| The Luminous Landscape Guide to Adobe Camera Raw 7hr 45 min $39.95 Download Video Tutorial |
From Camera to Print Fine Art Printing Tutorial 6hr 40 min with Michael Reichmann & Jeff Schewe $34.95 Download Video |
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Download Video Tutorial 5hr Only $14.95 |
What's New
Subscribe to the L-L What's New RSS feed! 
8 May 2008 - Strange Pricing in Canada (Again)
Last week I mentioned that the Fuji S5 DSLR was selling in Canada for under $1,000 while in the US it was some 50% more expensive. (See What's New for April 30).
Today I've noted that the 24" HP Z3100 printer is available at several Canadian dealers for around $1,500. Even more curious, in one case, DirectDial.com, their online Canadian store has the printer for $1,518 while their US online store has it for $3,254, more than double the price. At B&H, though it shows as currently out of stock, the 24" Z3100 is listed at $4,095.
I'm only guessing here, but it's pretty clear that for some reason both Fujifilm and HP have decided to use Canada as an outlet for discontinued products. Given that the internet now allows for complete pricing transparency on a global basis it's hard to figure that they aren't aware that word gets around – instantly. (Readers outside the US and Canada should note that the Canadian and US dollars are essentially at par, and have been for months).
In the case of the Z3100, $1,518 is an incredible deal. At this price it costs not much more than a Eye One Spectrophotometer kit, and if you figure that you can now use the Z3100 as an automated profiling machine (as written about here last week), it's almost like getting a free 24" printer at this price.
Last week I mentioned that the Fuji S5 DSLR was selling in Canada for under $1,000 while in the US it was some 50% more expensive. (See What's New for April 30).
Today I've noted that the 24" HP Z3100 printer is available at several Canadian dealers for around $1,500. Even more curious, in one case, DirectDial.com, their online Canadian store has the printer for $1,518 while their US online store has it for $3,254, more than double the price. At B&H, though it shows as currently out of stock, the 24" Z3100 is listed at $4,095.
I'm only guessing here, but it's pretty clear that for some reason both Fujifilm and HP have decided to use Canada as an outlet for discontinued products. Given that the internet now allows for complete pricing transparency on a global basis it's hard to figure that they aren't aware that word gets around – instantly. (Readers outside the US and Canada should note that the Canadian and US dollars are essentially at par, and have been for months).
In the case of the Z3100, $1,518 is an incredible deal. At this price it costs not much more than a Eye One Spectrophotometer kit, and if you figure that you can now use the Z3100 as an automated profiling machine (as written about here last week), it's almost like getting a free 24" printer at this price.
_______________
And speaking of deals, My friend Mikkel Aaland who organized this year's Adobe Lightroom Adventure in Tasmania just told me about a contest to win a free trip for two to downunder. All it takes is filling in an online entry form.
_______________
Watch a free HD streaming video extract.
6 May, 2008 - The Convergence of Still Photography and Video
I have just returned from a long-weekend workshop photographing moose and spring landscape in Algonquin Park. My co-teacher was Pulitzer prize winning landscape photographer Jack Dykinga. A good time was had by all, though it rained almost the whole time. (Great light though.) I'll have a small portfolio of mine as well as of the participants on these pages within the next couple of weeks. The first of my images from Algonquin is now on the home page.
This was also the first multi-day shoot in which I used the Nikon D3 exclusively, and I'll have more to say on this remarkable camera in a separate article in the days ahead.
A new essay has just been published titled The Convergence of Still Photography and Video. I have written about this peripherally in recent weeks, and now because of the importance of the subject, thought it worthwhile to gather my observations in one place. Pros should ignore this trend at their peril.
I have just returned from a long-weekend workshop photographing moose and spring landscape in Algonquin Park. My co-teacher was Pulitzer prize winning landscape photographer Jack Dykinga. A good time was had by all, though it rained almost the whole time. (Great light though.) I'll have a small portfolio of mine as well as of the participants on these pages within the next couple of weeks. The first of my images from Algonquin is now on the home page.
This was also the first multi-day shoot in which I used the Nikon D3 exclusively, and I'll have more to say on this remarkable camera in a separate article in the days ahead.
_______________
A new essay has just been published titled The Convergence of Still Photography and Video. I have written about this peripherally in recent weeks, and now because of the importance of the subject, thought it worthwhile to gather my observations in one place. Pros should ignore this trend at their peril.
_______________
I would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming response to our Help Alexis Special Print Offer. There have been literally hundreds of orders, and every penny will be going toward helping our friend with her ongoing medical expenses. My wife Teya and I say a big thank you!
Because of the shear quantity of prints on order producing and shipping them will take some time, so please be patient. It will likely be 2-3 weeks after an order is placed until it is received.
Because of the shear quantity of prints on order producing and shipping them will take some time, so please be patient. It will likely be 2-3 weeks after an order is placed until it is received.
2 May, 2008 - Spring Prize Winners Announced
Our Almost Spring contest ended on Wednesday.The winner of the Nikon D300 is M.N. Hutchinson of Alberta, and the winner of the Canon G9 camera is Konstantin Dubinets of New York. Congratulations to both of them!
Our next contest will be announced soon, and all purchases from our online store beginning as of yesterday, May 1, will be eligible. I'll be announcing what the prizes will be and additional contest details within a few days. Purchases from the Help Alexis Special Print Offer as well as any of our DVDs, download Video Journals, and download video tutorials will be eligible.
Our Almost Spring contest ended on Wednesday.The winner of the Nikon D300 is M.N. Hutchinson of Alberta, and the winner of the Canon G9 camera is Konstantin Dubinets of New York. Congratulations to both of them!
Our next contest will be announced soon, and all purchases from our online store beginning as of yesterday, May 1, will be eligible. I'll be announcing what the prizes will be and additional contest details within a few days. Purchases from the Help Alexis Special Print Offer as well as any of our DVDs, download Video Journals, and download video tutorials will be eligible.
30 April, 2008 - Fund Raising Print Sale For Our Friend Alexis
Beginning today, and running through the month of May, I am offering a special print sale to help raise money for a dear family friend in the US who is unable to meet her ongoing medical care costs.
