Tuesday, August 26, 2008

NHCC Day Trip to New York City: Sept 6th

Day Trip to New York City:

Saturday, September 6th, and the rain date is Sunday, September 7

We will be leaving the Milford Train Station on the 8:42 express train to NYC. We will purchase a $20 all day pass for unlimited use of the water taxis which stop at 10 key locations from 11AM to 7PM. Bring jackets…it is a very breezy ride.

Contact Art Yost at 203-931-9943, AYost4@aol.com or Arty43@comcast.net before September 1st if you are interested.

Monday, August 25, 2008

NHCC specials at Hunts

100 Main Street Melrose, Ma 02176
Contacts: Gary Farber Tel 800-221-1830 or 800-924-8682 ext. 2332
John Duggan ext. 2314
Fax 800-336-3841 Email digitalguygary@wbhunt.com


NEW PRODUCT offer to New Haven Camera Club

Currently in stock (is a limited quantity) of -
Adobe Light Room Upgrade $ 99.99
Adobe Light Room Full Version $ 299.99
When placing an order for the Full Version, mention “Adobe” to receive a $10.00 discount.

Photo Shop CS3 Upgrade, Windows and/or Mac $ 189.99

Nikon NX2 Upgrade A limited quantity is in stock. $ 109.99
When placing your order, mention “Software” to receive a $10.00 discount.
Nikon NX2 Full Version A limited quantity is in stock $ 179.99
When placing your order, mention “Software” to receive a $10.00 discount.

Nikon D700 (currently in stock) $2999.95

NIK Silver Efex Pro $ 169.95
When placing your order, mention “NIK” to receive a $10.00 discount.

Note: When placing an order including the above products, free shipping is being offered.

Later this year, Adobe will be announcing the CS4. Those interested in placing an order, please submit your full name, address, and telephone number/email. You will be notified when it is available to place an order.

The Epson P6000 and P7000 Storage Devices will soon be shipping. Those interested in pricing and availability, please submit your full name, address, and telephone number/email address.

Canon is soon to announce their new products. The G9 is likely to be replaced with the G10. Word is buzzing regarding a Canon 5D replacement. If you’d like more specifics, please submit your full name, address, telephone number/email address.
To place your order for any of the above, please contact Gary Farber or John Duggan.

Hi Lisa,
Here are some other sources for lower prices on the products mentioned in tonight’s blog (some are just for NAPP members). Rick

Commercial photographer Will Crockett in his newsletter (he spoke at NECCC) mentioned:
Nikon D700
$2950 (limited time & qty.)
Includes free Sandisk Extreme Ducati Edition 4GB CF card
$159.98 savings
Use discount code buysmarter at checkout
Memory card will not show in cart but will ship with camera.
www.drurys.com (the sale is not mentioned on Drury’s site – use the discount code)
*****************************


Lightroom 2 (Full product)
Hunt’s = 299.99 – 10 = $289.99
Amazon.com (as of 8/26/08) = $274.99 w/free S&H
Adobe.com for NAPP members with code of napp07 = $254.15 (no tax or S&H if downloaded)*****************************


Photoshop CS3 UpgradeHunt’s = $189.99Adobe.com for NAPP members with code of napp07 = $169.15 + 5.95 S&H(no S&H if downloaded but file is way too big)Note: Adobe offers package deals with purchase of multiple products *****************************

Nikon Capture NX2 (Full product)
Hunt’s = 179.99 – 10 = $169.99
Amazon.com (as of 8/26/08) = $149.95 w/free S&H*****************************


Silver Efex Pro
Hunt’s = 169.95 – 10 = $159.95
NAPP members at
www.niksoftware.com/napp50sep thru 9/15/08 = $149.95 w/free S&H

Air Force Thunder Birds

Hi Friends, Charles Stacey would like to lead a group to the air show at Westover AFB on Sept 7. The Air Force Thunder Birds will be featured. He plans to leave by 7 AM from exit 13 of I 91. Please contact Charles at (203) 269-4368 or email: c.stacey8391@sbcglobal.net if you are interested. Joe Hamed
Thanks Gary for p[assing this along!

There is nearly a full page, color article in Thursday's New Haven Register on a display of Frans Lanting's nature images coming to the Peabody Museum. I believe the article said the display starts in Sunday and runs through Feb '09. If you don't get the New Haven Register, I cut the article out.

A few more pieces of information on the display....it starts this Saturdayand it runs through February 22, 2009.

The Peabody does charge an admission fee of between $5.00 - $7.00 (no explanation in paper - perhaps seniors or students/children are charged less?) but there is NO admission fee charged for anyone from 2:00 - 5:00 PM on Thursdays. Overall hours of the museum are 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, and noon until 5:00 PM on Sundays.

The display consists of 45 images from Lanting's "Jungle", which took Lanting 20 years and numerous trips to various jungles to capature the images for the book.

For additional info, call (203) 432-5050.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

What is acceptable with digital techniques?

What is acceptable with digital techniques?

July 15th, 2008 Rob Sheppard

I just had one of my BetterPhoto.com publication photography students ask me about digital techniques — what do publications find acceptable or not acceptable. This is not a simple question and I could spend a lot of time on the answer.

I have talked a bit about this in my columns for Outdoor Photographer (Digital Horizons), which are available on the OP website (www.outdoorphotographer.com). Also, I have talked about this issue and HDR in this blog.

First off, you will find a lot of folks in the business (like me) separate enhancement from manipulation. The distinction is important.

Enhancement optimizes or brings out the best from a photograph.

Manipulation changes it from the original scene.

Most publications are fine with some sort of enhancement. Some publications will use manipulated images, too, though they will often call these “photo illustrations.”

Publications really vary as to what they will or won’t accept. Partly this is due to digital being so new. This is also due to the fact that many editors and art directors are baby boomers (my generation) who were never comfortable with computers, never got into the business to deal with digital stuff, and still don’t completely like it. Not knowing better, or even fearful of the technologies, they will often put arbitrary restrictions on digital photography that have no basis in reality. But these become rules that a photographer has to pay attention to if he or she wants to work for individual publications.

I think photo enhancement techniques including photo-stitching, multiple exposure blending techniques and HDR are not only acceptable, but actually allow us to show reality. They offer us the possibility of truly capturing images from the world as we see the world, not simply limited by camera technology. This has the potential of really helping us as photographers better communicate about the way the world really is, as compared to the limited world that is captured by traditional photographic techniques. Still, there are a lot of fears by the above-mentioned baby boomers, and therefore, added restrictions.

There is the question, should a photographer “disclose” these things at the time of submission? I think if you are doing severe manipulation of the image, yes, that should be disclosed. However, if you are bringing a photo closer to the real world, I don’t see the point. There are those who disagree with that, but I believe if we are to always disclose techniques just because they are techniques, then all photographers must disclose any artificial techniques, which would include flash and graduated neutral density filters (have you ever seen flash in nature? or graduated neutral density filters?).

We will be dealing with these issues for years as digital technology gradually becomes more a part of photography … and frankly, when baby boomers retire!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

The Art in Nature Contest

The Art in Nature

Deadline September 16, 2008

Theme: Nature is beauty, majestic and inspiring.

The Art in Nature will illustrate all aspects of nature in its many tableaus: landscape, seascape, wildlife, floral, water, environment, and weather.

