I just found a great shareware tool called Daisy Disk that graphically shows the contents of your hard drive. It gives you a great visual map of what's on your drive and makes it easy to drill down and clean up files. The best news? It's currently free as part of the MacHeist promotion. Visit their site and solve the puzle (look at the top banner for a clue). Then tweet your results and you get the software for free.

For example... I saved over 1.5 GB of space in just a few minutes.

1. I used it to identify some HUGE template files for Apple Motion on my internal drive.
2. I then opened up the files with QuickTime Pro. They were Photo-JPEG and Animation codec files (both beefy).
3. I converted the Photo JPEG to Apple ProRes 422 and the Animtion to Apple ProRes 444.
4. Voila.. space saved.

I am currently on a seek and destroy mission to locate large downloads and forgotten files. If you are a little weary, back up your drive before you start the purge in case you trash a needed file.

Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to use Photoshop CS4s calculations command to select parts of an image based on color details

In the truth is stranger than fiction category. I give your the Cats of Microsoft.

The URL only works on campus (it's an Intranet link).
Seems to be for a good cause... but I findly it very odd nonetheless.

Recharge Your Creativity and Craft • January 13 - 16 • Miami Beach, Florida

Now in its fourth year, the Editors Retreat has become an annual gathering for the post-production elite. Highly experienced editors from the worlds of film, TV and video gather to network, exchange ideas, share tips and of course, have fun!

Past keynotes and attendees have included such names as Alan Heim, Sally Menke, Stuart Bass, Chris Franklin and David Helfand as well as Apple, Adobe and Avid experts and industry power users. Attendees have included representatives from HBO, FRONTLINE, MTV, Lockheed Martin, Harpo Productions and Telemundo.

Running for 4 days and 3 nights, the Retreat offers advanced sessions on post visual and audio techniques and features valuable insight into emerging trends and technologies. An equal amount of time will be devoted to discussing the creativity, craft and business practices of successful editors.

To ensure that only the best of the best attend, participation is subject to an application and screening process. Visit www.EditorsRetreat.com for the full schedule and more details.

Attendees all receive a huge goodie bag! Right now its valued at over $4500 in gifts:

• Megasuite from Digieffects $799
• Plug-in from Automatic Duck $495
• Plug-in Collection from CGM $199
• Adobe Premiere Pro CS4 $799
• Free Training Course from FMC $1,500
• NAB Post Production Conference Pass $895
• Music License from Free Play Music $100

Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to use spot color channels in Photoshop CS4 to achieve precise color for printing.

What are folks saying about our new apps?

Quick Fixes has 23 reviews in the iTtunes store (24 are 5-start and 1 4-star)! People love this app.

• Terry White made it his pick of the week.
• Jeff Revell at PhotoWalkPro write a very detailed review too.
• My son thinks it cool that I used his picture in one of the lessons

If you haven't tried our new training apps, what are you waiting for?

How about our sale!

Understanding Photoshop Quick Fixes is $1.99 | iTunes – Web Demo
Understanding Photoshop Creating Panoramic Photos is $3.99 | iTunes – Web Demo
(prices good through November 30)

These apps are a lot of work, but I want to see them succeed. We've lowered the prices temporarily so more people will try them out. Tell your friends and try them out (the feedback has been overwhelmingly possitive).

• Includes training videos edited specifically for the iPhone or iPod Touch.
• Offers easily viewable screens, with zooms and close-ups of the action.
• Every lesson includes hands-on files that you download to your computer. There’s no need to merely watch, you can try out every technique on your own.
• Test your knowledge with interactive quizzes. Score yourself as well as check your answers with video responses.
• Search throughout the application by keyword and your own bookmarks.
• A quick reference guide is also included to help you build your Photoshop knowledge.
• Interact with the trainer with comments and a Twitter client.

I spent the day in New York city at the 2009 Photo Plus Expo show. It was just a one day trip (thanks Amtrak Acela). I went up for lots of reasons, but here's some of the gear I saw that looked interesting.