I invite you to purchase one or more of my fine-art landscape prints, with 100% of the proceeds going to our friend Alexis' ongoing medical care expenses.
I don't usually pay a lot of attention to international price arbitrage on photo equipment. I know though that a lot of Europeans, Brits and Australians do since often their prices are so much higher than in the US, or Canada.
But my attention has been drawn to a curious bit of pricing on the part of Fujifilm, so I though some might be interested in knowing about it.
The Fuji S5 camera is now selling at Canadian retailers for $999. This is a camera which when it started to ship just a year or so ago was priced at some $400 more than the Nikon D200 on which it is based.
Today, one can buy the Fuji S5 for $999 at Canadian retailers such as Henrys in Toronto. In the US I see that B&H currently has it for $1,699, and when you add it to your shopping cart it is discounted to $1,549. Since the Canadian and US dollar has been at or around par for some time this huge price discrepancy is notable.
In Europe the S5 is selling for about 920 Euro, which is $1,500 Canadian, similar to the B&H price. In the UK things are a bit better (surprising, for a change) and an S5 costs about 625 GBP, or about $1,240 Canadian.
So – without really knowing what this all implies, if you're in the market for a Fuji S5 camera Canada is the place to shop at the moment.
Beginning today, and running through the month of May, I am offering a special print sale to help raise money for a dear family friend in the US who is unable to meet her ongoing medical care costs.
I invite you to purchase one or more of my fine-art landscape prints, with 100% of the proceeds going to our friend Alexis' ongoing medical care expenses.
_______________
Canadian Fujifilm S5 Price Drop
Canadian Fujifilm S5 Price Drop
I don't usually pay a lot of attention to international price arbitrage on photo equipment. I know though that a lot of Europeans, Brits and Australians do since often their prices are so much higher than in the US, or Canada.
But my attention has been drawn to a curious bit of pricing on the part of Fujifilm, so I though some might be interested in knowing about it.
The Fuji S5 camera is now selling at Canadian retailers for $999. This is a camera which when it started to ship just a year or so ago was priced at some $400 more than the Nikon D200 on which it is based.
Today, one can buy the Fuji S5 for $999 at Canadian retailers such as Henrys in Toronto. In the US I see that B&H currently has it for $1,699, and when you add it to your shopping cart it is discounted to $1,549. Since the Canadian and US dollar has been at or around par for some time this huge price discrepancy is notable.
In Europe the S5 is selling for about 920 Euro, which is $1,500 Canadian, similar to the B&H price. In the UK things are a bit better (surprising, for a change) and an S5 costs about 625 GBP, or about $1,240 Canadian.
So – without really knowing what this all implies, if you're in the market for a Fuji S5 camera Canada is the place to shop at the moment.
29 April, 2008 - Using the HP Z3100's Spectro to profile Other Printers
The HP Z3100 large format printers have proven to be very popular, in large measure due to their built-in spectrophotometer. This makes automatically producing high quality profiles for these printers a breeze.
Many of us have wondered whether it would be possible to use a Z3100 to produce profiles for other printers as well. After all, why let the spectro and its automation capabilities go underutilized?
Many of us have thought about it, but no one has figured it out – until now. Charlie Cramer now has an exclusive tutorial here titled Making Profiles with the Z3100 Printer.
Please note that in addition to a Z3100 printer you will also need the HP Advanced Profiling software and files which can be downloaded from this site.
The Home Page photograph has been updated with one taken with a video camera, of all things. The new Sony SR12 HD camcorder is able to shoot 10MP stills, and doesn't do too bad a job of it. More on this in the days ahead.
The HP Z3100 large format printers have proven to be very popular, in large measure due to their built-in spectrophotometer. This makes automatically producing high quality profiles for these printers a breeze.
Many of us have wondered whether it would be possible to use a Z3100 to produce profiles for other printers as well. After all, why let the spectro and its automation capabilities go underutilized?
Many of us have thought about it, but no one has figured it out – until now. Charlie Cramer now has an exclusive tutorial here titled Making Profiles with the Z3100 Printer.
Please note that in addition to a Z3100 printer you will also need the HP Advanced Profiling software and files which can be downloaded from this site.
_______________
The Home Page photograph has been updated with one taken with a video camera, of all things. The new Sony SR12 HD camcorder is able to shoot 10MP stills, and doesn't do too bad a job of it. More on this in the days ahead.
Ps: Before the Lolita crowd get too bent out of shape, thinking I've gone over to the dark side, the photograph's title is a literary allusion to a poem by the 19th century British author William Blake.
And was Jerusalem builded here,
Among these dark Satanic Mills?
_______________
For those interested in (or familiar with) some of the personalities in the industry the fact that after 17 years Mark Hamburg has left Adobe to work for Microsoft is news. Mark is a brilliant coder, the former architect of Photoshop, and the father of Lightroom. You can read more about him and his going-away party, which was held last week, at Photoshop News.com. 25 April, 2008 - Free Tutorial Video Preview & Botswana Opening
We have just placed online a free video preview from our new Camera Raw Download Video Tutorial. It covers using Adobe Camera Raw to process JPGs.
Find out what these unique in-depth tutorials are like, and then imagine the benefit of almost 8 hours of this type of material (not to mention the pleasure of viewing Jeff's Hawaiian shirt for that long).
In September Andy Biggs and I will be conducting a Photographic Safari Expedition to Botswana. One spot has just come open. If you are able to take advantage of it act quickly and drop me a line so we can discuss it further. Sorry – Sold Out
We have just placed online a free video preview from our new Camera Raw Download Video Tutorial. It covers using Adobe Camera Raw to process JPGs.
Well, I just made my first pass of the Guide to Adobe Camera Raw videos (all of them). They are excellent! I have the Real World Camera Raw with Adobe Photoshop CS3 book by Bruce Fraser and Jeff Schewe.
The video is a perfect companion to this book. I'm about 1/3 of the way through the book, and have enjoyed it greatly so far. I like the modular arrangement of the Guide to Adobe Camera Raw videos. It means I can play only the video (again) that relates to what I'm studying in the book.
