This page contains descriptions of changes made to this site during 2000.
Current site update information is foundhere.
Please check theTable of Contentsfor a complete overview of this site.

Sunday, December 31, 2000

Happy New Year! 

Please note that I will be off-line until January 9, and therefore will not be able to respond to emails, Forum messages or critique submissions until then.

Friday, December 29, 2000

Guest contributorJames Chowhas provided a beautiful large format study ofOxbow Bendon theSnake RiverinGrand Teton National Park.This is a fascinating example of how the same location can provide two totally different images as a consequence of the light and weather. In fact, some say that landscape photographers don’t really photograph places at all, but that these are simply backgrounds for whatever light and weather is present. 

Thursday, December 28, 2000

There’s a lot of misinformation bandied about on Internet newsgroups. One of the most common falsehoods on the printer forums is regardingCMYK printingand inkjet printers. I’ve now updated myFAQon this topic.

Usually I findAPERTURE magazineto be too pretentious and self-indulgent. Issue#161, currently on larger newsstands everywhere, features a very well done monograph on one of the inventors of photography,Fox Talbot. If the early history of photography is of interest to you I highly recommend it.

Wednesday, December 27, 2000

The December, 2000 Critique Contest has now closed and the winner of a one year subscription toThe Luminous Landscape Video JournalisDai Rhys. Congratulations Dai!

Tuesday, December 26, 2000

I have added a second photograph this month to myFeatured Imagesection. These are images which I believe stand above my usual output and which have therefore earned a place as part of my permanent portfolio. This new entry is ofAgathla ButtenearMonument Valley, AZ.

Saturday, December 23, 2000

The October 2001Fall Color in Great Smoky National Park & The Blue Ridge Parkwayworkshop has now sold out. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list for future workshops please fill in the registration form.

Friday, December 22, 2000

I’m just beginning to explore doing macro photography after an absence of many years. The technology has changed considerably and I review Canon’slatest macro gear.

Thursday, December 21, 2000

I’m pleased to publicly announce my next available landscape photography workshop‚Fall Color in Great Smoky National Park & The Blue Ridge Parkway. This will take place from October18 – 22, 2001. Of the 9 available spots as of today there areonly 3 places left. (The first 6 positions went to people on the waiting list).

Registrations are first-come-first-served so if you’re interested you’ll need to act right away.

Monday, December 18, 2000

A review of Epson’s 13" X 33 foot longPremium Luster Photo Paperis now online. If you shoot and print panoramic photographs this paper will be of considerable interest.

A briefessaywith some thought on the true cost of high-end equipment has also just been published.

Friday, December 15, 2000

I’ve been using a high-end LCD monitor since late ’99 and wouldn’t change back to a CRT for anything. I love the crisp image, the lack of heat and the lack of radiation. I also find it much easier on my eyes than any CRT that I’ve ever used. 

My friend and highly talented Arizona-based landscape photographerAlain Briothas recently purchased the excitingApple Cinema Displayandhis reviewis now available.

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Since I’m aCanonuser when working in 35mm, I never get to personally testNikongear.Nikonexpert userMoose Petersonnow hasa reviewof the newNikon 80-400f4.5-5.6AF VR lensas well as theNikon 14f2.8D AF ED RF Asphericalultra-wide-angle on his web site. 

Thursday, December 14, 2000

I’m pleased to mention that one of my more popular recent photographs,Mono Lake Sunrise, has been given anHonorable Mentionin the7th Annual International Picture Contestsponsored byPopular Photographymagazine. It’s found on Page 94 of the January 2001 issue. This same image was featured in my recent portfolio sale done throughPhoto Techniquesmagazine.

If you’ve already visited my newIndian Countryportfolio you might be interested in revisiting it as I have added a number of new photographs in the past couple of days.

Wednesday, December 13, 2000

My friend and talented Arizona-based landscape photographerAlain Briothas contributed abrief essayon the nature ofRock Art. Anyone interested in Southwestern petroglyphs and pictographs, as illustrated in my new portfolio, may find it of interest.

Tuesday, December 12, 2000

A major new portfolio from my recent trip toIndian CountryinNorthern Arizonahas been published today. It contains sections on Canyon de Chelly , Monument Valley , the Bisti Badlands , Lower Antelope Canyon , the Grand Canyon and some Lesser Known Locations . Links to each of these sections are found on the portfolio’smain page.

This was a somewhat unique shoot for me since I exclusively used the new digitalCanon EOS D30camera rather than the medium format equipment that I usually work with when doing a landscape project. The results were uniformly excellent.

Monday, December 11, 2000

I have received quite a bit of email regarding my forthcoming Workshop plans. Here’s an update. There will be two landscape workshops in 2001. The first is an invitation-onlyMaster-Classthat will be taking place in April on a houseboat onLake Powell. Participation has been finalized.

The next will likely be a fall colour workshop that will take place inGreat Smoky National Parkand theBlue Ridge ParkwayinOctober, 2001. As soon as details are firmed-up they will be announced here and anyone on the waiting list will be advised first via email.

Thursday, December 7, 2000

MyIndian Countryportfolio is still in preparation but one image has stood out during my review and it can now be found as myFeatured Imagefor December.

To those that have made submissions to this month’sCritique Contest,please be patient until early next week, as my ability to post them has been delayed by various travel commitments .

Wednesday, December 6, 2000

I’ve just returned from a week-long photographic trip toIndian Country ‚ mostly northernArizona. We covered some 1,800 miles in 7 days and visitedMonument Valley,Canyon de Chelly, theBisti Badlands,Lower Antelope Canyonand theGrand Canyon. Whew! 

Over the next several weeks I’ll be publishing here comprehensive portfolios and travel guides from each of these locations. Check back here regularly for updates.

Monday, November 27, 2000

UntilDecember 6I will be traveling on a shooting assignment in central and northernArizona. Anyone following the evolving saga of the new digitalCanon EOS-D30may be interested to learn that I intend on using it almost exclusively on this shoot. Of course there will be a portfolio and extensive travel guide online here once I return.

TheNovember Critique Contestis now closed. Because of travel and shooting commitments over the next 10 days or so I will be unable to accept new submissions for December’s contest until about December 8. This month’s winner has been declared and it isThilo Foleskyof Berlin, Germany. Congratulations!

Sunday, November 26, 2000

Once againIan LyonsofComputer Darkroomhas produced a superb tutorial‚ this time on the complex subject ofcolour managementinPhotoShop 6. 

If you have not yet upgraded toPhotoshop 6you’ll find that the new colour management alone is sufficient reason and Ian’s tutorial makes it all comprehensible. 

Friday, November 24, 2000

Ian LyonsofComputer Darkroomhas just posted a new review on theColor Vision Spyderand software for improved monitor calibration on his web site. 

Friday, November 17, 2000

A new tutorial on applying a traditionalContrast Maskingtechnique within Photoshop has been added. This technique is very exciting because it is one of the easiest ways I’ve yet seen for mastering blocked-up highlights and murky shadows.

Thursday, November 16, 2000

If you’re dissatisfied with colour saturation when printing with theEpson 2000PonArchival Mattepaper try changing theColor Managementsetting in the printer driver toPhotoEnhance4and setTonetoVivid. I know, I know, you’re using ICM profiles.Fugetabout it. Try my suggestions. Rich saturated colours and solid blacks. Bizarre. 

Wednesday, November 15, 2000

Several final animalportraitsfrom the Toronto zoo, this time taken with theCanon 100~400mm f/5.6zoom on a sunny day.

