A Special Discount for LRTimelapse 3
LRTimelapse 3 is one of the best time-lapse assembly software products available and works seamlessly with Photoshop Lightroom 5.For the remainder of 2013 and January 1, 2014 you can license or upgrade to any version of LRTimelapse for a 15% discount. This applies to upgrades and cross-grades too.A brief explanation of the options:
- If you still don't have any License, you can choose LRTimelapse 3 private and LRTimelapse 3 Pro. You can read about the differences here.
- If you have a LRT2 private license, you can get a discounted upgrade to LRT3 private or a discounted crossgrade to LRT3 Pro. For the latter, you will then save the cost of the update to version 3.
- If you have a license for LRT2 Pro (commercial), you will require the update to LRT3 Pro.
- If you already have upgraded to LRT3 private, you can crossgrade to Pro, if you need the advanced features.
Click Here and use the discount coupon code: XMAS2013LRT
Rode Video Mic Pro - Compact Shotgun Microphone
I got a Rode Video Mic Pro - Compact Shotgun Microphone for Christmas as a gift and put it through its paces. First impressions after two days of use - it is an exceptional, well built, mono video microphone that has a fantastic super cardioid condenser. Rode microphones are designed and made in Australia. The Video Mic Pro is easy to mount on any DSLR hot-shoe and with its built in 3/8 inch socket can be mounted on booms and stands with ease.
Specifications as provided by Rode
| Frequency Range | 40Hz - 20kHz |
| Output Impedance | 200Ω |
| Maximum SPL | 134dB SPL (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ load) |
| Maximum Output Level | 6.9dBu (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ load) |
| Sensitivity | -38.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (12.60mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 74dB |
| Equivalent Noise Level (A-weighted) | 20dB-A |
| Weight | 85.00gm |
| Dimensions | 95.00mmH x 43.00mmW x 150.00mmD |
I was a bit surprised with the short length of the cable that connects the mic to the 3.5 mm socket in camera. However, it is long enough for all DSLR’s when the mic is mounted on the hot shoe. Extension cables are a quick fix when you want the microphone connected to an external recorder or when mounted on a boom pole. The mono output is paralleled to both left and right channels. The unit is powered by a 9V battery housed in the microphone frame. I found the battery door to be a bit clumsy in its construction and the ease of opening and closing the compartment door is not easy. The battery life is stated at 70 hours, which is more than sufficient for any field work.
The unit is mounted within a cradle with four shock/vibration control elastic bands. A second set of these bands is included in the packaging. There is sufficient clearance between the cradle and the mic so the likelihood of any bumps and interference during normal use.
The rear of the microphone has two three-position slider switches. The upper switch positions are power Off, Mic On (flat response) and Mic On HPF (High Pass Filter set at 80Hz). The second switch is a three-position attenuation control. -10dB, 0 and +20dB. Above these switches is a LED that flashes red on power on and then turns to green. When the battery is low the LED will turn to a solid red.The high Pass Filter is excellent at filtering room noise, environmental hum, and other low frequency ambient noise. Wind and pops are well handled by the foam encasing on the super cardioid. The microphone’s attenuation control functions exceptional well. In loud environments, street scenes with a lot of traffic noise the -10db and 0 db settings are ideal. However in low sound level situations the +20db has the right amount of boost with absolutely no deterioration of sound quality. The directional pattern is excellent and the mic eliminates side and read sounds very well.
