LRTimelapse and Lightroom 5 issues - Keep Lightroom 4 for Time-Lapse

With the release of Lightroom 5, Adobe has made one big hash of the video features in the Slideshow Module.  You will no longer be able to use any of the LRTimelapse Video Presets.If you do use LRTimelapse - please do not uninstall Lightroom 4.  Keep all your time-lapse sequences in a Lightroom 4 Catalog so you will be able to generate time-lpase videos.The developer of LRTimelapse is working furiously to create an alternative process which will go into Beta soon.All is not lost - there are ways around the problem.Sign up for my blog posts to stay informed.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 Released

Adobe today released Lightroom 5.  You can buy a full version or upgrade by using this link.Please click on the Adobe Icon.

Here is a link to see the new features of this great product.

2014 Workshops & Photo Tours - Japan and Panama

I am pleased to announce the first two photo tours and workshops for 2014.

These will fill up very fast so be sure to register early.February 9 to 21, 2014 - Japan - The Japan Winter Spectacular photo tour and workshop will take you to the very best Japanese winter wildlife and landscape locations in Japan.  In Nagano we will photograph the Snow Monkeys in the hot pools and capture images of their interaction and behavior. In Kushiro we will photograph the incredible Red-Crowned Cranes. The next stop is Lake Akan for Swans and landscapes of the caldera.  We then move to Lake Masshu and Lake Kussharo for more wildlife and Whooper Swans.  The last leg will be cruises to Rausu into the iceflows where we will photograph Seller’s Sea Eagles and White Tailed Eagles in action. Click Here for DetailsMarch 2 to 9, 2014 - Panama -  Panama is a photographer’s paradise. Join world-famous and Pulitzer prize winning photographer, Essdras Suarez and award winning nature and landscape photographer Shiv Verma on this exquisite photo tour and workshop to tropical Panama. Panama is rich with beautiful rain-forests indigenous cultures. The country with its rich historical heritage, including old Spanish forts, ruins of old Panama City, and the Panama Canal itself is truly an experience not to be missed.  Click Here for DetailsAlso planning on a Cape Verde photo tour and workshop with Essdras Suarez in October.  I and would like some feedback as to your level of interest. Please email me with your thoughts.

Update on the June 21 New York Photo Workshop

We have a block of rooms reserved near the Meadowlands at the Hampton Inn at the rate of $139 per night.  Most of the rooms have two Queen Beds and a few have a King.Please call me so I can give you room reservation number.Click Here for the flier.

Perfect Photo Suite 7.5 Announced

onOne Software, announced the availability of Perfect Photo Suite 7.5. The update includes a new Quick View Browser, refinements to the Perfect Brush, tested compatibility with the upcoming Lightroom 5, performance improvements, and general bug fixes. Also included since the initial launch of Perfect Photo Suite 7 are tools that tackle problems commonly encountered in photo editing—Red Eye reduction tools and a Clone Brush that removes distractions.The updates in Perfect Photo Suite 7.5 include:Quick View Browser: The Quick View Browser gives users the ability to see all of their images, effects or presets in a full-screen gallery. In Perfect Layers, it makes it easy to browse image folders and quickly navigate through images. In Perfect Effects and Perfect B&W, the Quick View Browser showcases effects or preset categories on an image at one time, making it easy to compare and select amongst them.Perfect Brush Improvements: Refinements have been made to the Perfect Brush to give users even more control. Previously, the Perfect Brush only allowed for continuous sampling of colors under the center of the brush while performing edge-detecting masking. Now, it can lock on a sampled color while masking, which is helpful when brushing through complex areas such as branches and window panes.Red Eye Reduction Tools: Two solutions for red eye reduction are available in Perfect Photo Suite 7.5. In Perfect Portrait, red eye reduction is built into the automatic face detection feature. In Perfect Layers, the Red Eye tool is available as a brush, which can be dabbed to remove red eyes caused by flash photography.Clone Brush: The Clone Brush quickly and effectively removes distractions in photos, such as power lines or people. The brush feather and opacity may be adjusted, and any shape or object may simply be painted over.Find more information on the updates in Perfect Photo Suite 7.5 at www.ononesoftware.com/blogClick here to get Perfect Photo Suite and OnOne Products.

Weekend Workshop in New York with Essdras Suarez - June 21 - 23, 2013

Join world-famous and Pulitzer prize winning photographer, Essdras Suarez and award winning photographer and instructor Shiv Verma on this exceptional weekend photo tour and workshop in New York city. From street photography to city life, architectural to night scenes, this will be a fun filled and learning experience. You will augment your photographic skills under the expert guidance of Essdras and Shiv as you venture through the streets of one of America’s finest metropolis.

Click Here for all the details.

