because you can't record it. Sit down, drink it in, and enjoy it for what it is! ~DeGriff
Fear is a darkroom where negatives develop. ~Usman B.
AsifAll photos are accurate. None of them is the truth. ~Richard Avedon
The camera cannot lie, but it can be an accessory to untruth. ~Harold Evans, "Pictures on a Page"
You don't take a photograph, you make it. ~Ansel Adams
Buying a Nikon doesn't make you a photographer. It makes you a Nikon owner. ~Author Unknown
Most things in life are moments of pleasure and a lifetime of embarrassment; photography is a moment of embarrassment and a lifetime of pleasure. ~Tony Benn
A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense, and is, thereby, a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety. ~Ansel Adams
I never question what to do, it tells me what to do. The photographs make themselves with my help. ~Ruth Bernhard
It pleases me to take amateur photographs of my garden, and it pleases my garden to make my photographs look professional. ~Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com
A Ming vase can be well-designed and well-made and is beautiful for that reason alone. I don't think this can be true for photography. Unless there is something a little incomplete and a little strange, it will simply look like a copy of something pretty. We won't take an interest in it. ~John Loengard, "Pictures Under Discussion"
I just think it's important to be direct and honest with people about why you're photographing them and what you're doing. After all, you are taking some of their soul. ~Mary Ellen Mark
Photography records the gamut of feelings written on the human face, the beauty of the earth and skies that man has inherited, and the wealth and confusion man has created. It is a major force in explaining man to man. ~Edward Steichen
The photograph itself doesn't interest me. I want only to capture a minute part of reality. ~Henri Cartier Bresson
The creative act lasts but a brief moment, a lightning instant of give-and-take, just long enough for you to level the camera and to trap the fleeting prey in your little box. ~Henri Cartier Bresson
Photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing and when they have vanished there is no contrivance on earth which can make them come back again. ~Henri Cartier-Bresson
If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera. ~Lewis Hine
A photograph is like the recipe - a memory the finished dish. ~Carrie Latet
Everyone has a photographic memory, but not everyone has film. ~Author Unknown
Photographs that transcend but do not deny their literal situation appeal to me. ~Sam Abbel
A picture is worth a thousand words; a slide show is both. ~Author Unknown
One photo out of focus is a mistake, ten photo out of focus are an experimentation, one hundred photo out of focus are a style. ~Author Unknown
All photographs are there to remind us of what we forget. In this - as in other ways - they are the opposite of paintings. Paintings record what the painter remembers. Because each one of us forgets different things, a photo more than a painting may change its meaning according to who is looking at it. ~John Berger
I didn't want to tell the tree or weed what it was. I wanted it to tell me something and through me express its meaning in nature. ~Wynn Bullock
Photography deals exquisitely with appearances, but nothing is what it appears to be. ~Duane Michals
The negative is the equivalent of the composer's score, and the print the performance. ~Ansel Adams
Saturday, July 25, 2009
20 Beautiful Images that Work – Because of Symmetry
From http://www.beyondphototips.com/
20 Beautiful Images that Work – Because of Symmetry
by Susheel Chandradhas
Let me close off this batch of posts about symmetry with a few images that I think are really beautiful. Each of these photographs have at least of the four kinds of symmetry to thank, because that is why they work… Even if the symmetry is not blatantly obvious.
I invite you to take a good look at the photographs featured here and try to pick out which form of symmetry, Reflection Symmetry, Rotational Symmetry, Translational Symmetry or Glide Reflection Symmetry are responsible for making these pictures stick out.
They’re in no particular order, because each one is as visually stunning as the other. http://www.beyondphototips.com/2009/06/22/20-beautiful-images-that-work-because-of-symmetry/
20 Effective Reflection Photos
20 Effective Reflection Photos http://digital-photography-school.com/20-effective-reflection-photos
Friday, July 24, 2009
Views and Expectations of Photography
In 1944 Nine Outstanding Personalities in the Field Express Their Views and Expectations of Postwar Photography
Photography spent its first hundred years slowly developing its mechanics, its lenses, cameras, emulsions, and lights. But war speeded progress will place the camera in the forefront of man's technical devices when victory comes. To determine the new uses, new methods, new viewpoints that will give camera work its direction in the postwar period, POPULAR PHOTOGRAPHY has asked a trusted photographic editor, a war correspondent, documentary photographer; teachers of photography, manufacturers, and a soldier to contribute to this symposium. Their opinions differ. Yet somehow all seem to feel that the second hundred years will see the camera put to use as never before with the amateur often leading the way. THE EDITORS. Read it here: http://people.rit.edu/andpph/giants/POP-PHOTO-future-1944.html
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Top 10 Most Influential Nature Photographers of All-Time
From http://www.rwongphoto.com/blog/
Top 10 Most Influential Nature Photographers of All-Time
To be considered for this list of the top 10 most influential nature photographers of all-time, the photographers had to have left a lasting impact either on society or on future photographers. Most of these photographers can be considered revolutionary in their own right as opposed to evolutionary which is the category in which the majority of photographers fall under. There are many photographers in recent years who have made a name for themselves in the digital era but it is too soon to know who from this era will leave a lasting historical impact on future generations.