The +20db setting was not required when the microphone was connected to and external recorder. Using 0db set on the mic and attenuating the signal on the recorder yielded the best results.The microphone is well packaged comes with a quick start guide However the manual must be downloaded from the website. The warranty is 1 year that will be extended to a 10 year warranty once you register. You must register your product on the Rode web site at www/rodemic.com.In conclusion, this is an excellent light-weight professional shotgun mice that I have no hesitation recommending for any DSLR videographer.You can get this mic at The Camera Company - click here and at Hunts Photo - click here
A Podcast for all Photographers -TWiP
I don't remember when it was that I started listening to TWiP but it was a long time ago some time in 2008 when Scott Bourne was the host - TWiP 1 or were the podcasts even numbered then - it does not matter. If you want to know about the what, where, and when of photography, subscribe to TWiP. A weekly podcast hosted by the awesome Frederick Van Johnson and two or more co-hosts. You can watch the video on http://www.thisweekinphoto.com or subscribe to the audio only podcast on iTunes - TWiP. It is the most popular photography podcast listed on iTunes and has never been out of the top 100 Tech Podcast list and has been as high as number seven on the overall list, a mere six spots behind Oprah - WOW! The show has more than 200,000 listeners every month more than one million page views each month.Fore some shameless self promotion - I was interviewed by Frederick for episode #339 - click here to check it out.A plug for Frederick - If you have a marketing question or need some education regarding marketing for your business you must check out www.mediabytes.com - a web site that Frederick started that has easily digestible bite sized education for all photographers.
Check out these two awesome products - Sanapheal Pro and Intensify Pro (MAC Only)
Introducing two incredible and irresistible plug-ins that will amaze you.
Snapheal PRO is the ideal tool for an uncomplicated way to quickly improve photos.
Snapheal is a standalone application. Snapheal Pro can be used as both standalone and plug-in to Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements and Lightroom as well as Apple Aperture.
Intensify Pro to create images with unprecedented drama and detail. Precise control of contrast, structure, detail and sharpening across different tonal ranges delivers high quality results every time.
Special algorithms to prevent image artifacts, image layer stacking with opacity control, dozens of professionally created presets, adjustment brushes, RAW image support, vignettes and the ability to run as a standalone or as a plug-in for popular host applications.See more about these fabulous products on the Macphun web at http://www.macphun.comClick here to order Snapheal ProClick here to order Intensify ProChick here to order the Creative Kit: Intensify Pro + Snapheal Pro
Frederick Van Johnson of TWIP interviews me
So honored to have been interviewed by Frederick Van Johnson on Episode 339 of TWiP. If you have not subscribed to TWiP you must - it is one of the best Podcasts for photographers bar none.Click Here for a link to the podcastTWiP is available from iTunes as well as http://www.thisweekinphoto.com[video type="youtube" id="TEJ1XpaMbI0" width="400"]Default Message[/video]
Bosque - Day 2
As a nature photographer one should not go to a location with preset expectations. The temperatures were conducive for bird silhouettes in a "Fire and Ice" display. Did not happen.....yet again.
On the exit route from the reserve a flock of Gambel's Quails scurried across.
We more than made up for this disappointment by discovering an amazing place to photograph the Sandhill Cranes at close distance.
Late evening at the flight deck was productive.
Already looking forward to "Bosque and More" 2014. Working on making some additional modifications to workshop educational/training locations. Will be posting the workshop dates next week.
Bosque de Apache - Day 1
Day 1 - We arrived mid afternoon to predicted weather. After checking in to the hotel we drove out to the refuge to check out the activity. The skies were overcast and it had been raining, torrential at times but this turned out to be serendipitous. The sun peaked out for a few and then there was this double rainbow across the horizon. The lack of detail did not bother one as the contrast was accentuated.I am so glad to be having this workshop a few weeks later than usual this year. No jostling for space to set up tripods and get a decent spot. The typical hoards of photographers competing with their workshop leaders to get a good image are all gone. The ones that are here seem to have respect for each other and maintain photographer's etiquette, so different for years past. There are a thousands of sandhill cranes and 10's of thousands of Light Geese making it difficult to isolate.Late evening after dinner we photographed the old church in Socorro.
Bosque, White Sands and Carlsbad Workshop starts tomorrow
All packed and ready to fly to Bosque del Apache early morning tomorrow. We will spend the first few days in the Bosque and the drive to White Sands National Monument from where we will take a day trip to Carlsbad Caverns. A few more days in the Bosque before returning on the 19th.