It is also nice that the book was essentially put together by Jeff Schewe who is also doing the demonstrations in the Video. Thanks for putting such a wonderful thing together.
Find out what these unique in-depth tutorials are like, and then imagine the benefit of almost 8 hours of this type of material (not to mention the pleasure of viewing Jeff's Hawaiian shirt for that long).
_______________
In September Andy Biggs and I will be conducting a Photographic Safari Expedition to Botswana. One spot has just come open. If you are able to take advantage of it act quickly and drop me a line so we can discuss it further. Sorry – Sold Out
_______________
Our Almost Spring contest ends next week. Will you be the one to win a Nikon D300 or Canon G9 camera?
"I have just purchased the excellent Camera to Print Tutorial. This
wonderful and exhaustive resource clearly and entertainingly explains
what really matters within the digital workflow from camera to print.
You and Jeff make a great and wise double act and bring passion and fun
to the topics covered. Many questions have been answered for me. I feel
I understand the fundamentals far better. I know my work will improve".
wonderful and exhaustive resource clearly and entertainingly explains
what really matters within the digital workflow from camera to print.
You and Jeff make a great and wise double act and bring passion and fun
to the topics covered. Many questions have been answered for me. I feel
I understand the fundamentals far better. I know my work will improve".
24 April, 2008 - Casio EX-F1 Review
The Casio EX-F1 is a hybrid stills / video / high-speed camera with capabilities unlike those of any camera seen to date. Does it fulfill its promise, and is it the first of a new breed of convergence cameras? Read my review to find out.
The Casio EX-F1 is a hybrid stills / video / high-speed camera with capabilities unlike those of any camera seen to date. Does it fulfill its promise, and is it the first of a new breed of convergence cameras? Read my review to find out.
_______________
Our Almost Spring contest ends next week. Will you be the one to win a Nikon D300 or Canon G9 camera?
"I have just purchased the excellent Camera to Print Tutorial. This
wonderful and exhaustive resource clearly and entertainingly explains
what really matters within the digital workflow from camera to print.
You and Jeff make a great and wise double act and bring passion and fun
to the topics covered. Many questions have been answered for me. I feel
I understand the fundamentals far better. I know my work will improve".
wonderful and exhaustive resource clearly and entertainingly explains
what really matters within the digital workflow from camera to print.
You and Jeff make a great and wise double act and bring passion and fun
to the topics covered. Many questions have been answered for me. I feel
I understand the fundamentals far better. I know my work will improve".
19 April, 2008 - Announcing a Talk
An all-day seminar (Download the Registration Brochure at this link) at the Latow Photographer's Guild in Burlington, Ontario on Saturday, April 26, titled Photography and Technology, The Uneasy Alliance.
One week from today, on Saturday, April 26th, I will be conducting an all-day seminar titled Photography and Technology – The Uneasy Alliance. This is a much expanded version of the talk which I gave recently in Korean, Japan, Singapore and Australia.
If you live in the Northeast or Northcentral part of the continent, and think you would like to spend a day near Toronto attending what I believe you will find to be a stimulating and challenging presentation, click on the link below to sign up. I hope to see you there next week.
If you live in the Northeast or Northcentral part of the continent, and think you would like to spend a day near Toronto attending what I believe you will find to be a stimulating and challenging presentation, click on the link below to sign up. I hope to see you there next week.
An all-day seminar (Download the Registration Brochure at this link) at the Latow Photographer's Guild in Burlington, Ontario on Saturday, April 26, titled Photography and Technology, The Uneasy Alliance.
_______________
Coming Soon...
We have the following articles in preparation and scheduled over the next few weeks:
– a review of the new and unique Casio EX-F1 crossover camera
– a review of the new Nikon 24mm T/S lens, including a tutorial on using Tilt / Shift lens
– how to use an HP Z3100 printer's built-in spectrophotometer to profile any other printer
– an introduction to videography, for still photographers
– more essays on deconstructing images
15 April, 2008 - Sigma DP1 Review / Camera Raw Video Tutorial / Scarlet Announced
Adobe Camera Raw Download Video Tutorial
Now Available
Now Available
Chris Sanderson, Jeff Schewe and I are very pleased to announce the immediate availability of our Download Video tutorial on Adobe Camera Raw.
This nearly 8 hour long, 28 segment live instructional video covers Camera Raw in great depth, and includes detailed instruction on topics like raw workflow, Photoshop / Bridge integration, the use of Smart Objects, and more.
This nearly 8 hour long, 28 segment live instructional video covers Camera Raw in great depth, and includes detailed instruction on topics like raw workflow, Photoshop / Bridge integration, the use of Smart Objects, and more.
_______________
Sigma DP1 Review
Sigma DP1 Review
The much anticipated Sigma DP1 started shipping just a couple of weeks ago. I have been putting this new pocket camera, which uses a Foveon technology, APS sized sensor though its paces, and my review is now online.
_______________
Scarlet Previewed
The National Association of Broadcasters show (NAB) opened Monday in Las Vegas, and the much anticipated Scarlet camera from RED was announced. Not due until early next year, and unpriced as yet, though rumoured to be under $3,000, Scarlet could well change the face of still photography as well as video production.
If you believe in the inevitability of stills and video convergence, as I do, this is a product to watch.
If you believe in the inevitability of stills and video convergence, as I do, this is a product to watch.
12 April, 2008 - Olympus E3 Second Opinion
Late last year, after a wait of some four years, Olympus users finally got an updated flagship camera in the form of the E3. Photojournalist Doug Brown reviewed it here in January, and now UK pro Mark Pinder weighs in with his Olympus E3 Second Opinion.
Late last year, after a wait of some four years, Olympus users finally got an updated flagship camera in the form of the E3. Photojournalist Doug Brown reviewed it here in January, and now UK pro Mark Pinder weighs in with his Olympus E3 Second Opinion.
Watch a free HD streaming video extract.
11 April, 2008 - Adobe Updates
Adobe has updated both Camera Raw and Lightroom to versions 4.4.1 and 1.4.1 respectively. These updates include bug fixes as well as the addition of support for new camera formats.