Drobo Pro

I spent a lot of time looking at the Drobo Pro in-depth. This seems to be the perfect box for creatives who need data redundancy. You can place up to 8 drives in the rack (adding them as you go and even mixing and matching sizes). Current drive capacities mean you can store 16TB, but the Drobo folks tell me 3 TB drives are just around the corner (which means 24TB in a rack). .

What's also nice is that you get two options of data redundancy. The Drobo can have protectio so one or two drives can fail and your data is still safe.

The Drobo also offers three interface connections:

• FireWire 800
• USB 2.0
• iSCSI (utilizes Gigabit Ethernet)

It's iSCSI that promse some great options for perfomance.

What I also like is that the Drobo Pro can be rackmounted or placed on a desk.

Hoodman HoodEYE 3.0

I'm a big fan of my Hoodman HoodLoupe to make it easier to view the monitor on the back of a DSLR camera. With the new HoodEYE you can upgrade your loupe. It offers an oversized eyecup with a temple flair – this helps seal of light when viewing outdoors.
I am particularly interested as we are exploring using loupes like viewfinders for shooting video on DSLR cameras. Having the extraeyecup really does make a difference, but it is a very personal choice.

Installation as an upgrade took only a minute, you can also order a new loop with the modified eyepiece include. They're also offering straps so you can attach the viewfinder. I'm up in the air on this one (compared to a Zacutto viewfinder). This is a much more affordable approach. I do prefer this loop (as a director) so its easier to go aroudn and check cameras, we'll try it as an active viewfinder next week and wil let you know how it does.

Millenniata Archival Media

The problem with mosts optical media (like CDs and DVDs) is that over time that start to deteriorate. Most discs use a dye to indicate where data is written. This process is called data rot, and it can happen with optical media at any point. Higher wuality discs are less likely, but cheaper discs can happen sooner. The exact point that this occurrs is unknown because the media gives no indicator of a problem.

Millenniata has tried to solve this with their Write Once, Read Forever. The discs are based upon obsidian stone (and I tried to get more out of them.. but trade secrets). The burners use more energy to burn and the surface of the disc is MUCH harder. The results are a disc that is etched (as opposed to just using dye)

While its not a cheap solution, (around $1800 list price for the drive and starter pack) the Millenniata folks are offering optical media that looks the test of time. The discs are also much better able to withstand temperature and physical damage. What's also great is the media is backwards compatible once burned, so you can burn with their special burner, then hand off to a client. They also promise to soon have specialty discs so you can print on the label face.

iDC Follow-Focus

Bruce Dorn is a Canon explorer of light and a photog who's jumped in head first to the DSLR video market. He's made a folow focus kit that makes it much easier to control focus when shooting video on a DSLR. The device is less complex than other units, as it uses a skateboard style wheel that makes gentle contact with the existing rubber rings on a camera. I played with it hands on and it looks worth testing.

• It currently only works with Cannon lenses (although I am willing to try and make it work with Nikon)
• 24mm f1.4 L
• 35mm f1.4 L
• 50mm f1.2 L
• 100mm f2.8 Macro
• 135mm f2 L
• 16-35mm f2.8 L
• 24-70mm f.28 IS L
• 24-105mm f4 IS L
• 85mm f1.2 L
• 135mm f2 L
• 200mm f2.8 L

I'll be doing a more detailed write-up soon.

Manfrotto 482 Micro Ball Head

I stopped in at B&H on the way over to the convention center. This little beauty can mount on the camera hot show and give you a threaded mount. This will be perfect to attach an audio recorder to the top of my camera for DSLR Cinema projects. You can mount a variety of audio or video hardware directly to the camera. You can also rotate the mounting plate to a better angle as needed (works well if attaching a light or monitor).

• height: 2.52 in
• lateral tilt: -90° / +90° tilt range
• load capacity: 4.41 lbs
• material: aluminum
• weight: 0.33 lbs

Fat Gecko Camera Mount

The folks over at Delkin Devices have comeout with an affordable mount for DSLR cameras. The Fat Gecko is a dual suction cup mount that can be adhered to a smooth, non-porous surface (like mirrors, cars, airplanes.) It appears rugged, but is still very cost affordable (I would still recommend using a safety chain... but I am paranoid when it coms to gear and insurance).

