Win A DROBO

Time to Win!

Fro Knows Photo is giving away a DROBO, a 4 Bay DROBO, and you could be the winner of it.  Check it out by clicking on the image below, or clicking the link below the image.  Check out his other videos too – Good Stuff!  – Have Fun!

http://froknowsphoto.com/win-a-drobo-contest/

HDR Of The CN Tower

 

The CN Tower – an incredible build, and yet sadly it is no longer the highest structure in the world – China built not one, but two taller than it as of last year.  However, the Skypod - the upper ring, is supposedly still the highest man made look out in the world.  Our family recently went for a visit to this massive structure, so I figured what a great opportunity to practice some HDR.  The image to the left, is an HDR from the three images below.  After which, I used the content aware feature in CS5, along with some colour tweaking.  All three images were taken hand held standing at the base of the tower, which of course makes for a little more work, however using the “Difference” blending mode is quite helpful with this.  Many HDR tutorials can be found online on YouTube, and last week I took an online class as well.  In the end I found that using techniques from here and there (because every tutorial will be different using different tools and techniques) to make up my own blend was how I went.

Google Chrome

At first I had no idea what Google Chrome was – I simply wanted to have Google Earth on my laptop and Chrome was offered – Junk, I figured, and I passed it by.  Recently however I have noticed a few news tid bits about Google Chrome, and decided to look into it more thoroughly.  Basically - Google Chrome is a web browser – much like Internet Explorer, Fire Fox and Safari – but faster.  Google Chrome is available for PC and Mac users alike – and works great on both!  An incredibly easy to use browser, that even comes with it’s own online webstore for adding apps.  PS – If you play games online – this may just give you that extra advantage you’ve been looking for

Check out a few of the perks of Google Chrome…

• Speed

  Chrome is designed to be fast in every possible way: It's quick to start up from your desktop, loads web pages in a snap, and runs complex web applications fast. Learn more about Chrome and speed.

  Watch video

• Simplicity

  Chrome's browser window is streamlined, clean and simple.

  Chrome also includes features that are designed for efficiency and ease of use. For example, you can search and navigate from the same box, and arrange tabs however you wish — quickly and easily.

  Watch video

• Security

  Chrome is designed to keep you safer and more secure on the web with built-in malware and phishing protection, autoupdates to make sure the browser is up-to-date with the latest security updates, and more. Learn more aboutChrome's security features.

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• And more features

  Chrome has many useful features built in, including extensions, translation in the browser, themes, and more. Learn more about Chrome's newest and most-loved features.

CNN iReport Video

Tomorrow will be your last chance to vote as the first annual iReport awards.  There are so  me incredible stories listed, take the opportunity now to have your voice heard.  iReports are an incredible news service where CNN will accepts “photos and audio from a computer or cell phone.  A compilation of news items submitted by citizen journalism.”

Vote Today!

I Shoot Raw by Fro Knows

Fro Knows - I found this site not to long ago filled with knowledge of photography and post processing skills.  Jared Polin has a very interesting story – he’s not simply an eccentric looking, wild hair guy on youtube.  Rather, he seriously has a desire to share his knowledge, and the best way to find out more about him, is to go to The Story Behind The Fro.  I would encourage you to check out the site, it’s filled with tips and tidbits, along with contests too.   Currently you can even win one of the amazing Black Rapid Straps!  Now Playing – Fro Knows – check it out by double clicking HERE!

Linked By www.CapturedInnocence.ca

Stop The Meter

Stop The Meter On Your Internet Use

Once Again, we are going to get hit with Additional Charges in our daily lives – Please take a moment and take a stand by signing the petition.  It only takes a moment, otherwise it will just be another add on for Canadians along with our rising hydro bills, the hst…

Please Go To Stop The Meter To Make Your Opinion Count Right Now.

www.stopthemeter.ca

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are about to impose usage-based billing on YOU.

This means we're looking at a future where ISPs will charge per byte, the way they do with smart phones. If we allow this to happen Canadians will have no choice but to pay MUCH more for less Internet. Big Telecom companies are obviously trying to gouge consumers, control the Internet market, and ensure that consumers continue to subscribe to their television services.

These Big Telecom companies are forcing small competing ISPs to adopt the same pricing scheme, so that we have no choice but to pay these punitive fees.

This will crush innovative services, Canada's digital competitiveness, and your wallet.

We urgently need to send a clear message to Ottawa, saying that we won't stand by while some of the most profitable companies in the country indiscriminately add new fees to our Internet bills. Enough is enough.

UPDATE: The Liberals and the NDP have now come out AGAINST Internet metering. We're winning, Canada - now onto the government in power!

En Français »

20 Things I Learned

Many of you picked up a new computer or wireless router for Christmas during  this past holiday season – so I thought I would pass on this very cool little site to help out with getting more out of your new toy…I mean investment!  This site thoroughly goes over: The Cloud, Internet ID’s, Web Apps, Protecting Your Privacy, and so much more.  You can check it out at 20ThingsILearned.com

Never Stop Learning

Cameras are always changing, and the field of photography is always diversifying.  As a result, if you are wanting to be in the field of photography you can Never Stop Learning.  Personally I try to take a course at least once every other month – sometimes it just means repeating a course to get something new out of it, other times it is something totally new that the industry has to offer.  It doesn’t matter, as long as I am challenging myself.   The average full day class with a world class photographer works out to almost $1000 CAD/day, and I understand that this is simply not feasible for most (myself included-though I would absolutely love to attend an MJ2 Day Workshop)…but alas, there are many other ways to learn, even though the “experience” of shooting  side by side, and the interaction you would like with your photographer mentor is not available. But there are ways to  keep up with the latest in what you can offer your clients and take advantage of what your equipment can do for you.  To begin, DVD training, it may not give you live interaction, however, you will have the advantage of reviewing it over and over.  Next,  E-Classes, many of these classes that you take will come with the option of purchase as well, so if you do find the information too much to take in all at once, you can review it later.  Webinars are another option, and you are able to have an interaction with the speaker on these, either through voice or typed questions and comments.  And of course, there is YouTube!  If you ever want to know how to do something, chances are, someone has posted a video on it on YouTube.  Below I have posted a screen captured for the site Creative Live – an incredible teaching tool which recently completed a week long class of epic proportions – putting them on the map for all time by having Jasmine Star teach for 5 Days, including shooting a wedding live! There are so many training resources out there; what are your favourites?