Anyone considering purchasing our 5-hour-long video tutorial on Lightroom should note that it covers 99% of the content in releases up to and including the new 1.4.1. The changes to Lightroom 1x since the tutorial was released have been almost exclusively bug fixes and new camera additions.
There has just been a cancellation on my September Botswana Safari. If you are interested in this single spot, please contact me right away.
Adobe has updated both Camera Raw and Lightroom to versions 4.4.1 and 1.4.1 respectively. These updates include bug fixes as well as the addition of support for new camera formats.
Anyone considering purchasing our 5-hour-long video tutorial on Lightroom should note that it covers 99% of the content in releases up to and including the new 1.4.1. The changes to Lightroom 1x since the tutorial was released have been almost exclusively bug fixes and new camera additions.
_______________
There has just been a cancellation on my September Botswana Safari. If you are interested in this single spot, please contact me right away.
"I have just purchased the excellent Camera to Print Tutorial. This
wonderful and exhaustive resource clearly and entertainingly explains
what really matters within the digital workflow from camera to print.
You and Jeff make a great and wise double act and bring passion and fun
to the topics covered. Many questions have been answered for me. I feel
I understand the fundamentals far better. I know my work will improve".
wonderful and exhaustive resource clearly and entertainingly explains
what really matters within the digital workflow from camera to print.
You and Jeff make a great and wise double act and bring passion and fun
to the topics covered. Many questions have been answered for me. I feel
I understand the fundamentals far better. I know my work will improve".
9 April, 2008 - Jay Maisel Workshop Next Week in NY
I'm going to give a blatant plug to a workshop being offered next week in New York by my friend Jay Maisel. Jay has been unarguably one of the world's leading photographers for much of the past 40 years.
Issue #17 of The Luminous Landscape Video Journal features an hour-long interview with Jay.
I'm going to give a blatant plug to a workshop being offered next week in New York by my friend Jay Maisel. Jay has been unarguably one of the world's leading photographers for much of the past 40 years.
Issue #17 of The Luminous Landscape Video Journal features an hour-long interview with Jay.
7 April, 2008 - Balmoral Mist Deconstructed
What makes a great photograph? Why do some images (sometimes even ones own) speak to us, and others – often technical excellent ones – leave us emotionally and intellectually unsatisfied?
On a recent visit to Australia I met one of that country's leading photographers, David Oliver, and was captivated by one of his photographs. In Balmoral Mist Deconstructed I discus what it is that makes this particular image so resonant for me.
Issue #17 of The Luminous Landscape Video Journal is now available on DVD. Existing DVD subscribers should start receiving theirs in the mail within the next couple of weeks. Those wishing instant gratification can always download our Hi-Def version right now.
What makes a great photograph? Why do some images (sometimes even ones own) speak to us, and others – often technical excellent ones – leave us emotionally and intellectually unsatisfied?
On a recent visit to Australia I met one of that country's leading photographers, David Oliver, and was captivated by one of his photographs. In Balmoral Mist Deconstructed I discus what it is that makes this particular image so resonant for me.
_______________
Issue #17 of The Luminous Landscape Video Journal is now available on DVD. Existing DVD subscribers should start receiving theirs in the mail within the next couple of weeks. Those wishing instant gratification can always download our Hi-Def version right now.
Just wanted to send you and Jeff a big thanks for your From Camera to Print video.
With the info you and Jeff provided about colour management and workflow I was able to get perfect and consistant prints right from the start and have continued to do so as I experiment to settle on my favourite matte papers.
So thank you to you and Jeff, you've taken an admittedly complex art and made it easy and clear enough for anyone to follow. This has taken my art to a new level and has allowed me to continue to grow as a photographer.
With the info you and Jeff provided about colour management and workflow I was able to get perfect and consistant prints right from the start and have continued to do so as I experiment to settle on my favourite matte papers.
So thank you to you and Jeff, you've taken an admittedly complex art and made it easy and clear enough for anyone to follow. This has taken my art to a new level and has allowed me to continue to grow as a photographer.
4 April, 2008 - Red raw, the Casio EX-F1, and the Convergence of Stills and Video
There's something new in the wind – the convergence of stills and video. My new essay titled Seeing Red – Raw Goes to the Movies is now online.
UPDATE:
Adobe's lawyers have been spanked. Following up on last week's announcement of Photoshop Express, an online image file sharing service that had a pretty ridiculous rights grab by Adobe (clearly unintentional), the company has now issued the following update to its terms...
There's something new in the wind – the convergence of stills and video. My new essay titled Seeing Red – Raw Goes to the Movies is now online.
_______________
UPDATE:
Adobe's lawyers have been spanked. Following up on last week's announcement of Photoshop Express, an online image file sharing service that had a pretty ridiculous rights grab by Adobe (clearly unintentional), the company has now issued the following update to its terms...
"Adobe’s Rights – Adobe has retained only those limited rights that allow us to operate the service and to enable you to do all the things the service offers. If you decide to terminate your Photoshop Express account, Adobe’s rights also will be terminated. Adobe doesn’t claim ownership of your content and won’t sell your images".
2 April, 2008 - Adobe Lighroom 2.0 beta Available : DXO Article Update
I don't normally reprint press releases on this page, but today's announcement of the Lightroom 2.0 beta has a lot of meat on its bones, so here it is.
If you're an experienced Lightroom user I highly recommend Ian Lyons' new tutorial page on Lightroom 2.0 beta. Nicely done Ian!
Jeff Schewe and I will be producing a comprehensive updated Lightroom 2.0 video tutorial to coincide with the end of the beta period. In the meantime our 5 hour-long Lightroom 1.3 video tutorial will get you up to speed on 90% of the program's features.
When the Lightroom 2.0 video tutorial becomes available there will be a special discounted price for anyone that will already have downloaded the Lightroom 1.3 tutorial, so no need to wait to get started now with Lightroom.
_______________
I don't normally reprint press releases on this page, but today's announcement of the Lightroom 2.0 beta has a lot of meat on its bones, so here it is.
You can find out more, and download the beta at this Adobe Labs web page. Make sure that you also read the important information on this page.