1. Ansel Adams – The grandfather of landscape photography. He is the one nature photographer that transcends the genre and even photography for that matter. His images are so well-known that photographers and tourists-alike are still trying to fill his tripod holes 60 – 70 years after his most famous images were made. Perhaps his greatest legacy were his environmental conservation efforts with the Sierra Club that led to creation of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks among other areas, and also the art education institutions that he helped to create.
2. Galen Rowell - A well-rounded photojournalist with a special ability to connect with a vast audience through his writings, Rowell influenced countless photographers in multiple genres beginning with rock climbing, wilderness adventure and then eventually landscape photography in the 2nd half of his career. The list of current working photographers that have followed in his footsteps reads like a who’s who in outdoor adventure and landscape photography and number too many to list. He was one of the first to utilize 35mm cameras exclusively in outdoor photography and popularized the use of graduated neutral-density filters.
3. William Henry Jackson – One of the early pioneers of landscape photography, Jackson’s photos were instrumental in the creation of the National Parks system beginning with Yellowstone National Park in 1872. Not to go unmentioned should be the fact that this was essentially the first of a long-tradition of using nature photography as a catalyst for environmental conservation efforts.
4. Eliot Porter – In contrast with Ansel Adams’ big landscape style, Porter’s photos were more “quiet” and focused on the intimate landscape scenes that are easily overlooked. It is easy to overlook his body of work in favor of postcard views but one needs to only look at the photographers that he influenced to see that his work has left a lasting impact. Photographers including William Neill and Charlie Cramer have styles that bear a strong resemblance to Porter’s vision. His most famous body of work is arguably the book, In Wildness Is the Preservation of the World.
5. David Muench – Like Ansel Adams did with black and white landscape photography a generation prior, Muench is synonymous with color landscape photography. The now-cliche’d use of prominent foreground elements leading the eye through the frame to the background in the distance was a style that Muench became known for back in the 50’s and 60’s. You would walk into any library or bookstore in America in the past 40 years and be hard-pressed to not see his books or calendars even if you don’t know his name.
6. Carleton Watkins – Created some of the earliest known images of Yosemite National Park which helped to spark interest in the western landscape.
7. Philip Hyde – A top Sierra Club photographer in the 50 – 70’s, Hyde’s photography was instrumental in campaigns to save southwestern landscapes from flooding due to dams including the Grand Canyon and Dinosaur National Monument which led to the birth of the modern environmental movement. A number of leading nature photographers cite him as an inspiration for their life’s work.
8. Robert Glenn Ketchum – He is arguably the most prominent conservation photographer working today. His photography is actively used to further environmental causes in the American political system. His aerial photography of Alaskan landscapes are especially stunning.
9. John Shaw – The author of several best-selling nature photography how-to books he is often credited with helping beginning photographers to improve their photography and is still a leading figure in the workshop market today.
10. Arthur Morris – A sign of an influential photographer is one that is often imitated, and one would be hard-pressed to see any bird photography that doesn’t bear Morris’ influence. He is arguably the most prolific bird photographer of all-time and runs a successful birding workshop business.
Honorable Mentions: Art Wolfe, David Doubilet, Subhankar Banerjee
I tried my best to remove my bias from creating this list by judging solely on resume and lasting impact on future generations of photographers. It is no secret that Galen Rowell was my biggest influence in photography but even if he weren’t, I would probably still rank him in a similar fashion. I’m also a fan of many more contemporary photographers so perhaps in ten years there might be some new names on this list that reflect the digital era. On the flip side, just because they are on this list doesn’t necessarily mean that I am a fan of their photography either but their accomplishments deserve to be recognized. With that said, I believe that valid arguments could be made for the ordering of any of the top four photographers on this list.
Kilometers Long Remote Camera Shutter Trigger
Kilometers Long Remote Camera Shutter Trigger
While this is not the first shutter release cable project that was featured here (we had a vanilla shutter release cable and a mouse one before) it is definitely the first to feature a walkie-talkie, and the first to beat the 3 meters range.
As a kid I was fascinated by walkie-talkies. Mind you this was way before the days of twitting-via-your-iPhone-while-getting-your-kids-picture-in-mail-and-SMSing-your-boss-that-you-are-going-to-miss-the-meeting-cause-your-stuck-in-traffic days.
The mere concept that I can talk to a friend hundreds of meters away... And do it with a Spiderman looking device...
Now, would it be nice if the same distant magic could apply to triggering your camera? Sure, you can do this with a pair of pocket wizards, but not for that distance and not for this price.
Read on for the full story.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
quote
If you buy a flute, you own a flute. So why is it that when you buy a camera, you're a photographer?- Anonymous
Nik Software Webinar Schedule (FREE)
Nik Software Webinar Schedule
Free online webinars are now available for all Nik Software products. These educational webinars offer basic information, insights, and tips on using Nik Software products. Additionally, the webinars enable you to pose questions to the live trainers.
