Perfect Photo Suite 8 Public Beta Released

The Beta or pre-release version of Perfect Photo Suite 8 is now available. Download it todayThis Public Beta will work alongside your existing onOne Software products, so you can explore the new version without losing the capabilities you already have. Download the Public Beta and get started now.If you wish, you can pre-order the suite now and get a bonus video - click on the image below

Lighting Demo and Educational Program

I am truly honored and proud to have been selected to demonstrate and teach lighting for Manfrotto.  They represent Gitzo, Elinchrome, Lastolight, Gossen and more of the finest.Join me for a day at Hunts Melrose or a  1/2 day in Hanover.This is a great educational experience as well as an opportunity to check out some fantastic lighting gear.  Some of the finest manufacturers products featured in one location.The event is free but you need to register.

MDD - Hunts Promotional Piece

Focus Stacking using a Promote Control

Just finished writing a "Tip" on using a Promote Control to do focus stacking in the field.While I was in the Smoky Mountains I was asked how to do this - so the folks who asked please read on.Here is the link https://shivverma.com//tip-focus-stacking-with-a-promote-control/or click here

Canon's much awaited 200-400mm f/4 telezoom with built-in 1.4x extender announced

Here is the press release:MELVILLE, N.Y., May 14, 2013 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced a dynamic new super-telephoto zoom lens, the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x. Designed for use with all Canon EOS Digital SLR cameras, the new L-series lens has an integrated 1.4x focal length extender and high-performance Image Stabilization technology, offering exceptional shooting flexibility and range, ideal for sports or wildlife photography.

The new EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x zoom lens features an optically matched built-in 1.4x extender that increases the maximum focal length to 560mm, simultaneously preserving image quality and enabling the seamless capture of distant, moving subjects. With a simple switch, photographers can easily increase zoom range, which is extremely useful when it's difficult to change lenses quickly, and helps protect delicate equipment like a DSLR camera's image sensor in environments with dust, high humidity or other extreme environmental factors.Peter Read Miller, an award-winning sports photographer and Canon Explorer of Light, recently used the new lens while shooting various worldwide sporting competitions."I had the opportunity recently to use Canon's new 200-400 lens at a number of sporting events," said Miller. "I found it to be incredibly versatile, replacing several different prime lenses that I would usually carry. The zoom allows me to control my framing; the autofocus has speed equal to or faster than most fixed focal length telephoto lenses and the ability to engage the 1.4 extender without taking my eye away from the camera is a unique feature not found in any other telephoto lens available today."To help deliver beautiful, soft, image backgrounds, the lens features a 9-blade circular aperture. The lens also utilizes inner focusing, ring USM, a high-speed CPU and optimized AF algorithms for fast and accurate autofocusing. Quiet and smooth focus shifts - essential for filmmaking - are made possible with Canon's Power Focus mode.Using advanced optical materials such as fluorite crystal and UD glass, the new lens provides excellent correction of chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range, and delivers high-quality images with high levels of resolution, color fidelity and contrast. With three image stabilization modes, (standard, panning, and during exposure only) and stabilization effective up to four shutter speed steps, the new EF 200-400mm lens provides excellent results for a wide range of subjects and shooting scenarios. The new lens also includes dust- and water-resistant construction designed for extended usage under harsh conditions."The EF 200-400 along with the Canon EOS-1D X camera body is my new 'go-to' combination for shooting sports," concluded Miller.The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x zoom lens is expected to be available at the end of May for an estimated retail price of $11,799.00.Hunt's Photo and Video is taking pre-orders for this lens.  Call 800-221-1830 or click here to pre-order on their web site.

