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
Bosque del Apache & White Sands Workshop date change.
To take advantage of better conditions in White Sands the workshop dates have been changed. The new dates are Dec 12 to Dec 18, 2013.Click Here for the Brochure and Details
Hunt's Annual Demo and Sale
This annual event is on starting today through Monday November 4th. Call Gary Farber on his direct line 781-462-2332 if you have question or want to place an order.Click Here for details
Canon 5D Mk III Firmware upgrade
Canon has released a firmware upgrade/update for the 5D Mk III. The latest version is 1.2.3 and can be downloaded using the following link:http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_5d_mark_iii#DriversAndSoftware
NiK - Google release Analog Efex Pro
"Explore the look and feel of classic cameras, films, and lenses" as state by NiKTopaz B&W Effects on sale
Topaz Labs is running a 50% sale on B&W Effects from November 5th through November 19th. Just use the promo code novbw to get B&W Effects for $29.99 from lis link:Topaz is also running a photo contest with the New York Institute of Photography from now until November 30th. The prizes include Topaz software and courses from NYIP. Here is the link to the contest : http://review.wizehive.com/contests/the-sharper-eye-photo-contest
Click to order - please enter the promo code novbw when asked
Remember ReMask promotion ends this Thursday, October 31st the promo code is: octremask and you can use the same link as above.
Phottix Mitros and Mitros+
I had done a review of the Phottix Mitros a while back but did not post it. The Mitros is an excellent flash unit and in my review I had indicated that it should have been provided with a built in Odin radio wireless triggering system. Phottix has released a new version of the Mitros called the Mitros+ that has the Odin system built in.The Mitros Retails for $ 299 while the Mitros+ is $ 399My review of the Mitros is a PDF document - click the link to open or download it: Phottix Mitros Flash Head
LRTimelapse 3.1 - a fantastic upgrade
In a prior blog post I had recommended holding off on using Lightroom 5 for creating timelapse sequences with LRTimelapse as Adobe had made changes that eliminated the video export features from Lightroom when using LRTimelapse presets. LRTimelapse has been revamped and no longer relies on video rendering using Lightroom. As a result LRtimelapse is now fully compatible with Lightroom Version 5.I have done extensive testing of the latest version of LRTimelapse 3.1 and can say that it is an exceptional upgrade from LRTimelapse 2.All the issues that Lightroom 5 presented are not longer a barrier. The lastest version is 3.1 and a beta for version 3.2 is also available if you are so inclined.Version 3 has an integrated module for video rendering that is much better and faster than what was available in Lightroom 4. You can export and render 4K and 6K resolution video, it has MP4 and ProRes support and can render in multiple aspect ratios.I would recommend the pro version so you can avail of all the great features that have been implemented. An easy to follow tabbed workflow for basic sequences, deflicker and holy-grail sequences makes timelapse creation a breeze.Note however, the old "Commercial" version has been renamed to LRTimelapse Pro.You can upgrade, cross-grade or purchase a new license by clicking here.
Blueberry Barrens
Mid October the blueberries have been harvested and the barrens in Maine are ablaze with color. The fall foliage provides a great background for these vast expanses of red, yellow and green. Around the third week of October the barrens are mowed down to the ground so you need to get your images before the mowing begins.
Another great "Glorious Acadia" fall workshop
Got back late Monday Night after a wonderful 4 day "Glorious Acadia" workshop. Had a great group of photographers and met some wonderful friends and made a few new ones too. All-in-all this was a 5 star workshop. One last one left this year in December - The Bosque del Apache and White Sands - a few spaces are still available.Here are few images form various locations:
I was looking to do something a little different during tho workshop. There are way too many images of the same subjects and the same tripod holes. Here isa lone dead tree lit up by the setting sun. I knew it was going to be a full moon so we stayed at the same location and turned around about 130 degrees. The next images is the moon rising.
The next image is a customary sunrise looking out toward Otter Clifs. A few more clouds would definitely have added to the image.