The webinars have been developed to address specific types of photographic styles and are designed to appeal to both current customers and those who have not yet purchased. By the end of each webinar, you'll gain new confidence and learn quick, easy and powerful ways to enhance your photographs.
To register, simply click the "Click here to register" link below for your desired webinar. An email will be sent to you with confirmation along with a link to join the webinar
Enhancing the Portrait Image
August 11, 2009 @ 10:00 AM PST
In this special event Nik Software professionals will lead you through a series of tips and techniques ideally suited for portrait photography. Follow along as we retouch faces, smooth skin, and fine-tune contrast and saturation selectively and creatively. We'll also illustrate how you can direct the viewer's attention in a portrait as well as add drama to a background.Click here to register.
Enhancing the Landscape/Scenic Image
August 25, 2009 @ 10:00 AM PST
Join the team at Nik Software as we take you through a series of photographs to showcase the features and functionality found in a variety of Nik Software products. Ideally suited for enhancing landscape images, you'll learn how to use Nik Software tools to control bright skies, selectively edit color and light, and much more. Nik Software provides powerful tools that makes editing much simpler while allowing you to transform your images.Click here to register.
Enhancing the Fine Art Image
September 8, 2009 @ 10:00 AM PST
Fine Art photographers often want to take their pictures further and creatively add style to their work. Several tools from Nik Software are ideally suited for this creative work and allow freedom of expression for the artist. Tune in to see the transformation take place live as we enhance images provided by some of the top photographers working today using Nik Software editing tools.Click here to register.
Enhancing the Wedding Image
September 15, 2009 @ 10:00 AM PST
Weddings are one of the most interesting types of photography due to the great variety of subjects, locations and emotions during that special day. Watch as the Nik Software Team showcases the ease of use and added benefits of using several different Nik Software products together for the ultimate wedding album images. From beautiful black and white conversions to adding richness of color and softness of pastels to your work, Nik Software products will rapidly increase your post-wedding workflow efficiency.Click here to register.
Free online webinars are now available for all Nik Software products. These educational webinars offer basic information, insights, and tips on using Nik Software products. Additionally, the webinars enable you to pose questions to the live trainers.
The webinars have been developed to address specific types of photographic styles and are designed to appeal to both current customers and those who have not yet purchased. By the end of each webinar, you'll gain new confidence and learn quick, easy and powerful ways to enhance your photographs.
To register, simply click the "Click here to register" link below for your desired webinar. An email will be sent to you with confirmation along with a link to join the webinar
Enhancing the Portrait Image
August 11, 2009 @ 10:00 AM PST
In this special event Nik Software professionals will lead you through a series of tips and techniques ideally suited for portrait photography. Follow along as we retouch faces, smooth skin, and fine-tune contrast and saturation selectively and creatively. We'll also illustrate how you can direct the viewer's attention in a portrait as well as add drama to a background.Click here to register.
Enhancing the Landscape/Scenic Image
August 25, 2009 @ 10:00 AM PST
Join the team at Nik Software as we take you through a series of photographs to showcase the features and functionality found in a variety of Nik Software products. Ideally suited for enhancing landscape images, you'll learn how to use Nik Software tools to control bright skies, selectively edit color and light, and much more. Nik Software provides powerful tools that makes editing much simpler while allowing you to transform your images.Click here to register.
Enhancing the Fine Art Image
September 8, 2009 @ 10:00 AM PST
Fine Art photographers often want to take their pictures further and creatively add style to their work. Several tools from Nik Software are ideally suited for this creative work and allow freedom of expression for the artist. Tune in to see the transformation take place live as we enhance images provided by some of the top photographers working today using Nik Software editing tools.Click here to register.
Enhancing the Wedding Image
September 15, 2009 @ 10:00 AM PST
Weddings are one of the most interesting types of photography due to the great variety of subjects, locations and emotions during that special day. Watch as the Nik Software Team showcases the ease of use and added benefits of using several different Nik Software products together for the ultimate wedding album images. From beautiful black and white conversions to adding richness of color and softness of pastels to your work, Nik Software products will rapidly increase your post-wedding workflow efficiency.Click here to register.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Classes BEGINNING PHOTOGRAPHY Classes
Three classes listed below. http://www.photoconnectionoc.com/
"BEGINNING SLR PHOTOGRAPHY"
If you are interested in taking this class in the Summer or Fall please fill out the pre-registration form below and we will notify you when we have a schedule. By pre-registering you will not be committed to taking the class and please do not send a payment. Thank you.Our next Basic Photography Class will begin on July 22nd and run for five consecutive Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30PM. The class fee is $75.00 - seating is limited so sign up soon!Topics Covered:* Choosing a file size* Shutter speeds and f-stops* Depth of field* Selecting an ISO setting* Lens focal length* Composition* White Balance& more
Date: Wednesdays - July 22, 29 & August 5, 12, 19
Time: 7:00-8:30Class Fee: $75.00
Class Limited to 20 People
A Brief History About Photo Connection
Our store first opened in Willimantic, Connecticut in 1947 on lower Main Street as "Camera Centre". The store moved to several different Main Street locations throughout the years before settling at 750 Main Street under the name "Willimantic Camera & Video". Changes in the Economy and major changes in the photo industry led us to our present location at 199 Old Hartford Road in Colchester, CT. We will continue to expand our offering of services and products in our brand-new store and hope to see you soon!