Eligibility: The exhibition is open to all domestic and international, professional and amateur, photographers working with digital or traditional photography or combinations of both. The Center for Fine Art Photography invites photographers working in all mediums, styles and schools of thought to participate in its exhibitions. Traditional, contemporary, avant-garde, creative and experimental and mixed techniques are welcome.

Juror: George LeppGeorge D. Lepp is one of North America's best-known contemporary outdoor and nature photographers. His passions for natural beauty, technical precision, cutting-edge technology, and environmental responsibility are revealed in his beautiful and compelling photographic images. Lepp's images have appeared in some of the world's most widely viewed venues, including National Wildlife, Time, Newsweek, and The New Yorker. Exhibition and

Awards:

With selection for this exhibition, artists and their work will be seen by an international audience of collectors, curators, art consultants and others who appreciate the fine art of photography.

Juror’s Selection award: $300
Director's Selection award: $200
Gallery Visitor’s Choice Award: $100
Two Artists’ ShowCase Online subscriptions – the Center’s new online image marketing website (preview at www.artists-showcase.org)
All exhibitors are included in the Center's online gallery
Inclusion in the Center's 2008 Exhibition Collection CD which is distributed to selected galleries, collectors, design houses and corporations world wide

Important Dates
Entries due: September 16, 2008
Notice of acceptance: September 26, 2008
Exhibition dates: December 5, 2008 – January 3, 2009 Public and Artists’ Reception during the Fort Collins Gallery Walk: December 5, 2008

Download instructions for submitting your work online in Adobe PDF Format (64 KB), click here

<<>>

Friday, August 22, 2008

Master Photographers 1840–1940

Metropolitan Museum exhibition

Framing a Century: Master Photographers, 1840–1940

Through September 1

This exhibition tells the story of photography's first hundred years through the work of key figures who helped shape the aesthetic and expressive course of the medium: Gustave Le Gray, Roger Fenton, Carleton Watkins, William Henry Fox Talbot, Julia Margaret Cameron, Nadar, Édouard Baldus, Charles Marville, Eugène Atget, Walker Evans, Man Ray, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Brassaï. Many of the works on view are drawn from the Museum's 2005 acquisition of the Gilman Collection.

See the exhibition preview for more information.

View Images

FREE Gallery Talk

Read a Review in The New York Times

See the CBS2 Feature Video

Met Podcast episode about photography: Impressed by Light: British Photographs from Paper Negatives, 1840–1860

Polaroid PoGo Instant Mobile Printer



Reinventing Instant Photography for the Digital Age™

The Polaroid PoGo™ Instant Mobile Printer lets you share photos whether you are on vacation or just hanging out with your friends. Bring Polaroid magic from your camera cell phone or digital camera with ZINK™ Zero Ink™ Printing Technology from ZINK Imaging. Mobile and easy-to-use, the Polaroid PoGo™ Instant Mobile Printer provides a new, innovative way to share digital photos directly from your camera cell phone or digital camera, instantly. The Polaroid Way.

A new way to share
Print and share.
2x3" borderless color images in under a minute
As mobile as you are.
Pocket-size, sleek, stylish design
Instant magic.
Prints without ink using ZINK™ Zero Ink™ Printing Technology from ZINK Imaging

Camera Phone
The Polaroid PoGo™ Digital Instant Mobile Photo Printer is the easiest way to print photos from a camera phone. Wirelessly transfer images from a Bluetooth-enabled camera phone to the Mobile Printer and print instantly. Using the built-in OBEX (object exchange profile) Bluetooth in the phone and the printer, connecting and printing becomes instant.


Digital Camera
Instantly printing images from a digital camera is as easy as connecting the USB cable to the PictBridge-enabled camera and printer. Once connected, follow the PictBridge screen on the camera display. Simply select what image to send to the printer and within 60 seconds, the print is ready to be shared.


What You Get
• 2” x 3” borderless, sticky-back prints

• Bluetooth, PictBridge compatible

• Smudge-proof, water-resistant, tear-proof photos

• Fade-resistant, long-lasting images

• No waste – no ink cartridges

• Prints in about 60 seconds

• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

ZINK™ stands for Zero Ink™ - a new and simpler approach to printing where high quality, colorful, durable and affordable prints are magically created – all without a drop of ink. The ZINK Technology, invented by ZINK Imaging, encompasses both the ZINK Paper™ and the intelligence embedded in every ZINK-enabled device. Over 100 patents and patents pending were generated in the development of this breakthrough technology.

The heart of this new "ZINK" category of printing is the ZINK Paper™. The patented ZINK Paper is an advanced composite material with embedded yellow, magenta and cyan dye crystals, activated with 200 million heat pulses, in 30 seconds, in a single pass. With 100 billion crystals in a 2x3" print, the paper is 100% inkless. A ZINK-enabled printer uses heat to activate and colorize these crystals. Because there is no ink, every ZINK-enabled device has the unique benefits of being small, simple, elegant, and eco-friendly.

Polaroid is leveraging the ZINK Technology to bring a new family of digital instant products to the marketplace. The Polaroid Digital Instant Mobile Photo Printer is the first ZINK-enabled device available. For more information on ZINK Technology, visit http://www.zink.com/

Where to buy:

Best BuyAvailable NowBestBuy.com >>

TargetAvailable NowTarget.com >>

Urban OutfittersAvailable Now (On-Line Only)urbanoutfitters.com >>

Extreme Photoshop


Create a Garden on the Human Head


Posted: 19 Aug 2008 03:01 AM CDT
In this tutorial, it will basically take you through the process of converting a man’s head into a garden. The first part will be showing you how to prepare the image then add a waterfall coming out of his head with a pool at the bottom, as shown on the thumbnail. Have a go!


Tamron’s Lens with Vibration Compensation

Thanks Wayne for letting us kno about this!

This latest lens with Tamron’s proprietary tri-axial Vibration Compensation system is a welcome response to feedback about of the 28-300mm VC lens which did not cover as good of a wide-angle range.

It will come with Canon and Nikon mounts. Delivery date and price to be announced.

http://www.tamron.com/news/35mm/18270vc.asp : “Designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C sized image sensors, the new lens delivers outstanding image quality over its entire zoom range and its exclusive VC anti-shake system facilitates sharp handheld photography even at the longest telephoto settings. With its vast zoom-range, the Tamron AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC lens enables the user to cover virtually any photographic subject from wide angle to ultra telephoto simply by turning the zoom control. It covers angles of view equivalent to 28mm to 419mm for APSC Sized sensors when converted to the 35mm format.”

Wayne Nolting – iMix Studio
Interactive Streaming Audio Visual Media Production
Newington, CT
Producer@imixstudio.com

The Projector: a newsletter for PSA Member Organizations

Summer 2008
The Projector: a newsletter for PSA Member Organizations

Sharp’s Word
by Sharp Todd

Greetings to all PSA member camera clubs, councils, and camera club associations. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am Sharp Todd, APSA, PPSA, the PSA Vice President of Chapters, Clubs, and Councils. I also want to introduce you to the first edition of the new camera club newsletter. We are calling it "the Projector." Peter Manzelli will be the Editor and Publisher of "the Projector." He came up with the name and designed and created the logotype in a matter of a few days after accepting the job, and said we are ready to fly. I want to thank Pete for accepting the job. We plan on publishing three or four newsletters each year. I hope you share this with your club and council members and especially your board members. If you would forward this newsletter to them, it would be much appreciated.

