Photography
Panoramic Layout Options
Wednesday, August 25 ,2010
- Auto: With this method, Photoshop first analyzes your source images. It then applies either the Perspective, Cylindrical, and Spherical layout option. Photoshop attempts to choose which method to use that will produce a better photomerge.
- Perspective: This method creates a composition by designating one of the source images as the center of the panoramic image. Photoshop generally picks the middle image, then transforms the other images around it. Photoshop will stretch and skew images as needed to overlap the layers and blend them together.
- Cylindrical: The cylindrical layout option works best for creating very wide panoramic images. The source images are overlapped in a way that looks like an unfolded cylinder.
- Spherical: The spherical option is best-suited for 360 degree panoramas. The images are mapped to the inside of a sphere and can create a seamless image for use in specialty applications like multimedia or animation.
- Collage: This method only changes rotation or scale in order to overlap the content.
- Reposition: This method only changes the alignment of images, but does not transform (stretch or skew) any of the source layers.
Check out our Panoramic Training Here
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My 360˚ Panoramic Action
Tuesday, August 24 ,2010
A while back I made an action that is designed to create a seamless loop for properly shot 360˚ photos. People seem to be unable to find it (as its the number one search result for my site). So here it is again.
- Download the action here
- Double click the file Panoramicsrev3.atn to load it.
- Switch to Photoshop.
- Complete your 360˚ panorama using the Photomerge command.
- Choose Window > Actions to view the Actions panel.
- Select the Seamless Loop action in the Actions panel. If necessary click the disclosure triangle next to the Panoramics set.
- When ready, click the Play button at the bottom of the Actions panel. Photoshop runs a series of steps to complete the seamless loop action.
- Crop the bottom and top of the panoramic image to taste, but be careful not to adjust the sides of the image.
New Digital Camera Update from Apple
Wednesday, August 04 ,2010
About Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 3.3
This update extends RAW image format compatibility to Aperture 3 and iPhoto '09 for the following cameras:
- Canon PowerShot SX1 IS
- Olympus E-PL1
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10
- Samsung NX10
- Sony Alpha DSLR-A390
- Sony Alpha NEX-3
- Sony Alpha NEX-5
Get it here
Stabilizing Handheld Shots Technique
Sunday, August 01 ,2010
If you have to shoot your panoramic images without a tripod, you’ll need to adjust your handheld shooting technique.
Try wrapping the camera strap around your elbow. This allows you to place tension on the strap so it is taut. The tension is a useful way to constrain the camera movement and make it more an extension of your body.
To pan the camera smoothly, you’ll need to properly position your body.
Check out our Panoramic Training Here
Try wrapping the camera strap around your elbow. This allows you to place tension on the strap so it is taut. The tension is a useful way to constrain the camera movement and make it more an extension of your body.
- Hold the camera in front of your body so its strap hangs downward.
- Slip your arm through the strap so it goes just past your elbow.
- Wrap your hand around the outside edge of the strap and grab the camera body.
- Press your elbow into the strap to increase tension on the strap and stabilize the camera.
To pan the camera smoothly, you’ll need to properly position your body.
- Square your body up with your subject.
- Spread your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Rotate at the waist and twist body while keeping your shoulders and camera in close to your body.
Check out our Panoramic Training Here
IN-DEPTH HDR PRO in Photoshop CS5
Thursday, July 22 ,2010
Get the best HDR output from the updated options in Photoshop CS5.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
One of My New Favorite Sites
Thursday, July 08 ,2010
One of my new favorite resource sites is dpBestflow.org produced by the American Society of Media Photographers and funded by the Library of Congress. This site contains a ton of great information about workflow, digital imaging, and photography. It's also totally free.
The purpose of dpBestflow™ is twofold:
Be sure to check out the site... it's really great. – www.dpbestflow.org
The purpose of dpBestflow™ is twofold:
- To create guidelines for refined production workflows, archiving methods, and best practices for digital photography based on a variety of capture methods and intended image use. The guidelines will be developed on the basis of research, analysis of software products and other tools targeted at professional photographers.
- To publish the dpBestflow™ as a website open to the public. The adoption of the dpBestflow™ guidelines will be promoted to the professional photography community and the public through programming at industry trade shows and a nationwide series of training events at ASMP chapters, trade shows, and educational institutions.
Be sure to check out the site... it's really great. – www.dpbestflow.org
Five More Timelapse Shots
Monday, July 05 ,2010
Timelapse Technical Demo from Richard Harrington on Vimeo.
Here are five more shots... I've been experimenting with new techniques. Some subtle and not so subtle things here. Comments welcome.
Learn how to make timelapse clips here.
Seattle Skyline Timelapse
Saturday, July 03 ,2010
GEAR USED
Nikon D300S
Really Right Stuff L-Bracket and Ballhead
Manfrotto Tripod
Nikkor 50 mm 1.8
Nikon MC-36 Intervalometer
Processed in After Effects (see tutorial)
Creating Timelapse Movies with a DSLR and After Effects
Sunday, June 27 ,2010
Creating Timelapse Movies with a DSLR and After Effects from Richard Harrington on Vimeo.
Learn how to create Timelapse movies with your DSLR camera and Adobe After Effects. Join Richard Harrington as he shows you how to create pans and zooms while controlling the speed of the shot as well.
From the book and DVD "From Still to Motion: A photographers guide to creating video with your DSLR."
Photos by Jim Ball
Photoshop CS5 Puppet Warp
Thursday, June 24 ,2010
Learn how to create Puppet Warps in Photoshop CS5.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
Worldwide Photo Walk
Wednesday, June 23 ,2010
I will be leading a DC-area event for the Worldwide Photo Walk. The event is a fun few hours of shooting pictures and meeting other photographers. There's a few spots left for the July 24th event (it's free).
