Adorama is
running an iPhone photo contest until February
28th. You can upload photoshereor photo for
your favorite photo apphere. There's
been some great photos submitted so far
–
Click here. They have some
pretty cool prizes too!
I just ordered a new podcasting mic from Blue
Microphones –the Yeti. If you like the SnowBall
mic, then you'll love the Snow Monster.
The best
feature is the tri-capsule array– this
means you can get four different pick up
patterns: stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional,
and bidirectional.
The
microphone is the first to be THX certified
microphone
It has a
built in amplifier and zero-latency headphone
monitoring
You can
manually control the gain of the
mic
It works
without drivers on Mac &
Windows
The microphone lists for $149. I didn't get to try it out
in-depth yet, but it sounded great with the
quick tests I tried.
Here's one of the
first things I bought at Macworld (pre-ordered in
fact). The Impact Sleeve from FastMac combines
ballistic gel and a traditional laptop sleeve. I
saw the guy working the booth literally smash his
iPhone with a hammer. Yup... no breakage.
Sorry for the low quality pictures... but they're
real.
I have two
new iPhoto training titles released today from
Peachpit Press. I am very proud of these and hope
you enjoy them. For you pros... its perfect for
your family members/parents. These are two very
cool titles that I made especially for the iPhoto
users out there.
iPhoto: Fix
Your Photos –http://tinyurl.com/iphotofix The videos
provide easy to follow tutorials that help you
fix common problems with pictures. You'll learn
how to straighten and crop, adjust dark photos,
and bring out the color in your snapshots. You'll
also learn how to fix soft focus, red eye, and
overexposed photos. Whether you're new to iPhoto
or even an experienced user, you'll find useful
techniques and powerful shortcuts to get your
work done faster. Each lesson includes hands on
files so you can work along with the instructor.
iPhoto: Share
Your Photos -http://tinyurl.com/iphotoshare The videos
provide easy to follow tutorials that help you
share your pictures over email or post them
online to services including MobileMe, Facebook,
and Flickr. You’ll also learn techniques
for making slideshows and creating your own blog.
Whether you're new to iPhoto or even an
experienced user, you’ll find useful
techniques and powerful shortcuts to share your
photos easily. Each lesson includes hands on
files so you can follow along with the
instructor.
Hi all...
happy news in the Aperture 3 was just announced
and shipped. This is not a full review (I am
slammed with Macworld and finishing up a book for
print). But I couldn't resist playing with the
new version and look forward to jumping in.
Here are my top 10 reasons to upgrade for current
users. More details soon...
Better
Filmstrip and Fullscreen View –It's much easier
to work with your images and really get at the
details.
Backup on
Import –Have your media go to two
drives at once. This is HUGE.
Places– Yes
it's in iPhoto... but now that GPS tag makes it
so much easier to sort by location. I also use
this as a tool for site surveys and planning
from shoot scouts.
Faces
–Again... was in iPhoto last
year, but I'll take it. Facial recognition to
organize your library. This is great for
finding pictures of one subject. It's freaky
good too.
Focus
Points –Actually see where the camera
used points to auto focus. This is very useful
for evaluating sharpness.
Search on
Steroids –Okay, that's not its actual
name. But it's amazing... you can sort by
usage, face, place, time, file type, all sorts
of things. Literally search by Who, Where,
When... I'm still waiting on Why.
Nondestructive
Brushes with Edge Detection –Easily cleanup
images with all sorts of spot adjustments.
Completely nondestructive and editable,
including the ability to view the selections
mask and tweak it at any time. Oh... and they
work with Wacom tablets too. The skin smoothing
brush is dreamy good.
Curves!
– 'nuff said.
Adjustment
Presets – Useful starting points or
make your own. Can even apply them upon import
to batch fix problems.
Video
–You can organize it, trim it,
media manage it, drag it into Final Cut Pro,
export out versions, use it in new slideshows.
Uh huh... that's right... video.
If you're into digital
photography and live in Northern California...
join me on Monday, January 25. I'll be attending
the TWiP / SmugMug 2010 Town Hall Meetup. The
group is organized by Frederick Johnson
(@fredeickvan) and is a group for photographers
looking to share knowledge and learn.
Here are the details.
Location
San Jose Library (West Valley Branch)
1243 San Tomas Aquino Road
San Jose, CA 95117
Also, Frederick promises –
"I'll be giving one lucky member a *HUGE* prize
(you know me). You won't want to miss this
meeting."
My son thinks
it's 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$.99|iTunes–Web Demo
Understanding Photoshop Creating Panoramic Photos
is$1.99|iTunes–Web Demo (prices good through
February 1)
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 positive).