• Suction cups can hold a eight pound camera
• Double knuckle design and 2" extension tube allow for 360° tilt, 360° turn & 360° rotation
• The ¼ x 20 tripod mounting screw allows for use with most digital still or or small video cameras on the market
• Suction cups use a quick release function to make attaching and detaching you camera easier
• Steel frame construction is rugged and durable
• Four adjustable joints make it easy to tweak the shot

You can see videos of the product in use at www.fat-gecko.com.

Lensbaby Fisheye Optic

Some people love them (I am a fan) others hate them. But Lensbaby keeps putting out great new products. They released a new option, a fisheye optic, that drops into their Composer lens.

• Ultra-wide 12mm focal length
• 160 degree field of view captures
• Minimum focus: 1" from front of optic
• f/4 optic with aperture disks that range from f/5.6 to f/22
• Designed for use with the Composer, and can also be used with the Muse with a special adapter

The lens won't work with the Control Freak lens. I'm told because it goes soe wide that you actually see the control cabels on the lens.

That was my day... I saw a few more products I like and will try to post. The show runs through Saturday, October 24.

I will be walking October 24 to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. If you are able to, would you consider making a small donation to the cause? Every dollar raised goes to help in the fight against diabetes. Someone is diagnosed with diabetes every 21 seconds, this is quickly becoming the leading cause of death in America. America's Walk for Diabetes is my chance to give back (and yours as well). If you find this blog helpful or entertaining, please consider making a $5 donation. Thanks!

-Rich Harrington

Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to use Kuler, an interactive color panel in Photoshop CS4.

Adobe has announced that the next version of the software will run on 64-bit Operating Systems only. It's not all the apps in their suite, but the apps that will most benefit.

"It’s common knowledge among post-production pros that 64-bit operating systems are the best choice for top-of-the-line performance, especially when producing HD or higher-resolution content. After 3 versions of simultaneous 64 bit and 32 bit support for After Effects and Premiere Pro, we wanted to let you know today that CS4 will be the last version of Adobe’s leading video applications to support 32 bit operating systems."

Simon Hayhurst – The Senior Director of Product Management for Dynamic Media

Check out the news here.

• http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/adobe/story/the_future_is_64_bit/
• http://blogs.adobe.com/keyframes/

 

This is awesome... a colleague of mine Jason Cranford Teague, has posted some great resources about web typography. My favorite is this useful desktop pattern of web safe fonts.



There is also an incredible directory of fonts installed on Mac and Windows computers.

Our new podcast, Video Made on a Mac, is in the New and Notable section of iTunes.

Richard Harrington and Robbie Carman show you how to create professional video on the Mac. In this series, they share videos and project files using real world examples in Final Cut Studio and Adobe Creative Suite. From pre-production to post, and accomplishing it all within a tight schedule, this podcast series gives you a sample of what you can learn using their book, Video Made on the a Mac.

Be sure to visit the site to get the free downloadable files or order the book. Be sure to use the code VMMBOOK at checkout to receive a discount.

The new podcast is brought to you by the fine folks at Peachpit Press.

Canon announced today their plans for adding 24P video to the popular 5D Mark II camera. Here's the press release (with my comments in italics).

Canon today announces that it is currently developing a firmware update to the EOS 5D Mark II to enable the recording of high definition 1080p video at 24 and 25fps.

This is good news.... but no mention of shooting at 60P in 720 mode like the 7D. That is more exciting to me for the options for slow motion effects.

The decision to develop new firmware to support these features has been taken following feedback received from cinematographers and photographers.

Can you say overwhelming feedback, forum posts, and blog posts. Wow... nice to see some companies actually listen to their customers.

Introduced in September 2008, the multi award-winning EOS 5D Mark II was the first DSLR product to offer full frame 1080p HD video recording, opening up a multitude of new creative possibilities for photo journalists, news photographers and amateur filmmakers.

