The Light of Cape Cod - Fall Workshop
October 19 to October 22 (three or four days, your choice)Mid Fall in Cape Cod is a multi faceted photo opportunity with truly spectacular scenics and some wildlife. The tourists have all gone, the Oyster festival is over and traffic is not a nightmare. This very special workshop is for all levels of photographers from beginner to advanced. The Cape provides some of the most incredible landscapes and seascapes and the light during fall is exceptional. We will explore and photograph the Capes classic sea shore, sand dunes, light houses and some wildlife (including migratory birds).Click Here for a PDF with more information.Registration forms are available on the workshop section of this site or click here
- Outgoing Tide and Marsh Grass
India Photo Workshops and Tours - February and March 2013
After a very successful trip this past February we now have a trip that gives you a unique opportunity to photograph three endangered species, The Asiatic Lions, Wild Asses and Black Buck. In addition to these mammals we will have opportunities to photograph over 300 species of birds, other mammals, reptiles and insects. We will photograph ancient monuments including the Taj Mahal, and have a lot of opportunity to photograph village people and their ways.
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.
India's Supreme Court make a ruling to ban tourism in tiger parks
A few hours ago India's top court established a ban on all tourism to tiger parks and reserves in India. My February photo tour and workshop is undergoing revisions to exclude the last leg that was for the tigers in Bandhavgarh. Hope the ban gets lifted and the parties can compromise.I will be post in the revised itinerary by the end of this week.See the Times article
Canon 7D evolves - New Firmware 2.0.X
A new significant firmware update to the Canon 7D is eminent. The new firmware will bring significant enhancements to this already great camera.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.Unfortunately the release date is still up in the air but August looks like the month.See more on the Canon site
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:
A few comments that have come in from the Cape Cod Workshop
We had a wonderful group of great photographers on this 4 day workshop. The cold, damp, cloudy and rainy weather did not prevent us from having a good time, a learning experience and some interesting photography, albeit the "Light of Cape Cod" was missing.I would like to thank each and every one who attended and to let you know how much your participation meant to me.
The image above was captured at Highland Headlight AKA Cape Cod Light on the night of Super Moon - that is thick fog in the background.A few images from Dave Uliss as a slide show:
Here are some of the comments:Shiv's workshop was one of the best I've ever experienced. It was full throttle, non stop. The exercises(handouts); really helped me to stay focused and think about how to compose my images. I must say that I really began to see landscapes and subjects, with a new perspective. Most importantly, I captured images that I'm pleased with. I definitely will attend Shiv's workshops, in the future. Your time and money will be well spent. Paul Ware5/7/2012 4:11 PMYes, as I had started to share with you, on Sunday's coffee break; I began to feel as though in a meditative state of mind. Point of Rocks, although not a favorite spot was rewarding just the same. Eventually, an image came together for me.5/7/2012 4:11 PMYes, it covered far more than expected. Benefiting my growth as a photographer.5/7/2012 4:11 PMI would certainly recommend any of your workshops, to anyone. I was extremely pleased. Carole P. Kenny5/7/2012 3:41 PMIt was most helpful, and more than expected, thank you.5/7/2012 3:41 PMConsidering the weather I certainly admired your ability to have a meaningful lecture ready at all times. You had a seamless program, whatever the situation5/7/2012 3:41 PMeven with the gray skies and rain, the workshop was worth every penny.5/7/2012 11:18 AMIn spite of ridiculous weather conditions, Shiv was able to flexibly reorganize and regroup to make the most of a challenging situation. He is a great instructor and very approachable, responsive and encouraging.5/7/2012 9:28 AMShiv has a way of presenting material in a very clear manner. He is inspiring to all levels of photographers and is very accessible and helpful in the field as well as in the classroom. Susan Fahlund5/7/2012 9:24 AM
Adobe CS6
Final releases of the CS6 suite of products are now available on the Adobe site. Upgrades are only available from the Adobe web site. Please remember to uninstall any Beta versions before you try and install the final release. Do not drag beta versions into the trash on a MAC or delete them in Windows. Use the uninstall utility.
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.
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
New Pages - Photography Tips
I know there is tons of information on thousands of cyber space pages and probably an equal number of physical pages, but when I am asked a question of a friend need a tip or trick on how-to, where do I send them.........An easy response is "Google it", now they have to sift through pages and pages of articles from the simple to PHD level theory and this can become overwhelming.When asked last week, if I could help someone on a FB group with some pointers on photographing the moon I decided to create a page of "tips" on my web.The idea is to provide tips in no more than a single, easy to read page. A place on my site where you can create a book mark and have easy reference. This is not meant to contain multi-page articles - I will find another place for those.At this time I have added two tips and will add more. If you have an idea for a tip or just need one - please post a comment on this blog or email me. I will do my best to sequentially add to the page and segment the tip in groups as the volume grows.Here is a link to the "tips"
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.
Canon 5D Mk III support now available in the Lightroom 4.1 Release Candidate
Adobe labs had made available release candidate Lightroom 4.1 - This corrects a bunch of bugs and adds support for the Canon 5D Mark III.Click here for a link to the release
Announcing Two Yosemite & Mono Lake - Photo Tours and Workshops in September 2012
Yosemite National Park is one of America’s most iconic landscapes offering some of the world’s most spectacular landscape photo opportunities. The valley is surrounded by high granite mountain walls carved by glaciers creating beautiful shapes. The waterfalls are spectacular as are the lakes and streams in the park.Mono Lake is unlike any other landscape in the world. Its beautiful tufas, alkaline water, desert-like vistas make it a remarkable place for photography. Sometimes it seems that you are on another planet or may be on a lunar surface. The late summer weather generally provides some interesting cloud formations.
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.
Macro and Close-up Workshop on March 11 is now full.
The March Macro and Close-up workshop is now full. I may consider another one in the spring. If you are interested please let me know via email s.verma@me.com.
Lightroom 4 - Public Beta released
Adobe today released a public beta of Lightroom 4. It is available immediately for free download from Adobe Labs. The beta version has a books creation module (to compete with what Aperture has had for a while), increased support for video files (high time), soft proofing capability (now you can see what it is going to look like when printed) and a Google Maps-powered geo-tagging module (this one will be fun).You can download the beta from the Adobe Labs site by clicking here.
Pelican Cases - for your iPad, e-book readers and laptops.
Pelican has been known to make the finest rugged cases for all types of equipment. Photographers have used Pelican cased for years as one of the best ways to transport expensive gear all over the world. Now they have released a new line to satisfy the need of iPad, e-reader and laptop users. Would love to get my hands on on one to do a full review.Click here for the press releaseClick here for the Pelican site.
Asiatic Lily and Sunflowers - July 25
A mid-day trip, first stop North Kingstown, RI to photograph the Asiatic Water Lilies.
Water Lily Bud
In Full Glory With One Gone By
Water Lily Montage
Next stop, Buttonwood Farm in Griswold, CT. The heat was fairy intense but not as bad as on Friday. Regret we did not stay for sunset which turned out to be quite good, may go back this weekend or sooner as the second field was only in bud.
Sunflower Pollination
The Right Field
A Buttonwood Farm Dreamscape