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
HDR Efex Pro 2 announced
NiK Software has improved HDR Efex Pro across the board: it's faster, more powerful, delivers more realistic results, and is easier to use than ever.Key New Features:
- NEW: Improved Tone Mapping Engine – Develop superior results with better color rendering and improved natural styles
- UPDATED: Interface, Interaction, and Workflow – Benefit from improvements to the merging interface, tone mapping and enhancement controls, visual presets, and more
- NEW: Depth Control – Enjoy added depth and realism in images with the new and proprietary Depth control, which helps counteract the flattened look commonly associated with HDR images
- NEW: Full GPU Processing and Multi-Core Optimization – Gain even faster performance with GPU processing that takes full advantage of the processors found on modern display adapters
- UPDATED: Ghost Reduction – Improved ghost reduction algorithm ensures that artifacts created by moving objects are removed with a single click
- NEW: Chromatic Aberration Reduction – Reduce color fringes around objects
- NEW: Graduated Neutral Density Control – Access the full 32-bit depth of the merged image, providing a natural effect especially on images with a strong horizon line
- NEW: Full White Balance Control – Take full advantage of the white balance in an image with a new Tint slider, which along with the Temperature slider, can be applied both globally as well as selectively using U Point technology
- NEW: History Browser – Easily review adjustments and different HDR looks via the History Browser which records every enhancement used in an editing session
Boston Fire Works July 4, 2012
I have always wanted to do something different with fireworks. Well, today I got the opportunity to get to the 21st floor of Ashburton Place overlooking the barges in the distance. Got there about 20 minutes before the grand show. Half way through the rain was a disaster but the show went on as did my clicking. Here are some more images from this evening.
Peterson Guide to Birds of North America on sale
For a limited time the Peterson's Guide to Birds of North America is on sale. Down to 99 cents - originally $14.99.All you bird lovers and bird photographers should not miss this opportunity.Click Here for a link to the iTunes Page
ecotop
As a photographer one of my biggest concerns is spills on my equipment. I love coffee and other drinks while on the road. I have been using travel mugs and other double lined drinking devices but they all spill. Yes, I have coffee spills and stains on my center console, passenger seat, and I no longer carry one of these gizmos while out on a shoot during the early mornings (hey - it is cool and a hot coffee is so welcome).Enter the "ecotop" - I found this product through my wife's associate. This is the best thing for any of us who are sippers on the go. This cover is solid, it will not spill, fits on existing drinking mugs, your regular mugs and any thing that can hold liquids with an opening that is 3 inches (hey that is a standard mug size). Here is an image - security for your coffee and security for your gear.Contact me at 617.759.0010 or s.verma (at) me.com if you want more information or want to order the for your self, your business or as a promotional item.This product is featured in the July 2012 issue of Popular Science so it must be good. Here is the excerpt from Popular Science:" Your favorite mug is now your travel mug! The Ecotop is a first-ever add-on top for standard mugs and cups. A locking closure reduces spills around the house and office and during travel. Ecotops are convenient for active families and professionals on the go. Ecotops can also be invaluable for people with stability concerns. Go green (or ten other colors) and support the ecology and your economy! Ecotops are designed and manufactured in the USA."
A few iPhone apps that I love
TPE - The Photographer's Ephemeris is a must have app that helps you plan your outdoor photography, with full details of how the sun and moon move across the land. Sunrise and set times, Moon rise and set time including phases.TPEOne of the best apps for determining tide times and tide heights at most locations.Tide GraphIf you like chasing storms and photographing weather then WeatherTAP zoom is an app you must have This app pushes personalized, current weather to the max with detailed storm tracking capability. Follow tornadoes and super cells with pinpoint precision using animated, interactive, real-time radar that is seamlessly integrated and scalable on user friendly mapsWeather Tap Zoom
Late June and Early July One Day Workshops
Using Colored Filters with NiK Silver Efex Pro 2
Silver Efex Pro 2 includes the standard colored filters that were used by Black and White film photographers. In addition the application provided for a continuously variable custom filter with two slidersThis brief article is to explain the use of the standard filter and the effect they have on monochromatic images.How Filters Affect Tones in your ImageColored filters were used with B&W film to will lighten similar colors on the color wheel and darken opposite colors. As an example a red filter will darken the opposite primary colors, green and blue while but will have the most effect on Cyan which is a combination of blue and green. Conversely, it will lighten red and colors that contain elements of red like orange and magenta.NiK Silver Efex Pro 2 filters in order:
Neutral is the first filter – it removes the effect of any filter applicationThe Red filter has the most dramatic effects. It creates high contrast in monochromatic scenes. It is one of the most used filters for landscape photography and where a high level of creativity is expressed.The orange filter is used to lighten reds in an image. It is an excellent filter as for black and white portraiture. The filter will reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and redness in the eyes.The yellow is a filter that has the least effect and used mainly to make blue skies a shade darker. It is probably the most used in B&W film photography and least used of all the colored filters in digital photography.The Green filter is similar to the Yellow and not heavily relied on. It is used in landscape photography as it does favor the deepening of reds and oranges and ideally suited for fall foliage landscape photography. There is a slight drawback as it will lighten the blue in the skies and reduce contrast.The Blue filter has traditionally been least used in monochrome photography. It was used to reduce overall contrast.Note: The NiK Silver Efex color filters will only work if your image is in color and contains RGB information, An image already converted to B&W or brought into NiK as a B&W will not be impacted with these filters.