Meeting Location & Time
Vienna Community Center (10:00am - 12:30pm)
120 Cherry St SE, Vienna, VA- USA
After the walk, meet at: Church Street Pizza- 115 Church Street NE, Vienna
Sign up here.
http://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/vienna-va-usa-vienna-community-center/
Sign up in your neighborhood too
http://worldwidephotowalk.com/
Fixing Faded Historical Photos
Tuesday, June 15 ,2010
A common problem with old black-and-white or sepia-toned photos is that they fade over time. You can use a Levels or Curves adjustment, but both commands often introduce color artifacts into the image. A few extra steps are needed to get the best results.
1. With the Eyedropper tool, sample the color tint if you want to retain it in the finished piece.
2. Leave the photo in RGB mode but strip away the color. Choose Image > Adjust > Desaturate or press Shift+Command+U (Shift+Ctrl+U).
3. Perform a Levels adjustment and restore the white-and-black points. Drag the black Input Levels slider and the white Input Levels slider toward the center.
4. Add a Solid Color fill layer by choosing Layer > New Fill Layer > Solid Color. Click OK. The Foreground color you previously sampled will load automatically.
5. Set the Color Fill layer to use the Color blending mode. Adjust the Opacity slider as desired.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
1. With the Eyedropper tool, sample the color tint if you want to retain it in the finished piece.
2. Leave the photo in RGB mode but strip away the color. Choose Image > Adjust > Desaturate or press Shift+Command+U (Shift+Ctrl+U).
3. Perform a Levels adjustment and restore the white-and-black points. Drag the black Input Levels slider and the white Input Levels slider toward the center.
4. Add a Solid Color fill layer by choosing Layer > New Fill Layer > Solid Color. Click OK. The Foreground color you previously sampled will load automatically.
5. Set the Color Fill layer to use the Color blending mode. Adjust the Opacity slider as desired.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
Master iPhoto Dirt Cheap
Saturday, June 12 ,2010
iPhoto: Fix Your Photos – http://tinyurl.com/iphotofix
The videos provide easy to follow tutorials that help you fix common problems with pictures. You'll learn how to straighten and crop, adjust dark photos, and bring out the color in your snapshots. You'll also learn how to fix soft focus, red eye, and overexposed photos. Whether you're new to iPhoto or even an experienced user, you'll find useful techniques and powerful shortcuts to get your work done faster. Each lesson includes hands on files so you can work along with the instructor.
iPhoto: Share Your Photos - http://tinyurl.com/iphotoshare
The videos provide easy to follow tutorials that help you share your pictures over email or post them online to services including MobileMe, Facebook, and Flickr. You’ll also learn techniques for making slideshows and creating your own blog. Whether you're new to iPhoto or even an experienced user, you’ll find useful techniques and powerful shortcuts to share your photos easily. Each lesson includes hands on files so you can follow along with the instructor.
Merge to HDR Pro & HDR Toning — Photoshop CS5
Thursday, June 10 ,2010
Learn how to create true HDR in Photoshop CS5. You'll also learn how to apply HDR toning to any photo.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
This Week in Photo – Controversy
Wednesday, June 09 ,2010
Are Cameras the New Guns? – Recent increases in Facebook and YouTube videos that depict police abuse, has given rise to a new trend in law enforcement. It is now illegal in at least three states to record any on-duty police officer. "Illinois, Massachusetts, and Maryland are among the 12 states in which all parties must consent for a recording to be legal unless, as with TV news crews, it is obvious to all that recording is underway."
Apple Releases the next iPhone – The latest version of the iPhone was announced at WWDC with new features including a hi-res screen, improved 5 mp camera, digital flash, ability to shoot and edit HD video, and a front facing camera for video chat.
BP's Photo Blockade of the Gulf Oil Spill – According to photographers, BP and government officials are preventing them from photographing the impact of the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
AFP Suing Photographer It Stole Images From PDN - David Walker - "It's hard to explain a mind-blowing mess like this one, but AFP is suing a Haitian photojournalist for "antagonistic assertion of [his] rights" after it distributed his news-breaking earthquake photos all over the world without his permission."
INTERVIEW WITH DAVID DUCHEMIN
Get the file here – Download MP3 file
Listen to it here – www.pixelcorps.tv/twip_152
Lens Correction in Photoshop CS5
Friday, June 04 ,2010
By their very nature, lenses add distortion to the images they capture. I've posted a new tutorial over at TipSquirrel.com that addressed how to fix lens distortion for both stills and video.
“One of the commands in Photoshop CS5 that received a major makeover is the Lens Correction command. It’s no longer buried, rather it sits proudly near the top of the filter menu. Adobe now ties the filter to specific lenses in the file’s metadata. You can even create your own lens profiles with a great utility. Visit http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lensprofile_creator/ for full details.”
Check out the full tutorial here for free.
Understanding Photoshop – Creating Panoramic Photos App is FREE Two Days Only
Thursday, June 03 ,2010
Until June 5... we are giving this application away for free. Learn how to create breathtaking panoramic photographs using Adobe Photoshop® and your digital camera. This innovative application combines the latest in knowledge and technology to accelerate your learning.
- Includes 15 training videos edited specifically for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Offers easily viewable screens, with zooms and close-ups of the action.
- Every lesson includes hands-on files that you download to your computer. There’s no need to merely watch, you can try out every technique on your own.
- Test your knowledge with interactive quizzes. Score yourself as well as check your answers with video responses.
- Search throughout the application by keyword and your own bookmarks.
- A quick reference guide is also included to help build your skills.
- Interact with the trainer with comments and a Twitter client.
Additionally a quick reference guide for shooting panoramic photos is included for quick reference in the field.
TO SWITCH VIDEOS – SWIPE YOUR FINGER ACROSS THUMBNAILS
If you like it, please consider a small donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action – http://www.pancan.org/ in memory of Marilyn Marlowe.
New Aperture 3 Training
Tuesday, June 01 ,2010
Professional Adjustments with Aperture 3
Professional film and video editor Richard Harrington shows viewers how to bring out the best in their photography using Aperture 3. Follow along with course project files and learn how make corrections, adjust color, and add style to your images using a variety of tools inside Aperture 3.