I want to invite those who are planning to attend the PSA Conference in Portland, Oregon, to attend some of the meetings and activities for clubs and councils. The first item that most would be interested in is the results of the Councils Challenge. It will be Wednesday morning, 8:30—9:30. The second item is a meeting for the PSA camera club representatives. This meeting is Thursday at 12:45—1:30 pm. We will be discussing some of the benefits of being a PSA member organization. We will also hear any issues that your organizations are having and open a forum to try to address them. If your club or organization’s representative is not attending, anyone is welcome to attend to represent your club. Also on Thursday at 1:30—2:30 pm is the Camera Club Newsletter & Web Editors meeting. Winding up Thursday will be the Council Representatives Meeting at 5:15—6:00. This will have the same format as the Camera Club Representatives Meeting. Anyone can represent your council and take the information back to the council board.

For those who have not ventured to the PSA website, or have not been to it lately, I would like to invite you visit the site. It has a wealth of information about PSA, it’s activities, and photography in general, Click here: Photographic Society of America. http://www.psa-photo.org/

I especially invite you to go to the PSA Camera Club Committee page, Click here: PSA Camera Club Committee. http://www.psa-photo.org/resourcePageDisplay.asp?DivID=8&menuID=6&pageID=385

It has information pertaining to camera clubs and councils. In later issues of "the Projector," we will be investigating in detail the information on the Camera Club Committee page. On this page you can see who the members of the Camera Club Committee are and what they do. Take a look at it!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Lessons in DSLR Workflow with Lightroom & Photoshop

You've captured great images with your DSLR, now what?

Jerry Courvoisier, Director of Digital Programs, is pleased to announce his new book entitled "Lessons in DSLR Workflow with Lightroom and Photoshop"

This book provides an easy-to-follow roadmap for importing, organizing, and editing your images using the best features of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop. The combined power of using both programs—automation with Lightroom and specialized processing in Photoshop—offers a complete and flexible solution for both serious hobbyists and professional photographers.Loaded with tips and techniques from a seasoned photographer, including a pre-shoot checklist for camera settings, Jerry delivers a digital workflow system that allows you to spend less time at your computer and more time behind the camera capturing great images.

The book is available from Peachpit Press and you can receive a 35% discount by entering code SANTAFE during checkout. Plus, U.S. customers get free shipping!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

NEW HAVEN CAMERA CLUB 2008-09

The 08-09 NHCC season is almost upon us and I am looking forward to seeing all of you on Sept 8th for our first program.

The New Haven Camera Club website has been updated:

The membership form is available. In order to compete, join us on field trips, attend workshops, etc. you must be a paid member. Guests are always welcome to attend meetings.

Please fill out the membership form and send Harold your membership dues: http://www.newhavencameraclub.org/membership.htm

The assigned subjects were posted back in June: http://www.newhavencameraclub.org/assigned_subjects.htm

The programs are now listed: http://www.newhavencameraclub.org/NHCC%20files/NEW_HAVEN_CAMERA_CLUB_PROGRAMS_08-09.pdf

Please review the NHCC handbook for competition rules (and changes for the 08-09 season)http://www.newhavencameraclub.org/images/NHCC_HandBook_8-08.pdf

The most dramatic changes that will take place this season:

(1) a new email adress for competitions NHCCwin@comcast.net Deadline midnight Sept 19th for our first competition and

(2) the changes to the assigned subject competition (blogged here in July)
http://nhccphotoblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/nhcc-changes-to-category-competition.html


NEW HAVEN CAMERA CLUB PROGRAMS -- 2008-09

September 8, 2008
"Waterways of the Czars"
by Kathy Katz and Sandy Sanderson
A photo journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow

September 22, 2008
Open Competition, plus a Special Category "Children"

October 13, 2008
"Magic Moments at Mohonk" & "Quabbin - For the Joy of It"
by Les Campbell
Two of Les' favorite places to capture beautiful pictures

October 27, 2008
Open Competition, plus a Special Category "Railroads"

November 10, 2008
New England Camera Club Council Interclub Color Print Competition 2008-09
Judging of color prints from clubs in New England

November 24, 2008
Open Competition, plus a Special Category "Sunset/Sunrise"

December 8, 2008 Annual Holiday Party and Mini Digital Shows by Members

January 12, 2009
"What You See is What You Get!"
by Victor Krasenics
Exploring how to get your film & digital photos to look the way you saw the scene

January 26, 2009
Open Competition, plus a Special Category "Boats/Ships"

February 9, 2009
"Image Enhancement & Optimization: Photoshop CS3 Workflow"
by George Fellner
A power point presentation as well as a demonstration using Photoshop CS3 focusing on basis adjustments made to all images to enhance the quality of the photo

February 23, 2009
Open Competition, Special Category "Abstracts"

March 9, 2009
"New Haven Camera Club Goes Out West"
by NHCC members
A show combining the work of NHCC members who traveled to Death Valley, Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon and Sedona.

March 23, 2009
Open Competition, plus a Special Category "Motion/Blur"

April 13, 2009
"White Reveals, Black Conceals: Masking Your Way to a Better Photograph"
by Lisa and Tom Cuchara
Learn how to use layers & masks in Photoshop to enhance your images (exposure, dodging & burning, blurring the background, selective coloring & selective focus)

April 27, 2009
Open Competition, plus a Special Category "Patterns/Textures"

May 11, 2009
Open Competition, plus a Special Category "Architecture"

June 8, 2009
End of the Year Competition; Annual Year End Awards Banquet

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

NY magazine creates one woman from 4 stars



This image may represent the best Photoshop work I've seen for a long time.

It's from the new issue of New York magazine, which has a feature on plastic surgery.

As an illustration the magazine constructed an original face by combining the faces of four different famous entertainers.

Can you guess who they were? For the answer, go here.--David Schonauer

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
in case you don't want to read the whole article...



How We Made The Above Woman
• Michelle Pfeiffer’s unfurrowed brow.
• Madonna’s plumped-up cheeks and wide eyes.
• Angelina Jolie’s super-straight nose and lush lips.
• Demi Moore’s angular jawline.

Best Results for Magic Wand selection tool needs Eyedropper tool settings

Digital Darkroom Questions (DDQ)July 29, 2008

by Tim Grey www.timgrey.comtim@timgrey.com
Books: www.timgrey.com/books/index.htmBlog: www.timgrey.com/blog

Question: Is it true that you need to change settings for the Eyedropper tool in order to get the best results for the Magic Wand selection tool? A friend of mine told me this, but it doesn't make sense to me.

Yes, it is indeed true.

Specifically, the Sample Size setting on the Options bar for the Eyedropper tool affects the behavior of the Magic Wand tool. I'm not sure why Adobe has never just put the same control (or a different control with the same option) on the Options bar for the Magic Wand tool, but they haven't.

The Sample Size setting determines how large an area will be averaged together when taking a measurement with the Eyedropper tool, or when sampling an area to define a selection with the Magic Wand tool. The default is Point Sample, which can be a problem for the Magic Wand tool because you might inadvertently click on a pixel with a random value that doesn't really match the surroundings (such as a dust spot in the sky that is too small to see). I generally use the "3 by 3 Average" or "5 by 5 Average" setting, because it helps to average out any random pixel variations, producing more accurate results.