Amateur... PLEASE. Could companies please stop talking down to their audiences. The camera and proper lenses and gear is a minimum $7,000 investment. That's not amateur. Also... can anyone tell me the difference between a photo journalist and a news photographer?

Since then, Canon has continued to develop its groundbreaking EOS Movie functionality, firstly with the firmware update to the EOS 5D Mark II that enabled manual exposure control, and more recently by introducing a choice of video recording frame rates with the EOS 7D and EOS-1D Mark IV

Both nice cameras and worth exploring. We're writing a book and shooting a music video right now with the 7D and 5D. We'll let you know about the process more soon..

Adorama also has a nice head to head coparison of the new Canon EOS-1 and Nikon D3S

Canon currently expects the firmware update to be made available during the first half of 2010. An announcement regarding details of the update and its availability will be made closer to the release date.

So please stop complaining... and asking us when... oh and first quarter means March 31... or maybe NAB in April.

View the original here.

For a quick overview on creating video budgets with Apple Numbers, be sure to watch this informative video. You can also visit the website www.peachpit.com/videomac in order to download the budget template.

The folks over at NPR have a great article on Photorealism.
"Can you guess which one is a photo and which one is a painting?
Quartet by Ralph Goings
If you're going to do a painting that looks exactly like a photo, why even paint it? When asked this question in a written Q & A, photorealist painter and octogenarian Ralph Goings responded, "What I'm about is making paintings, and my camera is one of the tools I use. It's the artist's job to take the painting beyond the photograph."
Keep reading the entire article here.

Are you capturing video with your DSLR video camera? My new training video just launched over at Kelby Training.

Editing Your DSLR Video on a Mac

Your DSLR shoots video! Cool right!? Now what? You've probably got more video than you know what to do with. Richard Harrington created this course to help you with how to edit that video footage (using Mac software). Rich covers everything from in-the-field tips all the way to post-production techniques using Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Express and iMovie

Be sure to check the class out today.

Here's a link to the trailer for the video as well.

We've just released two very cool new applications for the iPhone and iPod touch. These applictons take full advantage of the iPhone and iPod technology.

• Includes training videos edited specifically for the iPhone or iPod Touch.
• Offers easily viewable screens, with zooms and close-ups of the action.
• Every lesson includes hands-on files that you download to your computer. There’s no need to merely watch, you can try out every technique on your own.
• Test your knowledge with interactive quizzes. Score yourself as well as check your answers with video responses.
• Search throughout the application by keyword and your own bookmarks.
• A quick reference guide is also included to help you build your Photoshop knowledge.
• Interact with the trainer with comments and a Twitter client.

Understanding Photoshop: Quick Fixes

Learn how to quickly solve common problems with color and tone using Adobe Photoshop®. This innovative learning application combines the latest in knowledge and technology to accelerate your learning. The application contains video tutorials that cover a variety of tips and tricks that will help you get the best out of Photoshop. From learning how to manipulate colors in your images to erasing unwanted blemishes and even an entire person from your photographs, these tutorials offer it all. Whether you're new to Photoshop or even an advanced user, you’ll find useful techniques and powerful shortcuts to get your work done faster.
Click here to visit the iTunes store

Understanding Photoshop: Creating Panoramic Photos

Learn how to create breathtaking panoramic photographs using Adobe Photoshop® and your digital camera. This innovative application combines the latest in knowledge and technology to accelerate your learning. The application contains video tutorials that illustrate beginner to advanced techniques for creating seamless panoramic images. You’ll learn what gear you need for shooting panoramic photos and how to use it. You’ll also merge several complex photos together, prepare panoramic photos for printing, and create an interactive 360˚ panoramic movie. Whether your a novice photographer or an advanced Photoshop user, these easy to follow videos will help you gain the skills you need to make amazing panoramic photos.
Click here to visit the iTunes store

Terry White just wrote a great review of our new Understanding Photoshop Quick Fixes application. Terry offers a detailed review about the features and benefits of the app.

Here are a few excerpts:

• "Rich tells you just what you need to know to get the task done!"
• "This is a good app to have a Photoshop Video Tutorial Library with you at all times."

Check out the complete review here.