DxO releases new versions and is having a deeply discounted sale
DxO Labs has released updated version of their software - OpticsPro Version 9.1, FilmPack Version 4.5and 2.1.1 ViewPoint Version 2.1.1In addition there is a big discount on their software licenses, OpticsPro is down from $169 to $99. FilmPack and ViewPoint are down from $79 to $49 each.Click here for more information and to license the software. These prices are good through December 25, 2013
Is Photojournalism only about tragedy?
Time has just released its top 10 images of 2013 - there is only one that is not 100% tragic. Yes there is a lot of tragedy in our world, but there are truly joyous moments too. Show some joy, show some positives - after all it is the season, is it not?Time's top 10
2013 Remaining Workshops
There are a few spots available for the following:December 7, 2013 - Photography Basics 1 day Class December 8, 2013 - Time-Lapse WorkshopDecember 21, 2013 - Lighting WorkshopDecember 22, 2013 - Macro CloseupClick here for more info.Also checkout Iceland 2 and the India Tigers and More Workshops and Photo Tours. Click here.
onOne Software Announces Availability of Perfect Photo Suite 8
PRESS RELEASE:New Perfect Eraser for Content-Aware Fill, Enhance and Browse Modules, Perfect Batch Processor, and Re-imagined Effects Module Evolve Popular Plug-In Into a Complete Photo Editing Solution for Every WorkflowPortland, OR – November 26, 2013 – onOne Software, Inc., a leading developer of innovative digital photography solutions, today announced the availability of Perfect Photo Suite 8—the Photographer’s Choice for Photo Editing. Perfect Photo Suite 8 is a full-featured, standalone photo editor that also integrates seamlessly with Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Photoshop Elements, and Apple Aperture. It includes all the best tools a photographer needs to create stunning images.Key new features include the Perfect Eraser, with content-aware fill technology; the Perfect Enhance module for essential photo adjustments; a new Browser that streamlines direct access to images wherever they are located; the Perfect Batch engine that applies presets to multiple images with a single click; and a re-engineered Perfect Effects module, with twice as many adjustable filters, customizable presets, and integrated FocalPoint technology. These new tools and capabilities alongside Perfect Photo Suite 8’s eight modules, one-click presets, tools for automated enhancements, and powerful controls allow photographers to enhance, retouch, and stylize images in a layered workflow, replace backgrounds, create high-quality enlargements, and prepare images for output—giving them the ability to express their creativity and transform their photos quickly and easily.“We are extremely excited about Perfect Photo Suite 8,” said Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software. “This version is the result of what photographers have been asking for, not only from us but from the industry as a whole. We’re grateful for the contributions and feedback the photography community has invested in our effort and we believe that we’ve created an extraordinarily powerful image editing tool that meets their specific needs in return.”After a successful public beta program for Perfect Photo Suite 8, many photographers had a chance to try out the new version and give their feedback. “The attention to your user’s needs is unmatched,” said Rebecca Lyyski, owner of Lyyski’s Designs. “As a graphic designer and photographer with an elevated workload, your product has made editing my professional photography a pleasure instead of a chore,” she adds. Greg Lambert, public beta user and onOne Software photo contest winner shared, “Perfect Photo Suite 8 continues to evolve by refining its existing capability, streamlining the interface and providing some new and exciting tools and presets to enable photographers to produce the images they visualize when they press the shutter button.”The New Perfect Photo Suite 8 Features:• Eight integrated modules – Effects, Enhance, B&W, Portrait, Mask, Layers, Resize, and Browse. Each module is designed to target a specific image-processing task. Together, they help photographers enhance, retouch, and stylize images in a layered workflow, replace backgrounds, create high-quality enlargements, and prepare images for use in various capacities.• New Module! Perfect Enhance provides essential tools for basic enhancements, such as brightness and contrast adjustments; colorcast, dust spot, and power line removal; and the addition of vignettes. It is an ideal module to start with when using Perfect Photo Suite 8 as a standalone application or when quick corrections are needed.