In some cases you might even want to increase the value significantly, perhaps even up to the maximum setting of "101 by 101 Average". This will obviously average a relatively large area of the image compared to the single pixel you actually clicked on, but this can be a great solution when trying to create a selection with the Magic Wand tool in an area that has a somewhat significant amount of variation in terms of tonality, but still has good separation from the area you're trying to avoid selecting.

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Contributions from readers like you are the only compensation for the time and effort that goes into producing this email service. You can help support this effort by becoming a contributor. Besides helping to ensure this service remains viable, you'll gain access to a searchable archive of all prior questions and have the opportunity to have your own questions considered for inclusion in the DDQ email. Details can be found here:
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Contents of this e-mail are copyright by Tim Grey. All Rights Reserved.

Monday, August 18, 2008

star trails



Location: Quaker Meadow Christian Camp, 7200' in the Sequoia Ntl Monument in California.
A total of 431 shots, 20 seconds long, 21 seconds appart, were used to make this image. Photos were stacked in After Effects, but Photoshop was key to updating some photos due to people walking through and cars coming by. A single photo was also shot in the evening so that the horizon with the trees could be outlined. I also shot a daytime image the following morning while the camera was locked on the tripod to do a roll-over of a daytime/night time image (http://tinyurl.com/6gjzud). There are a couple of movies on there also that shows how the image was created.

By: Tom Calderwood

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Photos from Dragging the shutter workshop

On July 18th I blogged about a photo op -- a workshop on dragging the shutter and taking sunset (at Stony Creek). http://nhccphotoblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/tuesday-sunset-photographic-shoot.html

Well, we had a great time (thank you Richard!) despite the fact that there was no sunset. I finally go around to posting some of the photos from that night. They look better when you click on them to see them larger.
















Anyone else who was there (or at the second attempt 8/14) please feel free to send me a photo and I will post it here.

I will also post some photos from using this same technique (and the great "sophisticated" stray light preventor provided to each of us that night by Richard) that Tom & I took in the Adirondacks around the campfire. We had fun with it!

wedding first dance...

We have had some special first dances but this one is unique...


wedding first dance...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mAI7lsEfug

Landscapes of the Spirit


Bill Neill, recently completely rejuvenated his wonderful book of landscape photography, Landscapes of the Spirit, as an e-book. Landscapes of the Spirit — Digital Edition has been created as a high quality PDF from the original book. This beautiful book first came out in 1997, but now Bill has revitalized it, getting even better renditions of the original images because of new, high res scans and optimization work in Photoshop.

The book is available for $15 from Bill’s website, www.williamneill.com/books/spirit3.html. This is really a bargain for seeing some wonderful nature photography that will inspire you both in terms of the photography and Bill’s sensitivity to the natural world.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Nature Photographers Network

Nature Photography Articles and Reviews: http://www.naturephotographers.net/farchives.html An index of all nature photography articles and reviews found on Nature Photographers Online Magazine.

Join the Nature Photographers Network™ today and begin enjoying the benefits of NPN membership! New Member Referral - Did a NPN member refer you? If so, please enter their full name; Lisa Cuchara
http://www.naturephotographers.net/member1year.html

Check out our (Lisa and Tom Cuchara) NATURE portfolio at: http://members.photoportfolios.net/TLC

NHCC member Vic Krasenics' NATURE portfolio: http://www.photoportfolios.net/portfolio/pf.cgi?a=up&ns=1&pi=VICKRASENICS&CGISESSID=cec1a261fa7a0e291157adfa3294b5d9&u=27537

NHCC member Pat Brundage's NATURE portfolio: http://www.photoportfolios.net/portfolio/pf.cgi?a=up&ns=1&pi=LIGHTRAY&CGISESSID=cec1a261fa7a0e291157adfa3294b5d9&u=26821

Do you have a passion for nature photography?

Do you enjoy sharing your photos and field experience with others?

Do you wish to become a better nature photographer?

Do you want to join in a collective effort to use nature photography as a tool for habitat conservation?

The Nature Photographers Network™ is an international cooperative network of amateur and professional photographers dedicated to the art and technique of nature photography, and the use of nature photography as a means for generating interest in habitat conservation.

More Testimonials
href="http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=24811&ns=1">Membership Benefits Discussion Thread
More Membership Accolades

Enhance your photography skills - Learn from some of the most talented photographers in the field today while sharing your own skills and passion with fellow nature photography enthusiasts, both in the field and on the Nature Photographers website.

Membership in the Nature Photographers Network entitles you to all of the following benefits;
A 120-image portfolio on PhotoPortfolios.net. PhotoPortfolios.net is an online resource for stock photography buyers, and for both amateur and professional photographers specializing in nature, wildlife, adventure, travel and sports photography. Its mission is two-fold; to provide a means for photographers to showcase and share their work with others in an elegant and professional fashion, and to serve as a conduit between photographer and photo buyer.PhotoPortfolios.net is a unique blend of online photographer portfolio and online image catalog that currently receives over a quarter-million page views per month. Photo-buying clients who have come to PhotoPortfolios.net looking for outstanding nature imagery includes National Geographic Magazine, Hewlett-Packard, Canadian Geographic, Ducks Unlimited, HarperCollins, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Wild River Press as well as numerous requests from individual buyers. Read our members' PhotoPortfolios success stories!

Image hosting service for our photo critique galleries and regional group forums.

Eligibility for publication of articles and reviews on the NPN website (contingent on acceptance of article). If the article is selected for publication, the member receives a complimentary one-year extension of their NPN membership.

Eligibility to be sponsored in the ICF Pro Tour. Each year, a NPN member will be selected to represent the Nature Photographers Network™ in this event, entry fee paid.

Eligibility for the Weekly Picks and the yearly Editor's Pick Awards.

Eligibility for the Photo of the Month recognition. Each month a photo is selected from the Weekly Picks gallery and used as the Cover Shot on the NPN website. Additonally, the member receives a complimentary one-year extension of their NPN membership.

Special membership privileges on the Nature Photographers Online Magazine web site, including;

Greater photo posting privileges in the NPN photo critique galleries

Special member-only forums and galleries, including our Member Photo, Environmental Photojournalism and Off Topic Photo galleries and the Workshops and Exhibitions forum.
Listing of your personal web site on the NPN Links page

Member referral program - Refer a new member to the Nature Photographers Network™ and receive a $10.00 referral fee, paid to your PayPal account! A field is provided in the new member PayPal links below and a space on the Nature Photographers Network™ Membership Application/Renewal Form for the new member to note referrer’s name.

Tips on how to get the most out of your NPN membership.

Join the Nature Photographers Network™ today!

Four membership options to choose from;

Free 30-day trial membership - details

Standard 1-year membership - details

Standard 3-year membership - details

Membership Renewal Options and Information - details

Questions about NPN membership? Contact us!

