Here’s an article Just posted on Seim Effects about getting noticed by consumers in a competitive photography world. Drop over and give your thoughts on the matter.
Gavin Seim
Yep even we do a little shameless self promotion occasionally. Gotta keep the goods coming! Our sister site Seim Effects has just launched a brand new set of Photoshop actions. This is a collection if effects geared towards the everyday needs of nearly any photographer. S.E already has lots of amazing photographers already using their effects and workflow. You won’t be disappointed*
There’s a detailed video showing them in “Action” over on Seim Effects. There’s also a launch sale over there. PPS readers can save 15% off this set, and any of actions or Lightroom Presets on S.E for a very limited time. Just use promo code “PPSS”
Welcome To Oz. A Cinematic Approach to Digital Still Photography
Most of us have at least heard of Vincent Versace. He’s revered as a master of light by most, and his book is about giving your images that Hollywood fantasy quality using PS.
This thing is loaded with beautiful pictures, and for me that’s a big deal because I get a lot of ideas by seeing what others are doing and adding my own ideas to it. It’s not just images though. It’s chock full of technique and how to, and even includes a DVD that has high res images from the book so you can try them yourself.
As with most of the products I feature in CPOTW, the Amazon reviews speak for it. Check it out here.
Happy 4th of July and Belated Canada Day! Lets’ shoot!
For those in the USA, the 4th of July is near, and that means Fireworks. Even if your not in the US, your sure to have chances to shoot fireworks sometime.Maybe you shot a few on Canada Day.
Scott Kelby just posted a few quick and dirty tips the other day on getting good fireworks shots, Starting with getting out your tripod. I can say from experiance that these tips are great, and thought I’d pass it along.
Lets see some great fireworks on the PPS Flickr group next week… Gav
Canon users think… “What about us”
Nikon just announced the new d700, which will fill in the mid range of Nikon’s pro line that they’ve been lacking for awhile. Some more nice images and details on Engadget.
The 12mp D700 will be shipping with a live view 3-inch display, 51 point auto focus, scene recognition, four-speed active dust reduction, ISO up to 6400, 5 or 8 fps full-res shooting, HDMI out and more.
I‘m a canon user myself, and still waiting for Canon to get me that 5d MK II, but you Nikon user can expect this gem in July for about 3k. Don’t gloat too much though. Canon will be getting us some goodies soon (we hope)
In similar news Nikon has also announced the SB900 flash, and a bit of new glass, including the PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED and PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D
Gav
6 Tips for great HDR images.
HDR is just cool. Amazingly there seems to be a relatively small amount of information on HDR as it relates to the people pictures. By most HDR is treated as a fun toy to use with nature photo’s, and not much more. One of the reasons for this could be that HDR portraits are a bit challenging, and unknown territory. It’s not rocket science, but it does take some time to get the hang of. Here’s a few tips that you can use for both landscapes and people shots.
1. Break out the tripod. Don’t think you’re going to take great HDR’s hand holding a camera. While some HDR rendering software will attempt to line them up, you really need clear, consistent images for great HDR’s. Stability is key!
2. Use a cable release. This is a good rule with portraits and stills alike. You want those images to be lined up as close as possible, so invest in the tools to keep your camera steady. Beside it looks cool to stand there majestically and press the button.
3. Auto Bracket. Most DSLR’s have an auto bracket function that allows you to have -2, 0 and +2 exposures in one quick burst. AB allows you to expose things fast without handling the gear as much, and I find that those 3 images are usually all you need.
