Wednesday, October 29, 2008

GM Script: Multi Group Sender - Send your image to multiple groups at once

Never heard of it before until I stumbled on it in flickr threads.

Requirements: Firefox and GreaseMonkey extension.

Check out Here.

What To Look For In A Tripod - Or how to choose one


















From "The Nikonians"...Here

Flickr Discussion Here

Nikkor DX kit lens group test: 18-55mm vs 18-70mm vs 18-135mm vs 18-200mm VR




















The primary reason for choosing a new lens is to enjoy a broader or alternative focal range. All four lenses in this Nikkor group test offer general-purpose ranges from wide angle to telephoto. While all start at a focal length of 18mm though, the major difference between them is how much they can zoom in...Full Review Here.

DIY Flash Diffuser


This is a simple flash diffuser that is quick and easy to make :)
Instructions here will fit on a Nikon SB800 or SB600.
Alter dimensions accordingly to fit other flashes...Here

FlickrVision - A New way to see Flickr images in Real-Time


FlickrVision runs in real-time showing the latest images upload to flickr on a scrolling World Map.

Just mouse over balloon to open a bigger window of Image preview.

Click on Big window to close...See It Here

Photomatix - Increase the dynamic range of your photographs

If you have ever photographed a high contrast scene, you know that even the best exposure will typically have blown out highlights and flat shadows. Photomatix offers two ways to solve this problem:
Exposure Blending: Merge differently exposed photographs into one image with increased dynamic range.
Tone Mapping: Reveal highlight and shadow details in an HDR image created from multiple exposures. The tone mapped image is ready for printing while showing the complete dynamic range captured.
See examples of how it works
View more examples in the User Gallery
Get started with a quick tutorial
Download a free trial version
FAQ on HDR imaging for photography

Photomatix Pro is a stand-alone program that runs on Mac OS X and Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Vista. The Tone Mapping tool is also available separately as a plugin compatible with Photoshop CS2.
One license for Photomatix Pro costs US$99 or €75. One license for the Tone Mapping Plug-In costs US$69 or €55.
The benefits of using Photomatix Pro include...Full Info Here

Friday, October 24, 2008

13 Lessons to Teach Your Child About Digital Photography



Note - before I start I should say that you can probably teach a child too much about photography and ‘kill’ some of the playfulness that I think makes the images that a child can take special.

My main advice would be to instill in your child the first lesson below - of experimenting and having fun:

Full Article Here

30 Exceptional Gimp Tutorials and Resources


GIMP is a freely distributed GNU Image Manipulation Program. Available for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. It’s always fun to experiment different techniques and learn how to work with various aspects of GIMP to spice up boring pictures and make them into works of arts and masterpieces.

So, if you’re interested in learning some new skills, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced user, these GIMP tutorials are for you.

Below you will find an incredible amount some of the best GIMP tutorials hand picked to enhance or highlight whatever action is going on in the photo.

Check them out Here

Flickr Group: Photography is not a crime


ashi (a group admin) says:
27 Mar 08 - We are in the "post 9/11" era. This excuse is used when people don't want you to take a photo. Photographers are likened to terrorists and cameras to weapons.

It seems scale is important - point and shoot? You're NOT a terrorist. Big lens, prosumer camera? Well, then, you ARE a terrorist and should be harassed/detained/questioned/arrested for your crime of taking photos. Read the stories, post your own, share, and most important - keep shooting (photos)

Check out Group Here

Lowepro Launches The Classified AW Series

Lowepro announces the launch of Classified AW, a new breed of camera bags specifically designed for hardworking photojournalists.

This series of distinctive bags represents Lowepro’s continuous commitment to the professional photographer and was created with the unique requirements of the photojournalist in mind—inside and out.

Classified AW shoulder bags conceal photographers’ gear (and their mission) with a discreet and slim profile, contoured to be comfortable, move easily with the body and help navigate a busy street.

Check them out Here

Monday, October 20, 2008

Photos from Zombiecon 2008



Zombies: Manhattan's undead stumbled down to Wall St for Zombiecon 2008.

Check out the Pics Here

GratePic, a cross platform tool for posting, commenting and rating photos on flickr


Overview

GratePic is a cross platform tool for posting, commenting and rating photos on flickr.

While you can also use flickr's nice web interface for these tasks it's getting a little bit annoying with groups which require you to use specific codes to award photos.