Also
I Took the Pictures - Now What?
Solutions for Long Term Photo Care and Storage* Getting Your Pictures From Camera To Computer* Organizing Your Images* Why is "MTBF" important?* Computerless Storage Options* Archiving by Printing
Register Now! Pay Now!Date: Saturday - August 1, 2009 Time: 10:00-11:30AM (Approx.)Class Fee: $15.00 (You will receive a coupon for 25 free 4X6 prints)Class Limited to 12 People
Beginning Digital Photography
For anyone who owns a digital camera or is considering buying one* Understanding Digital Files* Types of Digital Cameras* Types of Memory Cards* Backing up Your Images* Printing Pictures* Optical vs. Digital Zoom* Selecting the ISO* Types of Batteries* Understanding White Balance* Aspect Ratio
Register Now! Pay Now! Date: Saturday - August 15, 2009 Time: 10:00-11:30AM (Approx.)Class Fee: $15.00 (You will receive a coupon for 25 free 4X6 prints)Class Limited to 12 People
Why are my prints too dark?
Why are my prints too dark?
http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/colour_management/prints_too_dark.html
Keith from Northlight looks briefly at the issues and suggests some approaches to dealing with the problem.Monday, July 20, 2009
How to Make a Leaf Silhouette Portrait
interesting...from Photojojo
How to Make a Leaf Silhouette Portrait
Extra photos for bloggers: 1, 2
Forget photosynthesis. Leaves are for photo-projects-thesis!
Grab a photo and a leaf, and in few simple steps you can turn everyday foliage into a unique silhouette portrait of someone you love.
Simple and elegant, leaf silhouettes look great in a frame or on a book or a card.
So, as Biff would say, “make like a tree and get to work on a silhouette leaf portrait!”
How to Make Your Very Own Leaf Silhouette Portrait
They got this idea from Jenny Lee Fowler’s etsy shop. If you’re short on time, click on through and she’ll make one for you!
I want to try this using photoshop. Use a mask and create a leaf silhouette image. Lisa
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Supporting the camera: holding with your hands
This article by Vesna has some very good pointers, including "do" and "don't" photos. I know that, while I generally use a tripod, my left hand is not usually in the correct position for vertical hand-held photos.
http://vesnakozelj.com/photography/fundamentals/supporting-the-camera-holding-with-your-hands
Supporting the camera: holding with your hands
"How you grip the camera is often ignored and seen as unimportant. But is it really? Can you hold your camera steady? Even if you are holding it for longer times, especially if it is a DSLR with a heavy lens – won’t you get tired? One of the first things anyone – having bought the camera – should learn is how to hold it properly to capture sharp images. Correct grip is very important because it makes your camera more comfortable to hold, steadier and therefore it is easier to compose the images through the viewfinder (without shaky and tired hands). Keep in mind that only with the use of tripod one can ensure sharp images. It is good to learn how to make a “human tripod” with your body and hands, when you don’t have a real tripod at hand."
Read the rest of this article here, including photos: http://vesnakozelj.com/photography/fundamentals/supporting-the-camera-holding-with-your-hands
Similar articles:
http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-hold-a-digital-camera
How Twitter can Make you a Better Photographer
This was taken from http://digital-photography-school.com/
How Twitter can Make you a Better Photographer
In this post naturalist, photographer, and computer scientist Steve Berardi from PhotoNaturalist explains how Twitter can make you a better photographer.?
If you’re not on Twitter yet, then you might think it’s just a place for people to talk about what they had for dinner. Although there’s plenty of that going around on there, Twitter can also be a great tool for networking with other photographers and expanding your knowledge.
It’s always hard to explain exactly what Twitter is, but basically it allows you to create a never-ending conversation about the things you love.
For example, I love nature and photography, so I choose to follow anyone else who loves nature or photography. I’ve built a conversation of people who love to share their great stories, photographs, useful links, and their wonderful stores of knowledge.
So, here are at least five ways Twitter can make you a better photographer:
1 - Meet new photographers
Twitter is all about networking with other people and creating a conversation with them (you choose to follow people, and others choose to follow you). Naturally, you’ll meet a lot of great people with a lot of great stuff to share.
2 - Stay up to date with photography news
Twitter is often explained as a real-time social network, and as a result it quickly covers news stories. For example, it can help make you one of the first people to know about the release of a new camera, or Canon’s release of the new 5D Mk II firmware.