You can also get the applications here.

It's that time again... we've launched our survey for the month of October. It's time for you to cast your vote and have your voice/click heard.

This time we want to know which technology has had the greatest impact on your career/hobby. To clarify, we're talking hardware, software, or both. If you had to pick one (and only one) which would it be? Additionally, you have the option to vote for the ubiquitous ‘other’ but please be sure to identify it in the Comments section. Feel free to offer other opinions in the Comments feed as well.

The fine folks over at NAPP are running a great contest to find more Photoshop instructors.

"Anyone with a desire to teach others how to make cool Photoshop effects can enter this contest. No matter if you are a graphic designer, photographer, teacher, student, or hobbyist. If you’ve got the chops, the creativity and the personality, this contest is for you. You may enter up to 3 video tutorials for judging."

The deadline for the contest is October 31, 2009.

The prizes look great!

One Grand Prize: $2,500 (USD value)

• National Association of Photoshop Professionals – one-year membership
• GridIron Flow software
• Kelby Training Online Classes – one-year subscription
• Layers magazine – one-year subscription
• Kelby Training Books & DVDs
• Photoshop World Conference & Expo Admission (plus flight and hotel expenses)
• And Tons of Fame & Exposure
• Plus, as the grand prize winner you get the opportunity to teach millions with a special guest spot on PhotoshopUser TV and Layers TV podcasts, in the pages of Photoshop User magazine, in an instructor’s chair at an upcoming Photoshop World Conference & Expo, on the PlanetPhotoshop.com and of course, visibility within NAPP to 71,000 members worldwide.

5 Honorable Mention Prizes: $500 (USD value)

• National Association of Photoshop Professionals – one-year membership
• GridIron Flow software
• Kelby Training Online Classes – one-year subscription
• Layers magazine – one-year subscription
• Kelby Training Books & DVDs

Give it a shot – You just might win

Leave it to Disney to release something visually stunning. This is a great example of tilt shift photography and timelapse animation at the same time.



"See the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida from a whole new perspective. The exclusive video first featured on The Disney Parks Blog was created from a series of photos snapped inside the Magic Kingdom Park. Its a sunrise-to-sunset story told without words."

This is really a nice view.

I need to use textures all the time when creating graphics. From backgrounds to text treatments... a good realistic texture adds weight and impact.

I recently found a great website with a bunch of free, high-resolution textures. Be sure to check out TextureArchive.com.

“TextureArchive.com is devoted to providing a site which is useful for all types artists.”

Free is good... "good" free is even better.

If you've ever fought back the urge to pull out a red sharpie to mark up a sign or poster, then you'll like these stickers. There's a new website called Design Police that offers handy labels for identifying designer gaffes. While the labels are good for a laugh... I am sorely tempted to actually print these out on adhesive sheets. Be sure to click through all five pages... or download the set as a PDF.

This is a great animation from the group – Blu. It is an animation painted on public walls. The short film was made in Buenos Aires and in Baden.

While it is said to affect only a "small number of customers," I am glad this update was released (I'm small apparently). Apple released an update to fix "intermittent hard drive related pauses" that could impact performance.

The update is for the following machines:

• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz, Mid 2009)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)
• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)
• MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2009)
• MacBook (13-inch, Early 2009)
• MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008)
• MacBook Air (Mid 2009)
• MacBook Air (Late 2008)
• iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009)
• iMac (24-inch, Early 2009)
• iMac (20-inch, Early 2009)
• Mac mini (Early 2009)

The update is available for both Snow Leopard and Leopard.

Peachpit Press has posted a free chapter from the new DVD Studio Pro book. They have a free chapter and hands on media files on how to create custom DVD menus (just click the Sample Content tab).

You can view it here as well a check out the whole book.

"Updated for DVD Studio Pro 4.2.2, this best-selling, Apple certified guide uses striking real-world footage to build four complete DVDs and share a Blu-ray disc. It covers how to use DVD Studio Pro on its own, as well as how to integrate it into your workflow with Final Cut Pro 7, Motion 4, and Compressor 3.5. Each lesson takes you step-by-step through an aspect of DVD creation and finishing, with hands-on projects for you to complete as you go."