Making Perfect Popcorn
It all started late last fall with an assignment to shoot images for a book cover. Well, the cover shoot evolved into images for the inside of the book, development and mods to a web site, the design of business cards, stationary and the license of an image to be used as the logo for the publishing company. Most important, this has lead to a lovely working relationship and a collaboration. The book is published and printed and ready for sale - the first batch was picked up today and orders are pouring in. WOW!!!!!!MAKING PERFECT POPCORN - that is the title but the book is over 180 pages of fantastic information - the chapters are a real pleasure to read and yes each is an eye opener too.Here is what the cover looks like - you need to buy the book to see all the images in the chapters. You can order an autographed copy at a 20% introductory discount if you hurry and CLICK HERE - don't forget - Father's Day is around the corner.
Some images that hit it off
This past week I posted two images of left over flowers from last weekend's workshop. What wonderful comments and feedback. I truly appreciate what the viewers have to say - thank you all. Both images treated with NiK. Here are the two:
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:
Participants' Images "Light of Cape Cod"
I was so very pleased to see the progression with the way the participants were making images. The cycle of conceptualization, visualization and capture all coming together was so clear by the time we were closing out the workshop.This can all be summed up with a statement Carole made on facebook:I had the most amazing weekend. I did the Shiv Verma's workshop "Light of Cape Cod". Going in as a total beginner....I walked away with a wealth of knowledge. I now shoot in manual and learned to be so comfortable with my camera. Shiv was there to teach and guide...and then encouraged us to do it on our own. And that is a true teacher. It was like a lightbulb going off in my head....I got it, I understood it, I felt it, I was breathing it. Thank you, Shiv!
Visualization
Visualization is a key theme of my Landscape Photography Workshops and last weekend was no exception. Having been to Fort Hill many times I have not been fortunate to get the sky I was looking for (visualization). On Sunday it all came together. It is worth getting to a location well before sunrise, it is worth pre-visualizing the image, it is worth setting the camera on the tripod, making the image and getting a sense of satisfaction that is so total.As an added bonus, when the participants feel like they got some value from my workshops, it makes it so worthwhile. Thank you to all of you who come to these and other one day sessions - I truly appreciate your support and participation.A few more comments:This is not a 'let's go someplace pretty, take some pictures and have a nice lunch' weekend. It's a fun but intensive workshop for anyone serious about improving their photography. We worked hard from sunup to sundown, literally, but everyone came away with new skills, better aesthetic appreciation, and images they should be proud of. As always, I go for Shiv's teaching. His lessons are appropriate to my skill level, neither beginner nor pro. You'll learn more per hour from Shiv than from anyone else, and it's all good stuff.
"Light of Cape Cod" May 18 - 20 Workshop
Perfect weather and a super group of participants. The workshop was great from start to finish though by the afternoon on Sunday some of the folks were a bit wiped out.
I have posted a few images earlier on facebook but they are repeated here. Once I have more processed images from the participants - I will put up a mini slide show on the blog.A few comments for the workshop participants.
This workshop exceeded my expectations. It was chock full of practical information, and hands on shoots. It has elevated my photography to another level and given me the confidence and understanding to use a variety of settings on my camera but most importantly-the manual camera mode. My shooting will no longer be random, but previsualized, and deliberate. Shiv is an extraordinary instructor and makes sure you understand the concepts and feel comfortable applying them. He makes himself readily available to assist you in the process. This is the second workshop I have taken with him and hope to find the time to take many more. (Thanks so much for everything this weekend, it was fantastic, Ellen)5/21/2012 7:46 PM
I consider myself an Advanced Hobbiest Photographer, but with still much to learn. Well Shiv Verma's "The Light of Cape Cod" workshop was a well worth taken for experience I learned. The locations Shiv scouted out to photograph were wonderful. Not only classic Cape Cod scenes, but other sites on the Cape that were off the beating trail. Shiv not only teaches you about composition, but gives you his technical expertise on the use of exposure, HDR, and use of filters. He even got me over the learning curve of 100% manual exposure and shutter lockup for my landscape photos. I would recommend anyone to take this particular workshop, and I am personally looking to take another workshop of his at a different location.
5/21/2012 8:42 AM
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 Gells
If 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 Kit
There 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.
4 Workshops for May and June - NiK Plug-ins, Macro and Lighting
Announcing two workshops on image optimization and enhancements using NiK plugins for Lightroom and Photoshop. The scheduled dates for these workshops are June 2, 2012 and June 10, 2012. Please click here for details or go to the workshop page.By popular demand the Macro Workshop and Lighting Workshop will have an additional session each. The Macro workshop will be held on May 27th, 2012 and the Lighting workshop on May 26, 2012. Details for the Macro workshop are on the workshop page or click here. The lighting workshop details are also on the workshop page or click here
Another image from last week's workshop
The Grist Mill in Brewster lends itself to exposure stacks even when the dynamic range does not exceed 5 stops.
Cloudy Days
Another cloudy and damp day. At least it is not raining. This took me back to last week on the Cape and an image that appealed to me. Truly hoping for great light in two weeks for the next workshop.
Adobe Products and Upgrades
If you are planning on upgrading or purchasing any Adobe Software please use my products and discounts page to click through for your purchase. As always, your support is most appreciated.