Mirrorless Movers™

Think Tank Photo just announced their first camera bag collection for Mirrorless cameras, the Mirrorless Movers™.  The Mirrorless Movers come in four sizes that range in size from the Mirrorless Mover 5, which fits one small size mirrorless body with a small telephoto or pancake lens attached, up to the Mirrorless Mover 30i, which fits one medium to large size mirrorless body plus two to four lenses and an iPad.As is their design philosophy, Think Tank placed a premium on quality.  The new bags utilize metal hardware instead of plastic buckles, and only high quality fabrics, YKK zippers and a new, magnetic closure.  In the words of their president and lead designer Doug Murdoch, “The Mirrorless Movers offer photographers quality in their camera bags worthy of their investment in these sophisticated, expensive camera systems.”When you click on this special link you will receive free gear with all orders of $50 or more and free shipping on all orders if you order by May 31, 2013.Click HereThe four sizes are:

• The Mirrorless Mover 5 fits one small size mirrorless body with a small telephoto or pancake lens attached. It is sized for the Canon EOS–M, Leica D–Lux, Nikon 1 series, Olympus E–PM2, E–PL5, EP–3, Panasonic GF3, Sony NEX–C3, or similar sized bodies.
• The Mirrorless Mover 10 fits one medium size mirrorless body plus one to two lenses and additional accessories. It is sized for the Leica V–Lux, Olympus OM–D E–M5, Panasonic G3, GF5, GH2, Samsung NX5, NX11, NX210, Sony NEX–5, NEX–6, NEX–7, or similar sized/smaller bodies.
• The Mirrorless Mover 20 fits one medium size mirrorless body plus two to three lenses and additional accessories. It is sized for the Leica V–Lux, Olympus OM–D E–M5, Panasonic G3, GF5, GH2, Samsung NX5, NX11, NX210, Sony NEX–5, NEX–6, NEX–7, or similar sized/smaller bodies.
• The Mirrorless Mover 30i fits one medium to large size mirrorless body plus two to four lenses, iPad, and additional accessories or a small–size DSLR and one to three small telephoto lenses or primes. It is sized for the Fuji X–Pro 1, Leica M8, Panasonic GH3 or similar sized/smaller bodies. Small DSLRs: Canon Rebel, Nikon D3200/D5200, Sony SLT–A55/A37 or similar sized bodies.

thinkTank Photo Products

We are proud to have been accepted as a thinkTANK affiliate.  Please use this link to browse and purchase any thinkTANK product.  For any purchase of $50 or more you will receive a free (valuable) gift from thinkTANK. You may also use the link from the products page on this website  If you like street photography the Urban Disguise is for you.

My favorite sling straps for my cameras.

If you never tried a sliding sling strap, you are in for a wonderful experience.  We are all familiar with sling straps on camera bags and some back packs.  Sling straps are worn diagonally across your body to move the weight of your gear from your neck to your shoulder – resulting in a significant improvement in comfort.  Sliding Sling Straps differ from sling straps in one important feature.  Sliding sling straps have a fitting that slides along the strap.  The fitting in turn connects to your camera.  That means that the camera, which is attached to the fitting, can be brought up smoothly to your eye without pulling your clothing – the strap, which is a loop, does not need to move!Sliding slings trace back to 1885 where the slider was connected to a rifle http://www.rollanet.org/~stacyw/us_1885_carbine_sling.htm.  The first commercial application that I found for cameras dates back to 2004.  The product (still available), called simply “The Strap” is sold by a company called Leicagoodies, http://www.leicagoodies.com/strap.html.  This sliding sling uses a detachable connector attached to a split ring which slides along 1” wide loop strap.There have been many embodiments of the sliding sling strap for cameras since 2004.  The most popular are the Black Rapid straps and the California Sun Bounce Straps.  Many smaller companies also produced sling straps.  In 2007, Black Rapid applied for a patent on the sling strap.  The patent was granted in November 2011.  Black Rapid immediately moved to eliminate competitive products that used the sling concept for cameras.  A letter notifying infringement of a patent and threatening legal action was sent from the president of Black Rapid to the manufactures of sliding sling straps and to camera dealers who sold competitive product.  One manufacturer immediately stopped production of their strap; others modified their design to avoid an expensive patent infringement law suit.A relative newcomer, BosStrap, dropped the original design and took a different approach and completely different strap. Introduced in June 2012, the BosStrap Generation 3 Sliding Sling Strap is truly “unlike anything else” as BosStrap claims.  I recently had an opportunity to try them and used two of them on my two 7D and 5D MkIII bodies while doing my workshops in Iceland.This product really is different from others.  Careful engineering resulted in an elegant, functional design.  To begin with, BosStrap uses a unique, double lock, patent pending attachment to the camera.  This USA made product is different from other sling straps in that it attaches to the left strap lug on the camera, not to the tripod socket as virtually all other sling straps do.  When hanging from the left strap lug, the camera rests in a much more natural way with the lens directed downward and backward allowing your camera nestle against you with your hip between the front of the pentaprism and the top of the lens.  Hanging in this position tends to stabilize the camera when walking, yet keeps the camera grip at your hand for instant access.When you want to move to a tripod, you simply release the Generation 3 Tail strap from the slider.  You do not need to unscrew anything from the camera, and you can continue to wear the light-weight sling strap without the camera.BosStrap has completely freed the camera’s tripod threaded socket from a strap connector.  Your tripod mounting plate never needs to be removed from your camera.  BosStrap claims that Nikon and Canon do not recommend carrying the inverted weight of the camera and lens by the tripod socket because of the possibility of internal seals being stressed in a way they were not designed for.   There is also concern about the ability of the tripod socket to carry the inverted weight.You won’t find a shoulder pad on a BosStrap.  I was skeptical about this lack of cushioning at first, but after trying it with my Canon bodies, I was convinced that the 1-1/2” wide strap really offers the same comfort that a bulky pad would provide.  BosStrap works with an L-bracket too.I like to do street photography and have the need for a lot of flexibility and be inconspicuous.  With a BosStrap, I can conceal my camera under my open jacket and not have a large lump from a shoulder pad showing.  My camera is partially concealed under my jacket until needed - very unobtrusive and it is an excellent theft deterrent.  An added benefit is that the strap can be wrapped around the lens when putting your camera back in the bag.A BosStrap is simply an efficiently engineered product that does precisely what it is supposed to do – provide very quick accessibility and support your camera in a comfortable, safe manner.  Most important they are very reasonably priced.  You can get them directly from Boss Strap, LLC  or one of the many stores they have listed on their site.You can a;sp order them from Hunts Photo Video at http://www.huntsphotoandvideo.com