SAN JOSE, Calif. - April 2, 2008 - Adobe Systems Incorporated today announced Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.0 beta, a public preview of new and improved functionality to be delivered in the next major release.
Lightroom is the professional photographer's essential toolbox, providing one application for managing, adjusting, and presenting large volumes of digital photographs. Lightroom 2.0 beta will feature enhancements such as dual-monitor support, localized dodge and burn correction and will be the first Adobe application to support 64-bit for Mac OS X 10.5 Intel Macs and Microsoft Vista 64-bit operating systems.
"Photoshop Lightroom 2.0 beta provides early access to requested improvements over version 1.3 and continues our ongoing dialogue and open communication with the photography community," said Tom Hogarty, senior product manager for Photoshop Lightroom and Camera Raw. "We're excited not only for our existing customers, but also for the general public who will have an opportunity to take Lightroom 2.0 beta on a test run."
New in Lightroom 2.0 beta
An improved layout in the Library module allows for a more intuitive approach to image organization by simplifying the location of the features needed to find and filter photographs. A new feature called Smart Collections automatically updates collections with images that match desired criteria such as star-rating, keyword or other metadata. "The Suggested Keywords feature eases the task of keywording by making recommendations based upon keyword associations across a catalog as well as the use of keywords in neighboring images."
Photoshop Lightroom 2.0 beta includes improved memory handling through 64-bit support for OS X 10.5 Intel Macs and Vista 64-bit operating systems. Additional enhancements in Lightroom 2.0 beta include support for a dual monitor configuration that maximizes a photographer's workspace and can be easily adjusted to meet a particular workflow. Additionally, the Develop module has been updated to provide the ability to correct specific parts of an image without affecting other areas. Now, fundamental photographic techniques such as dodge and burn can be performed using the same non-destructive approach, allowing unprecedented control within the Lightroom program.
Beta Availability
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.0 beta is available as a 30-day trial for free download on Macintosh and Windows platforms at http://www.labs.adobe.com/downloads. Existing Lightroom 1.0 customers will be able to test the beta for an extended period until Aug. 31, 2008 and can invite friends to take part in this trial period. Recommended system requirements are Macintosh OSX 10.4, 10.5 1 GHz PowerPC G4 or G5 or Intel-based processor, or Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise, Intel Pentium 4 processor, 1 GBRAM and a 1024x768 resolution screen.
If you're an experienced Lightroom user I highly recommend Ian Lyons' new tutorial page on Lightroom 2.0 beta. Nicely done Ian!
Jeff Schewe and I will be producing a comprehensive updated Lightroom 2.0 video tutorial to coincide with the end of the beta period. In the meantime our 5 hour-long Lightroom 1.3 video tutorial will get you up to speed on 90% of the program's features.
When the Lightroom 2.0 video tutorial becomes available there will be a special discounted price for anyone that will already have downloaded the Lightroom 1.3 tutorial, so no need to wait to get started now with Lightroom.
_______________
Author Mikkel Aaland, O'Reilly Media and Adobe have teamed up again for a Lightroom Adventure – this year in Tasmania. Last year's expedition to Iceland, which I greatly enjoyed being part of, resulted in Mikkell's Lightroom Adventure book, and this year's will as well, but will also include live updates from the field. Check it out regularly over the next couple of weeks.
_______________
Alain Briot's Tutorial on DXO Optics Pro 5.0 last week raised a number of questions. Alain was on a shoot in France at that time, but he has now returned and has written a response to these questions. This is now available as an update to his original piece.
31 March, 2008 - Yes it Matters - A counterpoint essay.
In mid-March I penned an essay titled Your Camera Does Matter : A Rebuttal which fanned a bit of debate on this site's forum as well as elsewhere. Much of it, unfortunately, by those who either didn't read what I actually wrote or who wished to interpret it though their own set of mental filters.
Today author, reviewer and photographer Sean Reid provides a further counterpoint essay titled Yes, it Matters.
In mid-March I penned an essay titled Your Camera Does Matter : A Rebuttal which fanned a bit of debate on this site's forum as well as elsewhere. Much of it, unfortunately, by those who either didn't read what I actually wrote or who wished to interpret it though their own set of mental filters.
Today author, reviewer and photographer Sean Reid provides a further counterpoint essay titled Yes, it Matters.
"I have just purchased the excellent Camera to Print Tutorial. This
wonderful and exhaustive resource clearly and entertainingly explains
what really matters within the digital workflow from camera to print.
You and Jeff make a great and wise double act and bring passion and fun
to the topics covered. Many questions have been answered for me. I feel
I understand the fundamentals far better. I know my work will improve".
wonderful and exhaustive resource clearly and entertainingly explains
what really matters within the digital workflow from camera to print.
You and Jeff make a great and wise double act and bring passion and fun
to the topics covered. Many questions have been answered for me. I feel
I understand the fundamentals far better. I know my work will improve".
29 March, 2008 - LLVJ DVD Subsciption to Download Promo
Issue #17 of The Luminous Landscape Video Journal has been available for download for a couple of weeks and it will begin shipping on DVD within the next two weeks.
Due to the space limitations of DVDs, the Download editions contain about one hour's more content than the DVD. The HD download edition is also of higher screen quality and resolution than the DVD.
Since there are still a number of people who have DVD subscriptions, we would like to offer them the chance to switch to one of the two download editions with a good deal.
Each paid up DVD can be exchanged for either two Standard Definition downloads or approximately one and a half High Definition downloads. Just contact our Customer Service.
Check out the high quality of the HD version here or the Standard Definition here. The shipment of plastic DVD disks will soon be a thing of the past. We urge you to switch.
Photographers with a strong interest in camera sensor technology may find this article on a site called Chipworks to be of interest. It looks at some of the factors involved in manufacturing and pricing of CMOS sensors, and even speculates as to who might be the fab for the Nikon D3 sensor.
Issue #17 of The Luminous Landscape Video Journal has been available for download for a couple of weeks and it will begin shipping on DVD within the next two weeks.
Due to the space limitations of DVDs, the Download editions contain about one hour's more content than the DVD. The HD download edition is also of higher screen quality and resolution than the DVD.