For example if you post a photo on People's Choice, you will have to award 3 other photos with the People's Choice Award

This usually translates in copying and pasting codes like this:

"href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/peopleschoice">
People's Choice"

With GratePic the whole process is much simpler.

Check it out Here

THE ULTIMATE EXPOSURE COMPUTER


Imagine an exposure computer so advanced that it uses your eyes as a sensor. The processing unit is as powerful as your brain. The computer is accurate over a light range from reflected starlight through the light produced in a hydrogen fusion reaction.

This computer weighs nothing and operates without batteries. It comes with instructions to allow you to implant the capabilities of the computer directly into your own memory so you can accurately judge a correct exposure by simply looking at the type of light that the subject is in.

You are using this computer right now!.

Go Here for full article at fredparker.com

Photography - The Lens By: Danny Hartley


A camera that allows you to change the lens will obviously give you the greatest flexibility to pick the appropriate lens for the situation. An ideal camera like this is the SLR. You can choose from super wideangle to super telephoto. Macro for close ups. Bellows for even closer close up. Attach it to a microscope. Attach it to a telescope...Full Story..Here

Nikon D-Lighting Demystified


Active D-Lighting is the name
for the software program which
automatically adjusts shadows,
highlights, colours and therefore
contrasts...Full explanation..Here

SplashUp Online Photo editing


















Splashup, formerly Fauxto, is a powerful editing tool and photo manager. With all the features professionals use and novices want, it's easy to use, works in real-time and allows you to edit many images at once. Splashup runs in all browsers, integrates seamlessly with top photosharing sites, and even has its own file format so you can save your work in progress...Check it out...Here

Friday, October 17, 2008

60+ Tools To Enhance Your Flickr Experience


Being a popular online image platform, Flickr has enabled Internet users to manage and share digital photos easily as long as there’s an Internet connection.

Flickr is a revolution for photo sharing and management plus it has a huge community of photographers who provide great photos there for the world to see.

Check it out Here

Filters,Filters,Filters!



There are two basic filter types or systems to choose
from, the screw-in and the slide-in types.

Great Article
by J. Ramon Palacios from The Nikonians!....Here

Composition Matters: Placing the Center of Interest






















Sometimes it’s pretty obvious where the centre of interest has to go and there really aren’t a whole lot of choices. If the main subject basically fills the frame, then that’s pretty much the end of the discussion.

It’s hard in a head and shoulders portrait to place it at the side without looking very odd. Should the portrait be more environmental, then your options open up considerably...Full Article Here

Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM


Sigma has today announced a new HSM version of its popular 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG lens. This large aperture standard zoom is considerably more compact than its predecessor, thanks to a brand new optical design which features 14 elements in 12 groups, including three aspherical, one ELD and two SLD elements.

The HSM focusing motor promises fast and silent focusing coupled with full-time manual focus, and the minimum focus distance is 38cm allowing a maximum magnification of 1:5.3. The lens will be available in Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony mounts.

Check it out Here

50 Dirty, Filthy Grunge Photoshop Effects


Oct 10th in Effects, Web Roundups by Danny Outlaw

The grunge movement in design combines rips, tears, decay, smears and scratches to form a dark and gritty result. Here we've collected fifty of the best ever Photoshop grunge tutorials for your enjoyment and education.

Check it out Here

JPG website




















JPG Magazine is for people who love imagemaking
without attitude. It's about the kind of photography
you get when you love the moment more than the camera.

It's for photographers who, like us, have found themselves
online, sharing their work, and would like to see that work
in print....Here

Tips, Tricks & Techniques to Improve Your Photography


PhotographyTips.com is for everyone with an interest in photography. It is intended to help beginners get started in photography, and become so good at it that they turn into advanced amateurs. But, accomplished photographers will also find useful tips and hints here. Our primary objective is to help people like you to take better photographs....Check it out Here

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

10 Incredible Underground Lakes and Rivers


Check them out Here

The Candid Frame #54 - James Atherton


James K. W. Atherton was a veteran news photographer in Washington D.C. for over 40 years.

For 20 years, he was a staffer for the wires at United Press International, covering every U. S. President from Truman to Nixon as well as the major events of the day, such as the McCarthy hearings, the 1963 March on Washington, JFK’s funeral, and the first seven space shots.