Make the Move to Aperture 3
Aperture 3 is a powerful photo management tool from Apple. It includes features for organizing, adjusting, exporting, publishing, displaying your photos, and more. Rich Harrington takes you through the software and demonstrates just what Aperture 3 is capable of.
Also, a lot don't release we have DSLR Video training posted too.
Editing Your DSLR Video on a Mac
Your DSLR shoots video! Cool right!? Now what? You've probably got more video than you know what to do with. Richard Harrington created this course to help you with how to edit that video footage (using Mac software). Rich covers everything from in-the-field tips all the way to post-production techniques using Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Express and iMovie.
New Canon 5D Firmware
Tuesday, May 25 ,2010
This firmware update (Version 2.0.7) incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
- Fixes a phenomenon in which the aperture exhibits abnormal movement when shooting movies in manual exposure mode and Aperture Priority AE (Av mode) using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses).
- Fixes a phenomenon in which the exposure level shown in the LCD panel differs from what is shown in the viewfinder when shooting still images in manual exposure mode.
- Fixes a phenomenon in which the Wireless File Transmitter (WFT-E4 or WFT-E4 II) may not automatically power off when used for FTP transfers.
Creating Prints from Video Frames
Thursday, May 20 ,2010
Resolution limitations of video
You might be thinking to yourself “Isn't video really low resolution?” Yes, when compared to the native size of photos taken with your DSLR, video pales in comparison. But for many uses, such as web or newspaper, you can get enough pixels out.
Currently the highest resolution you’ll get exporting a still from a piece of video that originated on a DSLR is 1920 x 1080 or approx 2.1 megapixels. While you aren’t going to make any panoramic prints of those frames you can still find a lot of great uses for them. If printing at 300 ppi, you can extract a frame that is about 6.5 X3.5 inches – in fact a lot of the figures that you’ve see in this book are from video clips.
Read More...
Check out Digital Photo Expereience
Monday, May 03 ,2010
- I was a recent guest on Digital Photo Experience Episode 11. Be sure to check out the show.
We hope you enjoy the episode, and if you do, we would greatly appreciate it if you could give us a positive rating on iTunes. Hey, it only takes a minute!
To get the enhanced version of the podcast with images and chapter markers, subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here: DPExperience Podcast on iTunes
Or listen directly here – http://dpexperience.com/2010/05/01/photoshop-world-part-ii-dpe-podcast-episode-11-may-1-2010/
Peachpit Photo Club Announced
Friday, March 12 ,2010
Be sure the check out the Peachpit Photo Club
Don't miss the Peachpit Photo Club. It's held on the third Tuesday of every month, from 8 to 9 p.m. EST (5 to 6 p.m. PST). It's a webcast featuring your favorite digital photographers, such as Scott Kelby, Chase Jarvis, Chris Orwig, Joe McNally, David duChemin, and many more!
The debut Peachpit Photo Club features Scott Kelby on Tuesday, March 16 at 8 p.m. EST! During this live webcast, photographer and bestselling author Scott Kelby will present some of his work, provide you with some insight and inspiration, and answer your burning questions!
Then I'll be up with my co-authors on the new book "From Still to Motion." Join us April 20 8PM EST.
Learn more and sign up at www.peachpit.com/photoclub.
Use Apple Pro Apps? Time to Update.
Thursday, March 04 ,2010
Use FCP, Aperture or Logic? Be sure to download the Apple ProKit 5.1 update to fix memory leaks –
About ProKit 5.1 (Leopard & SnowLeopard)
This ProKit Update fixes issues with user interface software resources that are shared by Apple's professional applications.
Get it here – http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1008
About ProKit 5.1 (Leopard & SnowLeopard)
This ProKit Update fixes issues with user interface software resources that are shared by Apple's professional applications.
- The issues addressed include:
- Corrected an issue with improper scrolling behavior.
- Resolved memory leaks for improved performance.
- Addressed layout of interface elements in certain application alert windows.
Get it here – http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1008
iPhone Photo and App Contest
Friday, February 26 ,2010
Adorama is running an iPhone photo contest until February 28th. You can upload photos here or photo for your favorite photo app here. There's been some great photos submitted so far – Click here. They have some pretty cool prizes too!
How to Automatically Add Copyright Metadata in Aperture 3
Wednesday, February 24 ,2010
Learn how to add copyright information to your videos upon import with Aperture 3. Just a short tip (banged out in the basement with my new Yeti mic to give it a test).
Apple Updates Aperture and Digital Camera Support
Wednesday, February 24 ,2010
About Aperture 3.0.1
This update improves overall stability and addresses a number of issues in Aperture 3, including:
- Upgrading libraries from earlier versions of Aperture
- Importing libraries from iPhoto
- Importing photos directly from a camera
- Memory usage when processing heavily-retouched photos
- Face recognition processing
- Adding undetected faces using the Add Missing Face button
- Printing pages containing multiple images
- Printing photos and contact sheets with borders and metadata
- Editing photos using an external editor
- Display of images with Definition and Straighten adjustments applied
- Zooming photos in the Viewer and in the Loupe using keyboard shortcuts
- Accessing Aperture libraries on a network volume Selecting and moving pins on the Places map
- Adding and editing custom locations using the Manage My Places window
- Switching between masters when working with RAW+JPEG pairs.
The Digital Camera update also added several new cameras to Aperture and iPhoto.
- Hasselblad H3DII-50
- Leica M9
- Leica X1
- Olympus E-P1
- Olympus E-P2
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
- Pentax K-7
- Pentax K-x
- Sony Alpha DSLR-A500
- Sony Alpha DSLR-A550
- Sony Alpha DSLR-A850
Startup Memories of Adobe Photoshop
Friday, February 19 ,2010
In this documentary, the founders of Adobe Photoshop - John Knoll, Thomas Knoll, Russell Brown, and Steve Guttman - tell the story of how an amazing coincidence of circumstances, that came together at just the right time 20 years ago, spawned a cultural paradigm shift unparalleled in our lifetime.