If you’re not totally bored by the surfeit of recentCanon D30coverage here, you may be interested in a finalized review byImaging Resources. "Overall, the D30 delivered exceptionally high quality images, with excellent detail, excellent color, excellent tonal range, and very good noise performance. Look out world, Canon’s on a roll, and the digital photography landscape is changing yet again… For the better! Highly recommended!"

Tuesday, November 14, 2000

A new photo essay titledCaptive Wildlifewill be of interest to anyone interested in wildlife or zoo photography, long lens technique and the newCanon D30camera.

Sunday, November 12, 2000

There is a major trade show next weekend, November 18 ‚20, calledPrint Ontario 2000. It is taking place inToronto, Canada. I mention it because not only will it be displaying the latest medium to large format printers but also becauseVistek, one of Canada’s largest digital imaging equipment dealers, will be displaying a number of myCanon EOS-D30photographs as poster-sized prints at their booth. TheEpson 9000and7500will be be used to make these prints. My recent D30Jaguarphotograph will be displayed as a 4′ X 6′ print! I’ll be wandering the show on Monday morning, Nov 20,  if you’d like to get together and say hello. 

Enroute Softwarethe publishers ofPowerStitch, a remarkably powerful image stitching program, have announced that the product is being discontinued. This is a shame, and it means that if you would like to purchase a copy of this exceptional software you’d better do so soon, since I know of no comparable alternative.

Saturday, November 11, 2000

A preliminary review of the ultra-wideSigma 14mm f/2.8lens as used with the digitalCanon D30SLR.

Friday, November 10, 2000

A gray rainy day at theToronto Zoowith the newCanon D30and the superbCanon 300mm f/2.8L ISlens. Thephotographsare really amazing.

Thursday, November 9, 2000

Current and prospectiveCanon D30owners may be interested inThe Digital Wallet, a flawed but still useful product. 

Wednesday, November 8, 2000

I’m pleased to announce thatProfessional-Photography.comhas written "…due to the outstanding design and content of your site, our editors have designated your site to receive an "Impact Award". Please be aware that less than 2% of our submissions win this award, and even if we do say so ourselves, it’s quite an honor."

Tuesday, November 7, 2000

A new sample photograph taken with theCanon D30is nowavailable. What is interesting about this one is that it’s a wonderful example of the colour accuracy and luminosity that I find so striking, and to be the hallmark of the D30. As well, I have an offer to email a 2.6MB version to anyone that wishes to have a copy.

Byte.comhas an excellent article byDavid Emon Epson’s latest generation of printers, papers and inks, and the problems that they’re having. You can read ithere.

The first week of November has seen a huge increase in submissions to theCritique Contest. There have been 24 accepted in the past seven days, many of them excellent. You’ll enjoy reviewing them. See whatyouthink.

Sunday, November 5, 2000

If you work in Black & White and utilize digital image processing techniques you’ll be interested in my new tutorial‚Better B&W. It explains how to use PhotoShop’sChannel Mixerto emulate the use of coloured filters in black and white.

Rob Galbraithatrobgalbraith.comhas now published his hands-on review of theD30from the perspective of a photojournalist. He has great admiration for the camera’s image quality, though some reservations about autofocus and shooting speed.

Friday, November 3, 2000

Further use of theD30has caused me to rethink my workflow. Anew sectionon this can be found within my article onManaging Megabytes.

The flurry of world-wide interest in theCanon D30has lead to numerous inquiries regarding my articleInstant PhotoShop. This has now been updated to include digital camera output.

The first three days of November have seen almost a dozenCritique Contestsubmissions. If you haven’t seen them yet, you’ll definitely enjoy theseexcellent photographs.

Thursday, November 2, 2000

A newFeatured Imagehas been published, derived from myAppalachian Autumn’sexpanding portfolio.

Wednesday, November 1, 2000

The winner of ourCritique Contestfor October isFred Lord. Congratulations Fred. 

A new portfolio has been started.Appalachian Autumnfeatures photographs taken inGreat Smoky National Parkand theBlue Ridge Parkwayin North Carolina two weeks ago during the peak of fall colour. More images will be added in the days ahead.

ContributorJack Zyberkof Ottawa, Canada, has provided us with an informative review of theMamiya 7IIrangefinder medium format camera.

Tuesday, October 31, 2000

For those of you of the Goblinish persuasion,Happy Halloween.  Please drive carefully this evening.

If you are interested in purchasing an archival print of one of my photographs, as offered in myspecial portfolio salefromPhoto Techniquesmagazine, note that today is the last day to submit your order.

Monday, October 30, 2000

MyCanon D30review and its conclusion thatD30images can exceed film in final print quality continues to create controversy. Harold Merklinger, a well regarded expert in the field of optics, and author of several books on the subject, has weighed in withhis opinionon this debate. 

I have added a new section to that review calledGripes & Grumbles. The titles speaks for itself.

Another new section calledA D30 Portfoliowill feature various photographs taken with this system that are not part of major portfolios.

Sunday, October 29, 2000

Last night, on my 6th day with the newCanon EOS-D30I was fortunate enough to photograph anAurora Borealisat my cottage inMuskoka, Ontario. A very exciting opportunity with some interesting results. 

I have been disturbed by several private as well as public comments that I’ve received from people who are under the impression that a digital image, whether from a scan or a camera such as the Canon D30, should be regarded as an end in itself. I’ve therefore written an article entitledDigital is Not Polaroid.

Brian Taoof Toronto has visited the dealer where I bought my D30 and has evaluated the prints, and compared them with my conclusions. Brian has published his commentshere.

The only thing that I would add to what Brian and others see atVistekis that these prints are roughly 12 X 16" images on 13 X 19" paper. If you look at 7 X 10" prints theD30is visibly superior, even under a loupe. What we’re loosing in the larger prints is inevitable no matter how good a jobGenuine Fractalsdoes in ressing-up a file. Next year’s 6 Megapixel camera with theCanon’sCMOS chip and electronics will definitively push digital over the top.

Saturday, October 28, 2000

Steve atSteve’s DigiCamshas just published his review of theCanon EOS-D30. His admiration for it is comparable to mine‚ for much the same reasons.

A smalldesign flawin theD30‘s neck strap mounting loop prevents the invaluable wrist strap from mounting. Also, I have started testing theD30‘sbuilt-in flash.

Friday, October 27, 2000

I have added aneditorial commentaryto myD30 Vs. Filmpage. The email that I’ve received the past few days has been staggering, and this is an attempt to further clarify my current position.

I’m taking a long-weekend to relax in the country and get away from the computer. This has been a hectic week. (I still haven’t even looked at my 20 rolls shot at Great Smoky National Parklastweek). 

If you haven’t already seen it, the latest issue of (Nov/Dec 2000) issue ofPHOTO Techniques USAmagazine features two articles written by me‚ a review of theEpson 2000Pand one on how to create a web photo gallery. The magazine is currently on newsstands everywhere in the USA and Canada.

One finalD30write-up for this week‚ a commentary onCustom Function 12, which allows instant alteration of the ISO speed of the camera without use of the rear CRT. Very handy.

Thursday, October 26, 2000

Managing huge scanned files is enough of a problem. A digital SLR producing hundreds of 3MB files in a day is another. Here’s an article onManaging Megabytesand a brief review of Canon’s providedZoombrowsersoftware.

After the first 3 days without it, I now have theBG-ED3vertical grip for theCanon D30and have produced a commentary and recommendation on it. I also have on the page a link to a new large-sized photograph that shows what the camera can do at ISO 400.