• New Module! Browse provides convenient and direct access to image files wherever they are stored—whether they are on a computer, an external drive, a connected network, or on a cloud-based storage service like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Apple’s Photo Stream.• Reimagined! Perfect Effects – As a cornerstone of Perfect Photo Suite 8, the Effects module has been redesigned by adding adjustable filters and customizable presets, making it the most powerful and versatile image stylization tool available on the market today.• Twice as Many Adjustable Filters to create the most sought-after looks, including:• Dynamic Contrast – Adds stunning clarity to images and makes them pop by exaggerating the levels of contrast, without sacrificing highlight and shadow detail, creating halos, or affecting saturation.• Lens Blur – Includes the best parts of FocalPoint technology to create bokeh, tilt-shift, and selective focus effects after the shot.• HDR – Gives images the edgy look of high dynamic range. Settings are adjustable and create effects that range from subtle to surreal.• Vintage – Turns photos into a nostalgic memory with retro-style filters.• Powerful brushes provide the right results for specific editing tasks:• Perfect Eraser removes objects with content-aware fill technology• Retouch Brush uses spot healing to remove small distractions• Clone Brush removes unwanted items by replicating and covering specified areas of an image• Masking Brush reveals underlying layers or selectively applies effects• Perfect Brush delivers precise edge-detection masking• Hundreds of Customizable Presets are available throughout Perfect Photo Suite 8 that make it easy for any photographer to instantly create an image they love. Presets can also be used as starting points for creativity and efficiency. Presets are included in the Enhance, Effects, B&W, Portrait, and Resize modules.• Improved Masking Bug in the Effects and Layers modules make mask creation easier and more intuitive.• Perfect Batch engine simultaneously applies presets from multiple modules and a watermark to a selected group of images.
Availability and PricingThe new Perfect Photo Suite 8 is now available by clicking on the logo below.jpg)
Perfect Photo Suite 8 is available in three editions: Premium, Standard, and for Adobe Lightroom & Apple Aperture.The Premium Edition works with Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Photoshop Elements, Apple Aperture, and as a standalone application. It is priced at $179.95. Owners of previous versions of Perfect Photo Suite Premium Edition can upgrade for $99.95. For a limited time, orders of Perfect Photo Suite 8 Premium Edition will include a special collection of Professional Presets and The Essential Video Guide to Perfect Photo Suite 8, which provides a comprehensive collection of getting started training videos for Perfect Photo Suite 8—for free ($80 value). This offer ends on December 3, 2013.Perfect Photo Suite 8 for Adobe Lightroom & Apple Aperture works with Lightroom, Aperture, Photoshop Elements, and as a standalone application. It is available for $129.95; upgrades are $79.95. The Standard Edition works as a complete standalone photo editor and is available for $79.95. For more information on Perfect Photo Suite 8, please visit http://www.ononesoftware.com. A 30-day Money Back Guarantee backs all onOne Software products.About onOne SoftwareonOne Software, Inc., is a leading developer of innovative software tools and apps for digital photography and offers time-saving software solutions for photographers of all levels, from enthusiasts to professionals. Leveraging its extensive history as successful plug-in developer for Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Photoshop Lightroom, and Apple Aperture, and continued development of cutting-edge technology, onOne publishes unified solutions that offer both full-featured photo editing capabilities and the flexibility of traditional plug-ins. Founded in 2005, onOne Software is a privately held company located in Portland, Oregon. For additional information, visit www.ononesoftware.com.Press Contact: Amy Chan, onOne Software, achan@ononesoftware.com, 503-968-1468 x 137General Press Inquiries: press@ononesoftware.comOnline Press Center: www.ononesoftware.com/pressonOne Software Blog: www.ononesoftware.com/blogFacebook: www.facebook.com/onOneSoftwareTwitter: www.twitter.com/onOneSoftwareGoogle+: www.ononesoftware.com/plus©2013 onOne Software, Inc. All rights reserved. onOne Software, the onOne Software logo, and Focused on Photography are registered trademarks and Perfect Photo, Perfect Enhance, Perfect Effects, Perfect Eraser, Perfect Batch, and FocalPoint are trademarks in the United States and are the property of onOne Software. Adobe, Photoshop and Lightroom are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems, Inc. Apple and Aperture are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Topaz labs - Thanksgiving Sale