Shooting JPEG vs. Raw
Sunday, January 31 ,2010
When digital cameras became commercially available, the memory cards used to store pictures were very expensive. Photographers could not afford multiple or high-capacity cards, so they wanted more images to fit on a single, smaller card. Smaller file sizes would also enable consumers who lacked an understanding of digital imaging to attach photos to email with minimum technical headaches.
With these two scenarios in place, manufacturers turned to an Internet-friendly format, JPEG. It was a proven technology, and one that was familiar to many users. A JPEG file looks for areas where pixel detail is repeated, such as the color white on every key of your computer keyboard. The file then discards repeated information and tells the computer to repeat certain color values or data to re-create the image. The drawback is that a JPEG file is lossy, so every time you modify it and re-save, additional compression is applied to the image.
Newer digital cameras, generally the pro models, offer newer formats, usually called raw. These raw (or native) formats have several benefits over shooting to JPEG. The images are usually captured at a higher bit depth, which means that the pixels contain more information about the color values in the image. Most raw files have a depth of 10, 12, or even 16-bits per channel instead of the 8 used by JPEG. This raw format also has a greater tonal range, resulting in better exposure for shadows and highlights.
The image on the left is how the camera captured a JPEG. Making adjustments to the image is possible, but will lead to more degradation in image quality. The image on the right is a properly developed raw file. Working with raw files gives you access to greater control over an image.
The raw file captures the unprocessed data from the camera’s image sensor. While your camera may contain settings for sharpness, exposure, or lighting conditions, the raw file stores that info as modifiable information and captures the original (unmodified) data that came through your camera’s sensors. Each manufacturer treats the format differently, using a proprietary format. Fortunately, Photoshop and Aperture frequently update their raw technology to support the newest cameras on the market.
Because the raw data is unprocessed, you must essentially “develop” the image data within Photoshop or Aperture. You can choose to adjust several options related to the image, as well as the lens and lighting conditions. You can “tweak” the image after shooting it (as opposed to JPEG, which is limited to the settings you had when shooting).
For more tips like this, check out the book Video Made on a Mac.
With these two scenarios in place, manufacturers turned to an Internet-friendly format, JPEG. It was a proven technology, and one that was familiar to many users. A JPEG file looks for areas where pixel detail is repeated, such as the color white on every key of your computer keyboard. The file then discards repeated information and tells the computer to repeat certain color values or data to re-create the image. The drawback is that a JPEG file is lossy, so every time you modify it and re-save, additional compression is applied to the image.
Newer digital cameras, generally the pro models, offer newer formats, usually called raw. These raw (or native) formats have several benefits over shooting to JPEG. The images are usually captured at a higher bit depth, which means that the pixels contain more information about the color values in the image. Most raw files have a depth of 10, 12, or even 16-bits per channel instead of the 8 used by JPEG. This raw format also has a greater tonal range, resulting in better exposure for shadows and highlights.
The image on the left is how the camera captured a JPEG. Making adjustments to the image is possible, but will lead to more degradation in image quality. The image on the right is a properly developed raw file. Working with raw files gives you access to greater control over an image.
The raw file captures the unprocessed data from the camera’s image sensor. While your camera may contain settings for sharpness, exposure, or lighting conditions, the raw file stores that info as modifiable information and captures the original (unmodified) data that came through your camera’s sensors. Each manufacturer treats the format differently, using a proprietary format. Fortunately, Photoshop and Aperture frequently update their raw technology to support the newest cameras on the market.
Because the raw data is unprocessed, you must essentially “develop” the image data within Photoshop or Aperture. You can choose to adjust several options related to the image, as well as the lens and lighting conditions. You can “tweak” the image after shooting it (as opposed to JPEG, which is limited to the settings you had when shooting).
For more tips like this, check out the book Video Made on a Mac.
Join Me in San Jose on 1/25 for TWiP Meetup
Sunday, January 24 ,2010
If you're into digital photography and live in Northern California... join me on Monday, January 25. I'll be attending the TWiP / SmugMug 2010 Town Hall Meetup. The group is organized by Frederick Johnson (@fredeickvan) and is a group for photographers looking to share knowledge and learn.
Here are the details.
Location
San Jose Library (West Valley Branch)
1243 San Tomas Aquino Road
San Jose, CA 95117
Also, Frederick promises –
"I'll be giving one lucky member a *HUGE* prize (you know me). You won't want to miss this meeting."
See you Monday at 7pm
This Week in Photography #124
Wednesday, January 13 ,2010
You can hear it on iTunes or on the web – http://www.pixelcorps.tv/twip124
A wrap-up of CES and some of the cool, photography-related product announcements...an interview with HDR expert Tray Ratcliff...and a special guest host, digital-imaging expert Richard Harrington, joins the fray.
New Year's Resolutions for Photographers
Saturday, January 09 ,2010
"Now, I just have to commit the time and passion required to become a great photographer. In that spirit, I think we should all try to keep these 10 New Years Resolutions. Now, everyone say after me:
1. I will learn how to use my camera.
This seems like an obvious point, but we are all guilty of skipping our camera manual and just fiddling with settings. Ah, this one works right? Spot-metering? Why not. Hey, what does that button do? Seems to make things darker. Hmm. I'm going to admit something to you that I ask you to keep hush-hush. I haven't actually read my 5DMKII manual. I know. Horrible! I'm guilty of arbitrary button pushing and royally messing up shots because I don't really know how to use my camera. Let's all become technical experts of our cameras this year. Deal?"
Keep reading over at their blog.