Uwe SteinmeulleratDigital Outback Photois a long-timeNikon D1owner. He now has aCanon D30and has started his on-going review. "I am really amazed about the detail shown in these photos. For me they are somehow more three dimensional than my D1 photos. Very film like and just wonderful."

Wednesday, October 25, 2000

Part of my ongoing review of the exciting new digitalCanon EOS-D30has been acomparisonbetween theD30andProvia 100Fshot in anEOS 1V. In part because of the controversial nature of this report and also becausePhil Askey’satDigital Photography Reviewposted a link to this write-up, that page has had more than7,500 visitorsin under 24 hours! Since my entire site usually gets about a thousand visitors a day this is pretty overwhelming.

Also, Phil drew to my attention that myRAW Vs. JPGcomparison was probably flawed. I’ve now redone the test and indeed have found that the D30’s JPG files are almost as sharp as RAW mode images. Sorry for any confusion.

Tuesday, October 24, 2000

My on-going testing and review of theCanon EOS-D30has been expanded. The results are astonishing, particularly thecomparisonbetween theD30andProvia 100Fshot in anEOS 1V. There is as well acomparative testof RAW mode Vs. compressed JPG, and also an ISOsensitivitycomparison at ISO 100 Vs. 400. 

Monday, October 23, 2000

I have now begun my testing and use of the just-releasedCanon D30digital SLR. I am fortunate to have received one of the first production cameras released in North America. I will be updating the review page quite frequently over the next few days as I gain experience with this system. Please check there frequently if you’d like to learn more about this exciting camera. I will be noting the time of updates there as they are made so you’ll easily know when there’s something new.

Sunday, October 22, 2000

MyCanon EOS D30digital SLR has finally arrived and I am eager to begin testing. You can expect to see some initial comments and sample images over the next few days. Check back here often for links. Of course a full review will follow early in November.

I also have a review of theCorel Knockoutsoftware package in preparation and a you can expect a review within a couple of weeks.

Saturday, October 21, 2000

I am currently on my way back home after completing my 6 week Southeastern sojourn. I just completed a final shoot last week atGreat Smoky National Parkduring the peak of Fall colour. It was quite a beautiful show, and I hope to start putting up a portfolio within a few days.

The new issue ofPhoto Techniquesmagazine contains two articles written by me; a review of theEpson 2000Pprinter, and also an article on creating aWeb Photo Gallery. This latter article can also now befound onlineon thePhoto Techniquesweb site. (Click on theArticleslink at the bottom of their home page.) My original on-lineEpson 2000Preview is, of course, availablehere.

Monday, October 16, 2000

From now until about Tuesday, Oct. 24, I will be completing my trip to the U.S. southeast, including a final 3 days inGreat Smoky National Park. I’ll only be able to check my email and Forum messages from time to time, but I will respond to everyone upon my return.

By the time I’m home in Toronto next week the exciting newCanon EOS D30should be available. I’ll have a hands-on review available here as soon as possible.

Saturday, October 14, 2000

I have updated my essay of a couple of weeks ago,Same Old Shot — Different Daywith some new comparative photographs. The essay considers the advantages of revisiting worthwhile locations Vs. always seeking out the new.

It often isn’t clear, even to ourselves, why we pursue our art and craft with such passion. I have a new essay online calledOn Photographywhich explores one recent occasion when I learned something about my motivations, and myself.

Friday, October 13, 2000

A brief return visit yesterday to the mountains of northernGeorgiaproduced several new photographs. These include two images of amoon-setfromBrasstown Baldand another bucolic image fromWolf Pen Gap.(More to come tomorrow.)

If you haven’t yet visited myAppalachian Adventureportfolio you might be interested in exploring it. It exhibits an ongoing series of photographs taken inGeorgia,TennesseeandNorth Carolineduring this September and October.

Thursday, October 12, 2000

My mail system appears to be operational again and you can once again send mail to my usual accounts. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Wednesday, October 11, 2000

My primary email provider, Canada’sRogers-@-Home(otherwise know as the gang that couldn’t shoot straight)stillis unable to provide me with reliable email service. Since all my mail, including that fromLuminous-Landscapeis funneled through this account, I have no idea how many of you may have written and had your emails disappear.

For the time-being please send your emails tom_reichmann@hotmail.com, and if you’ve written during the past week and not received a response from me, please resend to the above address.

Tuesday, October 10, 2000

Please note that I have been experiencing email reception difficulties for the past few days. If you have sent me mail during the past week or soand I have not yet repliedplease assume that I never received it and kindly resend themto me.

ManyCanonlens owners have been eagerly awaiting theCanon EOS D30digital SLR. It looks like our wait is just about over. The latest news is that dealers will have their first shipments before the end of October.

In the meantimeDigital Photography Reviewhas published a very comprehensive review of a production version of the camera; a first. I’m still digesting it, but Phil has outdone himself this time. Everything you’re likely to want to know about theD30is covered.

I’m expecting to receive myD30within the next couple of weeks and plan to inaugurate it on a major shoot in Arizona in late November. I’ll be posting my own first impressions and photographs as soon as possible.

Friday, October 6, 2000

One of the black holes in many photographer’s knowledge is regarding the use of camera movements. Since tilt and shift lenses are available for various 35mm and medium format cameras an easy-to-understand tutorial oncamera movementshas been long overdue.

Thursday, October 5, 2000

A new section ofFrequently Asked Questionson photography and digital image processing has been added. It will continue to grow as time permits. If there are any questions of a general nature that you would like to see addressed, pleaselet me know.

I have just finished re-reading essayistSusan Sontag‘s excellent book,On Photography. If you care about photography in both its historical and contemporary context then this slim and inexpensive collection of essays is amust-read.

Wednesday, October 4, 2000

An essay considering the advantages of revisiting worthwhile locations Vs. always seeking out the new, calledSame Old Shot — Different Day.

Tuesday, October 3, 2000

Last weekend I returned toGreat Smokey National Parkfor a second visit. I have now postedfour new photographstaken atClingmans Dome,and one from theOconaluftee River. One of theClingmans Domeimages has also been posted as myFeatured Imagefor September. It has quite an instructive story behind it.

A second new section with photographs from theBlue Ridge Parkwayhas been begun, and several recent photographs fromAmicalola State ParkandWoody Gapwere added to the section on the mountains ofNorthern Georgia.

Editorial Comment:A couple of weeks ago I criticizedShutterbugmagazine for not reporting on theEpson 2000P‘s green cast (metamerism) problem. I now see thatOutdoor Photographer&PC PhotoMagazine(same review)have also quietly ignored the problem.

What’s wrong with these publishers? Is the power of advertising revenue so strong that they turn a blind eye to product faults? Or, are the reviews simply becoming advertorials, the way they have been for years inPetersons Photographic?

Monday, October 2, 2000

Large-format landscape photographerBill Glickmanis one of those rare individuals who owns his own drum scanner. He has kindly written areviewfor us describing the in-and-outs of using one of these highly specialized tools.

I haven’t gotten my hands on any yet butCharles Glatzerover atNature Photographers Onlinehas some initial comments on the just releasedProvia 400F. I should have my own review shortly.

Sunday, October 1, 2000

The winner of September’sCritique Contestand a one year subscription to the forthcomingLuminous Landscape Video JournalisPeter Jarverof Australia. Congratulations Peter. Wonderful shot.

If you’re interested in a summary of the latest digital imaging products from the bi-annualPhotokinashow just ended last week in Cologne, Germany, have a look atRobert Galbraith’sexcellent report.