I want to let you know about a huge promotion Topaz Labs is running for Black Friday/Cyber Monday. For the first time ever the Topaz Complete Photography Collection, which includes all the products will be on sale for $199.99, which is almost 50% off the normal price of $379.99. The sale will run from November 28th through December 2nd 2013.CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW AND -- USE THE PROMO CODE: blackfriday2013
Click to license Topaz Products
Adobe's CC offer at $9.99 - explained
I have been asked a number of questions about the prior offer by Adobe for the Creative Cloud bundle at $9.99 for owners of previous licenses of Photoshop CS3 to CS6 and if that is still available.The offer is as follows:There is a special for CC available to any and everybody as a Black Friday offering.Between now and December 2, 2013, the subscription is $9.99 per month for a 1 year commitment. The subscription entitles you to the following products:
- Photoshop CC
- Bridge CC
- Lightroom 5
- 20GB of cloud storage
- Behance ProSite
Here is a quote from Adobe Customer Service "I understand, this is a Black Friday Promo offer which is valid only till December 02nd and is temporarily opened for everyone, even if they do not own any previous software. However, the offer will still be valid till December 31st for the qualified Photoshop customers who are owning CS3 and above versions of the software."From this it is evident that after December 2, 2013 owners of Photoshop CS3 through CS6 will be in a position to subscribe to CC for $9.99 through the end of December.Here is a link to the Adobe FAQs
Balancing Flash and Ambient Light - Digital Photography School
I am so pleased that my article on "Balancing Flash and Ambient Light: has been published on the Digital Photography School web.You can read the article here. Please leave your comments on the Digital Photography School web site.
One Day Workshop Schedule for December 2013
Here is the schedule for the remainder of 2013. Please use this REGISTRATION link to register and pay for these workshops. Please also fill out and mail or bring with you the Workshop Registration and Waiver Form This is an electronic form, you may print it and then fill it out or fill it out directly and then print the required copies.Click on the links for detailed PDF documents.December 7, 2013 - Photography Basics a one day class December 8, 2013 - Time-Lapse WorkshopDecember 21, 2013 - Lighting WorkshopDecember 22, 2013 - Macro and Closeup PhotographyIf you have any questions or would like more information please call 617-759-0010 or email sv@shivverma.com
African Skies 2 - A Timelapse Video
Gunther Wegner the developer of LRTimelapse software has just released African Skies 2. This excellent time-lapse video showcases the beauty of the African landscapes and animals in film and time lapse sequences, that have never been seen before.The production took more than half a year - and has been compiled from 4 terabytes of raw-data. All editing (time lapse and even video) was done, using the new LRTimelapse 3.2 and Lightroom 5.2. !The video sequence can be seen on Vimeo but is available at a nominal cost as a HD video and a 4K video. The sale proceeds will be used to fund and support the African wildlife and environmental protection organizations. This funding was done from proceeds from the video too and I commend Gunther for his efforts. we decided to sell the film as download in much higher quality in Full HD and even 4K. With the revenue we again want to support local animal and environmental protection organizations.Click here to be directed to the LRTimelapse Web and then use the African Skies Tab to purchase it if you would like to support the cause.Please share this post with your family and friends. Gunther has created an excellent video and I hope this can be viewed by all. Please click on HD and open it in full screen view.[video type="vimeo" id="78610518" width="400" height="200"] Click here to be directed to the LRTimelapse Web and then use the African Skies Tab to view the video and purchase it if you would like to support the cause.
Bosque del Apache and White Sands Workshop now includes Carlsbad Caverns
We have added Carlsbad Caverns to our itinerary during the Bosque del Apache and White Sands workshop. As the light in White Sands during the day is not the most conducive for photography we will travel to the famous Carlsbad Caverns for some incredible photo opportunities. In addition the registration for this workshop is extended to November 30, 2013Click Here for Details