3 - Instant feedback on your photos
One of the best ways to improve your photography is to continually seek honest feedback on your photos. Flickr is great for this, but Twitter is even better because you get instant results. Just post a link to one of your photos on Twitter, and ask your followers what they think (it works best when you ask a specific question, like “do you think this shot is underexposed?”).
4 - Ask questions, and get answers
Although there are plenty of great photography forums out there where you can ask your questions, Twitter helps you get instant answers (if you have enough followers). This usually works best with short questions that also have short answers, like “can anyone recommend a good tripod?”
5 - Teaches you to be concise
As you might already know, each tweet (or message) you post on Twitter needs to be 140 characters or less. This forces you to be concise.
How does this make you a better photographer? Well, one of the most important lessons you’ll learn in photography is to reduce your subject or scene to its most essential elements. When you’re constantly forced to do this on Twitter, the habit will often overflow to other aspects of your life, like photography :)
The secret to getting the most out of Twitter: give before you receive
Twitter isn’t just about receiving though. In fact, it’s much more about giving. No one will pay attention to you or follow you if you don’t engage with other tweeters (or tweeple - people who use Twitter), and help others out. So, share what you know or find, and join the conversation–don’t just sit and listen!
How to Get Started with Twitter
Signup for an account at www.twitter.com
Look for photographers to follow, here are a few to get you started: @digitalps (our DPS account)/ @artwolfe / @chasejarvis / @jeremycowart / @neilcreek / @jimgoldstein / @ricksammon / @scottbourne / @zarias / @strobist.
Start tweeting! Share useful links you find, photos you took, reply to other tweets, answer questions, etc.?
PS from Darren: Also check out the comments of this post where over 500 other DPS readers have left their Twitter usernames. Add as many of them as you can and you’ll be connecting with other DPS readers and photography enthusiasts on Twitter. Don’t forget to leave your own username in the comments on that post so others can find you too!
Also check out TwiTip Twitter Tips - another site that I run. It contains hundreds of twitter tips for those starting out with the medium.
About the Author: Steve Berardi is a naturalist, photographer, and computer scientist. You can usually find him hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains or the Mojave Desert, both located in the beautiful state of California.
Read more of his articles on nature photography at the PhotoNaturalist and follow him on Twitter - @photonaturalist.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Ross Imaging Center
My name is Jillian Reynolds and I am the lab manager at Ross Imaging Center in Hamden, CT. I was contacting you in hopes of establishing a partenership with your camera club. We have had New Haven Camera Club members visit our shop in the past and would like to invite more of you to do so, now that we have recently remodeled our location. We would like to offer members a discounted rate on all of our in-house work. I'm hoping that an announcement could be made online and/or in your meetings, including a link on your club webpage. We have a state-wide customer base and would be happy to assist as a valuable local resource. You can visit us at www.ctprints.com and please feel free to contact me with any further questions, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (203)281-6996. We look forwad to working with you. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Jillian Reynolds
Lab Manager
Ross Imaging Center
3000 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
(203)281-6996
www.ctprints.com
Sincerely,
Jillian Reynolds
Lab Manager
Ross Imaging Center
3000 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
(203)281-6996
www.ctprints.com
Friday, July 17, 2009
Adam Jones Photoshop Workshop
Adam Jones Photoshop Workshop
After numerous requests I’m pleased to offer a Photoshop workshop for photographers at my home/office just outside Louisville, KY. Many of you know, I moved about two years ago, and now live in Crestwood, KY, just 25 minutes from Louisville International Airport. I will provide airport pickup from Louisville Int. Airport, and shuttle you between my home and a nearby hotel, so renting a car is optional. There are many new and comfortable hotels nearby, and I’ll provide hotel information upon signup
Workshop Date: Oct. 9,10, 11, 2009
Workshop Fee: 495.00 (including airport pickup, 20x30 print, and class notes
This class will fill very quickly, and limited to first six students.
Please send your check in full to:
Adam Jones
6814 Clore Lake Road
Crestwood, KY 40014
This will be a comprehensive workshop for those desiring a solid understanding of the fundamentals and a desire to take your images to the next level using easy to understand professional techniques and software. Class notes will be provided so you won’t spend all your time taking notes. This course will be very interactive and hands on, with open dialogue back and forth with everyone, and your questions are truly encouraged.
Our class will begin on Friday afternoon starting with airport pickup. After hotel check in we have dinner, then travel across the Ohio River for a spectacular view of the Louisville skyline at dusk. This is a great location for panoramic images of our skyline.
Saturday is a full day of hands on class work and printing in my home with breaks for lunch etc. Each student will make a 20x30 print from one of their favorite images.
Sunday morning is a review for any topics needing additional review. Shuttle to airport provided after 12:00pm.
Major Topics
Getting Started: Getting the image right in the field-- File Formats—Resolution—Color Balance
Setting up Photoshop to run right: Preferences & Color Settings
Bridge: Customizing—Creating Metadata Templates—Using Keywords—Batch
Batch Renaming—Editing--Captioning
Raw Processing: We’ll explore all the adjustment tools Photographers commonly use, including the new local adjustments in raw.