I came across two great links today for some great DSLR Video.

The first entry shows some great footage from Egypyt and Lebannon shot with the Canon 5D

Egypt / Lebanon Montage from Khalid Mohtaseb on Vimeo


The next footage comes from Japan and I believe it is using the overcranked footage from the Canon 7D

The Moments Between, Episode 1: Japan from Trey Ratcliff on Vimeo.

Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to create your own custom brushes in Photoshop CS4.

Like the podcast? Then be sure to check out the companion book.

In case you missed it, Nikon announced an upgrade to their top product line. A new model, the D3s is coming soon. The camera looks to be a great upgrade, although for video lovers it's still using Motion JPEG compression (which is much grainier than H.264). The camera does over several other improvements that make it a nice upgrade.

• Scott Bourne has a nice write up on his blog
• So does Moose Peterson

Me? I'm still playing with my D300S and will have more to share on video mode soon.

Hey PowerPoint lovers (and haters). My book, How to Wow with PowerPoint is 35% off and free shipping in the U.S. Simply go to http://bit.ly/c8RLd and enter HTWPOWER at checkout. The book focusses on all of the coolest features and the essential skills you need to make great-looking presentations.

Here’s a preview of a useful tip on how to insert a Flash file or YouTube video into a PowerPoint slide.

Put Flash in a Presentation
Inserting Flash animations into a slideshow can significantly extend the animation abilities of PowerPoint. However, the task is NOT easy. In order to unlock this feature, you literally need to unlock the software. This feature is tricky, and if you are of the faint of heart.

1. Enable Flash Technology
There are several preferences you must modify to enable Flash files. You may need to adjust your security settings to allow ActiveX to run (this is the portal for Flash). To activate ActiveX, it is best to view the PowerPoint help file, enter the text “Enable ActiveX.”

Next, make sure that the Shockwave Flash plug-in has been loaded on your system. For maximum compatibility you should download the latest version from www.adobe.com. You should also install the latest version of Flash Player on your system.

2. Enable the Developer’s tab
The Developer’s tab contains several advanced elements that let you customize a presentation. Most of these are for developers, that is those individuals who are actually using PowerPoint as a programming environment to create interactive programs.


To enable these tools, click the Microsoft Office Button, and then click PowerPoint Options button. Next, click Popular, and then under Top options for working with PowerPoint, select the Show Developer tab in the Ribbon check box B. To apply the change, click OK.


3. Add the Flash Control

On the Developer tab, go to the Controls group, and click More Controls. In the new dialog box, select Shockwave Flash Object from the list of controls B and click OK. Draw on the slide to insert the control. Drag from the top corner to the bottom corner (covering the entire slide). A white box with an X should now cover the entire slide.


4. Locate the Movie
Unfortunately, the Flash control does not have a browse function to locate the movie. You have to know the actual file path (this is a long string of text such as C:\Documents and Settings\RHED Pixel\Desktop\Chapter 4\Sources\Video\Flash_Title.swf). Be sure to figure out the location of your file.


5. Modify the Control Container
Now that you know the location of the file, right-click the Shockwave Flash Object on the slide and choose Properties A. On the Alphabetic tab, click the Movie property (this specified the file). In the value column (the blank cell next to Movie), type or paste the full drive path B, including the file name or URL to the Flash file that you want to play.
You can also set options such as looping by modifying settings in the Properties dialog box.

6. Test it Out
Lets see if it works? Press Shift+F5 to Preview the current slide. Did it work? Flash animations are a quickly evolving feature inside of PowerPoint, so keep an eye on the built-in help menu to see if future updates streamline embedding a Flash file. If the above steps seem too in-depth, then be sure to check out PFCMedia, which makes this process a few clicks.