Phottix Macro Focusing Rail

I have just finished a review of the Phottix Macro Focusing Rail.  The review is a PDF document that you can read on line or download.Phottix Macro Rail Review 

Photographing the Aurora Borealis

I have added a new tip on my tips page on "Photographing the Aurora Borealis" Click here for a direct link

Special Products and Special Prices

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your support and helping my photography Photo Tours and Workshops gain momentum.  For all who have participated in any way this year a special thank you and for those who will be joining  me next year, I look forward to gaining your confidence.As I look back at 2012, I can't help but feel grateful to the wonderful people who have come into my extended photo family.  I have enjoyed every moment with you all.As a small token I requested my friend, supporter and sponsor Gary Farber of Hunts Photo and Video to put together some VERY SPECIAL PRICING on some of my favorite  products and accessories.  As you look through this list, you might want to avail of these discounts and support Hunts as they have supported the photographic community.Wishing you and yours Happy and Safe Holidays and all the best for the New Year.With warm regards,ShivClick Here for the list and special pricing good through the end of the year

Great savings on Adobe Products

BosStrap LLC to sponsor Iceland 2

I am so happy to announce that BosStrap is sponsoring the Iceland 2 Photo Tour and Workshop.  The designers of the original BosStrap Camera Sling System now have the full range of sling straps for you professional DSLR to your Point and Shoot cameras.  The BosStrap is MADE IN AMERICA - here is a link to their web site:

All my camera bodies are equipped with the BosStrap - they are light, strong and so very convenient - read more on their website and support American Made.