Batch processing through Adobe Bridge.
Quick technique for spectacular skin tones.
Tonal Corrections: In short, getting the contrast right using adjustment layers,
histograms, brightness, shadow highlights, levels, curves, and auto
settings.
Expert Color Correction: Using Levels and Curves to expertly correct color casts.
Local Adjustments: Perfecting selections with Layers, Layer Masks.
Sizing & Printing your images:
Interpolation done right, sizing for print and sizing for e-mail
Image Processor for batch resizing
Color Management, Monitor and Printer calibration
Getting what you see on your monitor to print
Sharpening for printing and the web
Noise reduction
Selection Techniques: Various methods for selecting objects to remove or paste into other images.
Additional: Extending dynamic range: HDR with Photoshop and Photomatix
Unlimited Depth of Field: Helicon Focus software
NIK Software: Viveza, the fun easy way to correct your images
DXO Optics Pro: Batch convert all your raw images at one time.
Check out Steve Traudt
Check out Steve's website http://www.synvis.com/
Tom and I had a chance to help out at the NECCC pre-conference workshop on ProShow Gold last week. I had seen Steve's program on Bosque a few years ago and it was wonderful so I had a feeling that his teaching programs would be good too. I know a lot about ProShow Gold but I still picked up on a few tricks. Steve gave a lot of information but still kept it light and fun. Barbara is good friends with him so we knew that he had to be nice, but he was an excellent speaker as well.
I also attended his HDR program. I was to go to ESP ASAP! I had purchased Photomatix a few weeks before but had not played with it yet. After seeing Steve's talk I just wanted to take a week and play with it! Tom and I both have some HDR photo ops in mind and cannot wait to play.
The Magic Of HDR...High Dynamic Range. This is the hot topic and Steve demystifies the process. The program explains the methods of capturing the images and then the use of software to create the extended range.
Digital Slide Shows... With simple software, photographers can now create amazing “slide shows” which can then be shared in many ways including the internet, email, CD and DVD. I explain all the elements, from start to finish including optimizing images; music; psychology and more. The lecture mostly features the use of ProShow Gold software but the knowledge applies to any other software as well.
Check out Steve's website http://www.synvis.com/
I would definitely recommend him for any classes or workshops.
Tom and I had a chance to help out at the NECCC pre-conference workshop on ProShow Gold last week. I had seen Steve's program on Bosque a few years ago and it was wonderful so I had a feeling that his teaching programs would be good too. I know a lot about ProShow Gold but I still picked up on a few tricks. Steve gave a lot of information but still kept it light and fun. Barbara is good friends with him so we knew that he had to be nice, but he was an excellent speaker as well.
I also attended his HDR program. I was to go to ESP ASAP! I had purchased Photomatix a few weeks before but had not played with it yet. After seeing Steve's talk I just wanted to take a week and play with it! Tom and I both have some HDR photo ops in mind and cannot wait to play.
The Magic Of HDR...High Dynamic Range. This is the hot topic and Steve demystifies the process. The program explains the methods of capturing the images and then the use of software to create the extended range.
Digital Slide Shows... With simple software, photographers can now create amazing “slide shows” which can then be shared in many ways including the internet, email, CD and DVD. I explain all the elements, from start to finish including optimizing images; music; psychology and more. The lecture mostly features the use of ProShow Gold software but the knowledge applies to any other software as well.
Check out Steve's website http://www.synvis.com/
I would definitely recommend him for any classes or workshops.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
NECCC results
The results of the image competition results from the NECCC conference are in.
2009 NECCC
DUAL PROJECTION COMPETITION – NATURE CATEGORY
(HMs given for images held for medals with scores of 23 and above )
We had three winner's from the New Haven Camera Club
Paul Peterson's Stellar Jay HM
Rick Sereque's Early Morning Lupines HM
Gary Prestash's Gary Male Rose Breasted Grosbeak in Blossoms HM
Congrats!!!!
to view the medal winning images
Conference Medal-Winning Images (Dual projected digital & slides)
You can also view the NECCC Spring 2009 Electronic Interclub Competition
http://www.neccc.org/Comp%20Elec%20Results%202009%20Spring.pdf
2009 NECCC
DUAL PROJECTION COMPETITION – NATURE CATEGORY
(HMs given for images held for medals with scores of 23 and above )
We had three winner's from the New Haven Camera Club
Paul Peterson's Stellar Jay HM
Rick Sereque's Early Morning Lupines HM
Gary Prestash's Gary Male Rose Breasted Grosbeak in Blossoms HM
Congrats!!!!
to view the medal winning images
Conference Medal-Winning Images (Dual projected digital & slides)
You can also view the NECCC Spring 2009 Electronic Interclub Competition
http://www.neccc.org/Comp%20Elec%20Results%202009%20Spring.pdf
Tim Grey's DDQ - Basic Composite Image
Tim Grey's DDQ Digital Darkroom Questions
Today's Question:
I have Photoshop CS3 and I would be interested to learn how to change backgrounds on a photo. I have tried a number of different ways all with no success. I would like to try and put a baby on a cloud background, or moving a person from one photo to another. Any help you can give me would be very much appreciated.