Thursday, September 28, 2000

A brief 24-hour return visit to the mountains of northernGeorgiahas produced some new additions to myAppalachian Adventureportfolio. These include the relatively unknown but lovelyMinnihaha Falls, and threeHasselblad XPanpanoramics of a spectacular sunrise atBrasstown Bald, the highest mountain in Georgia.

And for a bit of whimsy there’s alwaysApple Bobbing.

For those looking for a less expensive scanner than theImacon FlexTight Photofor medium format you’ll be interested to hear thatPolaroidpreviewed theSprintScan 120, a 4,000-dpi, 14-bit scanner that handles 35mm film and most 120 formats (up to 6 by 9cm) at last week’sPhotokinashow in Germany. Featuring an optical density of 3.9 Dmax, the SprintScan 120 features SCSI-2 and FireWire interfaces. It will be available in the U.S. next year; Polaroid did not provide pricing.

Wednesday, September 27, 2000

My friend, Arizona-based landscape photographerAlain Briothas contributed his advise on how he handlesStorage and Archivinga very large image collection in aMacenvironment. This is a follow-up to yesterday’s featured article.

Tuesday, September 26, 2000

After receiving a number of queries about how best to store, index and archive digital image file I have now written a brief tutorial calledStorage and Archiving. The article also contains a brief review of an excellent tape back-up system fromOnStream.

Monday, September 25, 2000

Adiscussion forumdedicated to theEpson 2000Phas recently been formed and looks to be a worthwhile venue for finding out the latest news about this printer, its promise and its problems. If you haven’t already seen it,ourreview of the 2000P can be foundhere.Don’t forget to come back after visiting off-site pages.

Thursday, September 21, 2000

I have add the final new image from last week’s shoot to my ongoingAppalachian Adventureportfolio and have reorganized the material into discrete pages. I’ll be returning to the mountains of northernGeorgianext week and toGreat Smokynext weekend so there’ll be lots more to come toward the end of the month.

I am bringing to taskShutterbugmagazine for their review of theEpson 2000Pand I also provide a link to a site that has a well donedescriptionof the nature of that printer’s green cast (metamerism) problem.

Wednesday, September 20, 2000

A full review of theNoblex 150UXcamera is now online. This swing lens panoramic camera offer a 135 degree horizontal angle of coverage on 120 roll film, and a very unique perspective indeed for landscape photography.

Tuesday, September 19, 2000

Today begins an experiment in online photographic journalism. As I photograph the Appalachian region of the southeastern United States this fall, includingGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, I will be regularly posting a comprehensive travel guide and portfolio.

The section is calledAn Appalachian Adventureand each week between now and the end of October will see new images and travel information placed online. What will make this project unique for this site is that I will be posting significantly more content than usual‚ a running journal if you will.Please check the Appalachian Portfolio update notice on the Home Page for an advisory of new content as its posted. 

Eventually when the Fall season is over I will pare the section down to something more selective and concentrated. But for now it will be a work-in-progress and you’re invited to watch it develop. Yourcommentsare welcome as always.

Friday, September 15, 2000

Regular readers may be aware that I am now traveling in the Southeastern U.S. until late October. I need temporary scans from my medium format film for image evaluation while on the road, and I have found that the very inexpensiveEpson Perfection 1200U Photoscanner does a decent job for the money. It’s also a fine scanner for someone getting into medium format digital on a tight budget.

Thursday, September 14, 2000

PCWorld.comhas an article on theEpsonorange fadeproblem that you may find of interest if you’re an870or1270owner. My original review of these printers, and ongoing information on this problem can be foundhere.

Two new products have come to light today.dpreview.comhas reported thatPentaxwill be announcing a 6 Megapixel SLR next week atPhotokinaandKodak’snew 3600 dpi 35mm scanner is profiled here.

Tuesday, September 12, 2000

If you’ve been following the emerging information onCanon’sforthcoming digital SLR, theD30, you’ll be very pleased to learn thatCanon FranceandCanon Germanyhave announced theirMSRPat the equivalent of aboutUSD $2,500. The includes each country’s VAT. (Thanks todpreview.comfor this information).

This price is significantly lower that early forecasts and leads me to believe that the final U.S. retail price will be under $2,000. Given that early comparison tests are showing the camera to be very competitive in image quality withNikon’s D1we have the makings of a very exciting marketplace. 

Monday, September 11, 2000

Fuji Film(enter400Fas a search term on the Fuji site)in the United States has quietly introduced the long rumouredProvia 400F. It isn’t yet available from eitherCalumetorB&H, but should be arriving at retailers soon. Reports from Japan have shown this film to be the finest grained, lowest contrast ISO 400 slide film yet. I’ll have a full test as soon as it becomes available. (For my review of ISO 400 slide films clickhere).

Two new contributions to ourSubmission Contestare online today, both are from readers down-under in Australia and New Zealand.

Saturday, September 9, 2000

ContributorBill Glickman, a Las Vegas based large format landscape photographer has provided us with a hands-on review of the remarkableSeitz Roundshot 220VRpanoramic camera.

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Bruce Frazer, a journalist, book author and one of the industry’s leading experts on colour calibration has published anopen lettertoEpsoninMacWEEK.comregarding the orange fade problem with the 1270 printer. If you have not already seen it, you will find my full review of the 1270 as well as ongoing commentaryhere.

Sunday, September 3, 2000

Between now and early November I will be away from my home in Toronto a great deal.Atlanta, GA will be my main base for the next two months and I plan on doing a great deal of shooting inGeorgiaandTennessee, especially during October for fall colours.Great Smokey National Parkis a primary target location. 

This also means though that I will be away from my "darkroom" and the ability to test and review products. But, I will be shooting extensively and online daily with updates to this site, news and commentary.

By the way, if you live in the Atlanta and do landscape work in this area I’d love to hear from you. You can write to me atthisaddress.

Friday, September 1, 2000

As some of you may know, I’ve been keenly following the development announcements on the forthcomingCanondigital SLR. Canon has now placed onlinesample picturestaken with a production qualityD30. There are also complete final specs and photos of the camera. Load one of the photos (try the still-life of the bowl of fruit). Do a right-clickCopythen loadPhotoShop, open aNewwindow andPasteit in. Try a small amount ofUnsharp Mask. 

As an experiment I usedGenuine Fractals 2.0 Proto res-up the file to 10" X 15" at 240 dpi and made a print onArchival Mattpaper with theEpson 2000P. If someone had told me that the shot had been taken with a fine grained 35mm colour film I would not have been surprised. I don’t know about you, but I’m really impressed!

Thursday, August 31, 2000

With the introduction in early 2000 of Canon’s new flagship camera, theEOS-1V, theEOS-1nhas started to fade into history. But, it has been such a stalwart of the pro and advanced amateur market that it could be many years indeed until the last of them are retired from service.

Jim Erhardt, publisher of the excellent web sitenature photographers.nethas contributeda reviewwhich should help newcomers to the marque become familiar with the 1n’s features and capabilities. My first-look review of the new EOS-1V can be foundhere.

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I have long recommended a subscription toGeorge Lepp‘s excellent newsletterThe Natural Image. He has just announced a new one called, naturally enough,The Digital Image. Do have a look at the web page announcement. This could become (along withThe Luminous Landscapeof course) one of the best resources on the subject.

Wednesday, August 30, 2000

The winner of theAugust Critique CompetitionisLeigh Perryof Sydney, Australia. Congratulations Leigh!September’s competitionis now open for submissions. What are you waiting for?

A review of the just releasedES-E1software which provides digital camera type record keeping andCustom Functioncontrol for Canon’s flagship SLR, theEOS-1V.