New Member Referral - Did a NPN member refer you? If so, please enter their full name; Lisa Cuchara
http://www.naturephotographers.net/member1year.html

Fall Colors in Shenandoah National Park

Fall Colors in Shenandoah National Park
http://www.washingtonphotosafari.com/index.htm

Safari: 10/19/2008
8:00 am - 8:30 pm

This Safari is timed for the peak fall colors in Shenandoah National Park. With elevations ranging from just 1,000 to nearly 4,000 feet, we're guaranteed to find great colors. We'll also have great opportunities for landscape and macro photography, and we'll be on the lookout through sunset for wildlife, including whitetail deer bucks sporting their fall antlers and -- if we're very lucky -- a black bear or two. This popular Safari is led by nature photographers Judy Reisman and John Witschey.

We will travel as a group from the Vienna Metro Station; price for this Safari includes transportation from the station.

Fee: $159 per person. Maximum 12.

Go to Registration

Fred Drury 5 full day Photoshop workshop

Hi All ...

Thanks to so many of you for responding to my email requesting a critique on my NECCC Workshop. Your comments were positive, helpful, and very much appreciated.

During our workshop, I mentioned that I've got an upcoming 5 full day workshop scheduled for the Santa Fe School the week of November 10-14. I'm enclosing a promotional on that workshop. A primary focus of this workshop is to have the participants leave with a thorough understanding of the color correction process. One components is: undertanding color 'by the numbers' (which means being able to examine an image with the eyedropper tool and draw useful conclusions as to which colors are believable, and more importantly, which colors are unbelievable). Another important component: while we shoot in RGB, color correction and image optimization can ofter be more quickly accomplished in the LAB color space, and even sometimes in CMYK: I want workshop participants to leave knowing when and how to use these alternate color spaces. Other topics, in addition to those mentioned on the attached, will include Advanced Sharpening and High Dynamic Range Imaging (we'll work with several of the more popular tone mapping tools including both Photoshop and Photomatrix).

The Santa Fe School Digital Lab is very much up-to-date. Each workstation has a Mac and is linked to HP Printers.

You can learn more about the Santa Fe School and this workshop at: http://www.santafeworkshops.com/workshops/digitallabcal.php

If you have a basic understanting of Photoshop and would like to 'move to the next higher level', I believe this workshop will enable you to make that jump. Drop me an email if you have any questions.

All best,
Fred Drury
Markland Imaging.

4th Annual Ocean State International Exhibition

Howdy,

I’d like to ask a favor of you to help me as a new Co-Chair of the 4th Annual Ocean State International Exhibition. Please inform your New Haven CC members about this event to help make this event bigger, better and more successful than last year.

This Exhibition is recognized by PSA which allows accepted images to count toward PSA star ratings. A total of 15 medals will be awarded. We are a DUAL PROJECTION exhibition and we welcome film photographers to enter slides and digital photographers to enter electronic files. We accept entries from both individuals and clubs. Individuals can enter slides or digital, but not both. Club entries may be a mixture of individuals with slides and individuals with digital and receive a discount on the entry fee, and clubs will receive a DVD of the multi-media show of the final accepted images. Time is of the essence, the deadline for entries this year coming up soon, Sept. 27th.

One of the three judges this year is; Wade Clutton, FPSA, EPSA (Chairman of the PSA International Exhibition). Information and entry form can be found at: http://www.psri.us/. Check out last years winning images too. We have an easy web-site entry page for digital files to be up-loaded to, utilizing PayPal for payment.

Thank you for spreading the word to your fellow photography organization members about our 2008 Exhibition. We hope to see your beautiful photography in this year’s event.
Please feel free to contact me for more information or questions.

Co-Chairs Ocean State International Exhibition
Michael Di Stefano
Holly Trahan

Friday, August 15, 2008

So What is a Blog?

The New Haven Camera Club Photo Blog address is: http://NHCCphotoblog.blogspot.com/

Feedburner is a service that allows you to "subscribe" to a Blog and get updates (via email) when the Blog has been updated. For most of you I actually subscribed you to the Blog (and then you verified that you actually wanted the subscription). You can tell other people to go to the Blog and they can subscribe themselves. We had a dozen or so people subscribe to our NHCC Photo Blog after we presented at the NECCC conference in July.

Feedburner sends you an email when something new is posted. If nothing new is posted you do not get an email. If multiple posts are blogged for one day you only get ONE email (in contrast to the multiple emails that you used to receive sometimes).

Perhaps some people are confused because they do not know that the Blog is an actual website (they only know it by the emails that they receive). This is the real advantage of a blog over all those emails that I have been sending -- all this information is now ARCHIVED and EASILY SEARCHABLE -- try it...really...go to the actual Blog: http://NHCCphotoblog.blogspot.com/

So say that you get a Blog post today -- you read it and then you archive it or delete it. Then two months later you have need of that information but don't remember where you saved it or that you deleted it. Go to the Blog -- and they are all there -- searchable and categorized (click on workshops and see everything blogged about workshops), search for photoshop and see everything blogged about photoshop, etc.

The NHCC Photo Blog is different than our own personal Blog (I also create Blogs for clients).
Our own personal Blog is http://TLCphoto.blogspot.com/ -- This is where Tom and I post our own photos, both our own personal photos and the ones that we take for clients. You can subscribe to our Blog if you like (we do not post as often, only 1-3 times a week) but our photos are pretty good (shameless plug) ;-)

So...what is a Blog ???

Blog = Web Log

A weblog is a hierarchy of text, images, media objects and data, arranged chronologically, that can be viewed in an HTML browser.

From “Web log.” A blog is basically a journal that is available on the web. The activity of updating a blog is “blogging” and someone who keeps a blog is a “blogger.”‘

To put it as simply as possible - a blog is a type of website that is usually arranged in chronological order from the most recent ‘post’ (or entry) at the top of the main page to the older entries towards the bottom.

A blog is a personal diary. A daily pulpit. A collaborative space. A political soapbox. A breaking-news outlet. A collection of links. Your own private thoughts. Memos to the world.

Your blog is whatever you want it to be. There are millions of them, in all shapes and sizes, and there are no real rules.

In simple terms, a blog is a web site, where you write stuff on an ongoing basis. New stuff shows up at the top, so your visitors can read what's new. Then they comment on it or link to it or email you. Or not.

Since Blogger was launched in 1999, blogs have reshaped the web, impacted politics, shaken up journalism, and enabled millions of people to have a voice and connect with others.
And it is just getting started.

In 1998 there were just a handful of sites of the type that are now identified as weblogs (so named by Jorn Barger in December 1997). Jesse James Garrett, editor of Infosift, began compiling a list of "other sites like his" as he found them in his travels around the web. In November of that year, he sent that list to Cameron Barrett. Cameron published the list on Camworld, and others maintaining similar sites began sending their URLs to him for inclusion on the list. Jesse's 'page of only weblogs' lists the 23 known to be in existence at the beginning of 1999.

Suddenly a community sprang up. It was easy to read all of the weblogs on Cameron's list, and most interested people did. Peter Merholz announced in early 1999 that he was going to pronounce it 'wee-blog' and inevitably this was shortened to 'blog' with the weblog editor referred to as a 'blogger.'

Blogs are usually (but not always) written by one person and are updated pretty regularly. Blogs are often (but not always) written on a particular topic - there are blogs on virtually any topic you can think of. From photography, to spirituality, to recipes, to personal diaries to hobbies - blogging has as many applications and varieties as you can imagine. Whole blog communities have sprung up around some of these topics putting people into contact with each other in relationships where they can learn, share ideas, make friends with and even do business with people with similar interests from around the world.