7. Want YouTube?
If you’re clever, you can get a YouTube video to work in PowerPoint. It’s not easy (but its pretty cool!) The trick is to harness the power of Flash (see Put Flash in a Presentation). The only difference is you’ll insert a web URL for the movie you want. For example if you found a movie like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RysNrUP5MqA you would view it on the page. What you need to do is modify the web link. Instead, use http://www.youtube.com/v/RysNrUP5MqA to create a direct link to just the media file and none of the web page navigation. When you launch your presentation, click once to start the clip. If you click the screen again it takes you to the YouTube website. Instead, click the space bar to advance the slide.

Check out our new podcast series. Join Richard Harrington and Robbie Carman as we show you how to create professional video on the Mac. We share videos and project files using real world examples in Final Cut Studio and Adobe Creative Suite. From pre-production to post, these podcasts gives you a sample of what you can learn using their book, Video Made on the a Mac. You can use the code MACVIDEO for 35% off and free shipping.

Watch the latest FREE episodes:
• Organizing Images with Bridge
• Prepping Storyboards for Animation

Hey PowerPoint lovers (and haters). My book, How to Wow with PowerPoint is 35% off and free shipping in the U.S. Simply go to http://bit.ly/c8RLd and enter HTWPOWER at checkout.

Here are a few samples to check out.

Photos & Graphics: Selecting & Preparing Images for Your Presentation
Download a Sample Chapter from this book.

Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to design and use Photoshop CS4 gradients to enhance the sky in a photo.

Like the podcast? Then be sure to check out the companion book.

So last night, I attended a sneak peak preview session on PowerPoint 2010. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about and what new features are going to be useful to my clients. I also won a "sweet" door prize.

I am open to ideas on how to use this shirt.

Here's a sneak peek on some of the new transition animations. Looks like video support is finally getting its due as well.

A show that is produced in my studios, MommyCast, is one the fron page of iTunes. A big congrats to the team behind the show. The featured episode is on the swine flu outbreak and is worth checking out for important information on staying healthy.

As promised, here are my notes from the PowerPoint ive conference in Atlanta, GA.

• Tweeting, Friending, and Linking: Everything you have always wanted to know about social networking, but had no idea how or whom to ask. | PDF
• PowerPoint to Podcast: How to take advantage of this marriage of video and slide content | PDF
• Social Slides: Integrating your work with Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter | PDF
• PowerPoint's Flash Point: Making the journey | PDF

• For those looking to get in touch, visit my company's website.

I will be walking this month to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. If you are able to, would you consider making a small donation to the cause? Every dollar raised goes to help in the fight against diabetes. Someone is diagnosed with diabetes every 21 seconds, this is quickly becoming the leading cause of death in America. America's Walk for Diabetes is my chance to give back (and yours as well). If you find this blog helpful or entertaining, please consider making a $5 donation. Thanks!

-Rich Harrington

Looking for another way to key? Be sure to check out this video for a detailed demonstration of keying with Keylight in After Effects. You’ll also learn a few advanced tricks to finalize the shot.

Here's my latest iMix, a collection of songs posted to the iTunes music store for others to enjoy. Just click this link to visit the iTunes music store and you can here a little part of the soundtrack of my life. Music from 20 artists and the first part of 2009. Visit iTunes to listen to the tracks, pick up the ones you want, and vote for the iMix in the rankings.

Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to keep your layers organized in Photoshop CS4.

Like the podcast? Then be sure to check out the companion book.

One way to address color calibration between your angles is to use a calibration card when shooting. This is relatively easy if you just remember to put a fresh color balance card on your clapboard for each shoot.

One of our favorites is the QP Card, an affordable reference card (http://www.qpcard.se). Priced at less than $5 per card, this is a great investment in accurate color.

1. They are small and lightweight, easily fitting in your gear bag.
2. Relatively inexpensive and disposable, so you can use a fresh card periodically. Old cards tend to fade in the light.
3. It’s adhesive on the back so you can easily attach it to your clapboard.
4. With a white, black, and neutral grey surface, color correcting with Final Cut Pro’s three-way color corrector is a snap.
5. $7 spent per shoot is well worth hours saved on color correction. In most circumstances, just three clicks per angle will calibrate across each camera.

Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to create a panoramic image in Photoshop CS4.

Like the podcast? Then be sure to check out the companion book.