Tim's Answer:
The first step is to bring the two images together into a single composite image. To do so, you can open both images, and then use the Move tool to drag one image to the other (for example, dragging the baby image onto an image of clouds).
In most cases you can create a selection as the basis of the layer mask that will define where the upper image is actually visible (revealing the underlying image in areas where the upper isn't visible). So, for example, you could create a selection of the baby using any of the selection tools. With a selection active, click the Add Layer Mask button (the circle inside a square icon) at the bottom of the Layers panel. The "non-baby" area of the baby image will now be hidden, allowing the underlying cloud image to show through, and creating the appearance of a baby among the clouds.
Click on the layer mask thumbnail (the black and white thumbnail to the right of the upper image layer) to make sure it is active, and then choose Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur to slightly blur the layer mask so the composite doesn't show up with a "cutout" appearance.
At this point you should have a good basic composite image, but you may need to further refine things. Select the Brush tool, and press "D" to ensure the colors are set to their defaults of black and white. You can also adjust the size of the brush using the left and right square bracket keys ("[" and "]"). You can also adjust the Hardness setting using the Brush popup on the Options bar as needed to adjust the degree of blending where you'll work on your layer mask. Then paint with black in any areas where you need to block the original baby image (for example, hiding portions of the baby so it will better blend in with the clouds), and paint with white to reveal portions of the baby image. You can press "X" to swap foreground and background colors to switch between black and white.
The subject of layer masking is covered in extensive detail in the video tutorials on my latest DVD, "Photoshop Hands-On: Layer Masking", which starts shipping today. If you'd like a copy of this DVD, visit www.timgrey.com/order and follow the link to the secure order form. You might also be interested in the prior DVD, "Photoshop Hands-On: Selections", which is the perfect complement to "Layer Masking" because selections are so often used as the basis of a layer mask.
Become a Member!
The Digital Darkroom Questions (DDQ) email newsletter is free to receive, but DDQ members receive special benefits, including:
Opportunity to submit questions to be considered for inclusion in a DDQ email.
Discounts and special offers available only to members.
Access to the full archive of previous DDQ emails with search capability.
Knowing you are supporting this valuable service. Much more!
Details on becoming a member can be found here:www.timgrey.com/ddq/
A SureFire Way to Save on CR123A Batteries
This is from a great website: http://www.earthboundlight.com/ There are MANY good articles and tips on this site. Check them out!!!
A SureFire Way to Save on CR123A Batteries
There once was a time that, if a camera or flash used batteries at all, it was powered by one or more trusty 1.5 volt AA (LR6 in some parts of the world) cells. More and more though, equipment manufacturers seem to be converting to either proprietary, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries or else the new fangled CR123A cell. But while AA batteries were cheap and readily available, it's a bit harder to find good deals on quality CR123A batteries.
A common name for a CR123A battery is in fact a "camera battery." Delivering 3 volts in a package only 34.5 mm long, it provides double the power of a standard AA in a package roughly half the size. In the quest for creating pocket-sized cameras and other small electronics, CR123A cells are a powerful (if you'll pardon the battery pun) weapon.
If you simply walk into a store though, you will most likely find only a few if any CR123A's hidden on rack containing mostly AA, AAA and even 9-volt batteries. And at full retail price, CR123A's can set you back as much as $7 apiece. Ouch. As the latest technological marvel, these things command a premium, and retailers seem to know it.
My introduction to CR123A batteries came when Nikon released the R1C1 wireless macro flash kit in 2006. At the time I did some research to find an affordable source for batteries to power the included SB-R200 flashes and SU-800 controller. Based on a recommendation, I settled on batteries from a company called SureFire that specializes in high-intensity outdoor flashlights. Since they made a number of lights powered from CR123A cells, it seemed reasonable to assume they had a vested interest in providing the needed batteries too. And since they came direct from the manufacturer, the price from SureFire was far better than I could find locally.
A box of 12 CR123A's from SureFire currently lists for $21 which works out to $1.75 apiece. If you want more, they also sell a box of 72 batteries for $126, but since this means the same price per battery as the 12-pack I've never been tempted to go for this much gusto. Either way, this is far cheaper than most other sources of comparable quality.
Over the past few years, I've re-ordered batteries from SureFire several times. You can now get them not only from the company's own website but from places like B&H Photo as well. I just bought another box of 12 today which is in fact why I chose to write this article. It seemed like a good idea to pass this tip along to others so they could save a few bucks on batteries too.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Nikon Instant Savings Save $300 on the Full Frame Nikon D700
Nikon Instant SavingsSave $300 on the Full Frame Nikon D700!