Aperture Book Gets Perfect Review
Tuesday, January 05 ,2010
"Aperture 2: Professionally Manage Digital Photographs goes into every little things that Aperture can do for you. While you can easily see and use the sliders in the interface, it is not obvious by looking at them that using a modifier key will improve the tools' functionality. They are also describing features like round-tripping to an external editor, such as Photoshop. And if your camera RAW file format is not yet recognized by Aperture, did you know you can use a free DNG converter from Adobe to be able to edit it in Aperture without having to wait for Apple to update the software? I point this out, because historically speaking Adobe has been faster to implement RAW decodes for new cameras than Apple ever was."
See the whole review here.
Get the book here.
Sizing Digital Images in Adobe Photoshop CS4
Sunday, December 20 ,2009
The second part of the image-sizing puzzle is a clear understanding of these output requirements. What resolution does your printer need? Are you sending the image to a service provider such as a developer or commercial printer? You’ll need to make lots of choices, but they should be based on where the image needs to end up. Do not make assumptions when starting a project. Know the destination of your image so you’ll know which path to take.
KEEP READING AT PEACHPIT.com
Get the Book
Color Correction and Enhancement with Adobe Photoshop CS4
Saturday, December 12 ,2009
Learning how to spot problems and then choosing the right correction technique is an essential part of mastering Photoshop. Several different tools are available, some more useful than others. By analyzing the most important tools and determining in which situations they might help you, a more thorough understanding of color correction is possible.
The primary purpose of Photoshop is to act as a digital darkroom, where images can be corrected, enhanced, and refined. How do you know an image needs touch-up? You can pretty much assume that every image can look a little (or even a lot) better than how the camera captured it. Whether it's adjusting the exposure, increasing contrast, or boosting saturation, Photoshop is the place to improve an image.
KEEP READING AT PEACHPIT.com
Get the Book
Photographers of the World – Give Back
Tuesday, November 10 ,2009
Are you a photographer? Take a moment to watch these two videos and sign up. This is a great idea and very needed. For more info please visit http://www.help-portrait.com. You can find a local group here – http://community.help-portrait.com/groups.
Our Photoshop Training Apps are on Sale
Friday, October 30 ,2009
What are folks saying about our new apps?
Quick Fixes has 23 reviews in the iTtunes store (24 are 5-start and 1 4-star)! People love this app.
- Terry White made it his pick of the week.
- Jeff Revell at PhotoWalkPro write a very detailed review too.
- My son thinks it's cool that I used his picture in one of the lessons
If you haven't tried our new training apps, what are you waiting for?
How about our sale!
Understanding Photoshop Quick Fixes is $1.99 | iTunes – Web Demo
Understanding Photoshop Creating Panoramic Photos is $3.99 | iTunes – Web Demo
(prices good through November 30)
These apps are a lot of work, but I want to see them succeed. We've lowered the prices temporarily so more people will try them out. Tell your friends and try them out (the feedback has been overwhelmingly possitive).
- Includes training videos edited specifically for the iPhone or iPod Touch.
- Offers easily viewable screens, with zooms and close-ups of the action.
- Every lesson includes hands-on files that you download to your computer. There’s no need to merely watch, you can try out every technique on your own.
- Test your knowledge with interactive quizzes. Score yourself as well as check your answers with video responses.
- Search throughout the application by keyword and your own bookmarks.
- A quick reference guide is also included to help you build your Photoshop knowledge.
- Interact with the trainer with comments and a Twitter client.
My Day at Photo Plus Expo
Thursday, October 22 ,2009
I spent the day in New York city at the 2009 Photo Plus Expo show. It was just a one day trip (thanks Amtrak Acela). I went up for lots of reasons, but here's some of the gear I saw that looked interesting.
This seems to be the perfect box for creatives who need data redundancy. You can place up to 8 drives in the rack (adding them as you go and even mixing and matching sizes). Current drive capacities mean you can store 16TB, but the Drobo folks tell me 3 TB drives are just around the corner (which means 24TB in a rack). .
What's also nice is that you get two options of data redundancy. The Drobo can have protectio so one or two drives can fail and your data is still safe.
The Drobo also offers three interface connections:
It's iSCSI that promse some great options for perfomance.
What I also like is that the Drobo Pro can be rackmounted or placed on a desk.
I'm
a big fan of my Hoodman HoodLoupe to make it easier to view the monitor on the back of a DSLR camera. With the new HoodEYE you can upgrade your loupe. It offers an oversized eyecup with a temple flair – this helps seal of light when viewing outdoors.
I am particularly interested as we are exploring using loupes like viewfinders for shooting video on DSLR cameras. Having the extraeyecup really does make a difference, but it is a very personal choice.
Installation as an upgrade took only a minute, you can also order a new loop with the modified eyepiece include. They're also offering straps so you can attach the viewfinder. I'm up in the air on this one (compared to a Zacutto viewfinder). This is a much more affordable approach. I do prefer this loop (as a director) so its easier to go aroudn and check cameras, we'll try it as an active viewfinder next week and wil let you know how it does.
problem with mosts optical media (like CDs and DVDs) is that over time that start to deteriorate. Most discs use a dye to indicate where data is written. This process is called data rot, and it can happen with optical media at any point. Higher wuality discs are less likely, but cheaper discs can happen sooner. The exact point that this occurrs is unknown because the media gives no indicator of a problem.
Millenniata has tried to solve this with their Write Once, Read Forever. The discs are based upon obsidian stone (and I tried to get more out of them.. but trade secrets). The burners use more energy to burn and the surface of the disc is MUCH harder. The results are a disc that is etched (as opposed to just using dye)
While its not a cheap solution, (around $1800 list price for the drive and starter pack) the Millenniata folks are offering optical media that looks the test of time. The discs are also much better able to withstand temperature and physical damage. What's also great is the media is backwards compatible once burned, so you can burn with their special burner, then hand off to a client. They also promise to soon have specialty discs so you can print on the label face.