Tuesday, August 29, 2000

A new portfolio of photographs taken over 4 consecutive days last week inMuskoka, Ontariois now online. CalledFour Mornings, it contains images that capture the beauty of Canada’s northern pine forests and lakes in late summer. 

One of these,Cormorant Sunrise, is the newFeatured Imagefor August.

Monday, August 28, 2000

I’ve spent the past week shooting in Northern Ontario, more than 125 miles from the nearest E6 lab. I mention this because if ever there was a time to have wanted one of the new digital SLRs, this would be it. I’d love to be able to review my work each day rather than having to wait till I return tocivilization. 

Soon enough though. Nikon lens users have had theNikon D1for the past year and they now have the additional choice of theFuji S1which began shipping this week.Canon users (like me)  will have to wait about another 60 days because theCanon D30, which was to have shipped shortly has now been delayed until at least the end of October.

Of course the big question is, how will these three sub-$5,000 cameras compare? TheImaging Resourcesweb site now has a comparison of these "Titans" and the results are quite surprising. (Hint‚ the D30 doesverywell indeed!) 

A test of a late pre-production D30 byImaging Resourcesis also availablehere.

For more links toCanon D30information visit myEOS Digitalpreview page.

Friday, August 25, 2000

My review of theHasselblad XPancamera system that appeared in theJuly / Augustissue ofPhoto Techniques USAmagazine is now off the newsstands and so I’m pleased to republish it here on my site.The reviewis based on my original manuscript but has been expanded and has as well additional illustrative photographs.

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And now for something really arcane‚ a description of theHasselblad ArcBody’scamera inverterfor falling-front applications. Hey, some people find this stuff useful 🙂 

Thursday, August 24, 2000

While my personal use of image processing software (PhotoShop) is almost exclusively for tasks similar to those previously done in  the darkroom, many people use such tools extensively to create original art. Guest contributorGregory Georgeshas produced a fascinating tutorial on turning photographs into awatercolored pen & ink drawings.

Wednesday, August 23, 2000

PotentialPolaroid 4000scanner owners should note that my colleagueIan LyonsofComputer Darkroomhas written a comprehensive4 part tutorialon usingLaserSoft’s SilverFastAI5 scanningsoftware which now comes bundled with the scanner. My original Polaroid 4000 review can be foundhere.

Tuesday, August 22, 2000

After a recent discussion with an informedEpsonrepresentative I now have updated information on both the2000P green castissue and the870/1270 orange fadeproblem. In both cases it appears that the problems have been understood and admitted to (finally). 

Sunday, August 20, 2000

I am proud to announce that the current (Sept/Oct 2000) issue ofPHOTO Techniques USAmagazine features aspecial portfolioof 4 prints from my recent work in the American Southwest. These are available though the magazine at a very special price.

The magazine is currently on newsstands everywhere in the USA and Canada. If you can’t find one, you can view and order from the announcement pagehere. 

Thursday, August 17, 2000

A staffer forUSA Todayhas been testing a pre-productionCanon D30at theDemocratic National Conventionand has some quite positive feedback.

Two new submissions are on display on ourCritiquessection.

Wednesday, August 16, 2000

Alinkis provided on myEpson 1270review page to a major U.K. magazine’s criticism of Epson for their "hidden" refund policy. Now, if only Epson evenhada policy‚ any policy, regarding the2000Pgreen shift problem!

Friday, August 11, 2000

The Luminous Landscapeis expanding! We are looking forauthors and contributorsto provide us withtest reports,product reviewsandtutorialson every aspect of photography, darkroom work or digital image processing. Whether you’re an experienced journalist, or would like to try your hand at it for the first time‚ here’s your opportunity. Clickherefor more information on how to make an editorial contribution.

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The newArchival MattandPremium Semiglosspapers introduced with theEpson 2000Pprinter will be of particular interest toEpson 870/ 1270owners as well. I havetested themand found that they work very will indeed.

Thursday, August 10, 2000

Though I enjoy producing and publishing product reviews, (and based on your emails I know you enjoy reading them) ultimately our common interest is all about photography‚ both doing it and viewing it. I’d like to draw your attention to the current issue ofCommunication Artsmagazine;Photography Annual #41. You should be able to find it right now at any large bookstore’s magazine section.

It contains some of the finest advertising, editorial and fine-art photography produced this year. I can’t imagine a better way to spend an afternoon than studying this wonderful collection of photographs.

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A little closer to home, in the past few days there have been several new submissions to ourCritiquesection which you may find of interest. 

Wednesday, August 9, 2000

I’ve received an interesting email from a reader withsome observationson the possible cause of theEpson 2000Pgreen cast problem, and also spoken with a couple of dealers abouttheir experienceswith this product over the past couple of weeks.

Tuesday, August 8, 2000

Owners of Nikon lenses who are awaiting shipment of theFuji S1digital SLR will be interested inPhil Askey’scomprehensivereviewof a production camera atDigital Photography Review. Those of us withCanonlenses will await a similar review of theD30, which should be available next month. The days ahead are going to be quite interesting.

Saturday, August 5, 2000

TheCanon D30digital SLR is getting closer to production and shipping.Hereis a link to test reports in both Japanese and English along with sample images.

Friday, August 4, 2000

Another thoughtful reader,Daniel Bliss, has contributed his informed speculation on the nature of the 2000P green shift.

Thursday, August 3, 2000

The British magazineProfessional Photographerhas a review of the Epson 2000P in their August issue and they discuss the green cast issue. I have added a summary and my own commentshere.

A reader,Lawrence Beck, has provided an interesting speculation on the possible origins of this problem. His letter is reproducedhere. Another reader,Greg Governale,takes issuewith blaming Epson for what he sees as a broader problem.

Tuesday, August 1, 2000

Several new very fine submissions have been posted to theCritiquesection.

A link to a wonderful book of interviews withLife Magazine’stop photographers called,What They Saw.

A new section on myEpson 2000Preview page with clippings from some of thetechnical discussionstaking place onListServesandNewsgroupsaround the net.

Monday, July 31, 2000

Over the weekend I posted aClosing Commentabout the green cast problem seen on some prints made with theEpson 2000Parchival printer. I have removed this because after another couple of days of testing and discussion with other users I now believe the problem to be more serious than I at first thought. If this topic interests you have a look at my newClosing Comment.

Sunday, July 30, 2000

Our JulySubmissions Contestis now closed. The winner isEnrico PocopagniofGenoa, Italy. Congratulations Enrico!August’s competitionis now open for submissions. Are you up for it?

A new site has appeared focusing on theorange fadeproblem encountered by someEpson 1270users. I have addeda linkto it from myEpson 1270 reviewpage.

Saturday, July 29, 2000

ContributorRon Harrishas addedhis observationsof the new Epson2000Pwhen used as aBlack & Whiteprinter. 

Friday, July 28, 2000

There is now a lengthy write up onCanon’sforthcoming digital SLR, theD30,atrobgalbraith.com. While not the high-end camera that many of us have been waiting for, (this is likely coming next summer) it certainly sounds better than some had feared. For other links and information on the forthcoming D30 checkhere.

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I have now changed my fine-art print sales fromLightJet 5000prints made onFuji Crystal Archivepaper to ones made with the new super-archival inks and papers on theEpson 2000P. Consequently, because I now have total control over the entire print making process and no longer require an outside service bureau, I am able to make my prints available at a substantially reduced price.Click herefor more information on purchasing prints.

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Canadians interested in the newEpson 2000Pprinter should note thatVistekin Toronto now has substantial inventory on this printer. Unfortunately inks are in short supply and the new archival papers are not yet in stock (!?)