Blogs usually have a few features that are useful to know about if you want to get the most out of them as a reader. Lets examine a couple briefly.

Archives - You might look at the front page of a blog and think that there is not much to them. A few recent entries, some links to other sites and not much else. However its worth knowing that there is a lot more going on under the surface that might initially meet the eye. For example in addition to the main page of this blog there are other pages, some of the posts below the surface that I’ve written over the past few months.

When I write a post like this one it goes to the top of the front page. As it gets older and as I add more current posts it begins its journey down the page until it disappears from it.

This is not the end of its life however, because it goes into the ‘Archives’ of my blog. It sounds like a dusty dark place but its really just like a filing cabinet that is easily accessible in a couple of ways. You can read my ‘archives’ simply by looking on the ’sidebar’ (over on the side of this blog) at the ‘archives’ or ‘labels' section. There you will see links to all my old posts which you can access either by category. You’ll see a category for ‘photoshop’ - click that link and you’ll see all my old posts on that topic with the most recent at the top and the oldest at the bottom.

Comments - Not all blogs use comments - but most do. This blog is not a monologue but a conversation. You can give me feedback on almost everything I write simply by clicking the ‘comments’ link at the bottom of each one of the posts. This will take you to a little form where you leave your name (and a link to your own blog if you have one) as well as your feedback, comment, critique, question, essay on why you love my blog, promise me money…. etc).

Are you still confused? Would you like more information? Below are a few helpful articles on the topic - there are many more on the web - just do a search on your favourite search engine.

Rebecca Blood has written a helpful history of blogging for those who are interested in learning more about the blogging evolution over the past few years.

Harvard Law has a helpful article titled What makes a Weblog a Weblog

Trudy Schuett writes a good article title What is a blog and why do we need one?
WordPress: Introduction to Blogging

Thursday, August 14, 2008

NHCC specials from Hunts

NHCC specials from Hunts

Contact: Gary Farber Tel 800-221-1830 or 800-924-8682 ext. 2332
Fax 800-336-3841 Email digitalguygary@wbhunt.com

New Haven Camera Club Specials
(EXPIRATION: August 31, 2008)

New Products from Nikon
Nikon has started to ship the D700 body and SB900. Please contact Gary Farber or a Hunt’s sales associate to receive specific details if you are interested in making a purchase. Nikon is going to be introducing two new lenses; the 45 and 90 Tilt Shift lenses. For more details, contact Gary Farber or a Hunt’s sales associate.
NPS members that are interested in ordering the ”hard to find” products from Nikon, i.e. Nikon D700, Nikon 500VR lens, Nikon 600VR lens; should contact Nikon directly to submit our company’s name and the specific sales associate. Nikon will ship the product to Hunt’s with your name on it and to the attention n of the Hunt’s sales associate.

Think Tank Bags
Hunt’s is now a full line dealer and carries Think Tank bags. Free shipping is being offered on all Think Tank bag orders. The following are some of the most popular bags:
Think Tank Airport International 2.0 $329.99
Think Tank Airport Security 2.0 $369.99
Think Tank Airport Acceleration $279.99

Sandisk Memory Cards
Currently Sandisk is running attractive rebates and Hunt’s is running great pricing through September 30, 2008. Contact John Duggan at extension 2314 to place your order.

Paper and Ink
Hunt’s carries the full line of pro and consumer Epson and Canon papers and inks.
Contact John Duggan to place your order(s) 800-221-1830 ext. 2314.
An order totaling $500.00 or more will receive “free” shipping.

Canon 5D Replacement
Members interested in obtaining information once available regarding the 5D replacement, submit your full name, telephone number, and/or email to acquire up to date knowledge as to when it will be available.

Canon Factory Refurbished
75-300 f4 5.6 III (limited supply) $119.99

Used Equipment
Don’t forget to turn those older model digital or film cameras, lenses, and accessories into cash or store credit toward your next purchase on the most up-to-date state of the art gear.
Check out our Trade-Up or Trade-In Line on the Hunt’s website. http://ww.huntsphotoandvideo.com/

Digital SLR Cameras that are currently in stock. Telephone or email Gary Farber for pricing.
Nikon D3
Canon XSi
Canon 1D Mark III
Canon 1DS Mark III
Canon 40D

New Products currently in stock
Tamron 28-300 VC Lens for Nikon $579.99
Wacom 12” WX Tablet (free shipping with order) $999.99
Sigma 150-500 for Nikon $979.99
Epson 2880 Printer $759.99
Note: When placing an order for the Epson 2800 printer, a free pack of
Epson 8½ x 11 50 sheets Premium Lustre paper is included.
Hunt’s is taking pre-orders on the Canon 800mm 5.6 IS Lens and Tokina 11-16 Lens for the Canon and Nikon mount.

Slide Film
EL 400 135-36 in 20 packs fresh dated $ 79.99
RXP 400 135-36 dated 5/08 per roll $ 5.59
EBX 100 135-36 per roll $ 4.49
Sensia 400 36 dated 8/08 per roll $ 3.99
Fuji Mailers 36 exposure per mailers $ 4.29

Miscellaneous August Specials
1. Trekpod Go…..$149.99
2. NIK Color Efex 3.0 complete edition $224.95, Dfine 2.0…..$79.95 and Viveza…..$189.95
3. Nikon D300…..$1624.99
4. Epson R2880…..$759.99 w/50 sheet pack of 8.5”x11” premium luster paper
5. National Geographic Bags…..15% off
6. Promaster Extension tube Sets (Canon and Nikon)…..$129.99
7. Lacie Products…..5% off
8. Nikon Capture NX2…..$179.99, upgrade…..$109.99
9. Refurbished Fidelity 7” digital frames…..$99.99
10. Visible Dust Sensor Loupe 7x…..$69.95
11. Spyder 3 Elite and Pro 10% off
12. Hoodman Right Angle Finder…..$99.99, Hood Loupe…..$58.99
13. Delkin Sensor Scope….$59.99, Sensor Scope Kit…..$99.99, refill kits…..$24.99
14. Canon 1D Mark III body…..$3999.99
15. Promaster Light Tent…..$29.99

Ask for Gary Farber or extension 2304 for a Hunt’s Sales Associate. When placing an order for products currently not in stock, be assured as soon as the product arrives at Hunt’s from the manufacturer; Gary or a Hunt’s associate will contact you. Feel free to contact us at any time with regards to the status of your product delivery. We will do our best to fill your order as soon as possible.

Adirondack Photography Institute: Fall Workshop Discount

Adirondack Photography Institute: Special Fall Workshop Discount

By now we're sure everyone is aware of the threat posed to our economy by the never-ending rise in gasoline prices and the costs of consumer goods and services. Here at API we've decided to help take some of the bite out of this situation by offering a special discount.Effective immediately, anyone registering for one of the remaining 2008 API workshops will receive an automatic 10% discount. This discount replaces our standard early-bird and alumni discounts for this year. (Unfortunately, we cannot offer this discount on the NANPA or Big Moose Inn events.)

This is a one-time offer for 2008 only. Now's the time to take advantage of it!

2008 Fall Workshop Schedule

We are still accepting registrations for all of the workshops listed below. Call us at (216) 531-2155 for additional information or to register for a workshop.