Since there are still a number of people who have DVD subscriptions, we would like to offer them the chance to switch to one of the two download editions with a good deal.
Each paid up DVD can be exchanged for either two Standard Definition downloads or approximately one and a half High Definition downloads. Just contact our Customer Service.
Check out the high quality of the HD version here or the Standard Definition here. The shipment of plastic DVD disks will soon be a thing of the past. We urge you to switch.
_______________
Photographers with a strong interest in camera sensor technology may find this article on a site called Chipworks to be of interest. It looks at some of the factors involved in manufacturing and pricing of CMOS sensors, and even speculates as to who might be the fab for the Nikon D3 sensor.
28 March, 2008 - DXO Optics Pro V5 Introduction and Tutorial
Though Adobe dominates the raw file processing marketplace with Camera Raw and Lightroom, DXO Optics Pro is quite popular because of its lens correction capabilities. Today, Alain Briot, a DXO Image Master, provides us with an Introduction and Tutorial to DXO Optics Pro V5.
Speaking of Adobe, the company announced this week Photoshop Express, a web-based photo sharing service that allows for online image editing.
UPDATE 1:
Several people have drawn to my attention the following paragraph from Adobe's "Terms of Use" for Photoshop Express, in Paragraph 8a it states...
Apple today released Aperture 2.1, which introduces an open plug-in architecture that makes it easy for photographers to use third party imaging software from within Aperture. Available today as a free software update, Aperture 2.1 includes the Apple-developed plug-in, Dodge & Burn, which adds brush-based tools for dodge (lighten), burn (darken), contrast, saturation, sharpen and blur. Over the coming months, third party software developers will deliver image editing plug-ins for localized editing, filters and effects, noise analysis and reduction, fisheye lens correction and more.
This appears to be a very significant new capability, and is bound to raise the competitive stakes against Adobe's Lightroom for Mac users.
Though Adobe dominates the raw file processing marketplace with Camera Raw and Lightroom, DXO Optics Pro is quite popular because of its lens correction capabilities. Today, Alain Briot, a DXO Image Master, provides us with an Introduction and Tutorial to DXO Optics Pro V5.
_______________
Speaking of Adobe, the company announced this week Photoshop Express, a web-based photo sharing service that allows for online image editing.
Several people have drawn to my attention the following paragraph from Adobe's "Terms of Use" for Photoshop Express, in Paragraph 8a it states...
"Adobe does not claim ownership of Your Content. However, with respect to Your Content that you submit or make available for inclusion on publicly accessible areas of the Services, you grant Adobe a worldwide, royalty-free, nonexclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, and fully sublicensable license to use, distribute, derive revenue or other remuneration from, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, publicly perform and publicly display such Content (in whole or in part) and to incorporate such Content into other Materials or works in any format or medium now known or later developed.”
Caveat emptor!
UPDATE 2:
UPDATE 2:
The Draconian rights terms contained in the Photoshop Express user agreement seems to have come as a surprise to Adobe's management as well as to its prospective users. Late today a company spokesman issued a statement that their legal team will be revisiting the current terms in response to initial media and consumer reaction.
_______________
Apple today released Aperture 2.1, which introduces an open plug-in architecture that makes it easy for photographers to use third party imaging software from within Aperture. Available today as a free software update, Aperture 2.1 includes the Apple-developed plug-in, Dodge & Burn, which adds brush-based tools for dodge (lighten), burn (darken), contrast, saturation, sharpen and blur. Over the coming months, third party software developers will deliver image editing plug-ins for localized editing, filters and effects, noise analysis and reduction, fisheye lens correction and more.
This appears to be a very significant new capability, and is bound to raise the competitive stakes against Adobe's Lightroom for Mac users.
_______________
Just wanted to send you and Jeff a big thanks for your From Camera to Print video.
With the info you and Jeff provided about colour management and workflow I was able to get perfect and consistant prints right from the start and have continued to do so as I experiment to settle on my favourite matte papers.
So thank you to you and Jeff, you've taken an admittedly complex art and made it easy and clear enough for anyone to follow. This has taken my art to a new level and has allowed me to continue to grow as a photographer.
Just wanted to send you and Jeff a big thanks for your From Camera to Print video.
With the info you and Jeff provided about colour management and workflow I was able to get perfect and consistant prints right from the start and have continued to do so as I experiment to settle on my favourite matte papers.
So thank you to you and Jeff, you've taken an admittedly complex art and made it easy and clear enough for anyone to follow. This has taken my art to a new level and has allowed me to continue to grow as a photographer.
26 March, 2008 - All Day Seminar on Photography and Technology
An all-day seminar (click on Seminar then Download the Registration Brochure) at the Latow Photographer's Guild in Burlington, Ontario on Saturday, April 26, titled Photography and Technology, The Uneasy Alliance.
One month from today, on Saturday, April 26th, I will be conducting an all-day seminar titled Photography and Technology – The Uneasy Alliance. This is a much expanded version of the talk which I gave last month is Korean, Japan, Singapore and Australia.
If you live in the Northeast or Northcentral part of the continent, and think you would like to spend a day near Toronto attending what I believe you will find to be a stimulating and challenging presentation, click on the link below to sign up. I hope to see you there next month.
If you live in the Northeast or Northcentral part of the continent, and think you would like to spend a day near Toronto attending what I believe you will find to be a stimulating and challenging presentation, click on the link below to sign up. I hope to see you there next month.
An all-day seminar (click on Seminar then Download the Registration Brochure) at the Latow Photographer's Guild in Burlington, Ontario on Saturday, April 26, titled Photography and Technology, The Uneasy Alliance.
24 March, 2008 - Ricoh GX100 Review
Is that a camera in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me?
So someone might ask – if you had a digicam in your pants pocket. And if that camera is the Ricoh GX100, you'd have what may be the smallest yet most versatile pocket camera currently on the market. My review of the GX100 is now online.
Is that a camera in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me?
So someone might ask – if you had a digicam in your pants pocket. And if that camera is the Ricoh GX100, you'd have what may be the smallest yet most versatile pocket camera currently on the market. My review of the GX100 is now online.