Thursday, July 27, 2000

An excellent plugin forPhotoShopcallednik Sharpener Pro!solves many of the problems associated withUnsharp Masking. A hands-on review is now online.

Epsonin the US appears to be offering customers refunds for any orange faded prints made with 1270 printers. You can read more about ithere. 

The Epson 2000P Green Cast:Reports from theU.K.about a green casttoEpson 2000Pprints have been a puzzle. I believe that I now understand why some people see them and some don’t. 

Wednesday, July 26, 2000

My long-awaited review of theEpson Stylus Photo 2000Pis now online. This archival inkjet printer produces prints with up to a 200 year life span and glorious image quality. If you are a photographer who sells or exhibits your work youmustread this review.

Today saw excellent new submissions to theCritiquesection. I’m pleased that these were contributions by two Europeans;Raphaël ZeiherofFranceandRene TielenburgofThe Netherlands. This site has a considerable international audience though it is based in Canada. The Internet is a great place because it makes the world smaller in ways like this.

Two new photographsare online from my personal summer project of shooting sunsets from my cottage deck inMuskoka, Ontario. I have now moved this series toits own page. 

Saturday, July 22, 2000

Contax has finally announced the rumoredContax-N1, a new autofocus 35mm camera system. The N1 utilizes a new lens mount that appearsnotto be compatible with the previous Contax mount. Interestingly itdoesallow lenses from theContax 645to be used with all functions available.

Friday, July 21, 2000

Ian LyonsofComputer Darkroomrecently had an opportunity to spend a few hours with a 2000P and has posted hispreliminary impressions. As for me,Epsonhas let me down, having promised a review sample as much as two weeks ago. I’ll keep waiting. (What information I do have is availablehere).

The first submissions for the newCritiquesection are now online.

Chi Cheung, a member of mySpring Monument Valley Workshopnow has hisportfolio(finally) online.

Thursday, July 20, 2000

A new sectionoffering an opportunity to have your photography critiqued on-line byMichael Reichmannas well as by readers of this site has been opened. Accepted submissions will be displayed along with Michael’s critique. ACritique Sectionon ourDiscussion Forumwill be open to all readers who wish to enter their own opinions and observations of the work submitted. 

One photograph each month that is judged to be of the greatest appeal and of the highest quality will be awarded a complimentary 1-year subscription theLuminous Landscape Video Journal,valued at $69.95.

What are you waiting for? The monthlyCritique & Contestis now open.

Tuesday, July 18, 2000

About a year earlier than I expected to see it, news of a 6 Megapixel SLR for well under $10,000 U.S. has just come out of Japan.Kyocerahas announced theContax N-Digitalusing a full-frame sized imaging sensor.  More details can be found at the always up-to-dateDigital Photography Review.

Sunday, July 16, 2000

A Tutorial onBlended Exposureshas just been published. This describes how to usePhotoShopto create images with an 8-10 stop dynamic range. It utilizes separate highlight and shadow exposures and is a useful technique when split neutral density filters can’t be used.

Saturday, July 15, 2000

Field of Viewnumbers for various focal lengths and formats as well as a link to an onlineFOVcalculator have been added to the recently publishedPowerStitchreview. Knowing this number for the lens used is a requirement for accurate alignment and compositing.

Friday, July 14, 2000

A feature hands-on review of the uniqueHasselblad Arcbodyis now online. This pocket-sized viewcamera has not yet been reviewed anywhere else on the Net. Read about how it can solve a number of specialized problems for landscape photographers.

Thursday, July 13, 2000

An additionalexample photograph, created with the recently reviewedPowerStitchsoftware by contributorJonathan Sachs, has been added.

Wednesday, July 12, 2000

A collection of new photographs calledA Muskoka Portfoliois now online. Taken inOntarioonLake Muskokathey include some wildlife as well as several classic style up-north landscape images.

Tuesday, July 11, 2000

Panoramic photography is one of my passions, as is the use of the best available tools for digital image processing.PowerStitchis a software package that permits the digital stitching together of panels of photographs to create panoramas as well as multidimensional composites without distortion and with exceptional quality.

Arebuttalto my favourable review of theSekonic L508light meter by contributorJonathan Sachshas been added.

Sunday, July 9, 2000

A review of theSekonic L508 IImeter has been added. This is quite possible the ultimate lightmeter. If you need aspotmeter,incident meterorflashmeter itshould be on yourmust considerlist.

Atutorialon usingincident light meteringis another new article which should be of particular interest to newcomers to photography.

Saturday, July 8, 2000

The summer doldrums may be here, but not atThe Luminous Landscape. Several reviews are in preparation, including the Web’s first full-scale review of the uniqueHasselblad ArcBody. This should be online within a week.

Other product reviews as well as several major travel articles and portfolios are in the works, so check back often.

Saturday, July 2, 2000

A new web site with extensive information on wide-carriage inkjet printers is now online. A link is providedhereon my recentEpson — The Next Generationpage.

Wednesday, June 28, 2000

A small portfolio from a recent trip toHawaiihas been added. These were taken with theHasselblad XPan.

Monday, June 26, 2000

TheJuly / August 2000issue ofPHOTO Techniquesmagazine, currently on newsstands, features a review written by me of theHasselblad XPan. Once this issue is off the newsstands in mid-August the article will be added to my brief write-up on the XPan which can already be foundhere.

I’m also pleased to announce that four of my prints will be featured in theSeptember / October 2000issue ofPHOTO Techniquesmagazine as part of theirCollector Print Series. This will be an opportunity for you to purchase several of my best and most recent images for a very special price. That issue ofPHOTO Techniquesshould be on newsstands in mid-August. 

Tuesday, June 20, 2000

Steve Kossack and I did some wildlife shooting together inMuskoka, Ontarioa couple of weeks ago. It’s informative to see how two photographers can shoot the same subject, with almost identical equipment within seconds of each other and end up with such completely different, yet excellent results.Michael’s photograph.Steve’s photograph.

Sunday, June 18, 2000

If you’ve looked at last month’sGrand Canyonrafting trip portfolio you might be interested in a couple of new photographs that have turned upOn Second Thought.

Information and a link regarding wide-spread reports of premature fading ofEpson 870and1270prints made onEpson Premium Glossy Photo Papercan be foundhere. This link to a .PDF file also contains additional information aboutEpson 2000Pinks and papers.

Saturday, June 17, 2000

I have created a new section calledFeatured Image. This will highlight one of the recent photographs from my portfolio and will provide extensive detail about how the photograph was made. The current featured image is calledMuskoka Heron #1.

Thursday, June 15, 2000

One of our U.K. readers has posted afirst lookat the newEpson 2000Parchival inkjet photo printer.

Wednesday, June 14, 2000

This site’sHome Pagehas been abbreviated as well as updated with navigation windows forLocations,ReviewsandTutorials. This should make finding content quicker and more convenient.

Tuesday, June 13, 2000

A few days agoAppleinsider.comhad a comprehensive review online of a beta release ofPhotoshop 6which is due out some time later this year. I placed a link to it here but apparently yesterday, Adobe’s legal department forced Appleinsider.com to remove it. Regardless, we now know that a major update of PhotoShop is on the way, and that’s always something to look forward to.

Wednesday, June 7, 2000

Details are starting to become clearer on theNext Generationof Epson archival printers. There are 3 models, the7500,9500and2000P. This article details what’s currently known.

Friday, June 2, 2000

AGrand Canyon portfolioby southwest photographerSteve Kossackis now online. Steve and I shot together on this trip for 8 days. It’s remarkable how 2 people in the same place at the same time can produce such different images.