The Bosstrap Specials from Hunts

Hunts is offering a special to all my blog viewers and subscribers.  When you purchase a Bosstrap, enter the promo code:  FREETAIL at the checkout and receive Free BosStrap Generation 3 Tail when purchasingBosStrap One Piece Camera Sling Strap (BOS15OP) or BosStrap Generation 3 Sliding Sling Strap System (BOSG315) https://www.huntsphotoandvideo.com/detail_page.cfm?ProductID=BOSG315&sp=FREETAIL 

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.

When it all comes together

I have visions of scenes and locations that I want but have to wait till it all comes together.  On the very last day of the Smoky Mountain Workshop we had planned to go to the Foothills Parkway for sunrise.  When I woke up I saw signs of some fog which would make for some very nice images along the parkway but feelings were tugging at me and I wanted to go to Cades Cove in the hope of getting my one image of Sparks Lane.   The group agreed to the change in planes and we headed out to Cades Cove.  Half way there all the fog was gone, it was too late to turn around so I decided to to continue and take my chances.  Arriving at the gates before they opened, I saw that the fog was there - a big thumbs-up.The rest of the story is in the image.  The light in the trees, the dogwood in the foreground, the fog along the tree line and the sunrise colors on the mountains - my dreams had come true it was all there as I had hoped to capture one day.  Please do click on the image for an enlarged version.

eBook - Photography Locations of Southern Maine

A dear friend and photographer has spent months photographing and documenting photogenic locations the counties of Cumberland and York, Maine

 The ebook contains 70 locations, many unique and rarely photographed.The book is worth more than its price.  Each location is documented with GPS coordinates, physical addresses and location images captured by Ranjay.The ebook is reasonably priced at $19.95. Here is the link to the purchase the ebook and plan your next trip to Southern Maine counties of York & Cumberland to these great hidden spots for your photography! 

No CS7 - Adobe Introduces CC

Adobe expects all their customers to switch to the subscription based service and will allow everybody who currently owns a license to CS3 and up to subscribe to Creative Cloud for $29.95 per month for limited time. It will also offer similar price reductions to users who just bought stand-alone products like Photoshop.CS6 is the last version of the Creative Suite applications that will be available as perpetual stand alone licenses. For nay of the new features and enhancements you must subscribe to suites or individual products in Creative Cloud.  The suite is priced at $49.99 and individual products at $19.99 monthly.Click here to see the new features is Photoshop CC.Not sure if this is a good move on Adobe's part but we will have to wait and see if their plans succeed.

Smoky Mountains - Seeing the Light, Literally

I had taken a few participants from my workshop to the Primitive Baptist Church off the Cades Cove loop road.  We photographed the interior and exterior, great shots looking out at the dogwood blossoms through the church windows.  All in all the morning was great.  The light was getting harsh and the scenes contrasty so we decided to head back.  As i was leaving the church I noticed a streak of sunshine coming through between the main door and its frame.  The streak was hitting the floor and the back of the second last bench at the junction of the bench and the wall.  It looked like someone had lit a lamp in the perfect spot.  The angles, the light and the triangulation of lines augmented with the tones of old wood had to be captured.  As this is but a fleeting moment, I was so lucky to be there.Click on the image for a larger view. Your thoughts and comments would be appreciated. 

Smoky Mountains - 2

On the last day, the fog was awesome so I captured a panorama - 10 images.  Combined and cropped the image is 14430 pixels.  Please click on the image for a better look. The lush greenery in the Smoky Mountains is glorious.   

Canon EOS 5D Mk III Firmware Update

Canon has released the EOS 5D Mark III firmware update.  This update adds two highly useful features: a clean HDMI output option and cross-type AF at f/8.Click here for the download. 

Smoky Mountain - Wild Flowers and Landscape Workshop

7 Days in the Smoky Mountains and Cades Cove - pure thrill.  The incredible light, superb lush green of fresh spring leaves, beautiful wild flowers and dogwood trees that were exceptional.  Rivers and streams flowing pristine water, moss covered rocks and the occasional mist made for some great photography.  The participants were fantastic and we all had a lot of fun.  Yes, days were long 4:30 AM wake-up and late evening bedtimes were worth it - every bit of it.Here are a few comments (Audio) from some of the wonderful participants.  Click on the links to listen:ArmandLoisNanMany images were captured - this is one of my favorites.  Captured on the last day - Sparks Lane - all to ourselves and just two other photographers.  Most photographers are under the impression that Cades Cove is closed on Friday - not true, not in the spring. This image is from the night before.       

Wacom Cintiq 13HD

Hunts Photo now has the Wacom Cintiq 13HD interactive pen display in stock. Use the link from this page to order yours and get free shipping.http://www.huntsphotoandvideo.com/detail_page.cfm?ProductID=DTK1300&mfg=Wacom&show=yes

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 Beta

Adobe has just released the Beta version of Lightroom 5.Click here for the download site.I will be posting mew feature reviews soon.

Canon EOS 6D Firmware Update

Canon has updated the firmware for the EOS 6D DSLR. The latest version is 1.1.3 fixes date and time related issues. The updated firmware is available for download from the Canon website.Click here for the download site