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.
Thanks a lot to
Frederick Johnson and Alex Lindsay for having me
on This Week in Photography. It's a great show al
about photography and related technology. From
taking photos of the family to understanding how
cameras work to testing state-of-the-art
equipment, you'll hear it all on This Week in
Photography.
You can hear it
oniTunesor on the web
–http://www.pixelcorps.tv/twip124 A wrap-up of
CES and some of the cool, photography-related
product announcements...an interview with HDR
expert Tray Ratcliff...and a special guest host,
digital-imaging expert Richard Harrington, joins
the fray.
The folks over
at This Week in Photography have a great post on
resolutions for the new year. These are goals
every photographer should strive for.
"Now,
I just have to commit the time and passion
required to become a great photographer. In that
spirit, I think we should all try to keep these
10 New Years Resolutions. Now, everyone say after
me:
1. I will learn how to use my camera.
This seems like an obvious point, but we are all
guilty of skipping our camera manual and just
fiddling with settings. Ah, this one works right?
Spot-metering? Why not. Hey, what does that
button do? Seems to make things darker. Hmm. I'm
going to admit something to you that I ask you to
keep hush-hush. I haven't actually read my 5DMKII
manual. I know. Horrible! I'm guilty of arbitrary
button pushing and royally messing up shots
because I don't really know how to use my camera.
Let's all become technical experts of our cameras
this year. Deal?"
When
shooting a scene, you'll typically favor getting
multiple shots. This process is referred to as
getting coverage. Just as a single photo can say
so much, combining multiple angles together can
tell the story better (letting you show
interesting details or emotions). This process is
important because it allows for more flexibility
in editing. You can choose to condense, action,
cover mistakes, or even direct the viewer's
attention with a variety of shot types. These
shots have a language of their own. Knowing the
most common shot types lets crew members talk to
each other.
Wide
Shot (WS)– A wide
shot (also called an establishing shot) is useful
to show the entire subject. With a person, this
usually means seeing from the top of their heads
to the bottom of their feet.
Mixed
lighting makes it tough to get accurate color.
Whenever we move a camera, change lighting, or
switch scenes, a reference card or target is
called for. It should have pure black, pure
white, and middle grey on it. This will make it
easier to color correct your footage during
postproduction. Using a reference target on set
allows you to move at a faster pace without fear.
Read
More...
Shooting video
with a macro lens is fantastic! Can focus super
close and have a super shallow depth of field.
Here are just a few of the dozens of shots we got
last night using Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro
It's always nice to
get name-checked on Scott Kelby's blog (he is the
number one technology author in the world after
all).
"Just Released: “Editing Video Shot
With Your DSLR” Online
Class
Video guru,
photographer, and Photoshop World
instructor
Richard Harringtonjust released a
new online class atKelby
Training Onlinecalled
Editing Your DSLR Video on a Mac,and
it answers so many questions about this booming
new area of creativity for photographers. If
you’ve got a DSLR that shoots video,
you’ve got to catch Rich’s class
(here’s the
link)."
Thanks
Scott – He called me a photographer...
guess I'm moving up in the world =)
My son thinks
it's 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.
The RØDE mic
significantly extends pickup for the camera. This
is the Rode VideoMic with PG1 Pistol Grip. We've
also added the DeadCat Windshield.
There are several manufacturers that make
external microphones that are designed to be
attached to your camera. Manufacturers like RØDE
offer specialty microphones mount on your hot
shoe. The microphones can be plugged into the
“mic” port on your camera.
I've launched
a new Facebook group for those interested
inDSLR
video.
The page serves two purposes.
1. I'll share what we're learning about DSLR
Video.
2. I'll let you know things about the new book
and DVD I'm developing.
I hope you can stop by and join us.
We've got a ton ofvideo clipsposted to give
you ideas.
We've also opened aforum, so please post a question
or comment.
I've always been a
huge Arrested Development (AD) fan since college.
Many haven't realized that the band has continued
to release new music at a regular pace.
Here's their latest music video, shot entirely
with a Canon 7D camera. Been studying up on this
process as I am in the middle of co-authoring a
book on DSLR filmmaking right now.
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.
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.
a big fan of
my HoodmanHoodLoupeto make it
easier to view the monitor on the back of a
DSLR camera. With the newHoodEYEyou 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.
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.
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)
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).
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
The
folks over at NPR have agreat articleon
Photorealism.
"Can you guess
which one is a photo and which one is a painting?
Quartetby
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 articlehere.
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."
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.
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