Bruce Dorn is a Canon explorer of light
and a photog who's jumped in head first to the DSLR video market. He's made a folow focus kit that makes it much easier to control focus when shooting video on a DSLR. The device is less complex than other units, as it uses a skateboard style wheel that makes gentle contact with the existing rubber rings on a camera. I played with it hands on and it looks worth testing.
I'll be doing a more detailed write-up soon.
This little beauty can mount on the camera hot show and give you a threaded mount. This will be perfect to attach an audio recorder to the top of my camera for DSLR Cinema projects. You can mount a variety of audio or video hardware directly to the camera. You can also rotate the mounting plate to a better angle as needed (works well if attaching a light or monitor).
The Fat Gecko is a dual suction cup mount that can be adhered to a smooth, non-porous surface (like mirrors, cars, airplanes.) It appears rugged, but is still very cost affordable (I would still recommend using a safety chain... but I am paranoid when it coms to gear and insurance).
You can see videos of the product in use at www.fat-gecko.com.
But Lensbaby keeps putting out great new products. They released a new option, a fisheye optic, that drops into their Composer lens.
The lens won't work with the Control Freak lens. I'm told because it goes soe wide that you actually see the control cabels on the lens.
That was my day... I saw a few more products I like and will try to post. The show runs through Saturday, October 24.
Drobo Pro
I spent a lot of time looking at the Drobo Pro in-depth.What's also nice is that you get two options of data redundancy. The Drobo can have protectio so one or two drives can fail and your data is still safe.
The Drobo also offers three interface connections:
- FireWire 800
- USB 2.0
- iSCSI (utilizes Gigabit Ethernet)
It's iSCSI that promse some great options for perfomance.
What I also like is that the Drobo Pro can be rackmounted or placed on a desk.
Hoodman HoodEYE 3.0
I'm
I am particularly interested as we are exploring using loupes like viewfinders for shooting video on DSLR cameras. Having the extraeyecup really does make a difference, but it is a very personal choice.
Installation as an upgrade took only a minute, you can also order a new loop with the modified eyepiece include. They're also offering straps so you can attach the viewfinder. I'm up in the air on this one (compared to a Zacutto viewfinder). This is a much more affordable approach. I do prefer this loop (as a director) so its easier to go aroudn and check cameras, we'll try it as an active viewfinder next week and wil let you know how it does.
Millenniata Archival Media
TheMillenniata has tried to solve this with their Write Once, Read Forever. The discs are based upon obsidian stone (and I tried to get more out of them.. but trade secrets). The burners use more energy to burn and the surface of the disc is MUCH harder. The results are a disc that is etched (as opposed to just using dye)
While its not a cheap solution, (around $1800 list price for the drive and starter pack) the Millenniata folks are offering optical media that looks the test of time. The discs are also much better able to withstand temperature and physical damage. What's also great is the media is backwards compatible once burned, so you can burn with their special burner, then hand off to a client. They also promise to soon have specialty discs so you can print on the label face.
iDC Follow-Focus
Bruce Dorn is a Canon explorer of light
- It currently only works with Cannon lenses (although I am willing to try and make it work with Nikon)
- 24mm f1.4 L
- 35mm f1.4 L
- 50mm f1.2 L
- 100mm f2.8 Macro
- 135mm f2 L
- 16-35mm f2.8 L
- 24-70mm f.28 IS L
- 24-105mm f4 IS L
- 85mm f1.2 L
- 135mm f2 L
- 200mm f2.8 L
I'll be doing a more detailed write-up soon.
Manfrotto 482 Micro Ball Head
I stopped in at B&H on the way over to the convention center.- height: 2.52 in
- lateral tilt: -90° / +90° tilt range
- load capacity: 4.41 lbs
- material: aluminum
- weight: 0.33 lbs
Fat Gecko Camera Mount
The folks over at Delkin Devices have comeout with an affordable mount for DSLR cameras.- Suction cups can hold a eight pound camera
- Double knuckle design and 2" extension tube allow for 360° tilt, 360° turn & 360° rotation
- The ¼ x 20 tripod mounting screw allows for use with most digital still or or small video cameras on the market
- Suction cups use a quick release function to make attaching and detaching you camera easier
- Steel frame construction is rugged and durable
- Four adjustable joints make it easy to tweak the shot
You can see videos of the product in use at www.fat-gecko.com.
Lensbaby Fisheye Optic
Some people love them (I am a fan) others hate them.- Ultra-wide 12mm focal length
- 160 degree field of view captures
- Minimum focus: 1" from front of optic
- f/4 optic with aperture disks that range from f/5.6 to f/22
- Designed for use with the Composer, and can also be used with the Muse with a special adapter
The lens won't work with the Control Freak lens. I'm told because it goes soe wide that you actually see the control cabels on the lens.
That was my day... I saw a few more products I like and will try to post. The show runs through Saturday, October 24.
New Photos Posted
Tuesday, October 20 ,2009
I've added several new galleries in the Photography section of the site. I mainly grabbed old photos, but I did spend 2 hours editing some new pictures today.
There are now pictures from Croatia, Bahamas, and Nevada as well as new HDR and flower photos.
I hope you enjoy
There are now pictures from Croatia, Bahamas, and Nevada as well as new HDR and flower photos.
I hope you enjoy
Canon to Add Support for 24P on the 5D Mark II
Tuesday, October 20 ,2009
Canon today announces that it is currently developing a firmware update to the EOS 5D Mark II to enable the recording of high definition 1080p video at 24 and 25fps.
This is good news.... but no mention of shooting at 60P in 720 mode like the 7D. That is more exciting to me for the options for slow motion effects.
The decision to develop new firmware to support these features has been taken following feedback received from cinematographers and photographers.
Can you say overwhelming feedback, forum posts, and blog posts. Wow... nice to see some companies actually listen to their customers.
Introduced in September 2008, the multi award-winning EOS 5D Mark II was the first DSLR product to offer full frame 1080p HD video recording, opening up a multitude of new creative possibilities for photo journalists, news photographers and amateur filmmakers.