There are now portfolios by members of our springMonument Valley Workshoponline. They are bySteve Chan,Lee Carney,Tom SimmsandEd Carmick.

Two final photographs from the Grand Canyon;CondorandYellow Tuftshave also been added.

Thursday, June 1, 2000

Today is the 1st anniversary ofThe Luminous Landscape. I want to thank the more than 45,000 visitors to the site during the past year for your interest and support. There’s lots more to come in the months ahead. Stay tuned. 

AlsoSidelight TreeandCliffs and Clouds, two newGrand Canyonimages, have been added.

Wednesday, May 31, 2000

MyGrand Canyon portfoliois now essentially complete. If you haven’t seen it in a couple of days, several new images have been added. These includeGreen Falls,Triple Falls,Saddle Canyon Falls,Cactus CliffsandRedwall Canyon. 

Somerecommended readingon rafting theGrand Canyonhas also been added.

I’d like to recommend a stunning new book of landscape photography. It’s calledDaybreak 2000and is well worth your attention.

Tuesday, May 30, 2000

While I was away last weekEpsonmade an extremely exciting product announcement. They have announced theStylus Photo 2000P, similar to the new 1270 but utilizing pigment based inks and papers, with a claimed200+ year life spanunder normal display conditions. You can read the full press announcementhere.

Monday, May 29, 2000

Thenew portfoliofrom theGrand Canyonrafting trip continues to expand. I have divided it into 6 subsections to help categorize subject matter and to allow faster page loading.

Saturday, May 27, 2000

I’ve just returned from my 8-day rafting trip on theColorado Riverthrough theGrand Canyon. It was a remarkable experience. I have now started to post images and text to thisnew portfoliobut it will be quite a while till this new section is complete. If this subject interests you, check back here often for new material.

I’m also pleased to announce that the site,Nature Photographers.netis currently exhibiting my work as one of theirFeatured Guests.

Wednesday, May 17, 2000

I’m rushing to begin my trip but couldn’t resist posting the announcement today of Canon’s new digital SLR, theEOS-D30. Clickherefor a page that contains links to Canon’s announcement page and also to an excellent first impressions review byPhil AskeyatDigital Photography Review.

Tuesday, May 16, 2000

Please note that I will be participating in a whitewater rafting and photography trip down theColorado Riverthough theGrand Canyonover the next 10 days. There will therefore be no new content added during that time and I will not be able to respond to either email or Discussion Forum messages until May 27th.

Monument Valleyworkshop memberSteve Chan’s portfoliois now complete and on-line.

Monday, May 15, 2000

The introduction of Provia 100F in late 1999 lead to an upset in the film-speed Vs. grain and resolution sweepstakes. ContributorJonathan Sachscompares these contenders with an eye toward which is best for scanning and digital image processing in a test entitledVelvia Vs. Provia 100F‚ a Digital Perspective.

Since my article titled Instant Photoshopfirst appeared a couple of weeks ago several readers commented that a tutorial on how to useCurveswould be welcome. ContributorMiles Heckerhas kindly done an excellent job inA Photoshop Curves Command Primer.

Monday, May 8, 2000

There are severalPalmPilot software toolscurrently available that are of particular interest to photographers. These include a program for calculating depth of field for any of your lenses‚ in any format. Another displays moon phases, and a third that provides the rise and set times for both the sun and moon for anywhere in the world on any date. Don’t leave home without them.

Wednesday, May 3, 2000

ContributorNick Rainshas provided a user review of the unique Italian-manufacturedSilvestri SLVcamera system.

Lee Carney, who attended myMonument Valley Workshoplast month now hasa portfoliofrom the trip as well as a write-up on his web site regarding his experiences.

Tuesday, May 2, 2000

ContributorAlain Briothas updated his comments on theEpson 1270printer with advise on fixing this printer’sMac USB problemsand also a review ofEpson’s Film Factorysoftware.

Friday, April 28, 2000

Instant Photoshopis a major newFeature Articlejust placed on-line. It is designed to assist photographers in climbing the steepPhotoshoplearning curve and becoming proficient with this program with the least amount of effort and wasted time.

The exciting new 24" wideEpson 7000series of printers using truly archival pigment-based inks are now more than rumours. Read this exciting first-look.

Thursday, April 27, 2000

The Eastern Sierra Fall ColourWorkshophas now sold out. Thank you to everyone who expressed an interest in attending. 

Monday, April 24, 2000

Additional photographsfromMonument Valleyhave been added and the portfolio has been split into two separate pages.

Sunday, April 23, 2000

Monument Valley workshop co-instructorSteve Kossack’s portfoliofrom our recent trip is now on-line.

Several new images have been added tomy recent portfoliofrom Monument Valley.

Saturday, April 22, 2000

First images from a portfolio taken inMonument Valleyduring my recent landscape workshop are now on-line. Check back there daily for new additions as well as for photographs by workshop attendees.

Friday, April 21, 2000

This isan announcementfor my nextlandscape photography workshop. It will take place in theEastern Sierrain October, 2000‚ hopefully during the peak of fall colours. There are only 4 of 6 places left as of today, so if interested you should move quickly to reserve a spot. 

Thursday, April 13, 2000

An unexpected snowfall left Toronto frosted with icing sugar on Wednesday morning. This provided an opportunity to do some photography with the brand-new Canon EOS-1V, and thefollowing portfolioresulted.

Tuesday, April 11, 2000

My review of theCokin B/Ypolarizing filter has been updated with a link to information onSingh-Ray’snew version, called theSingh-Ray Gold-N-Blue.

Monday, April 10, 2000

I ordered the newCanon EOS 1Vas soon as it was announced last February. It’s now arrived andhereare my first impressions.

Alain Briothasupdatedhis commentary on the newEpson 1270printer, favourably revising his initial impressions of EpsonsHeavyweight Mattpaper. I totally agree.

Thursday, April 6, 2000

Some early tests doingmonochrome printingwith the newEpson 1270using their archivalHeavyweight Matt Paperare producing excellent results.

Wednesday, April 5, 2000

A review of the long awaitedEpson 1270 Photoprinter and its associated archival papers and inks. As you might expect image quality is outstanding, but installation was not without its problems.

Afinal photographfrom my recent ruralQuebecportfolio has been added.

Saturday, April 1, 2000

Anadditional photographfromMt. Tremblant Provincial Parkin Quebec has been added to my portfolio of last week. If you’re interested in what can be done with the extremely popularCanon 100~400mm ISlensthis portfoliowill be of interest.

Friday, March 31, 2000

TheCokin Blue / Yellow polarizeris a little-know filter than can be remarkably useful for some types of landscape work. Read a hands-on field review.

Imaconhas just updated their PCColorFlexscanning software toV1.9, which raises the PC edition to essentially the same capability level as the current Mac version of the software. Excellent news indeed forImacon FlexTightscanner owners.

Thursday, March 30, 2000

A new portfolio of images fromSandbanks Provincial Parkin Ontario and from theLaurentian Mountainarea of Quebec province are now found on the pageRural 2000.

A review of theHorseman SW612 Procamera, by Thomas Lehman, has also been added. This continues our expanding coverage of wide format and panoramic cameras.

Wednesday, March 22, 2000

For anyone doing high volume printing with Epson printers, or for someone experimenting with various ink types, a new product fromContinuous Inking Systemsappears to have great promise. While I have no personal experience with this product I’m hoping that readers who do will provide some feedback on this fascinating development.