If you ever wondered what a photographic expedition to Antarctica might be like, but lack the time or funds to go there yourself,
this hour-long video report is a must!
this hour-long video report is a must!
22 March, 2008 - Moose Spot Available
An opening has just appeared for my May 2 – 5, 2008 Moose and the Intimate Landscape workshop with Jack Dykinga, in Algonquin Park in Northern Ontario. If you are interested in joining please drop me a line. First come, first served. SORRY, SOLD OUT – AGAIN
At last week's PIE show in Tokyo, Sony was showing its upcoming 25MP full frame A900 DSLR. Ship date will likely be in August or September. Can Nikon's D3x be far behind?
An opening has just appeared for my May 2 – 5, 2008 Moose and the Intimate Landscape workshop with Jack Dykinga, in Algonquin Park in Northern Ontario. If you are interested in joining please drop me a line. First come, first served. SORRY, SOLD OUT – AGAIN
_______________
At last week's PIE show in Tokyo, Sony was showing its upcoming 25MP full frame A900 DSLR. Ship date will likely be in August or September. Can Nikon's D3x be far behind?
"I have just purchased the excellent Camera to Print Tutorial. This
wonderful and exhaustive resource clearly and entertainingly explains
what really matters within the digital workflow from camera to print.
You and Jeff make a great and wise double act and bring passion and fun
to the topics covered. Many questions have been answered for me. I feel
I understand the fundamentals far better. I know my work will improve".
wonderful and exhaustive resource clearly and entertainingly explains
what really matters within the digital workflow from camera to print.
You and Jeff make a great and wise double act and bring passion and fun
to the topics covered. Many questions have been answered for me. I feel
I understand the fundamentals far better. I know my work will improve".
20 March, 2008 - Mamiya AFDIII, New Lenses and a Leaf Promotion
I don't usually simply publish new product press announcements, but following yesterday's Phase One announcement it's appropriate to mention some further medium format releases.
Mamiya has, as expected, announced the AFD III camera, with enhanced communication abilities with digital backs, faster and more accurate autofocus, and a number of additional enhancements. The camera is scheduled for release in June.
Mamiya has also introduced three new lenses, an improved 80mm f/2.8, a 150mm f/2.8 IF, and a 45-90mm f/4.5 Aspherical – very welcome additions to the line up.
Leaf America also announced today a special promotion – Buyers of a new Leaf Aptus 75, 65, or 22 back, or the Aptus S equivalent in Mamiya AFD mount, will receive a Mamiya 645 AFDII camera free of charge, with an automatic upgrade to a new AFDIII at no charge when it becomes available in June.
I don't usually simply publish new product press announcements, but following yesterday's Phase One announcement it's appropriate to mention some further medium format releases.
Mamiya has, as expected, announced the AFD III camera, with enhanced communication abilities with digital backs, faster and more accurate autofocus, and a number of additional enhancements. The camera is scheduled for release in June.
Mamiya has also introduced three new lenses, an improved 80mm f/2.8, a 150mm f/2.8 IF, and a 45-90mm f/4.5 Aspherical – very welcome additions to the line up.
Leaf America also announced today a special promotion – Buyers of a new Leaf Aptus 75, 65, or 22 back, or the Aptus S equivalent in Mamiya AFD mount, will receive a Mamiya 645 AFDII camera free of charge, with an automatic upgrade to a new AFDIII at no charge when it becomes available in June.
If you ever wondered what a photographic expedition to Antarctica might be like, but lack the time or funds to go there yourself,
this hour-long video report is a must!
this hour-long video report is a must!
19 March 2008 - New Phase One 645 Camera Announced. Antarctic HD Clip Online
Phase One announced at a trade show in Japan today their new Phase One 645 AF camera. This camera was developed jointly with Mamiya, and is being released simultaneously as the Mamiya AFD III. My initial report, based on interviews with Phase One executives, is now online. A full field review will follow once a test sample of the camera becomes available in a month or so.
Phase One announced at a trade show in Japan today their new Phase One 645 AF camera. This camera was developed jointly with Mamiya, and is being released simultaneously as the Mamiya AFD III. My initial report, based on interviews with Phase One executives, is now online. A full field review will follow once a test sample of the camera becomes available in a month or so.
_______________
We have just placed online a free HD streaming video extract from our Antarctic Expedition segment of Video Journal #17 – Download Edition. Enjoy!
18 March, 2008 - It's Up - Antarctica
At long last the Antarctica segment of Video Journal #17 is now online for purchase and download. Both SD and HD versions are available. This completes the issue. The DVD will be sent to the duplicator shortly, and mailed out to subscribers when ready.
If you have already purchased LLVJ #17 Download Edition all you need to do is go to the site's Store, Log In and then select My Account. Click on the version that you have already purchased and all download files including the two new ones on Antarctica will be available.
Please download only one file at a time as simultaneous downloads by a single user tends to clog the server.
At long last the Antarctica segment of Video Journal #17 is now online for purchase and download. Both SD and HD versions are available. This completes the issue. The DVD will be sent to the duplicator shortly, and mailed out to subscribers when ready.
If you have already purchased LLVJ #17 Download Edition all you need to do is go to the site's Store, Log In and then select My Account. Click on the version that you have already purchased and all download files including the two new ones on Antarctica will be available.
Please download only one file at a time as simultaneous downloads by a single user tends to clog the server.
If you ever wondered what a photographic expedition to Antarctica might be like, but lack the time or funds to go there yourself,
this hour-long video report is a must!
this hour-long video report is a must!
17 March, 2008 - Free HD Video Journal Intro Online
The final segment of Video Journal #17 Download Edition, an almost hour-long travel segment on Antarctica, will be online within a couple of days. It's availability via our store will be announced right here as soon as it's online.
In the meantime we have made available the HD Introduction to Issue #17 as a free streaming video for everyone to sample.
The final segment of Video Journal #17 Download Edition, an almost hour-long travel segment on Antarctica, will be online within a couple of days. It's availability via our store will be announced right here as soon as it's online.
In the meantime we have made available the HD Introduction to Issue #17 as a free streaming video for everyone to sample.