Have you been waiting to upgrade?Now is the time to buy!
Incorporating the same Nikon-original FX-format CMOS imaging sensor developed for the groundbreaking D3, the Nikon D700 delivers immaculately clean images. The combination of the overall precision and light-handling efficiency of this sensor with the legendary performance of Nikkor interchangeable makes Nikon one of the best options available for creating professional quality work.
The D700 features lateral chromatic aberration reduction, designed to overcome unwanted color fringes; an integrated dust reduction system which uses high-frequency vibration to remove dust from the filters in front of ht sensor; clean files from ISO 200 to 6400 allowing you to use higher ISO settings without hesitation or compromise; a 51-point autofocus system to keep your subject in focus even with quick or erratic movement; and an incredible 8 frames per second when combined with the MB-D10 Multi Battery Pack.
Nikon D700Was $2999.95Now $2699.95
In-Stock & Available Now!
Order Today At Tallyns.comor Call (800) 433-8685
Have you been waiting to upgrade?Now is the time to buy!
Incorporating the same Nikon-original FX-format CMOS imaging sensor developed for the groundbreaking D3, the Nikon D700 delivers immaculately clean images. The combination of the overall precision and light-handling efficiency of this sensor with the legendary performance of Nikkor interchangeable makes Nikon one of the best options available for creating professional quality work.
The D700 features lateral chromatic aberration reduction, designed to overcome unwanted color fringes; an integrated dust reduction system which uses high-frequency vibration to remove dust from the filters in front of ht sensor; clean files from ISO 200 to 6400 allowing you to use higher ISO settings without hesitation or compromise; a 51-point autofocus system to keep your subject in focus even with quick or erratic movement; and an incredible 8 frames per second when combined with the MB-D10 Multi Battery Pack.
Nikon D700Was $2999.95Now $2699.95
In-Stock & Available Now!
Order Today At Tallyns.comor Call (800) 433-8685
Barefoot and Back Roads Workshops
Barefoot and Back Roads
While we were in Spain, Arnie was robbed of his camera and one of his lenses. With all that we learned there, it seemed a good idea to write about the experience and offer some hints to help you avoid a similar mishap. Look for Beware of Thieves while Traveling.
On a good note, however, the rest of our trip in Spain went beautifully. Look for future articles on parts of our workshop adventure.A link to the blog can always be found is at the Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures website.
Workshops Filling Up
Our New England Fall Foliage workshop is sold out. Others are filling up quickly, including our new one for 2010, People & Culture of Belize. For those who want a summer workshop, we still have space in Summertime on the Maine Coast. In September, we have Fall Aspens & Ghost Towns of Colorado, Arches, Canyonlands & Moab, and Canyon de Chelly & Navajoland. For others, look at the offerings on the website.
We are excited to report that our alumni/ae (I like to specifically include the ladies) continue to sell their photographs, have solo shows, and be accepted into juried exhibitions. If any more of our alumni/ae have recent success stories, let us know, and we will include them in the next newsletter.
Lauren Golden (New England 2009, Canyon de Chelly 2009) was juried into Artist-Craftsmen of New York. As a member, she will be in their annual show in Soho. She wrote, "Of course, three of the five images I submitted were from the BCPA workshop - thought you might like to know that! Thanks for all of your support and guidance!" Congratulations, SN!
Harriet Feagin(Maine Coast 2008, Lighthouses of OBX 2008, Fall Aspens of Colorado 2009, New England 2009) is on a roll. "The West Texas Photographic Society had a juried show [with] well over 200 entries in the color division ... I did not place but did get an honorable mention. This was my first show and I felt honored to have my work even considered as one of the better entries." Wow, Harriet, that's great!
Dave Robertson(New England 2007, Arches 2008, Belize 2010) reported that his images from the Arches workshop have met with great success. "You will be pleased to know that I have been asked to present a solo exhibit of 25 images from the Moab workshop. They will be displayed for a month at Gallery 625 in Woodland, California." Indeed, Dave, that's wonderful news!
Website
I have been busy updating the website. All workshops that are finished or full for 2009 have been moved to 2010. In the spirit of making things easier for people, we are keeping our pricing for 2010 to the same level as 2009. The application and PayPal pages have been updated to reflect all this.For those who have missed it, our Fine Art section of our website is at http://www.BCphotoadventures.com/FineArt.php. It can also be accessed from the regular website. More information on this on the blog .
Please Pass the WordWe hope that all of you will pass this on to at least one person you know who loves photography as much the rest of us do. Because of the way we structure our workshops, there is tons of individual attention, making it possible for us to work with rank beginner and seasoned pro alike. In this economy, we always appreciate referrals, although we are very gratified that sign-ups for our workshops are going quite well, even in this economy. We must be doing something right!
Take care, TBC (The Barefoot Contessa, alias Margo Pinkerton) http://www.bcphotoadventures.com/ http://bcphotoadventures.wordpress.com/ http://www.zannpinkertonphotography.com/
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