At otter cove I did an IR time lapse using the 16 to 35 mm series two Canon lens. This was a disaster as this lens just like to older version creates a massive hotspot in the center of the frame of each image. Trash canned the lot bout a deep crop on one image was useable.
I will be posting a few more images captured by the wonderful participants. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them for coming and being so supportive.
One final slow shutter speed image from the trip:
Perfect Photo Suite 8 Public Beta Released
The Beta or pre-release version of Perfect Photo Suite 8 is now available. Download it todayThis Public Beta will work alongside your existing onOne Software products, so you can explore the new version without losing the capabilities you already have. Download the Public Beta and get started now.If you wish, you can pre-order the suite now and get a bonus video - click on the image below
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Sony Releases two full frame mirror-less cameras
Sony today announced the α7 and α7R interchangeable lens mirror-less systems. Though the lens selection is limited but Sony promises and extensive line by 2015. I do believe these are definitely cameras that will be strong competition for other mirror-less and prosumer range DSLR cameras. From the specifications these are ideal cameras for all types of photography with the exception of subjects that require a fast focusing system - wildlife and sports action photography. The cameras will be available in December and I am putting one on my wish list.
The Sony α7R has a 36.4 megapixel sensor and excludes a low pass filter for obtaining greater detail. The Sony α7 has a 24.3 megapixel sensor coupled with a reasonably fast hybrid auto focus system.
Click here for a link to the Sony press release.
Vermont - Fall 2013
Fall colors have come a week or more early in most of New England. Most tourist areas will be past peak foliage color by Columbus Day.Took a trip up north to Vermont this pst weekend - the Ludlow and Woodstock areas. Grey skies, rain and fog were in the forecast and for a change the weather man was on the money.
One must make the best of every opportunity and the Okemo mountain region offered the best fog images.
Topaz ReMask 50% off through October 31
Topaz Labs is running a another promotion, this time it’s for Topaz ReMask. Topaz ReMask will be 50% off ($34.99) from October 9th through October 31st with this promo code: octremask
Also watch for a my review on masking using ReMask in a future blog post.
Click to order - please enter the promo code octremask when asked
Bass Harbor Light - Time-Lapse
This was captured last week during my Glorious Acadia workshop.The second Acadia workshop is October 18, 2013 - few spaces are still open and hotel discount rates are in effect. Click here for detailsUnfortunately the embedded video does not work for all so here is a link to the video on Vimeo - click here[video type="vimeo" id="75489717" width="600" height="300"]
Adobe Camera Raw 8.2 and Lightroom 5.2 Released
Adobe has released Lightroom 5.2 and ACR 8.2Though Adobe had indicated that ACR 8.2 was designed for Photoshop CC , it is compatible with Photoshop CS6 on both the MAC and Windows. Please use the update link from the Photoshop help menu to update ACR. You can use the links below to upgrade Lightroom Lightroom 5.2 - WindowsLightroom 5.2 - Mac
Tigers and More - India 2014 - April 17 - 28, 2014
This is a unique wildlife photography trip, focused on getting great shots of Indian wildlife, especially tigers.We have selected parks which offer the best game viewing opportunities and our prices are unbeatable.BANDHAVGARH has the highest density of tigers among all the national parks and sanctuaries in India. Photography from 4WD jeeps and elephant back will allow for spectacular opportunities for photographing this truly magnificent and awe inspiring feline. In addition, Bandhavgarh boasts the gaur (Indian bison), sloth bear, leopard, porcupine, wild boar, sambhar and spotted deer to name some.TADOBA Often referred to as “The Jewel of Vidharba”, the Tadoba National Park lies in north-eastern Maharashtra. Located in the heart of a reserved forest, it is an infinite treasure trove of wildlife that includes tigers, panthers, sloth bears, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, bison, barking deer, nil gai, sambar, and spotted deer.In fact, the Tadoba National Park and Andhari Wildlife Santuary together form the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.Our itinerary is also structured to maximize your chances of wildlife photography in the early morning and late afternoon. We will also spend the time seeking out some of the lesser known, but no less interesting, species that are found in these parks.CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND A DOWNLOADABLE PDF DOCUMENT