Amateur... PLEASE. Could companies please stop talking down to their audiences. The camera and proper lenses and gear is a minimum $7,000 investment. That's not amateur. Also... can anyone tell me the difference between a photo journalist and a news photographer?
Since then, Canon has continued to develop its groundbreaking EOS Movie functionality, firstly with the firmware update to the EOS 5D Mark II that enabled manual exposure control, and more recently by introducing a choice of video recording frame rates with the EOS 7D and EOS-1D Mark IV
Both nice cameras and worth exploring. We're writing a book and shooting a music video right now with the 7D and 5D. We'll let you know about the process more soon..
Adorama also has a nice head to head coparison of the new Canon EOS-1 and Nikon D3S
Canon currently expects the firmware update to be made available during the first half of 2010. An announcement regarding details of the update and its availability will be made closer to the release date.
So please stop complaining... and asking us when... oh and first quarter means March 31... or maybe NAB in April.
View the original here.
Budgeting with Apple Numbers
Tuesday, October 20 ,2009
For a quick overview on creating video budgets with Apple Numbers, be sure to watch this informative video. You can also visit the website www.peachpit.com/videomac in order to download the budget template.
Is it Real?
Tuesday, October 20 ,2009
The folks over at NPR have a great article on Photorealism.
"Can you guess which one is a photo and which one is a painting?
Quartet by Ralph Goings
If you're going to do a painting that looks exactly like a photo, why even paint it? When asked this question in a written Q & A, photorealist painter and octogenarian Ralph Goings responded, "What I'm about is making paintings, and my camera is one of the tools I use. It's the artist's job to take the painting beyond the photograph."
Keep reading the entire article here.
Quartet by Ralph Goings
If you're going to do a painting that looks exactly like a photo, why even paint it? When asked this question in a written Q & A, photorealist painter and octogenarian Ralph Goings responded, "What I'm about is making paintings, and my camera is one of the tools I use. It's the artist's job to take the painting beyond the photograph."
Keep reading the entire article here.
So You Think You Can Teach Photoshop Contest
Sunday, October 18 ,2009
"Anyone with a desire to teach others how to make cool Photoshop effects can enter this contest. No matter if you are a graphic designer, photographer, teacher, student, or hobbyist. If you’ve got the chops, the creativity and the personality, this contest is for you. You may enter up to 3 video tutorials for judging."
The deadline for the contest is October 31, 2009.
The prizes look great!
One Grand Prize: $2,500 (USD value)
- National Association of Photoshop Professionals – one-year membership
- GridIron Flow software
- Kelby Training Online Classes – one-year subscription
- Layers magazine – one-year subscription
- Kelby Training Books & DVDs
- Photoshop World Conference & Expo Admission (plus flight and hotel expenses)
- And Tons of Fame & Exposure
- Plus, as the grand prize winner you get the opportunity to teach millions with a special guest spot on PhotoshopUser TV and Layers TV podcasts, in the pages of Photoshop User magazine, in an instructor’s chair at an upcoming Photoshop World Conference & Expo, on the PlanetPhotoshop.com and of course, visibility within NAPP to 71,000 members worldwide.
5 Honorable Mention Prizes: $500 (USD value)
- National Association of Photoshop Professionals – one-year membership
- GridIron Flow software
- Kelby Training Online Classes – one-year subscription
- Layers magazine – one-year subscription
- Kelby Training Books & DVDs
Nikon Announces the New D3
Wednesday, October 14 ,2009
In case you missed it, Nikon announced an upgrade to their top product line. A new model, the D3s is coming soon. The camera looks to be a great upgrade, although for video lovers it's still using Motion JPEG compression (which is much grainier than H.264). The camera does over several other improvements that make it a nice upgrade.
- Scott Bourne has a nice write up on his blog
- So does Moose Peterson
Me? I'm still playing with my D300S and will have more to share on video mode soon.
Photo Books Tip
Friday, August 07 ,2009
So, making a book using iPhoto is still the best. I sat down and was going to use Aperture, but it didn't have the theme I wanted (although both use the same engine and printer service). If you've never made a book, the process is a snap.
1. Select the photos you want in the browser (pick more than you think you'll need)
2. Click the Book icon in the Toolbar
3. Flip from page to page (choosing layout options from the Toolbar)
4. Drag photos in and scale and position using intuitive controls.
Mini books start at $4 and larger books range between $20 -$30 depending on soft or hard covers. It really makes a nice keepsake for friends or even a new way to build a portfolio. But what about 'proofing?' Well you can share the book before you print it.
1. In iPhoto, choose File > Print.
2. In the Print Window, choose Save as PDF.
3. Pick a destination, then name the file and click OK.
4. Send the PDF to those who need to review it.
The mini books make great leave behinds for clients or potential employers.
Two New HDR Photos with Photomatix
Wednesday, August 05 ,2009
I’ve been playing with the very cool Photomatix application for creating HDR images. Here are two (I am on vacation this week). The details:
- Shot 5 Exposures
- Handheld (less desirable for HDR, but out with kids and wife)
- Shot +/- 1 stop each
- Merged together in Photomatix standalone application
New Nikon Gear Announced
Thursday, July 30 ,2009
Nikon announced two new cameras and a few new lenses. Scott Kelby has a great update at his site.
Be sure to check out the full article by Scott as well as the official Nikon release.
A Great Example of Stop Motion Animation
Thursday, July 09 ,2009
Olympus has released a re-imagined Pen Camera. The original was released 50 years ago, and cost about a a third less than conventional cameras. The camera was known for trying new technologies and innovative ideas throughout its history.The new camera allows for several lenses as well as HD video.
To celebrate the new launch, the company commissioned a very cool stop motion commercial.
- Shot 60.000 pictures
- Developed 9.600 prints
- Shot over 1.800 pictures again.
Oh… and no post production!