Canon Releases EOS 7D Firmware version 2.0

Canon finally released its significant upgrade/update to the EOS 7D.The firmware can be downloaded from this linkVersion 2 of the firmware will provide users of this body the following:Speed, the 7D will now shoot 130 Large/Fine JPEGs or 25 RAW.  This compared to 126 and 15.  The big jump is for RAW files.  The shooting rate remains at 8 fps.The 7D will now be compatible with the Canon GPS Receiver GP-E2  using the 7D’s USB connector.  GEO Tagging is not possible with Video.For Video buffs the camera will provid custom audio recording.  The firmware will enable manual control of sound recording levels in 64 steps.  Visual indicators will warn you of custom recording.Something that Nikon has had now will be available in the 7D.  Customization for Auto ISO in M, P, TV, AV and B modes.  You will be able to set upper limits up to ISO 6400.  The 7D will always auto adjust ISO for best exposure.The firmware will now allow in camera processing to modify White Balance, Picture Style, Auto Lighting Optimizer, High ISO Noise Reduction, JPEG Quality, Color Space, Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction, Distortion Correction and Lens Aberration Correction to RAW images capture.JPEG images can be resized in camera from “L” to “M “ and from “M” to “S” JPEG.An in camera rating system will be available.  A five step star rating will be available during image playback/review.Using the “Q” or quick control button you will now be able to apply protection to images, rotate and resize then, see the highlight alerts and AF point displays.A real neat feature with this upgrade is custom file naming. You will be able to set the first four characters of the file name, no more _IMG.  Image quality can be applied to the file name too.How about this: “time zone settings”, you can not only define time zones, but also daylight savings time.Significant improvements in the speed of scrolling images that have been magnified for review. 

Weekend Workshops

Two awesome days, two awesome workshops with some truly great photographers.  Yesterday's Lighting Demystified workshop was great - even the heat and humidity was not a hindrance.  The Macro and Closeup workshop had many Ah Ha moments in particular with stacking.Here are a few images form the macro and closeup workshop participants: 

EXPOIMAGING – The Rogue Product Line

For years I have been struggling with accessories that can be used with my hot shoe flash on- or off- camera.  A good diffusion accessory was a plastic cap that fits over the flash head, then a cumbersome triangular unit with Velcro strips, adhesive and tape – reflectors and so many pieces that would drive anyone crazy.  Not to mention the fact that this was dubbed “the fall apart”.My challenge was to get a system that was light, easy to carry, easy to setup and most important, effective.THE FLASHBENDERS:About a year ago I acquired a product from ExpoImaging called the Rogue FlashBender “large positionable reflector”  – this accessory has not left my arsenal of gizmos and gadgets that I don’t leave home without.  I use this to bend and shape the light, use it  as a reflector, a snoot, and as a flag or gobo any time I have to eliminate flare.Rogue FlashBenders are shapeable light modifiers for shoe mount flash heads.  The design allows you bend the reflector into any position and you can be sure it will stay in that position until you decide to alter it .After an introduction by Hunt’s Photo and Video a few weeks ago, ExpoImaging sent me a their product line to try out.  Thank you Hunt’s and ExpoImaging. On opening the package, I immediately fell in love with the diffusion panel that works in conjunction with the large FlashBender.  Now I have twice the effective use from the same product.  This basically converts the FlashBender into a micro softbox.A smaller version of the same system is equally versatile and I was able to complete a jewelry product shoot with just two off-camera hot shoe flash units mounted with FlashBenders and diffusion panels.  It was great not to have to use my large strobes and  soft-boxes and achieve awesome results with the Rogues.In addition to the FlashBenders (large and small) they make a third product in this lineup called the bendable bounce card/flag.  This is equally effective.  If you are the type of photographer who uses elastic bands and white cards (business cards) you will love this.  Each of these FlashBenders stay put.  Installation is a breeze, collars and Velcro wrap around straps are superb.  The system is designed to hold fast and stay that way no matter what size of a flash head you have.  Event photographers you will feel you are in heaven.  Moreover, attach the diffusion panel and you have beautiful soft light on the go.For one of my product shots I needed an additional reflector so I used the bounce card without mounting it to my speedlight.  Needing additional light, I folded some aluminum kitchen foil over it and now I had a high reflection surface bendable in any direction.  I have also created a sleeve made with gold reflective material that fits over the large flash bender when I need warmer light.GRIDS3-in-1 Honey Comb Grid and Rogue GellsIf you have ever had the need to control your flash light output with a grid – look no further.  The Rogue product line includes one of the mot ingenious honey-comb stacking system.  A stacking system that includes a bezel, attachment straps, a 25 degree and a 45 degree honeycomb grid (combined they give you a 16 degree grid) all in a nylon carrying pouch.  There is more, you can get a set of Rogue Gels that are specifically designed for the grid system.  The set comprises 20 circular filters and a padded pouch.  Each filter is identified by its color and f/stop loss (wow!!!!).  There is no way you won’t fall in love with this system.  That is if you want control and color. FILTERSRogue Gels - Universal Lighting Filter KitThere is no end to the number of options you have to gel your flash head.  From pre-cut, to sample gels to cut it and fit it, Velcro, elastic bands, stick-on double sided tape and many other crazy options. I had actually given up looking for a good solution.The Rogue system is so well designed; you get a large gel band (not a rubber band) that you put around your flash head (this stays put). Now you insert one end of your gel that is tabbed under the band on one side and then the other side.  You are free to stack gels as you please.  Each gel is printed with its color and f/stop loss.  All so well organized in a padded pouch.  The gels fit  – they cover the flash head and provide even gelled light.It is important to note that Rogue gels are manufactured by Lee Filters, renowned for their gels, glass and polycarbonate filters.Conclusion:  I have found the Rogue product line to be simple yet versatile, giving you total control for your lighting requirements when used with your portable flash heads.  They are durable and light, easily packed into the smallest of camera bags and ready for use. Best of all they are self contained and do not require you to stick or glue things onto your flash heads.  I highly recommend the system to all photographers who need to control or modify the light from their flash heads.In addition to regular use of the FlashBender, I have now included the entire product line in my “Lighting Demystified” workshop.