Walmart & Facebook

Most of us post pictures on facebook.  We share our images with our friends, and love to see our friends images.  For those who are concerned as professional photographers however, you may wish to be aware that Walmart has hooked up with Facebook and now has an add on that allows you,  to print yours, or any of your facebook friends pictures directly from the Walmart site.  There are two options if you are worried about this, one is described in the video below – which is very easily laid out on how to block Walmart from accessing your account.  The other point I would like to make however is to be sure you resize your images prior to uploading to Facebook.  Firstly this will allow you to avoid that L O N G upload time of uploading a full size file.  Secondly, if you resize your image to 800x600 or less, then the print quality that anyone would receive from trying to print your resized images would be pitiful.   In addition, it appears that this is not currently available through Walmart.ca, only at the .com site. 

David Jay compares iphone to android

I Love this, I think it is great that someone actually goes out and tries something, and compares it honestly, rather than simply going with the philosophy of – Apple is the best.  I really feel that Apple markets extremely well, but when it comes to actual product advantages, I think we need to do much more research, instead of simply believe what a company tells us.  Take a look at what David Jay’s research is, might make you think before you leap towards the latest and greatest iphone4.

 David Jay did a survey of what people like most about their iphones, take a look at what he found:

“I'd ask why people love their iPhone and no joke the ONLY two responses I got from dozens of people were:
1. It looks sexy. 2. It has an Apple logo on it. “

Here's a video of all the reasons I ditched my iPhone for Google's Nexus One. Right now if you have the latest version of Android 2.2 it's A LOT better than the iPhone.
With Android I can:
• Multitask (run GPS Navigation, Pandora and more all at the same time)
• Integrate Google Voice which is a sweet free service from Google. Apple removed and banned this app from the iPhone
• Amazing turn-by-turn GPS included. Apple makes you pay an extra monthly charge for this.
• Turn my phone into a mobile WiFi Hot Spot and connect other devices to the internet. iPhone doesn't allow this.
• Adobe Flash - Apple also blocked this so iPhone users are forced to buy apps from their stores instead of playing Flash games online.
• Adobe and Google partnered up and Adobe gave them access to their API so camera and image editing features on the Android are already more advanced then the iPhone.
• Android is an open system that developers are free to develop for without fear of having their creations rejected whenever Apple feels threatened.

…off for a wedding today – and it looks like the sun is coming out – just in time!

Lightroom e:class with Kevin Kubota

I just received this in my inbox today and really want to pass it along.  Kevin Kubota is a master at Lightroom and Photoshop, and really, the name when it comes to professional add-ons etc for your Lightroom and  Photoshop software.  This 90 minute e:class is only $39, which includes the final 30min for Q&A.  If you are interested in seeing the latest from Lightroom 3, or simply checking out how you can improve your workflow, I’d encourage you to catch this live online class.

JOIN US JULY 21, 10AM PDT AND MASTER THE NEW FEATURES OF LIGHTROOM^® 3

Adobe has updated another one of their fine products that may have an even greater impact than Photoshop CS5 on your busy life as a photographer — Lightroom 3.

We know you’re a smart photographer who cares about staying competitive and efficient, and you may be asking yourself: “Should I bother upgrading? What’s new in LR3 that will save me more time? Which features will help me
take my business and my creativity to the next level? How did Kubota get my email address?”

Get your questions answered at our LIVE 90-minute interactive e:CLASS with Kevin Kubota.

Who better to teach you these time-saving gems than the guy who produced the Hot One award-winning Workflow Tutorial for Lightroom?
Kevin has been testing (heck, spelunking!) LR3 and has noted the features that will impact your workflow the most,
and you should know about them! More than just a feature overview, this e:CLASS will explain how to best use and incorporate these tools into your workflow.

Get the elite edge on Lightroom 3 workflow for only $39! And if that isn’t enough, enrolled students will take away a recorded video copy AND receive a coupon code good for $20 toward the purchase of any single Kubota Lightroom product through the end of 2010!
Do we love you, or what?!

Mark July 21st at 10:00AM PDT on your calendar for an e:CLASS experience with Kevin Kubota you cannot afford to miss!

Reserve your seat for our LIVE 90-minute e:CLASS

Click here to view more info.

Power Director

I get asked this quite often after making up a quick video – what software do you use?  Well this is it – and seriously it is great, there are lots of free add-ons, and the purchase price for download is really reasonable as well!  Users of Macs would obviously stick with iMovie or Final Cut, but for PC users, this is really my choice!  I used to use Pinnacle a few years ago, but user friendly – it was not!  I don’t believe you were even able to run as many tracks as you are with Power Director.  I’m not a videographer – I believe I’ve mentioned this before, but for those interested in something on the consumer level for a PC, this is where I would give two thumbs up  :D

Computer Virus's

I am about at wits end here - the damage, and time wasted due to a virus on your computer is HUGE - and it frustrates me so much knowing that VERY SOON I am going to have to spend almost an entire day reloading all of my software, sending in activation codes again, setting up my preferences the way I like them in my editing software - urrrrr! What is the thrill of sending a virus out anyway? Come on now - really?