Cool tutorial on lighting for photographers
Wednesday, June 03 ,2009
Check out this cool tutorial on lighting for photographers from Robert Louis Vanelli. In this video tutorial you will learn how to light a subject using multiple lights and what each of those lights do for the overall lighting scheme.
Great Video Interview with Bill Frakes of Sports Illustrated
Thursday, March 05 ,2009
“Bill Frakes is an award-winning photographer who has traveled to hundreds of countries to capture some of the most exciting moments from the Olympics to covering a six-man football team in the fields of Nebraska. As a staff photographer for Sports Illustrated, many of his images have captured the rough and beautiful essence of sports. His advertising clients include Nike, Coca-Cola, IBM, Nikon, Reebok and so many more. He’s won the coveted Newspaper Photographer of the Year in the Prestigious Pictures of the Year competition. He was a member of the Miami Herald staff that won the Pulitzer Prize for their coverage of Hurricane Andrew. He has also been awarded the Gold Medal by World Press Photo.”
Cloning an Image in Aperture
Saturday, November 08 ,2008
1 Press X to select the Retouch tool.
2 Select the Retouch HUD and click the Clone button.
3 In the Retouch HUD, adjust the brush Radius and the Softness.
4 Hold down the Option key and click the area you want to sample.
Tip
It’s often better to take a few strokes to build up the texture. Be careful as you clone so you don’t introduce stray strokes.
5 Brush over the area you want to clone.
6 Repeat brushstrokes as needed.
Tip
If you get an unintended stroke, you can choose Undo. If you return to a retouched image you can also delete a Retouch brush stroke at any time by clicking the Delete button in the Retouch area of the Adjustments pane. Note that brush strokes can be deleted only in reverse order because they’re recorded sequentially.
iPhoto versus Aperture – Part 1
Sunday, September 14 ,2008
Nondestructive Image Processing
Both Aperture and iPhoto offer nondestructive image processing.At any point during the image adjustment process you can restore your image to its original state.Although both iPhoto and Aperture feature nondestructive imaging,they take a different approach to achieve it.Read More...
New Photos from Red Rock
Tuesday, September 02 ,2008
Here’s are two new slideshows I put together to show off four things.
1. Some new photos from Red Rock National Park on Las Vegas.
2. The new graphics plug-in Sliver Efex from Nik Software.
3. Animoto Music Videos.
4. Photoshop Express Slideshows.
Enjoy and be sure to check out #2 - #4... if you are in Vegas... set aside half a day and visit Red Rock as well.
1. Some new photos from Red Rock National Park on Las Vegas.
2. The new graphics plug-in Sliver Efex from Nik Software.
3. Animoto Music Videos.
4. Photoshop Express Slideshows.
Enjoy and be sure to check out #2 - #4... if you are in Vegas... set aside half a day and visit Red Rock as well.
This Bag is Awesome – My thoughts on the Boda Dry
Thursday, April 17 ,2008
At the recent Photoshop World conference, I picked up a new camera bag. This one is a lens bag, and is designed to condense your camera bag into a few lenses and essential gear. Be sure to check out the BODA Dry (a ton of the Photoshop World instructors and staff picked up on this). Here's what's cool.
I used the bag while hiking around Red Rock (outside Las Vegas) and it was a true joy. Very comfortable and very easy to use... I still love my Kata bag for lugging the gear, but when I trim down to go mobile... this one is great.
- The bag hold 4+ lenses (including long lenses)
- It's very comfortable with both a shoulder and a waist strap (I find the shoulder strap more comfortable, but the waist strap fits well and has hip pads like a backpackers pack).
- The product looks durable with waterproof bullistic cordura and even a very tight zipper to keep rain out.
- It has a media card wallet, lens changing pouch, and even business card case.
- The gear is designed to be used with one hand (and the thoughtful construction shows).
I used the bag while hiking around Red Rock (outside Las Vegas) and it was a true joy. Very comfortable and very easy to use... I still love my Kata bag for lugging the gear, but when I trim down to go mobile... this one is great.
Don't Use Auto White Balance
Friday, April 04 ,2008
Looking for an easy way to white-balance on a shoot? I just discovered the useful Whibal White Balance Reference Cards.
Here's what I like:
- Lightweight and single-card format.
- Light Gray, certified to recommended Luminance
- Includes Black and White Spots
- Focus and Sharpness targets
- Sturdy and Easy to Pack (it even floats)
- Affordable
New Options for Web Galleries
Thursday, January 10 ,2008
"Adobe® Media Gallery (AMG) for Adobe Bridge adds quick, powerful Web gallery creation to Adobe Photoshop® CS3, Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended and the Adobe Creative Suite®. AMG makes it possible to create HTML or Flash-based galleries from any of the file formats supported by Bridge; adjust the galleries using the built-in preview; and export the results or upload them via FTP."
The add-on is free... and works great with easy preview and FTP options. You can download the free plug-in at http://labs.adobe.com/wiki/index.php/Adobe_Media_Gallery.
Photographer's Rights
Thursday, January 18 ,2007
You can find a great PDF here that describes the rights of photographers (and videographers) within the U.S. Print this out and place it into your gear bag for the next time you get harassed.
Great New Digital Camera
Friday, December 08 ,2006
The Leica D-LUX 3 offers a superb amount of pro features in a small package:
- 10-megapixel CCD (18 x 24-inch prints)
- Shoot both RAW and JPEG
- Manual setting options (focus, aperture, ISA, bracketing)
- High-quality lens takes (equivalent to 28 mm - 112 mm)
- Ability to shoot three aspect ratios (4:3 - 3:2 - 16:9)
- Optical stabilization and fast processing (burst 1 fps)
- High-quality aluminum housing
- Video Record HD 720P @ 15 fps & SD @ 30 fps in QuickTime
- Choice between automatic or manual ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800 or ISO 1600.
- Includes full copy of Photoshop Elements
The cameras are back ordered due to popularity, so you'll need to allow a few weeks to get yours (I'm still anxiously waiting).