Review of the Feisol Carbon Fiber Tripod and Ball-Head

I was provided a Feisol Carbon Fiber Tripod and a Carbon Fiber Tripod to do a review.  The review may be read/downloaded by clicking on the link: Feisol ReviewI highly recommend both products.

Feisol Carbon Fiber Tripods, Ballheads and accessories

I have been following the Feisol product line for some time now and have been very impressed with their products.  Their carbon fiber tripods and carbon fiber (yes carbon fiber) ballheads are well constructed, strong and will withstand the most adverse conditions.  I have finished a review of their Tournament Tripod Model CT-3442, a light folding 4 section tripod and their Arca Swiss compatible Carbon Fiber Ball-head Model CB50DC and will be posting this tomorrow.I will happily recommend these products to any photographer longing to buy a good tripod, upgrade their existing tripod or head or just get another one.I feel strongly enough to endorse their products and have become a Feisol affiliate.  There is a permanent affiliate link on my "Products and Discounts" page.If you wish to see more on Feisol products or to purchase, please click on the banner below to be directed to their site.

Lighting Demystified - Date Change April 29 to April 28

The April 29 workshop will now be held on April 28thThere are two spots open for April 22nd  - Yesterdays workshop was sold out and was awesome.Click Here for Details "Lighting Demystified Workshop"Here are some comments from the post workshop survey:

As an advanced amateur with limited lighting experience, this course gave me a good overview of lighting fundamentals and their application in a variety of challenging situations. In addition, this course will provide me with a good basis for future lighting exploration as I further my photography skill set. Thanks Shiv!

4/16/2012 9:14 AM

I learned a tremendous amount about lighting. Concepts were explained, misconceptions eliminated and techniques to succeed were taught. The best of all was how to do this without spending a ton of money on equipment!

4/15/2012 9:45 PM

The workshop was excellent, I am glad I was made aware of it from a fellow camera club member. I really liked Shiv's teaching style, he got into the technical details of light and made sure everyone understood each concept before he moved on.

4/15/2012 9:06 PM

I just spent a day at Shiv Verma's workshop on understanding Artificial Lighting. I came away from the workshop with a clearer understanding on the importance and the use of artificial lighting as well as the different types of lighting currently available. I highly recommend this program to the serious photographer interested in improving their skill set as well as gaining a better understanding on mastering light. Zig Cape Cod

4/15/2012 8:48 PM

Lighting Demystified

Announcing three One Day Lighting Workshops April 15, 22, and 29, 2012.  Each workshop is limited to 8 participants and is from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Workshops include a Pizza Lunch.  Click Here for Details.Information on these and other workshops is available in the Workshops section of this web site.

Finally a universal camera plate that fits Arca-Swiss and Manfrotto Heads

Custom SLR a Kick Start funded company has released the M-Plate which is a universal camera tripod plate system that will work with either Manfrotto RC2 and Arca-Swiss mounting systems.  it also include multiple attachment points for accessories. Priced at $75 it is made in USA.Note - this will not replace an "L" bracketClick here for more details on the Custom SLR web site.