Dream-Believe-Create
Instructor: John Barclay
September 4-7, 2008
Inlet, NY

The Contemplative Landscape
Instructor: George DeWolfe
September 11-14, 2008
Inlet, NY

The Expressive Image
Instructor: Brenda Tharp
September 24-28, 2008
Inlet, NY

Adirondack Fall Photo Weekend
Instructor: Mark Bowie, John Radigan
October 2-5, 2008
Inlet, NY

The Adirondacks In Color! An Intimate Image
Instructor: John Radigan
October 5-8, 2008
Inlet, NY

Fall Color in the Adirondacks: A Foundation for Beginning Digital Photographers

Registrations and questions about this workshop are being handled by Big Moose Inn at (888) 924-4666.
Instructor: Mark Bowie
October 5-9, 2008
Eagle Bay, NY

Autumn on the Eastern Shore
Instructor: Jim Clark, Bruce Haley
November 12-16, 2008
Chincoteague, VA

As always, you can find out more about the Institute and our programs by visiting our website at http://www.adkpi.org/.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Mud volley ball Tournament

On Saturday August 16 The 22nd annual Mud volley ball Tournament will be held in Middletown at Zoar Pond on Randolph Rd. A great chance to photograph people having fun for charity. It's a $2 donation to park your car.

Here is the brochure:

http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/local/connecticut/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=87264

Regards,
Jim Dionne

Cost Per Print Study Published





Following up on the recent Epson R1900 and R2400 cost per print analysis, Red River Paper is pleased to share our findings for the Canon Pro 9000 and Pro 9500. The study investigates the cost of ink per print for based on analysis of ink tank usage for 400 8x10 prints.

The “true cost of inkjet printing” is a source of constant debate in the media and on web forums. With claims of ink costing five to ten thousand dollars per gallon, it’s not a mystery why the debate continues. Still, inkjet printer sales and printing continue to increase and studies indicate this trend will continue in the short and mid-term. Do the majority of end users simply not care about the cost, or do they know something that is missing from the discussion? This report looks at the cost of ink per square inch for two Epson desktop printers. The goal is to determine the cost for various popular print sizes, and to report those numbers. Further, we hope to spark more discussion and debate about the merits of inkjet printing in light of its unique ability to offer on-demand continuous tone photo reproductions that will last many decades.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Utah's famous Wall Arch collapses

Utah's famous Wall Arch collapses; no visitor injuries
By Tom Wharton

The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 08/09/2008 06:30:31 AM MDT



It was tourist favorite in Devils Garden area


Posted: 6:05 PM- Wall Arch, one of the most accessible major arches in the Devils Garden area of Arches National Park, collapsed sometime Monday night.

"Not being a geologist, I can't get very technical but it just went kaboom," Chief Ranger Denny Ziemann said. "The middle of the arch just collapsed under its own weight. It just happens."

Wall Arch, located along the popular Devils Garden Trail, was 71 feet tall and 33 1/2 feet wide, ranking it 12th in size among the known arches inside the park. Lewis T. McKinney first reported and named Wall Arch in 1948.

No one reported observing the arch collapse and there were no visitor injuries, Wall Arch is shown before and after it collapsed in Arches National Park. (Courtesy Arches National Park)the National Park Service said.

Geologists from the Park Service's Geologic Resources Division and the Utah Geologic Survey visited the site Thursday and noticed obvious stress fractures in the remaining Wall Arch formation, spokesman Paul Henderson said in a statement. Rock debris completely blocked a section of the trail about a mile from the Devils Garden parking area.

As a result, the trail has been closed just beyond Landscape Arch. Landscape is the longest arch in the park, which, with 2,000 natural arches, contains the largest number of these rock formations in the world. Chunks of Landscape Arch have fallen in recent years as well but the arch itself remains intact.

The trail will remain closed until visitor safety issues can be resolved.

"Geologists are concerned it is not done falling," said Ziemann, who could not recall the last time a major arch at the park collapsed. "It could be 24 hours or 2,400 years. It's kind of a mystery. We'll watch it for a while and will know soon. With the middle missing, the weight shifts and the remaining pieces will ultimately fall. It's a matter of how long."

Ziemann said the trail closure extends from Double 0 Arch to Wall Arch. If the rest of Wall Arch falls soon, the Park Service will clear off the trail to make it passable. If it continues to teeter over the trail, it may be a while before the trail reopens.

Robert Iberia of the Moab Area Travel Council called the collapse "geology in action. You hate to see those go down. But it happens. It's a natural phenomenon."

The Park Service's Henderson noted that all arches are temporary features and will eventually succumb to the forces of gravity and erosion. While the geologic forces that create the arches continue, in human terms it's rare to see such dramatic changes as a major collapse of an arch.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Lisa Cuchara's Osprey Photo in WILDBIRD magazine

An award-winning photograph of an Osprey by Lisa Cuchara of Hamden, Connecticut, appears in the current issue of WildBird, a bimonthly magazine about birdwatching.

The photo shows the Osprey bringing a flounder to its a nest of chicks, and it won first place in the flight category of the birding magazine's 20th annual photo contest.


Saturday, August 9, 2008

NEW: Epson P-7000 Multimedia Photo Viewer


Epson announced two multimedia photo viewers, P-6000 and P-7000 for photographers. Both of them has a 4-inch VGA 640×480 LCD display, supports for RAW and JPEG images. They can also do video and audi playback. The P-6000 has 80GB hard drive while the P-7000 has 160GB hard drive. They are priced at $599.99 and $799.99 respectively.
If you're a working photographer who does lots of on-location shooting – or if you're just looking to add to your list of dream photo gadgets – Epson may be able to help with the recent launch of their P-6000 and P-7000 portable photo viewing/back-up solutions.
Designed with photo professionals and amateur enthusiasts in mind, the latest Epson P models allow shooters to back up photos to hard drive storage while traveling without the use of a laptop. The 80GB P-6000 and 160GB P-7000 feature built-in card readers for SD and CF memory types, and the devices are compatible with both JPEG and many RAW formats.
Epson's portable storage/viewing devices have always excelled at providing vivid image playback, and the newest models are no exception. A 4.0-inch 640x480 LCD display provides extremely accurate color reproduction on both models, handling 16.7 million colors (or roughly 94 percent of the Adobe RGB color gamut).

A high-speed USB 2.0 interface makes transferring files from the devices equally quick and easy.

Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion cell, Epson claims an on-location battery life of up to three hours for the new P models. A "travel pack" that includes a 12-volt car adapter is also available with the P-7000, further extending the flagship model's range.
EPSON ANNOUNCES THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEXT GENERATION MULTIMEDIA PHOTO VIEWERS – THE P-6000 AND P-7000

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Aug. 5, 2008 – Epson’s long-standing relationship with professional photographers has inspired its engineers to create a powerful, new generation of multimedia photo viewers that push the boundaries of screen quality, security and portability. The new P-6000 and P-7000 bring the award-winning line to new heights with impressive hard drive capacities, faster download speeds and an advanced LCD screen with brilliant color precision. Whether on assignment in the tropics or the Arctic, the Epson P-6000 and P-7000 provide photographers with a compact, premium on-location back-up and viewing solution.