Few world leaders escaped his lens.

To bad we don't have him here now along with real journalist.

Check out the article at The Candid Frame Here

BetterPhoto.com for Online Courses..


In our world famous online photography classes, our pro photographers - most of whom have written how-to books on photography - provide you with exciting photography assignments and then personally evaluate your photos.

With notable photography instructors like Jim Zuckerman, Rob Sheppard, Kerry Drager, Brenda Tharp, Lewis Kemper, Jim Miotke, George Schaub, Peter Burian, and Ibarionex Perello, among many others, you can't go wrong. Our instructors give you personal, prompt, and professional critiques. With the guidance of these mentors, you learn what you did right, what you did wrong, and how you can improve your photography.

What's more, lively student interactions help reinforce the lessons and challenge your pro instructor to answer questions that enrich the entire photography class. This could be the opportunity you've been waiting for to lift your photography to a new level. You'll find classes here for every level of photographer, from beginner to pro.

Our free photography articles and Photoshop tutorials, authored by our pro photography instructors, also educate and inspire thousands of visitors every day.

No personal opinion on them as never heard of before.
But check them out Here and decide for yourself.

SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0


Using SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0, you have complete control to multiple functions to adjustment the color, tone, and white balance ultimately creating the highest resolution picture taken by a digital camera.

They are also working on a Free version.. Check them out Here

Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

pretty good software. something i can definitely be using a lot myself. their forum seems helpful as well, www.silkypixforum.com

October 14, 2008 11:22 PM

Friday, October 10, 2008

Book Recomendation of the Week,Month the Year

Understanding Exposure by Brian Peterson - a Reader Review

This reader review of Brian Peterson’s Understanding Exposure was submitted by one of Digital Photography School’s beloved forum moderators - Saralonde. Thanks for going to the time to write this review Saralonde!

Book Rating: 4/5

Of all the photography books I have on my bookshelf, and believe me, I have quite a few, this is the one that stands out as the most helpful. It is the first one I recommend to new photographers and it is one that I refer to when I need a bit of a refresher. It will take the fear out of moving from the point and shoot modes to the creative modes of your camera...Full Review....Here

It's All about the Viewfinder


Like most DSLRs, the Nikon D40's viewfinder is an optical through-the-lens type, with the LCD monitor being used for image playback and menu access only. (That is, there's no live image preview available.)

The D40's viewfinder is quite similar to that of the earlier D50, although there are some modest improvements in a couple of areas.

Check out the Full Article Here from Imaging Resources.

ShortCourses.com - The On-line Library of Digital Photography























Check them out...Here

The Total Nikon World: The Nikonians!








Check them Out Here

How To Use Your Nikon SB-800 Flash With Softboxes,, Softliters, Umbrellas, etc. Wirelessly














What if you could have perfect studio lighting on location without the burden of lugging strobes with you? In fact, what if you could fit an entire four-light set-up in a small shoulder bag? Nikon's SB-800 flash makes all this possible and more...Full Article...Here

Noise Reduction



With varying degrees, all digital cameras produce electronic noise, extraneous pixels sprinkled throughout an image. Higher ISO, underexposure, long exposure, and oversharpening can increase this effect. Lightroom's Noise Reduction feature can easily reduce the effect of electronic noise, while maintaining image detail.

Lightroom's Noise Reduction controls are found under the Detail pane...Full Article..Here

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

6 Exceptional Web-based Image Editors


Web-based image editors have several advantages to its desktop counterparts. The most obvious benefit is that they allow you to work on any computer (that has a browser).

In most cases, you can save your work online, avoid having to install desktop software, and interface with other web based services such as Flickr or Picasa.

This article shares 6 of the finest, free online image editors that are capable alternatives to desktop applications like Adobe Photoshop and GIMP.

Check them out Here

So You Think You Know What An F-Number Is


By Brian Auer • June 16th, 2007

Most of us have heard, and probably used, the term f-number. Most of us have also probably used the term interchangeably with “f-stop” or “aperture”.

What are all these things, really? Yes, they have to do with the size of the hole allowing light to pass through the lens, and they affect depth of field and light intensity.

But I’m talking about what these things really are.... Full Article Here

photozone's 89 Nikon mount Lenses Reviews




















See full list...Here

How To Use A Polarizing Filter


Of all the filters available, a polarizing filter is the first one you should buy to improve your landscape photography.