_______________
Duhhhh!
Last week's essay Your Camera Does Matter : A Rebuttal has generated a lot of debate. That's fine. But, based on emails received and what I read on this site's forum and some others, there is a small percentage who either didn't get it, or who simply have sub-optimal reading skills.
Firstly, just because I was arguing that good and appropriate equipment is important when doing many types of photography doesn't mean that the inverse is untrue; in other words, that talent isn't necessary. This is a simple logical fallacy that is taught in any reading comprehension course, yet which some seem to have assumed to be the case.
So just for the record, and as the kids say – Duhhhh! Of course talent and artistic skill are also necessary. How could anyone think otherwise? That's why I put the cartoon on the page. It makes that very point!
Secondly, people have said that I was misinterpreting Rockwell's article. No. I don't think so. Unfortunately, from what I have seen of his writing in the referred to essay, as well as the rest of those on his site, consistency of thought and clarity of expression are not hallmarks of his writing style. I was simply using his headlined position as a jumping off point to make my rebuttal.
Last week's essay Your Camera Does Matter : A Rebuttal has generated a lot of debate. That's fine. But, based on emails received and what I read on this site's forum and some others, there is a small percentage who either didn't get it, or who simply have sub-optimal reading skills.
Firstly, just because I was arguing that good and appropriate equipment is important when doing many types of photography doesn't mean that the inverse is untrue; in other words, that talent isn't necessary. This is a simple logical fallacy that is taught in any reading comprehension course, yet which some seem to have assumed to be the case.
So just for the record, and as the kids say – Duhhhh! Of course talent and artistic skill are also necessary. How could anyone think otherwise? That's why I put the cartoon on the page. It makes that very point!
Secondly, people have said that I was misinterpreting Rockwell's article. No. I don't think so. Unfortunately, from what I have seen of his writing in the referred to essay, as well as the rest of those on his site, consistency of thought and clarity of expression are not hallmarks of his writing style. I was simply using his headlined position as a jumping off point to make my rebuttal.
14 March, 2008 - What The Duck
Today's What the Duck cartoon is either a coincidence, or a most apropo rejoinder to yesterday's essay. In either event, it's funny, and I've added it to Your Camera Does Matter : A Rebuttal.
Today's What the Duck cartoon is either a coincidence, or a most apropo rejoinder to yesterday's essay. In either event, it's funny, and I've added it to Your Camera Does Matter : A Rebuttal.
"I have just purchased the excellent Camera to Print Tutorial. This
wonderful and exhaustive resource clearly and entertainingly explains
what really matters within the digital workflow from camera to print.
You and Jeff make a great and wise double act and bring passion and fun
to the topics covered. Many questions have been answered for me. I feel
I understand the fundamentals far better. I know my work will improve".
wonderful and exhaustive resource clearly and entertainingly explains
what really matters within the digital workflow from camera to print.
You and Jeff make a great and wise double act and bring passion and fun
to the topics covered. Many questions have been answered for me. I feel
I understand the fundamentals far better. I know my work will improve".
13 March, 2008 - Your Camera Does Matter
Enough. I can't take it any more. If I read one more time – It's not the camera, it's the photographer – I'm going to scream.
Or, instead of screaming, how about if I write an essay, which I have now done, titled Your Camera Does Matter : A Rebuttal.
The tips, tricks and just general excellent advice given by you and Jeff was like
having an apprenticeship with the two of you.
I've learned more from the video than reading any book.
As a result of the video, my acceptance rate for images being submitted
Enough. I can't take it any more. If I read one more time – It's not the camera, it's the photographer – I'm going to scream.
Or, instead of screaming, how about if I write an essay, which I have now done, titled Your Camera Does Matter : A Rebuttal.
I recently purchased the "From Camera To Print" video tutorial and just wanted
to say how completely, utterly and absolutely satisfied I am with the video.
The tips, tricks and just general excellent advice given by you and Jeff was like
having an apprenticeship with the two of you.
I've learned more from the video than reading any book.
As a result of the video, my acceptance rate for images being submitted
to iStockPhoto has gone from 50% to 100% after applying the techniques
of sharpening, noise reduction and image punch.
Thanks for an outstanding product at a very affordable price.
12 March, 2008 - Two Nikon D300 Reviews Now on Other Sites
Thom Hogan has published his Nikon D300 review this week, and today DPReview published theirs as well. An interesting alternative to the latest Eliot Spitzer reports, and never-ending Democratic primary stories. :-)
Thom Hogan has published his Nikon D300 review this week, and today DPReview published theirs as well. An interesting alternative to the latest Eliot Spitzer reports, and never-ending Democratic primary stories. :-)
"I have just purchased the excellent Camera to Print Tutorial. This
wonderful and exhaustive resource clearly and entertainingly explains
what really matters within the digital workflow from camera to print.
You and Jeff make a great and wise double act and bring passion and fun
to the topics covered. Many questions have been answered for me. I feel
I understand the fundamentals far better. I know my work will improve".
wonderful and exhaustive resource clearly and entertainingly explains
what really matters within the digital workflow from camera to print.
You and Jeff make a great and wise double act and bring passion and fun
to the topics covered. Many questions have been answered for me. I feel
I understand the fundamentals far better. I know my work will improve".
11 March, 2008 - Endowment Recipients Announced
I'm very pleased to announce today the recipients of the 2007 / 2008 Luminous Landscape Endowments. These eight award winners were chosen by our panel of judges from more than 200 applicants.
Your purchase of our download videos, along with generous donations from our private contributors and corporate sponsors made this possible. Thank you all.
Thanks as well to our judges. I know what a tough job it was selecting from such a wealth of talent and worthwhile projects.
I'm very pleased to announce today the recipients of the 2007 / 2008 Luminous Landscape Endowments. These eight award winners were chosen by our panel of judges from more than 200 applicants.
Your purchase of our download videos, along with generous donations from our private contributors and corporate sponsors made this possible. Thank you all.
Thanks as well to our judges. I know what a tough job it was selecting from such a wealth of talent and worthwhile projects.
Click here for a listing of the What's New archives.