Sunday, March 19, 2000

Anyone observing the evolution of digital SLRs might be interested in the experiences and impressions of a couple of pros who have been using theNikon D1.Hereis a link to two such reviews.

Wednesday, March 15, 2000

An essay entitledWhat Photography Isn’thas just been published. If you’ve given thought to the issue of how photography differs from painting, or have concerns over the ethical issues raised by digital image manipulation, you may find this brief article of interest.

Monday, March 13, 2000

The newEpson 870 / 1270printers represent the current state-of-the-art in photo-quality ink jet printers. Unfortunately, they are not yet available in the U.S. or Canada. Luckily,Ian Lyonswho lives in the U.K., where they are now shipping, has produced apreliminary reviewwhich will have to hold us until they hit the stores on this side of the Atlantic. 

Saturday, March 11, 2000

I have become aware of a recentlyre-published reviewof the XPan by British journalistDavid Kilpatrick. It contains some interesting information about the system that I had not encountered elsewhere. David also confirms the rumour, which Ihaveheard as well‚ from a reliable source, that Hasselblad will announce a 135mm lens for the XPan some time this year.

If you’re interested in rangefinder cameras you may also wish to read David’sexcellent reviewof the newHexar RF,a just-released Leica-M compatible camera and lens line.

Sunday, March 5, 2000

I have just returned from a 2 week trip to Asia, which included a week inBali, Indonesia. I have created a small portfolio ofphotographs from Baliwhich features quite a few taken with the new 30mm ultra-wide lens for the Hasselblad XPan. Likemy reviewwhich appeared a few weeks ago, these are the first published photographs taken with this new lens.

Friday, February 18, 2000

Afinal panoramicphotograph from my January shoot inSouthern Utahhas been added. What makes this interesting is that I have also added what I believe to be the Web’s largest on-line image of a fine-art photograph‚ a 5" high by 18" wide version. Let me know if you’d like to see more like this. 

Thursday, February 17, 2000

The long-awaited30mmultra-wide angle lens for theHasselblad XPanhas finally arrived‚ just in time for my forthcoming trip to Asia.Hereare my initial hands-on impressions. This is the first review of this product to appear in print anywhere in the world.

Wednesday, February 16, 2000

Anyone awaiting the release of the recently announcedCanon EOS-1Vmay be interested in a series of Web pages that covers this new camera in considerable detail. I have one on order and will be conducting a full field test and review this spring.

Tuesday, February 15, 2000

MySouthern Utahportfolio has been sub-divided into two sections‚ with aseparate portfolioof panoramicXPanphotographs. All three portfolios from January’s Utah shoot,Michael’s, Alain’s, andSteve’s, have new photographs as well.

Monday, February 14, 2000

In late January, 2000, landscape photographersMichael Reichmann, Alain BriotandSteve Kossackspent 4 days shooting together in the national parks region in Southern Utah. Alain, whose work has been published here previously, has just had hisnew portfolioplaced on-line today. You may now viewMichael’s, Alain’s, andSteve’swork from this trip and compare their styles and approaches to the same subject matter. Each of us will continue to add new material over the next little while, so do check back here every few days.

Michael’swork on this trip was predominantly with medium format and 24X65mm panoramic, whileAlain’swas done with a mix of medium format, large format and 617 panoramic.Steveshot 35mm exclusively on this trip.

Sunday, February 13, 2000

The newEpson Photoprinters are now available in the U.K. andIan Lyonshas produced a very usefulpreliminary review. Another very promising product is a new line ofCibachrome-likehigh quality archival inks and papers fromXtreme Gamut. (I intend on testing and reviewing these as soon as they become available for theEpson 1200). If these and Epson’s new-generation supplies live up to their hype then the days of traditional photochemical papers and chemistry are indeed numbered.

Tuesday, February 8, 2000

Steve Kossackhas added some additional photographs from last month’s shoot in Southern Utah tohis new portfolio.

Monday, February 7, 2000

Anew portfolioby Australian basedNick Rainshas been added to ourGuest Photographer Gallery. Nick will be a co-instructor on theLuminous Landscape’snext workshop in the Sierra this Fall.

Sunday, February 6, 2000

A new Gallery from a winter trip to Southern Utah has now been completed. VisitCanyonlands & Archesas well as view anew portfoliobySteve Kossackfrom the same area.

Saturday, February 5, 2000

Canon, as anticipated, has announced both its new flagship camera theEOS-1Vand theDigital EOS SLR. I have created pages which feature all of the currently available information, and as time passes these will contain reviews and updates.

EpsonU.S. has finally announced their latest generation870and1270 Photoprinters. A link to the announcement can be foundhere. The big news, in addition to higher print quality, is the release of special inks and paper with significantly enhanced archival capabilities.

If you use the AOL browser and have problems viewing photographs on this and other sites,here’s howto fix the problem.

Tuesday, February 1, 2000

I have just returned from a week-long shoot in the National Parks in Southern Utah‚ArchesandCanyonlands. It will take me several days to review the 30-odd rolls shot, scan, and then upload selected images. But when I do they will be found on a new Gallery page entitledCanyonlands & Arches. A formal announcement of this new portfolio will be made when completed.

A reader has pointed out in theDiscussion Forumthat my review ofGenuine Fractals 2.0back in late December ’99 was unfair, because the program is designed for use with large digital files, rather than the small ones I was testing with. Since then I have used the program with larger digital files and find the results to be excellent. The review has therefore been updated.

Saturday, January 22, 2000

One of the most frequent equipment questions that I get asked is about tripods‚ their use and choice.Hereis an essay on tripods and their various components and accessories. It’s a complex topic.

Thursday, January 20, 2000

A return visit toJoshua Tree National Parkhas produceda new portfolio. This is my most frequently revisited park. I never tire of it. I have also addedanother photographtaken with the newCanon 300mm f/2.8L ISat theSalton Sea.

The wrong photograph was displayed as part ofAlain Briot’sessay on using the 617 panoramic format and it has now been replaced with thecorrect one. Finally, I have been usingGenuine Fractalsto res-up some high quality scans and now have arenewed respectfor this program’s capabilities.

Wednesday, January 19, 2000

Three new articles have been added today. These are a review of the newCanon 300mm f/2.8L IS lensand theWimberley Sidekickgimbal mount for large telephoto lenses, as well as a visit to theSalton Seain Southern California to photograph migratory birds.

Monday, January 17, 2000

I have just returned from a shooting trip toJoshua Tree National Parkand theSalton Sea. New portfolios and articles will be appearing here later in the week. In the meantime Guest PhotographerAlain Briothas added a wonderfulportfolio of panoramic photographsof the Southwest and alsoan essay on the use of theFuji 617panoramic camera system.

The well respected firmScitexhas announced a 6.6 Megapixel chip that could transform 35mm cameras into high-end digital imaging systems. The full press announcement is foundhere.

Sunday, January 9, 2000

I receive a great deal of correspondence about my choice of formats, particularly my preference for medium format. By way of explanation, here is a brief essay onWhy I Prefer Medium Format, but still shoot a lot of 35mm.

Friday, January 7, 2000

The rumouredCanon S20, the first consumer digital camera with a 3.34 Megapixel chip has been officially announced. Clickherefor a link to sites with additional information.

Tuesday, January 4, 2000

I have just completed amajor testof colour transparency films rated at ISO 400. The surprise winner is out of left field!

Monday, January 3, 2000

Epson’s next-generation ink-jet photo printers have now started to appear outside of Japan. Read more about themhere, along with a link to Epson’s Hong Kong web site where full details can be found.

If you are interested inWhat’s Newfrom1999, our first year of publication,
click here.