So What Does It Do?

First of all it can darken blue skies turning them a deep, rich blue. Polarizing filters are also great for removing reflections in water. So if you're shooting a river scene and you want to see detail in the water or on the river bottom, a polarizer will reduce the reflections. They're also good with foliage, making leaves and such less shiny (again, cutting down on reflections). Color saturation is enhanced with almost any subject. No other filter can provide this.

The polarizing filter one thing and one thing well - it removes reflections from non-metallic surfaces...Full Article Here.

An FAQ on polarizers

Andorama's take on them

Nikon's Capture NX site - Tutorials ,FAQ,etc...


Nikon's Capture NX site - Tutorials ,FAQ,etc...

Picasa instantly locates and organizes all the pictures on your computer.


Find the pictures you forgot you had.

Picasa organizes your entire collection while you watch, scanning the images on your computer and automatically sorting them by date.

Move and re-name pictures from inside Picasa.

Want to clean up messy folders and move pictures around on your computer’s hard drive? Simply drag and drop pictures from one folder in Picasa to another. Picasa will make the change permanent after double-checking with you. Want to change a picture’s filename from 671056398a.jpg to Lisa.jpg? In Picasa, it only takes seconds to re-name one picture or a group of pictures.

Make an album.

Use the "Albums" collection to tag your photos into quick groupings inside Picasa. Viewing and sharing the pictures you grouped under an album is easy – they make great slideshows and movies or you can email them to friends..

Now has gone to version 3 Here

Monday, October 6, 2008

Photosynth new technology from Microsoft


Photosynth is a software application from Microsoft Live Labs and the University of Washington that analyzes digital photographs to build a three-dimensional point cloud of a photographed object.[1]

Pattern recognition components compare portions of images to create points, which are then compared to convert the image into a model.

Users are able to view and generate their own models using a software tool available for download at the Photosynth website...

Check it out Here

and the Photosynth Wiki Here

Deconstructing Flickr’s “Interestingness!” by Westley Hein


Since Flickr is one of the most well-known Web 2.0 sites it is worth taking a look at what they do if for no other reason than to use it as a predictor for what the legions of Flickr clones will soon try to copy.

Full Article Here

WinkFlash


Who we are

Offer easy-to-use & intuitive online tools to manage, edit, enhance and print your digital photos from the comfort and convenience of your home or office. Winkflash uses only film-quality, premium photographic paper and chemicals, ensuring the consistency and quality delivered by conventional photo printing shops today.

Paramount Quality

Unlike some film processors who have modified their existing film-based photo finishing equipment to support digital image printing, Winkflash has invested in state-of the art equipment designed exclusively to create photographic prints from digital camera images.

Lowest Price

Our prices start at only 8¢ for a high quality 4X6 print using Fuji Crystal Archive photographic paper and chemistry. There is no minimum order for prints to take advantage of our low pricing, whether your order 1 or 1,000 prints, you will benefit from the same low price.

Check them out Here

Creative Photography by Romain Laurent


Today’s inspiration comes from Romain Laurent, a highly talented French photographer, famous for his brilliant work with some of the biggest advertising agencies in the world...

Brought to by Toxel.com Here

Saturday, October 4, 2008

THE UNDERSTANDING SERIES


















Another Great series on Learning Photography...Here

The Ten Legal Commandments of Photography


Say you’re out for a photographic stroll, taking pictures of that cool old power plant on the edge of town. Suddenly seventy security guards swarm you and demand you hand over your camera.

“What is this,” you ask yourself, “a Michael Moore movie?”

You’re sure you haven’t done anything wrong, but you don’t know whose side the law is on. Fret no more- we’ve got a list of things you can and can’t do, and it’s a lot more permissive than you might think.

Now grab your camera back from that Rent-A-Cop and let’s hit the books....Read it Here

Library of Congress Flickr stream over 4000 photo's




















You can see them...Here

Monitor calibration and gamma


In this page we discuss a critical step in setting up a digital darkroom: calibrating your monitor so it conforms to widely-accepted standards of image display. A properly calibrated monitor is essential for making prints that match the monitor image; it is an absolute necessity for success in the digital darkroom. Printer calibration is now on a separate page....Full Article Here

QuickGamma is a small utility program to calibrate a monitor on the fly without having to buy expensive hardware tools.