“Over the years, Epson has established enduring relationships with world-renowned photographers,” said Paul Warren of product management, Epson America, Inc. “This dialogue gives us insight on how to improve our technology to better meet pro photographers’ needs in the field. The Epson P-6000 and P-7000 are products of this relationship and cater not only to professional photographers, but also advanced amateurs and photo enthusiasts with a range of valuable features.”

More than ever, the Epson multimedia photo viewer is the ideal companion for the digital SLR. Epson’s exclusive Photo Fine® LCD technology has advanced to a new benchmark in screen quality with the introduction of Photo Fine Premia. Encompassing an unprecedented 94 percent of the Adobe RGB color gamut, Photo Fine Premia surpasses the high standards of discerning professionals. Download speeds are up to 35 percent faster than previous models for added productivity. With 80GB (P-6000) and 160GB (P-7000) hard drive capacities, thousands of the largest RAW image files can be backed up wherever images are captured for peace of mind and security.

“Epson’s multimedia photo viewer is critical to my work. The screen is gorgeous; the fidelity, color and brightness are superb. Knowing my images are backed up helps me sleep at night – halfway around the world,” said Bob Krist, professional travel photographer for magazines including National Geographic Traveler, Smithsonian and Islands.

Epson’s powerful new LCD technology uses an innovative, four-color filter system that embeds color elements within one imaging pixel for greater dynamic color range than a conventional LCD. Images are displayed at a higher pixel density for smoother gradations and better color transitions. Each shot can be viewed as it was originally captured – with superior resolution, brilliant detail and vibrant color on a large, four-inch 640×480 (VGA) LCD screen.

With an intuitive, user-friendly interface, Epson’s multimedia photo viewers give on-the-go photographers the ability to zoom in on RAW and JPEG images, confirm histogram data and create custom folders – all without the risk of bringing a laptop to often remote and hostile locales. Both models also support video and audio file storage and playback. The new Epson P-6000 and P-7000 are essential tools for achieving a more efficient, on-location workflow.
Large 4-inch LCD with new, exclusive Epson Photo Fine Premia technology displays over 16.7 million colors, encompassing 94 percent of Adobe RGB color space for superior color accuracy
· 80GB (P-6000) and new 160GB (P-7000) high capacity hard drives
· Faster download speed – up to 35 percent faster than previous models
· New convenient jog dial to quickly scroll through images
· Wider LCD viewing angle
· Zoom function to confirm image focus and fine detail
· RAW and JPEG file support
· Built-in CompactFlash and Secure Digital memory card slots with many other cards supported via third-party adapter
· Compatible with high-speed UDMA CompactFlash cards
· Rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts up to three hours for extended shoots
· High-speed USB 2.0 interface for device to device backup
· Audio/video output to present customized slideshows
· Travel Pack for enhanced portability (P-7000 only; includes dual battery charger, car adapter and more)

The advanced features of Epson’s multimedia photo viewer line offer a level of performance and versatility pros have come to expect from a leader in the imaging industry. “My Epson multimedia photo viewer has performed flawlessly under severe conditions,” said Boyd Norton, freelance nature photographer for National Geographic, Time, Conde Nast Traveler, and author of 14 acclaimed books. “The zoom feature and histogram allow me to confirm fine details while I’m still on location. This rugged, high-quality piece of equipment is a vital part of my workflow.”
For more information about the Epson P-6000 and P-7000 multimedia photo viewers, or other Epson products, visit http://www.epson.com.
The appearance of these new models have also brought down the price of the older P3000 and P5000.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Photos-of-the-Year.com

I happened upon this eagle and iot just dragged me in to ther rest of the sit.

Best photos updated bi-weekly to appreciate contest winners in Photos-of-the-Year.com, please bookmark this page, enjoy the amazing photos and click the photo thumbs to access the contest galleries.


You are also invited to join our Digital Photography Contest. The 12 best photos in each contest gallery will be selected, and eligible for the Photos of the Year (POTY) Contest to be held annually in Photos-of-the-Year.com. The POTY gallery will be prepared and open for public voting early each year, the top 12 photographs will be selected as Best Photos of the Year. Photos of the Year Contest 2008 will be held in early 2009.


Enjoy our best photos for the years


Photos of the Year 2004 and Photos of the Year 2003


Also check previous best photos galleries:


Best Photos of the Month - June #1, 2008


Best Photos of the Month - May #2, 2008


Best Photos of the Month - May #1, 2008


Best Photos of the Month - April #2, 2008


Best Photos of the Month - April #1, 2008


Monday, August 4, 2008

Edie's photographs -- at Borders

Congratulations to Edie!

My photography will be at Borders in Fairfield Center for the month of August, could you send out to let everyone know.

Thanks, Edie

Sunday, August 3, 2008

photo rights

"All the Fuss Over the Rights"

Scott Kelby of Photoshop Insider and NAPP are hosting a Worldwide Photo Walk. It looks to be a great event. The photographers with the best photos from the day also will win great prizes.

Several photographers wisely read the original Terms and Conditions of Use for the contest.

The terms originally stated that:
Any Submission received through this Site will be deemed to include to Us a royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, non-exclusive right and license to use, copy, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, republish, transmit, disseminate, distribute, perform, and publicly display all content, remarks, suggestions, ideas, graphics, or other information in the Submission, in whole or in part, without additional approval, to incorporate any Submission in other works in any form, media, or technology now known or later developed, in connection with this Site and Our affiliated web sites and publications. We will not be required to treat any Submission as confidential.We provide no compensation for Your Submission or for Our use of a Submission. We will not sell individual reproductions of your Submission. We assume no responsibility or liability for the timeliness, deletion, delivery failure or failure to store images.

These terms caused a stir on the Photoshop Insider blog. Some were offended; others were not concerned. The terms have been updated and are more photographer friendly. The terms now provide for:

a) One (1) year usage rights and permissions to use, re-use, publish, and re-publish your winning image(s) you created, or reproduction hereof in color or otherwise, made through any and all media now or hereafter known for illustration, art, promotion, advertising, trade, or any other purpose whatsoever. b) You also permit the use of any printed material in connection therewith.

While the terms still allow use of your photo for "promotion, advertising, trade, or any other purpose whatsoever" they are improved from a RF license forever.

What can we learn from this? You may not care that someone takes a license (or in some contests, a complete transfer of your copyright) of your image to use for commercial advantage. We certainly trust Scott Kelby and NAPP to not misuse any license. But other organizations are not so caring. You may choose to give your rights away, but at least you should know what you're giving up. In the end, however, you might think differently when you find your photo used in a way you didn't expect. You might then wish you had made a fuss.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Camera Raw 4.5

A New Camera RAW for Photoshop CS3 and Elements 6

Camera Raw 4.5

Camera Raw has been updated to 4.5 at the same time to work with the new adjustments in Lightroom 2.

It will provide exactly the same rendering obtained in Lightroom 2.CR/DNG

Macintosh/Windows

It aint easy being Green in a white pond...

Creativity without photoshop...

It aint easy being Green in a white pond...
By David Tiller

Friday, August 1, 2008

another photoshop disaster

Let's streamline the comments a little by explaining that people don't usually have fingers growing out of their shoulders, no you can't do that right now, there's no such thing as a "stray layer" and sure, this blog is going downhill, but that just means we're saving gas.